A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Canon 1D X Mark III Comparison Review

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was officially introduced in January 2020 and is equipped with a full frame sensor. It offers a resolution of 20 megapixel.

camera

Is the Canon 1D X Mark III a good camera? The 1DX Mark III has a Camera Elo of 2855. This rating puts the 1DX Mark III among the top 10 percent of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (full frame cameras), the 1DX Mark III ranks among the top 40 percent.

Headline Specifications
Canon 1D X Mark III
Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses
20 MP, Full Frame Sensor
4K/60p Video
ISO 100 - 102 400 (50 - 819 200)
Optical viewfinder
3.2 LCD, 2100k dots
Fixed touchscreen
20 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body
2850 shots per battery charge
158 x 168 x 83 mm, 1 440 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

ad

Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Canon 1D X Mark III vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Canon 1D X Mark III vs credit card front
1DX Mark III versus credit card top view
1DX Mark III and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon 1D X Mark III alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1440 g 2850 Y Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D C 158 mm 164 mm 83 mm 1545 g 1120 Y Apr 2012 14,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark III 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 950 g 950 Y Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 Y Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1215 g 1200 Y Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1D 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1585 g 500 Y Sep 2001 6,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon 1D X Mark III was launched in the US market at a price of $6,499. 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.

logo
Check 1DX Mark III price at
amazon.com

Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Canon 1D X Mark III features a full frame sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon 1D X Mark III among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality.

Canon 1D X Mark III sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.214.5324891
2.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
3.
 
Canon 1D C Full Frame 17.9 5184 34564K/24p24.313.0215585
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark III Full Frame 22.1 5760 38401080/30p24.011.7229381
5.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
6.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II Full Frame 16.6 4992 3328none23.311.3148074
10.
 
Canon 1D APS-H 4.1 2496 1662none........
11.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The 1DX Mark III indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the 1DX Mark III can use is 4K/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the 1DX Mark III has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.76x. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 1D X Mark III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
#   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 X Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n n
2.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1D Coptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
10.
 
Canon 1Doptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 8.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One useful feature of the 1DX Mark III is a presence of a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

ad

Connection 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 X Mark III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
3.
 
Canon 1D CYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
5.
 
Canon 1D XYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIY- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Canon 1DY- / ----FW---
11.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
padding

It is notable that the 1DX Mark III has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Further information on the features and operation of the 1DX Mark III can be found in the free online Canon 1D X Mark III Manual or on the Canon support site.

ad

Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the 1DX Mark III in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

scroll hint
Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III..+ +5/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D C............ Apr 2012 14,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark III..+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II......+ +.... Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1D......+ +.... Sep 2001 6,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

logo
Check 1DX Mark III price at
amazon.com

Canon 1D X Mark III FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the 1DX Mark III.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the Canon 1D X Mark III?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Canon 1D X Mark III to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Canon equipped the 1DX Mark III with the DIGIC X image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon 1D X Mark III?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 102400, which can be extended to ISO 50-819200.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III?

Canon mentions a shutter rating of 500 000 actuations for the 1DX Mark III. This number represents a Mean Time before Failure, that is an average value. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust the expected shutter life of the 1DX Mark III over, say, three years, one would have to take about 500 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Canon 1D X Mark III?

Canon embeds the number of shutter actuations in the camera firmware. You can check the number of shots that your 1DX Mark III has taken up to now by using a third-party app, as described on the Canon 1D X Mark III shutter count page.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Canon 1D X Mark III?

No, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Canon 1D X Mark III for flash photography?

The 1DX Mark III's flash sync speed is 1/250 sec.

Which battery does the Canon 1D X Mark III use?

The camera gets its power from the LP-E19 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Does the Canon 1D X Mark III support geotagging?

The 1DX Mark III has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) module and can embed location information in the EXIF data of the captured image.

Where can I find the best deals for the Canon 1D X Mark III?

Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Canon.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

~
    loader
    ad
    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Canon 1D X Mark III
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2020
    Launch Price USD 6 499
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5 472 x 3 648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.57 μm
    Pixel Density 2.31 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 102 400 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 819 200 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 91
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3248
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.2 inch
    LCD Resolution 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 20 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy500 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CFexB cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.1
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type LP-E19 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)2850 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 158 x 168 x 83 mm
    (6.2 x 6.6 x 3.3 in)
    Camera Weight 1 440 g (50.8 oz)

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon 1D X Mark III Review