Canon EOS-1D X - Outdoor Photographer

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Scheduled for a Spring 2012 release, the EOS-1D X replaces the EOS-1Ds Mark III and the EOS 1D Mark IV. This new flagship DSLR is one of the most anticipated cameras ever, and its feature set looks impressive, to say the least.

Dual DIGIC 5+
Dual new-generation DIGIC 5+ processors—each 17 times more powerful than the DIGIC 4—make possible the implementation of new noise-reduction algorithms, on-the-fly chromatic aberration correction and an improved video codec.

New 18.1 MP Full-Frame Sensor
The EOS-1D X features an all-new 18.1-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor. This is a bit higher resolution than the 16.1-megapixel EOS-1D Mark IV and less than the 21.1-megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark III. The 18.1-megapixel sensor provides faster shooting and better high-ISO performance than would be possible with a higher pixel count.

New AF System
The EOS-1D X features an entirely new AF system with a new AI Servo II tracking algorithm. There are 61 AF points, covering more of the frame area (52% of the width vs. 41% for previous cameras); 41 of the points are cross-types with lenses of ƒ/4 or faster, and 20 are cross-types with lenses of ƒ/5.6 or faster (versus no cross-types at ƒ/5.6 with previous EOS-1 cameras). There are five central dual cross-type points for lenses of ƒ/2.8 or faster. This new AF system will no longer function with lens/converter combinations of ƒ/8.

Rugged Body
The new EOS-1D X features a rugged body with a magnesium-alloy cover and chassis. It has 76 gaskets and seals to keep out moisture and dust. The shutter is rated at 400,000 cycles. A new quad-action mirror design reduces vibration and speeds operation.

ISO 204,800
The EOS-1D X's normal ISO range is 100 to 51,200, settable in 1⁄3-EV increments. This can be expanded downward to 50 and upward to a remarkable 204,800. We don't expect ISO 204,800 to be usable for general photography, but solid-looking images at ISO 25,600 is a real possibility.

Specifications

Image Sensor: 18.1 MP CMOS
Max. Resolution: 5184x3456 pixels
Sensor Size: 36x24mm (full-frame)
Video: 1920x1080/30p, 25p and 24p; 1280x720/60p and 50p; 640x480/30p and 25p
AF System: 61-point phase-detection
Shutter Speeds: 30 to 1⁄8000 sec., B
ISO Settings: 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-204,800)
Continuous Firing Mode: 12 fps (14 fps JPEG with mirror locked up)
Recording Format: RAW, JPEG, RAW + JPEG
Metering: 252-zone evaluative, partial, CW, spot
Storage Media: Dual CompactFlash slots
Dimensions: 6.2x6.4x3.3 inches
Weight: TBA
Power Source: Rechargeable LP-EN4N or LP-EN4 lithium-ion battery
Estimated Street Price: $7,000 body only (final pricing isn't set yet)
Contact: Canon, (800) OK-CANON, www.usa.canon.com

This Article Features Photo Zoom

Dual CompactFlash Slots
There are two CompactFlash slots. UDMA 7 is recommended for high-speed still and video shooting.

LCD
The 3.2-inch, 1,040,000-dot Clear View II LCD monitor should be great for live-view and video shooting.

Improved Video
The camera shoots 1920x1080p full HD video at 30, 25 and 24 fps, 1280x720p HD video at 60 and 50 fps, and 640x480 SD at 30 and 25 fps. New video features include timecoding, choice of compression types and longer clips.

New Metering System
The new metering system features a 100,000-pixel RGB metering sensor and its own dedicated DIGIC 4 processor. There are 252 metering zones for general shooting and 35 zones for low-light shooting. Intelligent Subject Analysis includes color recognition for improved performance, and the metering system also works with the AF system to enhance AF point selection.

14 fps Shooting
The EOS-1D X can shoot 18.1-megapixel, full-frame images at 14 frames per second. At this frame rate, the images are JPEGs, with the mirror locked up (no AF). Maximum speeds for full-res RAW (and JPEG) images is 12 fps with phase-detection AF for each frame.

Essential Accesories

Macro Lens
Many HD video shooters using DSLRs prefer fast prime lenses to zooms. The Sigma 24mm F1.8 EX DG ASP Macro will give you a beautiful bokeh, and it can shoot macro.

Tripod
A large pro camera needs a solid tripod. The Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 has four leg sections and is 100% carbon fiber.

Memory Card
Pro users who want to make the most of the EOS-1D X should choose a UDMA 7 CF card. This SanDisk model has a huge 128 GB capacity.

2 Comments

Excellent article. As a Canon user and Im sure I speak for many, we sure hope Canon brings the capability of shooting at f/8. Otherwise we will not be able to use our prime long lenses with 2x tele converters or a 1.4x with the Canon 800mm. If they do that, I’ll be the first one to buy the 1D-X.

I am sure that I am missing something in the article… How and when does the autofocus not function at f8??? I have a 7D and 5D mkII and was seriously considering upgrading to the 1D X but I am not making sense of the f8 issue??? Could someone please clear this up for me??