Canon EOS-1D X Mark II - The Ultimate Camera for Professional Photographers

If you're a professional photographer looking for a top-tier camera, then the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is the perfect choice for you. With its advanced features and cutting-edge technology, this camera will help you capture stunning photographs that will leave your clients in awe.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 02 2016

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorCMOS
Weight1530g
MSRP$5999USD

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Overview of the EOS-1D X Mark II

As a professional photographer, your camera is your most important piece of equipment. It's what helps you capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments that your clients will treasure forever. And when it comes to cameras, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is in a league of its own. This camera is packed with features that make it the ultimate choice for any photographer who demands precision, reliability, and exceptional image quality. Whether you're shooting portraits, weddings, or sports events, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II will help you capture stunning photographs that will stand the test of time. So let's dive in and take a closer look at what this camera has to offer.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High image quality
Impressive autofocus
Durable build
Fast shooting speed
Large image sensor
Excellent low light performance
4k video capabilities
Great dynamic range
Accurate color reproduction
Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity

Cons

High price point
Heavy weight
Limited touchscreen capabilities
Limited battery life
Lacks built-in flash
May require additional lenses for certain styles of photography
Bulkier than other camera models
May require external storage for large files
Less suitable for casual or amateur photographers
Limited lens compatibility for some functions

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

Weather sealed
Dimensions158 x 168 x 83mm
Weight1530g
Thickness83mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the EOS-1D X Mark II is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (pentaprism)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution1,620k dots
Body typeLarge SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.20" screen, with a display resolution of 1,620k dots. This makes the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

EOS-1D X Mark II includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.76x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has a 20MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has a native ISO range of 100 - 51200 which can be boosted to 50 - 409600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Feb 02 2016

Announced

100 - 51200

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISO50 - 409600
Max resolution5472 x 3648 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

88 / 102

Color Depth

24.1 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

13.5 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

3207 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain medium amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is average, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the EOS-1D X Mark II is above average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Full frame

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageCompactFlash + CFast 2.0
Battery Life1210 shots
Battery ModelLP-E19
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II supports CompactFlash + CFast 2.0 with 2 slots for storage. Having dual SD card slots on the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is highly advantageous as it mitigates the risk of losing footage due to memory card malfunctions. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photography and other professional settings.

Battery

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II uses the LP-E19 model of battery pack. This is rated for 1210 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 61 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II?

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II features a CMOS sensor

Is the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II weather sealed?

Yes the EOS-1D X Mark II does have weather sealing.

When was the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II announced?

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II was announced on Feb 02 2016

Does the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II have in-body image stabilization?

No the EOS-1D X Mark II does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II?

The EOS-1D X Mark II has a native ISO range of 100-51200, which can be expanded to ISO 50-409600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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