Canon 1D Mark II vs 1DX Mark III
The Canon EOS-1D Mark II and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III are two professional cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2004 and January 2020. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-H (1D Mark II) and a full frame (1DX Mark III) sensor. The 1D Mark II has a resolution of 8.2 megapixels, whereas the 1DX Mark III provides 20 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1D Mark II and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
The physical size and weight of the Canon 1D Mark II and the Canon 1D X Mark III are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 1D X Mark III is notably larger (8 percent) than the Canon 1D Mark II. However, the 1DX Mark III is markedly lighter (6 percent) than the 1D Mark II. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor (as in the 1DX Mark III) will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, while more compact options are available for the smaller-sensor camera (1D Mark II). You can compare the optics available in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.
Concerning battery life, the 1D Mark II gets 1200 shots out of its Canon NP-E3 battery, while the 1DX Mark III can take 2850 images on a single charge of its Canon LP-E19 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, both cameras have a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 1D Mark II | 156 mm | 158 mm | 80 mm | 1535 g | 1200 | Y | Jan 2004 | 4,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon 1D X Mark III | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1440 g | 2850 | Y | Jan 2020 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark II | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1530 g | 1210 | Y | Feb 2016 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon 5DS | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 930 g | 700 | Y | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 930 g | 700 | Y | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon 1D C | 158 mm | 164 mm | 83 mm | 1545 g | 1120 | Y | Apr 2012 | 14,999 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark III | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 950 g | 950 | Y | Mar 2012 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon 1D X | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1551 g | 1120 | Y | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon 1D Mark IV | 156 mm | 157 mm | 80 mm | 1230 g | 1500 | Y | Oct 2009 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
10. | Canon 5D Mark II | 152 mm | 114 mm | 75 mm | 850 g | 850 | Y | Sep 2008 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Canon 1D Mark III | 156 mm | 157 mm | 80 mm | 1155 g | 2200 | Y | Feb 2007 | 4,499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Canon 1Ds Mark III | 150 mm | 160 mm | 80 mm | 1385 g | 1800 | Y | Aug 2007 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Canon 1D Mark II N | 156 mm | 158 mm | 80 mm | 1565 g | 1200 | Y | Aug 2005 | 3,999 | ebay.com | |
14. | Canon 5D | 152 mm | 113 mm | 75 mm | 895 g | 400 | Y | Aug 2005 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
15. | Canon 1Ds Mark II | 156 mm | 158 mm | 80 mm | 1215 g | 1200 | Y | Sep 2004 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
16. | Canon 1Ds | 156 mm | 158 mm | 80 mm | 1265 g | 600 | Y | Sep 2002 | 8,999 | ebay.com | |
17. | Canon 1D | 156 mm | 158 mm | 80 mm | 1585 g | 500 | Y | Sep 2001 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The 1D Mark II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 31 percent) than the 1DX Mark III, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1D Mark II features an APS-H sensor and the Canon 1D X Mark III a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the 1DX Mark III is 58 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.3 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.
Technology-wise, the 1DX Mark III uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC X) than the 1D Mark II (DIGIC II), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.
With 20MP, the 1DX Mark III offers a higher resolution than the 1D Mark II (8.2MP), but the 1DX Mark III has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.57μm versus 8.17μm for the 1D Mark II). Yet, the 1DX Mark III is a much more recent model (by 15 years and 11 months) than the 1D Mark II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.
The resolution advantage of the Canon 1D X Mark III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 1DX Mark III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 1D Mark II are 17.5 x 11.7 inches or 44.5 x 29.7 cm for good quality, 14 x 9.3 inches or 35.6 x 23.7 cm for very good quality, and 11.7 x 7.8 inches or 29.7 x 19.8 cm for excellent quality prints.
The 1DX Mark III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.
The Canon EOS-1D Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 50-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III are ISO 100 to ISO 102400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-819200.
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the 1DX Mark III offers substantially better image quality than the 1D Mark II (overall score 25 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.9 bits higher color depth, 3.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 1D Mark II | APS-H | 8.2 | 3504 | 2336 | none | 22.3 | 11.1 | 1003 | 66 | |
2. | Canon 1D X Mark III | Full Frame | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/60p | 24.2 | 14.5 | 3248 | 91 | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark II | Full Frame | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/60p | 24.1 | 13.5 | 3207 | 88 | |
4. | Canon 5DS | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 12.4 | 2381 | 87 | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/30p | 24.6 | 12.4 | 2308 | 86 | |
6. | Canon 1D C | Full Frame | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 4K/24p | 24.3 | 13.0 | 2155 | 85 | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark III | Full Frame | 22.1 | 5760 | 3840 | 1080/30p | 24.0 | 11.7 | 2293 | 81 | |
8. | Canon 1D X | Full Frame | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 11.8 | 2786 | 82 | |
9. | Canon 1D Mark IV | APS-H | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 22.8 | 12.0 | 1320 | 74 | |
10. | Canon 5D Mark II | Full Frame | 21.0 | 5616 | 3744 | 1080/30p | 23.7 | 11.9 | 1815 | 79 | |
11. | Canon 1D Mark III | APS-H | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | none | 22.7 | 11.7 | 1078 | 71 | |
12. | Canon 1Ds Mark III | Full Frame | 21.0 | 5616 | 3744 | none | 24.0 | 12.0 | 1663 | 80 | |
13. | Canon 1D Mark II N | APS-H | 8.2 | 3504 | 2336 | none | 22.3 | 11.2 | 975 | 66 | |
14. | Canon 5D | Full Frame | 12.7 | 4368 | 2912 | none | 22.9 | 11.1 | 1368 | 71 | |
15. | Canon 1Ds Mark II | Full Frame | 16.6 | 4992 | 3328 | none | 23.3 | 11.3 | 1480 | 74 | |
16. | Canon 1Ds | Full Frame | 11.0 | 4064 | 2704 | none | 21.8 | 11.0 | 954 | 63 | |
17. | Canon 1D | APS-H | 4.1 | 2496 | 1662 | none | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The 1DX Mark III indeed provides for movie recording, while the 1D Mark II does not. The highest resolution format that the 1DX Mark III can use is 4K/60p.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 1D Mark II and the 1DX Mark III are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the 1DX Mark III has a higher magnification than the one of the 1D Mark II (0.76x vs 0.55x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 1D Mark II and Canon 1D X Mark III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 1D Mark II | optical | Y | 2.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.3/s | n | n | |
2. | Canon 1D X Mark III | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 20.0/s | n | n | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark II | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1620 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 16.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Canon 5DS | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Canon 1D C | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark III | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | n | n | |
8. | Canon 1D X | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
9. | Canon 1D Mark IV | optical | Y | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | n | |
10. | Canon 5D Mark II | optical | Y | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.9/s | n | n | |
11. | Canon 1D Mark III | optical | Y | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | n | |
12. | Canon 1Ds Mark III | optical | Y | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
13. | Canon 1D Mark II N | optical | Y | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.5/s | n | n | |
14. | Canon 5D | optical | Y | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
15. | Canon 1Ds Mark II | optical | Y | 2.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | n | n | |
16. | Canon 1Ds | optical | Y | 2.0 / 120 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
17. | Canon 1D | optical | Y | 2.0 / 120 | fixed | n | 1/16000s | 8.0/s | n | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The 1DX Mark III has a touchscreen, while the 1D Mark II has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.
The Canon 1D X Mark III has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
The 1D Mark II writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SD cards, while the 1DX Mark III uses CFexpress (type B) cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II and Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 1D Mark II | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 1.1 | - | - | - | |
2. | Canon 1D X Mark III | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark II | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Canon 5DS | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Canon 1D C | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark III | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Canon 1D X | Y | mono / - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Canon 1D Mark IV | Y | stereo / - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Canon 5D Mark II | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Canon 1D Mark III | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Canon 1Ds Mark III | Y | mono / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Canon 1D Mark II N | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 1.1 | - | - | - | |
14. | Canon 5D | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Canon 1Ds Mark II | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Canon 1Ds | Y | - / - | - | - | - | FW | - | - | - | |
17. | Canon 1D | Y | - / - | - | - | - | FW | - | - | - |
It is notable that the 1DX Mark III offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 1D Mark II does not provide wifi capability.
Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.
Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the 1DX Mark III has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.
The 1DX Mark III is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the 1D Mark II has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 1D Mark II was succeeded by the Canon 1D Mark II N. Further information on the features and operation of the 1D Mark II and 1DX Mark III can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1D Mark II Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon 1D X Mark III Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 1D Mark II and the Canon 1D X Mark III? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.
Advantages of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II:
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (31 percent cheaper at launch).
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2004).
Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (20 vs 8.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 56%.
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (25 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
- Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.9 bits more color depth).
- More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (3.4 EV of extra DR).
- Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.7 stops ISO advantage).
- Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC X vs DIGIC II).
- Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/60p video.
- Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
- Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.55x).
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 230k dots).
- Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (20 vs 8.3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- Longer lasting: Gets more shots (2850 versus 1200) out of a single battery charge.
- Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 1.1).
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
- More modern: Reflects 15 years and 11 months of technical progress since the 1D Mark II launch.
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 1DX Mark III is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 2 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1D Mark II and the Canon 1D X Mark III place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 1D Mark II or the 1DX Mark III. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.
Expert reviews
This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 1D Mark II | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Jan 2004 | 4,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon 1D X Mark III | .. | + + | 5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2020 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark II | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2016 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon 5DS | .. | + | .. | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | 5/5 | + | .. | 83/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon 1D C | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Apr 2012 | 14,999 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark III | .. | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2012 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon 1D X | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
9. | Canon 1D Mark IV | 5/5 | .. | .. | 89/100 | .. | .. | Oct 2009 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
10. | Canon 5D Mark II | 4/5 | 91/100 | .. | 79/100 | 4/5 | .. | Sep 2008 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Canon 1D Mark III | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Feb 2007 | 4,499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Canon 1Ds Mark III | .. | .. | .. | + + | 4.5/5 | .. | Aug 2007 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Canon 1D Mark II N | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Aug 2005 | 3,999 | ebay.com | |
14. | Canon 5D | .. | 88/100 | .. | + + | o | .. | Aug 2005 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
15. | Canon 1Ds Mark II | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Sep 2004 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
16. | Canon 1Ds | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Sep 2002 | 8,999 | ebay.com | |
17. | Canon 1D | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Sep 2001 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 1D Mark II vs Canon SX720
- Canon 1D Mark II vs Olympus E-30
- Canon 1D Mark II vs Panasonic GM5
- Canon 1D Mark II vs Sony A6400
- Canon 1D Mark II vs Sony A99 II
- Canon 1D Mark II vs Sony RX1R
- Canon 1D X Mark III vs Canon 2000D
- Canon 1D X Mark III vs Fujifilm X-S20
- Canon 1D X Mark III vs Leica Q Typ 116
- Canon 1D X Mark III vs Nikon D700
- Canon 1D X Mark III vs Olympus E-M1
- Canon 1D X Mark III vs Sony RX10 III
Specifications: Canon 1D Mark II vs Canon 1D X Mark III
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.
Camera Model | Canon 1D Mark II | Canon 1D X Mark III |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | Canon EF mount lenses | Canon EF mount lenses |
Launch Date | January 2004 | January 2020 |
Launch Price | USD 4,499 | USD 6,499 |
Sensor Specs | Canon 1D Mark II | Canon 1D X Mark III |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-H Sensor | Full Frame Sensor |
Sensor Size | 28.7 x 19.1 mm | 36.0 x 24.0 mm |
Sensor Area | 548.17 mm2 | 864 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 34.5 mm | 43.3 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.3x | 1.0x |
Sensor Resolution | 8.2 Megapixels | 20 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 3504 x 2336 pixels | 5472 x 3648 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 8.17 μm | 6.57 μm |
Pixel Density | 1.49 MP/cm2 | 2.31 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | no Video | 4K/60p Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 1,600 ISO | 100 - 102,400 ISO |
ISO Boost | 50 - 3,200 ISO | 50 - 819,200 ISO |
Image Processor | DIGIC II | DIGIC X |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 66 | 91 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 22.3 | 24.2 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.1 | 14.5 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 1003 | 3248 |
Screen Specs | Canon 1D Mark II | Canon 1D X Mark III |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.55x | 0.76x |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | Control Panel |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
Rear LCD Size | 2.0inch | 3.2inch |
LCD Resolution | 230k dots | 2100k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Touch Input | no Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Canon 1D Mark II | Canon 1D X Mark III |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Continuous Shooting | 8.3 shutter flaps/s | 20 shutter flaps/s |
Time-Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | Intervalometer built-in |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | no On-Board Flash |
Storage Medium | CF or SD cards | CFexB cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Dual card slots |
Connectivity Specs | Canon 1D Mark II | Canon 1D X Mark III |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 1.1 | USB 3.1 |
HDMI Port | no HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | no MIC socket | External MIC port |
Headphone Socket | no Headphone port | Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | Wifi built-in |
Bluetooth Support | no Bluetooth | Bluetooth built-in |
Geotagging | no internal GPS | GPS built-in |
Body Specs | Canon 1D Mark II | Canon 1D X Mark III |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Canon NP-E3 | Canon LP-E19 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 1200 shots per charge | 2850 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
156 x 158 x 80 mm (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in) |
158 x 168 x 83 mm (6.2 x 6.6 x 3.3 in) |
Camera Weight | 1535 g (54.1 oz) | 1440 g (50.8 oz) |
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