Canon 1Ds vs G9X Mark II

The Canon EOS-1Ds and the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2002 and January 2017. The 1Ds is a DSLR, while the G9X Mark II is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a full frame (1Ds) and an one-inch (G9X Mark II) sensor. The 1Ds has a resolution of 11 megapixels, whereas the G9X 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

Canon 1Ds		Canon G9 X Mark II
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		28-84mm f/2.0-4.9
11 MP, Full Frame Sensor		20 MP, 1" Sensor
no Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-1,250		ISO 125-12,800
Optical viewfinder		No viewfinder, LCD framing
2.0 LCD, 120k dots		3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second		8.2 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		not weather sealed
600 shots per battery charge		235 shots per battery charge
156 x 158 x 80 mm, 1265 g		98 x 58 x 31 mm, 206 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1Ds and the Canon PowerShot G9 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 1Ds and the Canon G9 X Mark II is provided 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 width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The G9X Mark II can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the 1Ds is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon G9 X Mark II is considerably smaller (77 percent) than the Canon 1Ds. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 1Ds is splash and dust resistant, while the G9X 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 G9X 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 G9X Mark II can take 235 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 G9X Mark II can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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	8,999
2.		Canon G9 X Mark II	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	206 g	235	n	Jan 2017	529
3.		Canon 1D X Mark III	158 mm	168 mm	83 mm	1440 g	2850	Y	Jan 2020	6,499
4.		Canon M100	108 mm	67 mm	35 mm	302 g	295	n	Aug 2017	499
5.		Canon SL2	122 mm	93 mm	70 mm	453 g	650	n	Jun 2017	549
6.		Canon 1D X Mark II	158 mm	168 mm	83 mm	1530 g	1210	Y	Feb 2016	5,999
7.		Canon G7 X Mark II	106 mm	61 mm	42 mm	319 g	265	n	Feb 2016	699
8.		Canon G9 X	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	209 g	220	n	Oct 2015	529
9.		Canon G7 X	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699
10.		Canon 1D C	158 mm	164 mm	83 mm	1545 g	1120	Y	Apr 2012	14,999
11.		Canon 1D Mark IV	156 mm	157 mm	80 mm	1230 g	1500	Y	Oct 2009	4,999
12.		Canon 1D Mark III	156 mm	157 mm	80 mm	1155 g	2200	Y	Feb 2007	4,499
13.		Canon 1Ds Mark III	150 mm	160 mm	80 mm	1385 g	1800	Y	Aug 2007	7,999
14.		Canon 1D Mark II N	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1565 g	1200	Y	Aug 2005	3,999
15.		Canon 5D	152 mm	113 mm	75 mm	895 g	400	Y	Aug 2005	3,299
16.		Canon 1D Mark II	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1535 g	1200	Y	Jan 2004	4,499
17.		Canon 1Ds Mark II	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1215 g	1200	Y	Sep 2004	7,999
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The G9X 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1Ds features a full frame sensor and the Canon G9 X Mark II an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the G9X 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 G9X 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 G9X 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 G9X Mark II is much more recent (by 14 years and 3 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 G9 X Mark II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G9X Mark II 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 1Ds are 20.3 x 13.5 inches or 51.6 x 34.3 cm for good quality, 16.3 x 10.8 inches or 41.3 x 27.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.5 x 9 inches 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 G9 X Mark II are ISO 125 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

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 Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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	2704	none	21.8	11.0	954	63
2.		Canon G9 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.9	12.5	522	65
3.		Canon 1D X Mark III	Full Frame	20.0	5472	3648	4K/60p	24.2	14.5	3248	91
4.		Canon M100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.5	12.9	1272	78
5.		Canon SL2	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.4	1041	79
6.		Canon 1D X Mark II	Full Frame	20.0	5472	3648	4K/60p	24.1	13.5	3207	88
7.		Canon G7 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
8.		Canon G9 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.5	12.3	495	63
9.		Canon G7 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	23.0	12.7	556	71
10.		Canon 1D C	Full Frame	17.9	5184	3456	4K/24p	..	..	..	..
11.		Canon 1D Mark IV	APS-H	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	22.8	12.0	1320	74
12.		Canon 1D Mark III	APS-H	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.7	11.7	1078	71
13.		Canon 1Ds Mark III	Full Frame	21.0	5616	3744	none	24.0	12.0	1663	80
14.		Canon 1D Mark II N	APS-H	8.2	3504	2336	none	22.3	11.2	975	66
15.		Canon 5D	Full Frame	12.7	4368	2912	none	22.9	11.1	1368	71
16.		Canon 1D Mark II	APS-H	8.2	3504	2336	none	22.3	11.1	1003	66
17.		Canon 1Ds Mark II	Full Frame	16.6	4992	3328	none	23.3	11.3	1480	74

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The G9X Mark II indeed provides for movie recording, while the 1Ds does not. The highest resolution format that the G9X Mark II can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from 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 G9X Mark II relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 1Ds, the Canon G9 X Mark II, and comparable cameras.

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)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon 1Ds	optical	Y	2.0 / 120	fixed	n	1/8000s	3.0	n	n
2.		Canon G9 X Mark II	none	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	8.2	Y	Y
3.		Canon 1D X Mark III	optical	Y	3.2 / 2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	20.0	n	n
4.		Canon M100	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.1	Y	n
5.		Canon SL2	optical	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
6.		Canon 1D X Mark II	optical	Y	3.2 / 1620	fixed	Y	1/8000s	16.0	n	n
7.		Canon G7 X Mark II	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	8.0	Y	Y
8.		Canon G9 X	none	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	6.0	Y	Y
9.		Canon G7 X	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	6.5	Y	Y
10.		Canon 1D C	optical	Y	3.2 / 1040	fixed	n	1/8000s	14.0	n	n
11.		Canon 1D Mark IV	optical	Y	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/8000s	10.0	n	n
12.		Canon 1D Mark III	optical	Y	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	10.0	n	n
13.		Canon 1Ds Mark III	optical	Y	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n
14.		Canon 1D Mark II N	optical	Y	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	8.5	n	n
15.		Canon 5D	optical	Y	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	3.0	n	n
16.		Canon 1D Mark II	optical	Y	2.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	8.3	n	n
17.		Canon 1Ds Mark II	optical	Y	2.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	4.0	n	n

One feature that is present on the 1Ds, but is missing on the G9X 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 G9 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 G9X 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 G9 X Mark II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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 1Ds	Y	- / -	-	-	-	FW	-	-	-
2.		Canon G9 X Mark II	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
3.		Canon 1D X Mark III	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.1	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon M100	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
5.		Canon SL2	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
6.		Canon 1D X Mark II	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
7.		Canon G7 X Mark II	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Canon G9 X	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon G7 X	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Canon 1D C	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Canon 1D Mark IV	Y	stereo / -	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Canon 1D Mark III	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Canon 1Ds Mark III	Y	mono / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Canon 1D Mark II N	Y	- / -	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
15.		Canon 5D	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Canon 1D Mark II	Y	- / -	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
17.		Canon 1Ds Mark II	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the 1Ds has a hotshoe, while the G9X 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 G9X Mark II) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The G9X Mark II is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the 1Ds has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 1Ds was succeeded by the Canon 1Ds Mark II. 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 is the bottom line? Is the Canon 1Ds better than the Canon G9 X Mark II or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS-1Ds:

• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.9 stops ISO advantage).
• 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 235) 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).

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (20 vs 11MP), which boosts linear resolution by 35%.
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.5 EV of extra DR).
• 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).
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.2 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 (98x58mm 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.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Reflects 14 years and 3 months of technical progress since the 1Ds launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G9X Mark II is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 11 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 wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro 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 G9 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 1Ds or the G9X 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 expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-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]). 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		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	8,999
2.		Canon G9 X Mark II	4/5	..	4/5	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	529
3.		Canon 1D X Mark III	..	+ +	5/5	..	4.5/5	4/5	Jan 2020	6,499
4.		Canon M100	3/5	+	..	..	4/5	3.5/5	Aug 2017	499
5.		Canon SL2	4/5	+ +	4/5	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	549
6.		Canon 1D X Mark II	..	..	4.5/5	89/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	5,999
7.		Canon G7 X Mark II	4.5/5	+ +	..	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699
8.		Canon G9 X	3.5/5	+ +	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529
9.		Canon G7 X	4/5	+ +	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699
10.		Canon 1D C	..	..	..	..	..	..	Apr 2012	14,999
11.		Canon 1D Mark IV	5/5	..	..	89/100	..	..	Oct 2009	4,999
12.		Canon 1D Mark III	..	..	..	..	..	..	Feb 2007	4,499
13.		Canon 1Ds Mark III	..	..	..	+ +	4.5/5	..	Aug 2007	7,999
14.		Canon 1D Mark II N	..	..	..	..	..	..	Aug 2005	3,999
15.		Canon 5D	..	88/100	..	+ +	o	..	Aug 2005	3,299
16.		Canon 1D Mark II	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Jan 2004	4,499
17.		Canon 1Ds Mark II	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Sep 2004	7,999
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. 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.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu 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.

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Specifications: Canon 1Ds vs Canon G9 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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