Canon 1Ds vs Fujifilm X-A5

The Canon EOS-1Ds and the Fujifilm X-A5 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2002 and January 2018. The 1Ds is a DSLR, while the X-A5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (1Ds) and an APS-C (X-A5) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 11 megapixels, whereas the Fujifilm provides 24 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Canon 1Ds		Fujifilm X-A5
Digital single lens reflex		Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses		Fujifilm X mount lenses
11 MP, Full Frame Sensor		24 MP, APS-C Sensor
no Video		4K/15p Video
ISO 100-1,250		ISO 200-12,800 (200 - 51,200)
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		6 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		not weather sealed
600 shots per battery charge		450 shots per battery charge
156 x 158 x 80 mm, 1265 g		117 x 68 x 40 mm, 361 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1Ds and the Fujifilm X-A5? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1Ds and the Fujifilm X-A5. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-A5 can be obtained in three different colors (silver, brown, pink), 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 Fujifilm X-A5 is considerably smaller (68 percent) than the Canon 1Ds. Moreover, the X-A5 is substantially lighter (71 percent) than the 1Ds. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 1Ds is splash and dust resistant, while the X-A5 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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 will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (1Ds) and the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-A5). Mirrorless cameras, such as the X-A5, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the 1Ds gets 600 shots out of its NP-E3 battery, while the X-A5 can take 450 images on a single charge of its NP-W126S 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 X-A5 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.		Fujifilm X-A5	117 mm	68 mm	40 mm	361 g	450	n	Jan 2018	399
3.		Canon 1D X Mark II	158 mm	168 mm	83 mm	1530 g	1210	Y	Feb 2016	5,999
4.		Canon 1D C	158 mm	164 mm	83 mm	1545 g	1120	Y	Apr 2012	14,999
5.		Canon 1D Mark IV	156 mm	157 mm	80 mm	1230 g	1500	Y	Oct 2009	4,999
6.		Canon 1D Mark III	156 mm	157 mm	80 mm	1155 g	2200	Y	Feb 2007	4,499
7.		Canon 1Ds Mark III	150 mm	160 mm	80 mm	1385 g	1800	Y	Aug 2007	7,999
8.		Canon 1D Mark II N	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1565 g	1200	Y	Aug 2005	3,999
9.		Canon 5D	152 mm	113 mm	75 mm	895 g	400	Y	Aug 2005	3,299
10.		Canon 1D Mark II	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1535 g	1200	Y	Jan 2004	4,499
11.		Canon 1Ds Mark II	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1215 g	1200	Y	Sep 2004	7,999
12.		Fujifilm X-T30	118 mm	83 mm	47 mm	383 g	380	n	Feb 2019	899
13.		Fujifilm X-A7	119 mm	68 mm	41 mm	320 g	440	n	Sep 2019	499
14.		Fujifilm X-E3	121 mm	74 mm	43 mm	337 g	350	n	Sep 2017	899
15.		Fujifilm X-T20	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	383 g	350	n	Jan 2017	899
16.		Fujifilm X-A3	117 mm	67 mm	40 mm	339 g	410	n	Aug 2016	399
17.		Nikon D2Xs	158 mm	150 mm	86 mm	1252 g	3800	Y	Jun 2006	4,699
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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 X-A5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 96 percent) than the 1Ds, 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 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 Fujifilm X-A5 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X-A5 is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the X-A5 offers a higher resolution of 24 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 3.92μm versus 8.83μm for the 1Ds). However, it should be noted that the X-A5 is much more recent (by 15 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 Fujifilm X-A5 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X-A5 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 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 Fujifilm X-A5 are ISO 200 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 200-51200.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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.		Fujifilm X-A5	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/15p	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon 1D X Mark II	Full Frame	20.0	5472	3648	4K/60p	24.1	13.5	3207	88
4.		Canon 1D C	Full Frame	17.9	5184	3456	4K/24p	..	..	..	..
5.		Canon 1D Mark IV	APS-H	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	22.8	12.0	1320	74
6.		Canon 1D Mark III	APS-H	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.7	11.7	1078	71
7.		Canon 1Ds Mark III	Full Frame	21.0	5616	3744	none	24.0	12.0	1663	80
8.		Canon 1D Mark II N	APS-H	8.2	3504	2336	none	22.3	11.2	975	66
9.		Canon 5D	Full Frame	12.7	4368	2912	none	22.9	11.1	1368	71
10.		Canon 1D Mark II	APS-H	8.2	3504	2336	none	22.3	11.1	1003	66
11.		Canon 1Ds Mark II	Full Frame	16.6	4992	3328	none	23.3	11.3	1480	74
12.		Fujifilm X-T30	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
13.		Fujifilm X-A7	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
14.		Fujifilm X-E3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
15.		Fujifilm X-T20	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
16.		Fujifilm X-A3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
17.		Nikon D2Xs	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	none	22.2	10.9	489	59

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The X-A5 indeed provides for movie recording, while the 1Ds does not. The highest resolution format that the X-A5 can use is 4K/15p.

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 X-A5 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 Fujifilm X-A5 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (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.		Fujifilm X-A5	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
3.		Canon 1D X Mark II	optical	Y	3.2	1620	fixed	Y	1/8000s	16.0	n	n
4.		Canon 1D C	optical	Y	3.2	1040	fixed	n	1/8000s	14.0	n	n
5.		Canon 1D Mark IV	optical	Y	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/8000s	10.0	n	n
6.		Canon 1D Mark III	optical	Y	3.0	230	fixed	n	1/8000s	10.0	n	n
7.		Canon 1Ds Mark III	optical	Y	3.0	230	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n
8.		Canon 1D Mark II N	optical	Y	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/8000s	8.5	n	n
9.		Canon 5D	optical	Y	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/8000s	3.0	n	n
10.		Canon 1D Mark II	optical	Y	2.0	230	fixed	n	1/8000s	8.3	n	n
11.		Canon 1Ds Mark II	optical	Y	2.0	230	fixed	n	1/8000s	4.0	n	n
12.		Fujifilm X-T30	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
13.		Fujifilm X-A7	none	n	3.5	2760	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
14.		Fujifilm X-E3	2360	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	8.0	n	n
15.		Fujifilm X-T20	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
16.		Fujifilm X-A3	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
17.		Nikon D2Xs	optical	Y	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n

One feature that is present on the 1Ds, but is missing on the X-A5 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 reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X-A5 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-A5 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 X-A5 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 Fujifilm X-A5 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 Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon 1Ds	Y	-	-	-	-	-	FW	-	-	-
2.		Fujifilm X-A5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
3.		Canon 1D X Mark II	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
4.		Canon 1D C	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
5.		Canon 1D Mark IV	Y	stereo	-	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Canon 1D Mark III	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Canon 1Ds Mark III	Y	mono	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Canon 1D Mark II N	Y	-	-	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
9.		Canon 5D	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Canon 1D Mark II	Y	-	-	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
11.		Canon 1Ds Mark II	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Fujifilm X-T30	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
13.		Fujifilm X-A7	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
14.		Fujifilm X-E3	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
15.		Fujifilm X-T20	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
16.		Fujifilm X-A3	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
17.		Nikon D2Xs	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the X-A5 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 1Ds does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 1Ds (unlike the X-A5) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 1Ds and the X-A5 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The 1Ds was replaced by the Canon 1Ds Mark II, while the X-A5 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Fujifilm websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 1Ds and the Fujifilm X-A5? Which camera is better? 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 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (600 versus 450) on a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• 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 Fujifilm X-A5:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 11MP), which boosts linear resolution by 48%.
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/15p 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 (6 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More compact: Is smaller (117x68mm vs 156x158mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 904g or 71 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
• 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 wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (96 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 15 years and 4 months of technical progress since the 1Ds launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the X-A5 is the clear winner of the contest (19 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. 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 Fujifilm X-A5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings 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 1Ds or the X-A5. 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 where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], 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	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon 1Ds	..	..	+ +	..	..	Sep 2002	8,999
2.		Fujifilm X-A5	..	+	..	4/5	3.5/5	Jan 2018	399
3.		Canon 1D X Mark II	..	..	89/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	5,999
4.		Canon 1D C	..	..	..	..	..	Apr 2012	14,999
5.		Canon 1D Mark IV	5/5	..	89/100	..	..	Oct 2009	4,999
6.		Canon 1D Mark III	..	..	..	..	..	Feb 2007	4,499
7.		Canon 1Ds Mark III	..	..	+ +	4.5/5	..	Aug 2007	7,999
8.		Canon 1D Mark II N	..	..	..	..	..	Aug 2005	3,999
9.		Canon 5D	..	88/100	+ +	o	..	Aug 2005	3,299
10.		Canon 1D Mark II	..	..	+ +	..	..	Jan 2004	4,499
11.		Canon 1Ds Mark II	..	..	+ +	..	..	Sep 2004	7,999
12.		Fujifilm X-T30	5/5	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2019	899
13.		Fujifilm X-A7	3/5	..	81/100	4/5	3.5/5	Sep 2019	499
14.		Fujifilm X-E3	4.5/5	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2017	899
15.		Fujifilm X-T20	5/5	+ +	82/100	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	899
16.		Fujifilm X-A3	..	..	74/100	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2016	399
17.		Nikon D2Xs	..	..	..	..	..	Jun 2006	4,699
Notes: (+ +) 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 rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. 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? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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Specifications: Canon 1Ds vs Fujifilm X-A5

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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