Product Summary

• Model name: Canon EOS 1DX
• Released date: October 18, 2011
• Purchase options: Adorama | Amazon | B&H

Overview

This camera comfortably takes on the mantle of the flagship professional DSLR in the Canon lineup. This a camera with three brains. 1D X features three DIGIC processors, including Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors. It is obvious, Canon has not been fooling around with this camera. They have decided to take it to next level. 1D X features a new 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processors, 14-bit A/D data conversion and capable of shooting an incredible 12 frames-per-second (fps). Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras and accessories have a long-standing legacy of providing high-quality results to professionals in a wide range of markets, including sports, nature, cinematography, wedding and commercial studios. The addition of this new model will help take this tradition to a whole new level. It retires both the 1D Mark III and the 1D Mark IV from the Canon lineup by combining the performance and features of both the Canon 1Ds and the 1D line.

Whats New?

Metering System

It has a much improved metering system that is 100k pixel and 252 zone RGB when compared to some of the other pro bodies which has only a 63 zone metering system. Even in utterly low light conditions, the camera offers great shots at such high ISO as 12800. If you’re comparing between a 5D Mark III and the 1DX and looking for lower noise in low light conditions, the later wins the race handsomely because of its better noise performance. The 1DX certainly benefits from the dual DIGIC 5 image processing system and the presence of a dedicated DIGIC 4 processor for AE.

Updated AI Servo AF & Cross-Type AF Support at f/8.0

By popular demand, Canon is offering Firmware Update Ver. 1.1.1, which enhances the 61-Point High Density Reticular AF System of the EOS-1D X DSLR camera. Included in the free downloadable firmware update, available on Canon’s website, is AF Point Illumination when using AI Servo AF mode, as well as the addition of Cross-Type AF support down to f/8.0 lens aperture. When AI Servo AF Mode is selected there will be red AF point illumination markers for easy viewing of the selected focus point – ideal for photographers shooting in low-light and when photographing dark subjects. Cross-Type AF Support down to f/8.0 means when the maximum aperture is as narrow as f/8.0, the firmware update will allow cross-type AF to be usable – which is great for use with Canon EF super-telephoto lenses with extenders, greatly expanding the range of lens and extender combinations that support autofocus with the EOS-1D X.

EOS iSA Powered by Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor

The EOS-1D X features a brand new 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor with a dedicated DIGIC 4 Image Processor that delivers substantial improvements in evaluative ambient and flash metering. The sensor has 252 distinct zones for general metering, with 35 zones used for low-light metering. The meter’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor uses EOS iSA (Intelligent Subject Analysis System) that incorporates face and color recognition data for more stable performance under rapidly changing lighting situations. The E-TTL Flash metering gains the same improvements. These improvements ensure accurate automatic exposure in a greatly increased group of shooting situations, offering a level of performance that will impress even the seasoned pro

EOS HD Video Recording

Addressing the requests of the pros, the EOS-1D X captures HD video with an unprecedented level of sophistication for a digital SLR. It offers both All-I and IPB compression, supports H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile, and automatically splits files greater than 4GB (FAT specifications) for extended recording up to 29:59 minutes without interruption. It offers the option of timecoding only during recording (Rec Run) or at all times (Free Run) – useful for multi-camera shoots. The EOS-1D X offers easy operation with the new Live View shooting/Movie shooting button. Menu options can still be set even when the Live View image is displayed. A dedicated menu tab for video capture allows functions to be changed quickly on the fly. Improved sound recording adjustment capabilities offer 64-step volume control; and a sound recording level meter that is accessible through the Quick Control screen during video shooting. With the Silent Control function, adjustments can be made quietly with a touch pad located on the inner portion of the Quick Control Dial. The built-in wind filter helps suppress unwanted wind noise that can distort or muffle sound. The CMOS sensor’s new drive system significantly increases image processor performance, reducing color artifacts and moiré

High-Speed Continuous Shooting

The EOS-1D X combines fast 16-channel data readout from its 18.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and the supercharged processing capabilities of its Dual DIGIC 5+ Image Processors with a speedier shutter and mirror system to raise the performance bar for all digital cameras, capturing full-frame images and recording them fast to UDMA cards stored in the cameras Dual Card Slots. Ideal for fixed focus situations, the EOS-1D X’s can shoot up to 12 fps (RAW + JPEG). In Super High Speed Mode, high-speed shooting up to 14 fps (JPEG) is possible.Thanks to a more resilient design, shutter lag with the EOS-1D X is reduced to 55ms (down even further to 36ms via custom function). A redesigned mirror system, featuring a Quad Active Mirror Stopper, uses more effective material to absorb impact when moving up and down not only aids in speedy shot-to-shot times, but the reduced mirror vibration provides more stable shots at all times

Magnesium Alloy Body with Shutter Durability and Dust and Weather-Resistance

For professionals who demand nothing less than the best, the EOS-1D X is designed to perform superbly, even in the most treacherous environments, every time. The body is constructed of rigid, high-strength magnesium alloy for rugged performance and features a new grip design for easier finger placement and reduced hand fatigue. Its newly redesigned shutter has lightweight and carbon-fiber blades, and is rated to maintain up to 14 fps performance without compromise, for up to 400,000 cycles. The EOS-1D X and accessories like the new Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E6A and GPS Receiver GP-E1 have extensive gasketing for improved dust and water resistance, even at their connection points

Ultrasonic Wave Motion Cleaning (UWMC)

The EOS-1D X’s integrated cleaning dust removal cleaning uses a carrier wave type self-cleaning sensor unit. While previous dust removal systems removed dust adhered to the surface of the infrared absorbing/ultraviolet-blocking glass in a frontward direction by vibrating the glass with ultrasound, the new system effectively rolls rather than shakes the dust particles off, removing an even greater amount of dust, especially smaller particles. As with previous cameras, the IR/UV absorbing glass in front of the EOS-1D X’s sensor is treated with an anti-dust fluorine coating making it easier to remove damp or sticky dust particles. As part of Canon’s Integrated Cleaning System dust missed by the camera can be identified and removed using the Dust Delete Data feature of Canon’s Digital Professional Pro software, bundled with every EOS digital SLR

Intelligent Viewfinder with Superimposed LCD

The EOS-1D X’s Intelligent Viewfinder offers a sharp, bright approximately 100% field of view with an approximate magnification of .76x, a viewing angle of 35° and a 20mm eye-point. With a new construction featuring aspherical lens elements, the viewfinder displays less distortions and color aberrations than previous models. It uses a transparent LCD to superimpose a customizable combination of focus points and gridlines directly over the image. The AF status indicator can even be directed to display within or outside of the viewfinders image area. With the intelligent viewfinder, unlike with other cameras, the photographer has the choice of seeing shooting information or looking only at the scene in front of the camera. The ability to effectively erase all shooting data and turn it back on with the touch of a button gives the photographer the opportunity to concentrate simply on looking and composing the photograph without distraction, a great advantage in numerous shooting situations

3.2″ TFT LCD Screen

The EOS-1D X’s 3.2″ TFT LCD monitor has 1,040,000 dots, anti-reflective construction and features Canon’s Clear View II technology for bright, sharp display in any number of shooting situations. It’s ideal for reviewing settings and images, as well as for shooting in Live View mode. In Live View, grid lines can be displayed in 9 sections, 24 sections, or 9 sections with diagonals, as can the dual-axis electronic level, which helps ensure accurate level by displaying both roll and pitch in 1-degree increments. For image review, the EOS-1D X has a new, dedicated Magnify/Reduce button. While pressing the button, zooming in or out (up to 10x) is achieved simply by turning the Main Dial. Images can be protected or erased quickly, individually or in batches, and slideshows can be created with some or all images and can be sequenced by date, folders, movies, stills or rating. A feature guide can be accessed for the selected menu, providing detailed reference information whenever needed

Improved Handling with Addition of New Customizable Controls

Reconceived based on the experience and feedback of professional users, the EOS-1D X’s new ergonomic design is more comfortable and intuitive than ever. With a refined and intelligent layout of all control buttons and dials, shooting settings can be made with just the right hand, and quick image check and image processing operations with just the left. New, assignable and tactile function buttons located on the front of the camera enable fast access to features the photographer uses frequently. The vertical grip has been redesigned for comfort and familiarity, and combined with a vertical position Multi-Controller, Mfn2 and Depth-of-Field preview buttons provides every option found with horizontal for uninterrupted, intuitive shooting no matter the camera’s orientation.During shooting, the EOS-1D X’s dedicated Quick Control button enables speedy changes of nearly every shooting parameter with the touch of a button. During playback, pressing the Quick Control button enables the photographer to protect images, rotate, rate, resize, view highlight alert, AF point and much more. Plus, with the EOS-1D X’s new Multi Function Lock, the Main Dial, Quick Control Dial and Multi-Controller can all be locked, individually or together.The EOS-1D X’s Graphic User Interface shows improvements as well. The menu structure has been redesigned so that frequently used functions previously buried in the menu hierarchy are brought to the front. Operations previously assigned to buttons, controls, menus and custom functions have been consolidated for quick access in the menu, ensuring the photographer can concentrate on composing and shooting images

Enhanced Recording Options with Dual Card Slots, Gigabit-Ethernet Terminal

To complement the high-speed drive and record the maximum number of shots as quickly as possible, the EOS-1D X records solely to industry speed-leading CompactFlash cards and features Dual Card Slots. Supporting UDMA mode 7, with a maximum data transfer rate of 167 MB/s as well as exFAT maximum file sizes, the EOS-1D X can use Type I and Type II CF recording media. Three recording settings are available: Auto switch, wherein the camera automatically switches from one card to another when the first is filled, Record Separately where the same image is recorded to each card, but in different size or file type, or Record to Multiple, where the same image is saved to both cards in the same size (or sizes), providing an instant backup for added security. Additionally, images can easily be transferred from one CF card to the other. Wired image transfer is also speedier than ever thanks to the EOS-1D X’s built-in Gigabit Ethernet terminal (1000BASE-TX)

Optional Canon Wireless File Transmitter and GPS

The EOS-1D X is compatible with the new WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter for wireless LAN and Bluetooth transfer with the IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n standards, performing up to 2.5x faster than previous models. A new image resend feature ensures that all images get transferred, even if a signal drop interrupts transmission. The small and lightweight WFT-E6A is discrete, does not interfere with other camera operations, and maintains the EOS-1D X’s high level of dust and drip resistance.The GPS Receiver GP-E1 attaches to the EOS-1D X, offering the same dust and water-resistant protection as the camera body itself, features its own power supply and is always ready to append location data to images. It records latitude, longitude, elevation and has a GPS Time Sync Function that synchronizes the camera clock with a satellite and features an electronic compass that records the camera’s orientation when shooting

Ultra-Fast Shutter Lagtime – Only 36ms

Thanks to a non-contact charge and more resilient design, shutter lag with the EOS-1D X is reduced to 55ms (down even further to 36ms via custom function). A redesigned mirror that uses more effective material to absorb impact when moving up and down not only aids in speedy shot-to-shot times, but the reduced mirror vibration provides more stable shots at all times

Built-In Chromatic Aberraton Correction and In-Camera RAW Processing

Chromatic aberration in Canon lenses can be corrected at the time of shooting with the EOS-1D X’s Lens Aberration Correction feature and can be saved and registered to the particular lens. The EOS-1D X can even distinguish between different lenses of the same model by supporting registration of serial numbers specific to each lens.Post processing, in-camera, is both quick and easy with the EOS-1D X. It offers in-camera RAW processing with image correction like white balance, brightness, picture style and more, as well as image resizing with JPEG images. Additionally, the EOS-1D X features Expanded Quick Control functions during playback like Image protect, image rotate, rating, resize, highlight alert, AF point and image jump, meaning a streamlined workflow can begin in the field

System Status Display Function Provides Critical Information

For optimal camera maintenance, The EOS-1D X’s new System Status Display Function offers pertinent information about the camera’s use and condition. In addition to displaying the camera’s serial number and firmware version, the System Status Monitor also displays the total number of shutter release cycles (in thousands), a camera error log, which lists errors that may warrant service

Multiple Exposure Shooting

The EOS-1D X offers a number of multiple exposure options for creative photography, in-camera. It can take from two to nine exposures to create one multiple exposure image, with four distinct settings for exposure control: Additive (where, like with a traditional film-based multiple exposures) the total exposure amount adds up as the exposures are taken (thereby requiring manual exposure compensation for each frame); Average, where the exposure is controlled automatically; (Comparative) Bright, a setting suited for uniformly dark scenes with distinct bright subjects; and (Comparative) Dark, which is suitable for eliminating bright sections or reflections. Images can be checked on the LCD during shooting. An existing image can be chosen for the first exposure and the EOS-1D X offers a number of other settings for highly controlled multiple exposure photography of the highest caliber

If you’re a Nikon fan you would be sorry to note that neither of the so called top of the line professional DSLR cameras that Nikon sells, the D4, D3X has speed, AF performance in both stills and videos and the superb overall quality and performance as the 1DX.

This camera is clearly in what can be called the upper echelons of 35mm photography. If you’re an amateur and don’t want to ruin your life with either a hole in your life’s savings or the complexities of shooting with a juggernaut of a camera, then stay away. If you’re a professional photographer whose life depends on the image quality, close your eyes, save up and buy this, period.

Sample Images by EOS 1DX on Flickr

EOS 1DX Specifications

LCD Monitor Type	TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor
Monitor Size	3.2-inches
Pixels	Approx. 1.04 million dots
Coverage	Approx. 100% Viewing angle: 170 deg
Brightness Control	7 levels provided
Recording Media	Dual CF Cards (Type I or II) Compatible with UDMA 7 CF cards
Image Format	Approx. 36 mm x 24mm (35 mm Full-frame)
Compatible Lenses	Canon EF Lenses
Image Sensor Type	High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor
Pixels	Effective pixels: Approx. 18.1 megapixels
Total Pixels	19.3 megapixels
Aspect Ratio	3:2 (Horizontal: Vertical)
Color Filter System	RGB primary color filters
Low Pass Filter	Fixed position in front of the image sensor
Recording Format	Design Rule for Camera File System 2.0 and EXIF 2.3
Image Format: Sill	JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon Original), M-RAW, S-RAW, RAW+JPEG, M-RAW+JPEG, S-RAW+JPEG
Image Format: Video	MOV (Image data: H.264; Audio: Linear PCM)
File Size	Large: Approx. 17.9 Megapixels (5184 x 3456) M1: Approx. 14.20 Megapixels (4608 x 3072) M2: Approx. 8.00 Megapixels (3456 x 2304) Small: Approx. 4.5 Megapixels (2592 x 1728) RAW: Approx. 17.90 Megapixels (5184 x 3456) M-RAW: Approx. 10.10 Megapixels (3888 x 2592) S-RAW: Approx. 4.50 Megapixels (2592 x 1728) Exact file sizes depend on the subject, ISO speed, Picture Style, etc
Recording Functions	Standard: Select one of the CF cards to record. Auto switch card: When the current card becomes full, the camera switches to the other card automatically. Record separately: The same image is saved to both cards, but in a different size (L, M1, M2, S, RAW, M-RAW, or S-RAW) that was set for the respective card. Record to multiple: The same image is saved to both cards in the same size (RAW+JPEG also possible)
File Numbering	Consecutive numbering, auto reset, manual reset. Possible to create new folders and select folders in the CF card
RAW + JPEG Simultaneous Recording	The image-recording quality can be selected in any combination of the three RAW and four JPEG recording quality settings
Color Space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Style	Auto, Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined 1-3
Auto White Balance	Auto white balance with the image sensor
White Balance settings	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, Color Temperature setting
Color Temperature Compensation	Blue/amber bias: ±9 levels Magenta/green bias: ±9 levels
Viewfinder Type	Eye-level pentaprism
Viewfinder Coverage	Vertical/Horizontal approx. 100%
Magnification	Approx. 0.76x (-1m-1 with 50mm lens at infinity) / 35.0 deg angle of view
Viewfinder Eye Point	Approx. 20mm (At -1m-1 from eyepiece lens center)
Dioptric Adjustment Correction	-3.0 to +1.0 m-1 (diopter)
Focusing Screen	Interchangeable
Mirror	Quick-return half mirror (transmission: reflectance ratio of 40:60)
Depth Of Field Preview	Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
Autofocus Type	TTL-AREA-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
AF Points	61-point AF
Focusing Modes	(1) Autofocus One-Shot AF Predictive AI Servo AF
Selected AF Point Display	Indicated by transmissive LCD display in the viewfinder and on the LCD panel
Metering Range	EV 0 – EV 20 (at 73Deg.F/23Deg.C with 50mm f/1.4 lens, ISO 100)
Exposure Control Systems	Program AE (Shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Manual exposure, Bulb, E-TTL II autoflash program AE
ISO Speed Range	Automatically set, ISO 100-51200 (in 1/3-stop or 1-stop increments) Basic Zone modes: ISO 100-51200 set automatically Extension settable: ISO 50; 102,400 and 204,800
Exposure Compensation	Manual: ±5 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments AEB: ±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
Shutter Speeds	1/8000 to 1/30 sec., bulb, X-sync at 1/250 sec
Self Timer	10-sec. delay, 2-sec. delay
EOS Dedicated Speedlite	E-TTL II autoflash with all EX Series Speedlites
Flash Metering	E-TTL II autoflash
Flash Exposure Compensation	±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
External Flash Settings	External Flash Control Flash Custom Function Setting
Drive Modes	Single, High-speed continuous, Low-speed continuous, Silent Single Shooting and Self-timer (10-sec. self-timer/remote control, or 2-sec. self-timer/remote control)
Continuous Shooting Speed	Super High-speed: Maximum 14 shots/sec. High-speed: Maximum 12 shots/sec. Low-speed: Maximum 3 shots/sec
Maximum Burst	JPEG Large: Approx: TBA UDMA CF Card: Approx: TBA RAW: Approx: TBA UDMA 7 CF Card: Approx. TBA
Shooting Modes	Still photo and video recording
Focusing	Quick mode (61- Point Phase-difference detection AF) Live mode/Face detection Live mode (One-Point Contrast detection AF, switching to another point possible) Face detection Live mode (Contrast AF, Face Selectable) Manual focusing (5x/10x magnification possible)
Metering Modes	Real-time Evaluative metering with the image sensor
Metering Range	Real-time evaluative metering with image sensor: Metering range: EV 0 – EV 20 (At 73Deg.F/23Deg.C, 50mm f/1.4 lens, ISO 100) AE lock possible The active metering time can be changed
Grid Display	Three grid display provided
Video File Format	MOV (image data: H.264; audio: Linear PCM)
File Size	Recording Sizes: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD), 1280 x 720 and 640 x 480
Frame Rates	[1920 x 1080]: 30 fps / 25 fps / 24 fps [1280 x 720]: 60 fps / 50 fps [640 x 480]: 30 fps / 25 fps
Interface Languages	25 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukraine, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)
Display Format	Single image, Single image + Image-recording quality/shooting information, histogram, 4- or 9-image index, magnified view (approx. 1.5x-10x), rotated image (auto/manual), image jump (by 10/100 images, index screen, by shooting date, by folder), slide show (all images/selected by date/folder), star rating
Highlight Alert	With single-image display (Info.) and single-image display, overexposed highlight areas will blink
Compatible Printers	PictBridge-compatible printers
Printable Images	RAW and JPEG images complying to Design rule for Camera File System
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)	Version 1.1 compatible
Compatible Images	JPEG and RAW images and movies
Custom Functions	Total 31
Camera User Settings	Current camera settings can be registered to C1, C2 and C3 on the Mode Dial (Automatic registration update is possible)
My Menu Registration	Up to six top-tier menu options and Custom Function settings can be registered
Battery	One Battery Pack LP-E4N or LP-E4 AC power can be supplied with the AC Adapter Kit ACK-E4
Power Saving	Power turns off after the set time (1, 2, 4, 8, 15 or 30 minutes) of non-operation elapses
Date/Time Battery	CR2025 lithium battery
Start-up Time	Approx. 0.1 sec
Working Temperature Range	32-104Deg.F/0-40Deg.C
Working Humidity Range	85% or less
Dimensions (W x H x D)	6.2 x 6.4 x 3.3 in. (158 x 163.6 x 82.7 mm)

 

Canon EOS 1DX Intro Video

Product Images

More info

• EOS 1D X / 5D III AF System Guidebook (PDF – 20 MB)
• User Manual
• Sample Images
• Nikon D4 Vs Canon 1D X
• Canon Camera Museum EOS 1D X Technical Report
• EOS-1D X On-Camera Tutorials
• CPN: The EOS 1D X Explained
• CPN: EOS-1D X on film: Pt. 1 – Autofocus explained
• CPN: EOS-1D X on film: Pt. 2 – CMOS sensor and image processing explained
• CPN: EOS-1D X on film: Pt. 3 – AE system explained
• CPN: EOS-1D X on film: Pt. 4 – Mechanics and controls
• CPN: EOS-1D X on film: Pt. 5 – Using the camera
• CPN: EOS-1D X on film: Pt. 6 – EOS System and Accessories
• CDLC: The EOS 1D X AF System – AF points & area selection
• CDLC: User-friendly AF Adjustment – the AF Configuration Tool
• Canon Ambassador Frits van Eldik’s First Impressions (YouTube)

Purchase options

Canon EOS 1DX  Available at Adorama | Amazon | B&H