Canon 1Ds vs G7X Mark II

The Canon EOS-1Ds and the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2002 and February 2016. The 1Ds is a DSLR, while the G7X Mark II is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a full frame (1Ds) and an one-inch (G7X Mark II) sensor. The 1Ds has a resolution of 11 megapixels, whereas the G7X Mark II provides 20 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

	VS
Canon 1Ds		Canon G7 X Mark II
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		24-100mm f/1.8-2.8
11 MP, Full Frame Sensor		20 MP, 1" Sensor
no Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-1250		ISO 125-12800 (125-25600)
Optical viewfinder		No viewfinder, LCD framing
2.0" LCD, 120k dots		3.0" LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		Not weather sealed
600 shots per battery charge		265 shots per battery charge
156 x 158 x 80 mm, 1265 g		106 x 61 x 42 mm, 319 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1Ds and the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II? 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 1Ds and the Canon G7 X Mark II are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures 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 G7 X Mark II is considerably smaller (74 percent) than the Canon 1Ds. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 1Ds is splash and dust resistant, while the G7X Mark II does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G7X Mark II has a lens built in, whereas the 1Ds is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the 1Ds and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 1Ds gets 600 shots out of its NP-E3 battery, while the G7X Mark II can take 265 images on a single charge of its NB-13L power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1Ds has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. The power pack in the G7X Mark II can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

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, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 1Ds»	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1265 g	600	Y	Sep 2002	8,999		Canon 1Ds
	Canon G7 X Mark II«	106 mm	61 mm	42 mm	319 g	265	n	Feb 2016	699		Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon G7 X Mark III« »	105 mm	61 mm	41 mm	304 g	235	n	Jul 2019	749		Canon G7 X Mark III
	Canon SX730« »	110 mm	64 mm	40 mm	300 g	250	n	Apr 2017	399		Canon SX730
	Canon 1D X Mark II« »	158 mm	168 mm	83 mm	1530 g	1210	Y	Feb 2016	5,999		Canon 1D X Mark II
	Canon G5 X« »	112 mm	76 mm	44 mm	353 g	210	n	Oct 2015	799		Canon G5 X
	Canon M3« »	111 mm	68 mm	44 mm	366 g	250	n	Feb 2015	679		Canon M3
	Canon G7 X« »	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699		Canon G7 X
	Canon 1D C« »	158 mm	164 mm	83 mm	1545 g	1120	Y	Apr 2012	14,999		Canon 1D C
	Canon 1D Mark IV« »	156 mm	157 mm	80 mm	1230 g	1500	Y	Oct 2009	4,999		Canon 1D Mark IV
	Canon 1D Mark III« »	156 mm	157 mm	80 mm	1155 g	2200	Y	Feb 2007	4,499		Canon 1D Mark III
	Canon 1Ds Mark III« »	150 mm	160 mm	80 mm	1385 g	1800	Y	Aug 2007	7,999		Canon 1Ds Mark III
	Canon 1D Mark II N« »	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1565 g	1200	Y	Aug 2005	3,999		Canon 1D Mark II N
	Canon 5D« »	152 mm	113 mm	75 mm	895 g	400	Y	Aug 2005	3,299		Canon 5D
	Canon 1D Mark II« »	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1535 g	1200	Y	Jan 2004	4,499		Canon 1D Mark II
	Canon 1Ds Mark II« »	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1215 g	1200	Y	Sep 2004	7,999		Canon 1Ds Mark II
	Nikon D2Xs« »	158 mm	150 mm	86 mm	1252 g	3800	Y	Jun 2006	4,699		Nikon D2Xs
Convert to Imperial
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as 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 G7X Mark II was launched at a lower price than the 1Ds, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. 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 1Ds features a full frame sensor and the Canon G7 X Mark II an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the G7X Mark II is 86 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the G7X Mark II uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 7) than the 1Ds (DIGIC), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the G7X Mark II offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels, compared with 11 MP of the 1Ds. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 8.83μm for the 1Ds). However, it should be noted that the G7X Mark II is much more recent (by 13 years and 4 months) than the 1Ds, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Canon G7 X Mark II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G7X Mark II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inch or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inch or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inch or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 1Ds are 20.3 x 13.5 inch or 51.6 x 34.3 cm for good quality, 16.3 x 10.8 inch or 41.3 x 27.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.5 x 9 inch or 34.4 x 22.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS-1Ds has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1250, which can be extended to ISO 50-1250. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II are ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 125-25600.

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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The G7X Mark II indeed provides for movie recording, while the 1Ds does not. The highest resolution format that the G7X Mark II can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the 1Ds has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the G7X Mark II relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 1Ds and Canon G7 X Mark II in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

One feature that is present on the 1Ds, but is missing on the G7X Mark II is 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.

The Canon G7 X Mark II 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 1Ds writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the G7X Mark II uses SDXC cards.

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-1Ds and Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the 1Ds has a hotshoe, while the G7X Mark II does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 1Ds (unlike the G7X Mark II) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 1Ds and the G7X Mark II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The 1Ds was replaced by the Canon 1Ds Mark II, while the G7X Mark II was followed by the Canon G7 X Mark III. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon website.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon 1Ds better than the Canon G7 X Mark II or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS-1Ds:

• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (600 versus 265) on a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2002).

Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (20 vs 11MP), which boosts linear resolution by 35%.
• Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 7 vs DIGIC).
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60p video.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 120k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the 1Ds requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (106x61mm vs 156x158mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the 1Ds).
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Reflects 13 years and 4 months of technical progress since the 1Ds launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G7X Mark II is the clear winner of the contest (19 : 10 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports 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 1Ds and the Canon G7 X Mark II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 1Ds or the G7X Mark II. 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 (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). 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.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	cam era   labs	dp re   view	e photo   zine	ima ging resource	photo graphy   blog	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 1Ds	..	+ +	..	..	..	Sep 2002	8,999		Canon 1Ds
	Canon G7 X Mark II	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699		Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon G7 X Mark III	+ +	81/100	4/5	..	..	Jul 2019	749		Canon G7 X Mark III
	Canon SX730	+	..	4/5	..	4/5	Apr 2017	399		Canon SX730
	Canon 1D X Mark II	..	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	5,999		Canon 1D X Mark II
	Canon G5 X	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799		Canon G5 X
	Canon M3	o	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2015	679		Canon M3
	Canon G7 X	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699		Canon G7 X
	Canon 1D C	..	..	..	..	..	Apr 2012	14,999		Canon 1D C
	Canon 1D Mark IV	..	89/100	..	5/5	..	Oct 2009	4,999		Canon 1D Mark IV
	Canon 1D Mark III	..	..	..	o	..	Feb 2007	4,499		Canon 1D Mark III
	Canon 1Ds Mark III	..	+ +	4.5/5	..	..	Aug 2007	7,999		Canon 1Ds Mark III
	Canon 1D Mark II N	..	..	..	..	..	Aug 2005	3,999		Canon 1D Mark II N
	Canon 5D	88/100	+ +	o	o	..	Aug 2005	3,299		Canon 5D
	Canon 1D Mark II	..	+ +	..	o	..	Jan 2004	4,499		Canon 1D Mark II
	Canon 1Ds Mark II	..	+ +	..	..	..	Sep 2004	7,999		Canon 1Ds Mark II
	Nikon D2Xs	..	..	..	o	..	Jun 2006	4,699		Nikon D2Xs
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. 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.

Specifications: Canon 1Ds vs Canon G7 X Mark II

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.

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