Please Note: at the time of this preview, the Canon EOS-1D X is not currently out. The anticipated release date is March 31, 2012. This preview was timed so that you have the option of comparing the upcoming Canon EOS-1D X to the also upcoming Nikon D4, since likely these two will be fierce competitors on the market.
The Feature Overview
- 18.1 Megapixel full-frame CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 4 Image Processor w/100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor
- 12,0 fps continuous shooting (14.0 in Super High Speed Mode) using a UDMA CF Card
- ISO Range of 100 -51,200 (expandable to 50-204,800)
- True HD Video: 1080p at 29.97 FPS and 24 FPS, 720p at 60 FPS or 50 FPS with 4GB auto file partitioning.
- Two CF Card slots
- 61-point HD Reticular AF including 41 cross-type AF points with f/4.0 lens support
- New 100,000-pixel RGB Metering sensor with color recognition
- 3.2-inch Clear View II LCD Screen with 100% field of view
- Improved handling with new customizable controls, enhanced recording options
- Gigabit Ethernet Terminal, with optional Wireless File Transmitter or GPS Receiver
- EF or EF-S Lens Compatibility
- Strong Magnesium Alloy Body + Shutter Tested to 400,000 Cycles
How Does It Stack Up?
Compared with previous Canon releases, you’ve got some fairly incremental advancements represented here. Canon has nearly perfected the DSLR camera as they’re currently capable of doing with today’s technology, so it probably wasn’t expected to see them do anything too dramatic in the 1D lineup.
Most of the advantages to be had in the 2012 lineup seem to side with Canon, except for price… although compared to previous 1D models, the 1D X is surprisingly (although extremely relatively) inexpensive. Professional gear has come down in price, but still exceeding $6,000 for the camera (not including attachments, lighting, lenses and other accessories) it still puts this camera out of most people’s hobby price range.
What’s in the Box
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EOS-1D X Digital SLR Body |
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Eyecup Eg (not shown) |
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Battery Pack LP-E4N |
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Battery Charger LC-E4N |
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Wide Neck Strap L7 |
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Cable Protector |
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Stereo AV Cable AVC-DC400ST |
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USB Interface Cable IFC-200U |
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EOS Digital Solution Disc |
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Software Instruction Manual |
The Final Verdict
If I haven’t been clear up to this point (or in my last review of the Nikon D4), only time and some hands on experience can really dictate which of the two cameras (Nikon D4 or Canon 1D X) will come out on top. Canon has the feature advantage, but Nikon has the price advantage… and professionals will be voting for their favorite with their wallets. Are the differences between these two models enough to show an all out winner? We’ll find out in just about two months time when they are shipping.
For now, you’ll have to be content to scroll through some of the images below, but stay tuned for a full review.