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Canon 1Ds Comparison Review

The Canon EOS-1Ds is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was officially introduced in September 2002 and is equipped with a full frame sensor. It offers a resolution of 11 megapixel.

camera

Is the Canon 1Ds a good camera? The 1Ds has a Camera Elo of 1162. This rating puts the 1Ds below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (full frame cameras), the 1Ds also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Canon 1Ds is more than 21 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2002.

Headline Specifications
Canon 1Ds
Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses
11 MP, Full Frame Sensor
no Video
ISO 100 - 1 250
Optical viewfinder
2.0 LCD, 120k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body
600 shots per battery charge
156 x 158 x 80 mm, 1 265 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.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Canon 1Ds 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 1Ds vs credit card front
1Ds versus credit card top view
1Ds and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon 1Ds 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.

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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 1Ds 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1265 g 600 Y Sep 2002 8,999ebay.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 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1565 g 1200 Y Aug 2005 3,999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D 152 mm 113 mm 75 mm 895 g 400 Y Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1D Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1535 g 1200 Y Jan 2004 4,499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1215 g 1200 Y Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon 1Ds was launched in the US market at a price of $8,999. 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.

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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 tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Canon 1Ds 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 1Ds among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality.

Canon 1Ds sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 1Ds Full Frame 11.0 4064 2704none21.811.095463
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 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N APS-H 8.2 3504 2336none22.311.297566
8.
 
Canon 5D Full Frame 12.7 4368 2912none22.911.1136871
9.
 
Canon 1D Mark II APS-H 8.2 3504 2336none22.311.1100366
10.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II Full Frame 16.6 4992 3328none23.311.3148074
11.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the 1Ds does not provide the possibility to capture videos.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the 1Ds has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.70x. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 1Ds and comparable cameras.

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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 1Dsoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/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 1D Mark IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark II Noptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 8.5/s n n
8.
 
Canon 5Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
9.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n n
10.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One useful feature of the 1Ds 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.

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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-1Ds and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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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 1DsY- / ----FW---
2.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
3.
 
Canon 1D CYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark II NY- / ----1.1---
8.
 
Canon 5DY- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIY- / ----1.1---
10.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIY- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
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Further information on the features and operation of the 1Ds can be found in the free online Canon 1Ds Manual or on the Canon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 1Ds handle or perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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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 1Ds......+ +.... Sep 2002 8,999ebay.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 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N............ Aug 2005 3,999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D..88/100..+ +o.. Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1D Mark II......+ +.... Jan 2004 4,499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II......+ +.... Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Canon 1Ds FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the 1Ds.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Canon 1Ds based on?

The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.

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

Canon equipped the 1Ds with the DIGIC image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon 1Ds?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1250, which can be extended to ISO 50-1250.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Canon EOS-1Ds?

Canon does not publish a shutter rating for the 1Ds. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 200 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 200 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 200 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Canon 1Ds?

Canon embeds the number of shutter actuations in image metadata. You can check the number of shots that your 1Ds has taken up to now by uploading a recent image to the free online shutter count finder app.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Canon 1Ds for flash photography?

The 1Ds's flash sync speed is 1/250 sec.

Which battery does the Canon 1Ds use?

The camera gets its power from the NP-E3 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Canon 1Ds
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2002
    Launch Price USD 8 999
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 857 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 11 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 064 x 2 704 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 8.83 μm
    Pixel Density 1.28 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1 250 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 1 250 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 63
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 954
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel
    LCD Size 2.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 120k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy200 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket
    USB Connector Firewire
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type NP-E3 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)600 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 156 x 158 x 80 mm
    (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 1 265 g (44.6 oz)

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