Canon EOS-1D X Digital Camera Body Details

BirdPhotographers.net

Help Support BirdPhotographers.net:

Arthur Morris

Founding Publisher
Staff member
Admin
Moderator
Joined
Dec 13, 2007
Messages
32,488
Location
Indian Lake Estates, FL
EOS-1D_X_3-BPN.jpg


THE NEW CANON EOS-1D X DIGITAL SLR CAMERA


While I am swamped getting ready to head to Homer, AK next Monday for the two now-sold-out IPTs and have not had time to study the announcement, I did want to share the details with you here. The new camera will feature a completely new 61-point autofocus system, fast shooting up to 12 fps, an 18-Megapixel full-frame CMOS Sensor, full HD video recording and much more.

Please feel free to post comments and questions below. I will do my best to reply.

Just for the record: I have not seen or held this camera. In fact, I did not hear of even a rumor until last night. I will likely get one through the Canon Explorer's of Light Program (in order to save my 10% off low dealer's net price, aka B&H Photo; if that is how it works out hundreds of consumers will have the camera in their hands before I do :). You gotta love it.

CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES THE NEW CANON EOS-1D X DIGITAL SLR CAMERA, RE-DESIGNED FROM THE INSIDE OUT

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 18, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce a completely revolutionized EOS-1D series camera, the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera.* As the new leader in Canon's arsenal of professional DSLRs, the EOS-1D X will be a high-speed multimedia juggernaut replacing both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models in Canon's lineup. Enhancing the revolutionary image quality of the EOS-1Ds and speed capabilities of the EOS-1D series, the EOS-1D X DSLR features an 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.

The EOS-1D X announcement comes on the heels of Canon's recent manufacturing milestone with the production of the Company's 50-millionth EOS-series SLR camera in September of 2011. Furthermore, Canon will achieve yet another milestone at the end of this month producing the 70-millionth EF lens.

"The EOS-1D X represents the re-invention of the EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D series, combining new proprietary Canon technologies with the culmination of customer feedback and requests from the field. We are proud to introduce this camera to the worldwide community of professional photographers and cinematographers with the features and capabilities they need to capture the great moments that display their talent," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Camera With Three Brains

The EOS-1D X features three DIGIC processors, including Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors capable of delivering approximately 17 times more processing speed than DIGIC 4, and a dedicated DIGIC 4 for metering and AF control. In conjunction with the newly developed high-performance 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS image sensor, the Dual DIGIC 5+ processors provide high-speed continuous shooting, lower noise, and a significant increase in data processing speed than previous EOS-1D models. This new level of data processing speed allows the EOS-1D X to perform many functions including chromatic aberration correction for various Canon EF lenses in-camera instead of through post-production software. The DIGIC 4 processor utilizes a new 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor for enhanced exposure accuracy with color and face detection, and works together with the camera's new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF.

The EOS-1D X employs a completely new imaging sensor, producing the lowest noise of any EOS digital camera to date for stunning portraiture and studio work. The new 18-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor utilizes large pixels - 1.25 microns larger than those in the EOS-1D Mark IV sensor and .55 microns larger than those in the EOS 5D Mark II sensor - together with gapless microlenses to achieve enhanced light gathering efficiency, higher sensitivity and less noise at the pixel level. The new sensor has improved on the already very high signal-to-noise ratio of sensor output of earlier EOS models for outstanding image quality, even in extremely low light. When combined with the Dual DIGIC 5+ imaging processors the results are stunning. The images produced with the EOS-1D X camera's new sensor are so clean that files can easily be up-sized if necessary for even the most demanding high-resolution commercial applications. The EOS-1D X will also feature new Ultrasonic Wave Motion Cleaning (UWMC), Canon's second generation self-cleaning sensor unit, which utilizes carrier wave technology to remove smaller dust particles from the sensor and it includes a new fluorine coating on the infrared absorption glass to help repel dust.

The low-light capability of the EOS-1D X is evident in its incredible ISO range and ability to photograph in extremely low-light conditions. Adjustable from ISO 100 to 51,200 within its standard range, the new model offers a low ISO 50 setting for studio and landscape photography and two high settings of 102,400 at H1 and 204,800 at H2, ideal for law enforcement, government or forensic field applications.

New 61-Point High Density Reticular AF

The EOS-1D X includes a brand new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, the most sophisticated DSLR AF system Canon has ever released. The 21 focusing points in the central area are standard precision cross-type and effective with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, depending on the lens in use. The center five points are also high-precision diagonal cross-type points for maximum apertures as small as f/2.8. All 61 points are sensitive to horizontal contrast with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6 and 20 of the outer focusing points function as cross-type points with maximum apertures as small as f/4.0. Other innovations of the new 61-point High Density Reticular AF include expanded AF coverage area, superior focusing precision and low light sensitivity, and greater low-contrast subject detection capability compared to earlier EOS AF systems.

EOS-1D X AF.jpg


The diagram above shows the AF point configuration for the new Canon EOS-1D X.

All AF functions now have their own menu tab for quick and easy access (formerly AF custom functions in previous EOS models). A new AF Configuration Tool allows for customized setting of tracking sensitivity, the acceleration and deceleration of tracking subjects, and AF point auto switching, all of which are easily accessed and adjusted via the new AF menu tab. A built-in Feature Guide advises photographers on which settings to use according to subject matter.

Similar to the AF point selection options offered in the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera, the EOS-1D X offers six AF point selection modes: Spot, Single Point, Single Point with surrounding four points, Single Point with surrounding eight points, Zone selection and Automatic AF point selection.

EOS-1DX Select Area AF 20111018_afSelection.jpg


The diagram above shows the AF Area Selection Modes. (Note: these modes will be similar to those offered on the EOS-7D.)

EOS iTR AF: Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Enhances AF Performance

The Canon EOS-1D X features incredible new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF options ideal for wedding and event photography as well as sports and photojournalism. The default AF mode for the EOS-1D X uses phase detection AF information, while a new second option uses Face Detection technology to track recognized faces in addition to color information, ideal when shooting events such as tennis or dancing where facial recognition of the original subject will help keep that person in focus throughout the scene.

Exposure Control

For the first time in a Canon DSLR camera, a DIGIC processor is used exclusively with the metering sensor for fast, accurate exposure control. The Canon DIGIC 4 processor takes advantage of the EOS-1D X's 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor and utilizes 252 zones for general metering or 35 zones for low-light metering to help ensure accurate evaluative ambient or flash exposure. The new subject recognition capabilities enhance nearly all of the camera's automatic functions, helping to adjust exposure, autofocus, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Automatic Picture Style to the scene being captured for enhanced image quality.

Multiple Exposure Modes

The EOS-1D X is the first EOS Digital SLR to feature Multiple Exposure capability. The camera can combine up to nine individual images into a single composite image, with no need for post-processing in a computer. Four different compositing methods are provided for maximum creative control, including Additive, Average, Bright and Dark. Compositing results can be viewed in real time on the camera's LCD monitor, and there is a one-step Undo command that allows photographers to delete an image and try again if desired. The EOS-1D X's Multiple Exposure mode even allows photographers to specify a previously captured RAW image as the starting point for a new Multiple Exposure composite image.

Super High Speed Mode

The Canon EOS-1D X camera breaks new ground in the world of digital SLRs, offering a Super High Speed Mode which increases shooting speeds up to 14 fps at full 18-megapixel resolution in JPEG modei. The new camera is also capable of shooting RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG at speeds up to 12 fps in One Shot AF or AI Servo AF for enhanced performance in sports photography and other applications requiring high-speed digital capture. This new level of performance is made possible by the combination of the EOS-1D X's 16-channel readout CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors, and a completely new reflex mirror mechanism that has been engineered by Canon to combine high-performance with exceptional precision and reliability.

Enhanced EOS HD Video - New Compressions, Longer Recording

Centered around an all-new full-frame CMOS sensor with larger pixels than those found on the EOS 5D Mark II image sensor, the EOS-1D X utilizes new HD video formats to simplify and speed up post-production work. The two new compression formats offered on the EOS-1D X include intraframe (ALL-i ) compression for an editing-friendly format and interframe (IPB) compression for superior data compression, giving professionals the options they need for their ideal workflow. Answering the requests of cinematographers and filmmakers, the EOS-1D X includes two methods of SMPTE-compliant timecode embedding, Rec Run and Free Run, allowing multiple cameras or separate sound recording to be synced together in post production.

Canon's all new full-frame CMOS sensor ensures that video footage captured on the EOS-1D X will exhibit less moiré than any previous Canon model, resulting in a significant improvement in HD video quality. A desired feature for many documentary filmmakers using Canon DSLRs was to enable recording beyond the four gigabyte (GB) file capacity and the EOS-1D X is the answer. The new camera features automatic splitting of movie files when a single file exceeds 4GB. The new file splitting function allows for continuous video recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds across multiple 4GB files; no frames are dropped and the multiple files can be seamlessly connected in post production, providing filmmakers the recording time they want in the same convenient DSLR form factor. The camera records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards.

The Canon EOS-1D X also includes manual audio level control, adjustable both before and during movie recording, an automatic setting, or it can be turned off entirely. A wind filter is also included. Sound can be recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via an optional external microphone through the stereo mic input.

Enhanced Ergonomics & Optimized Design

Photographers familiar with Canon's EOS 1D-series of cameras will notice the control configuration of the EOS-1D X takes a different approach to button placement. The re-designed exterior and ergonomic button configuration feels comfortable in your right hand, allowing seamless navigation through menu options.The Live View Button has been conveniently placed near the user's thumb for one-touch switching between Live View and Viewfinder shooting. The Quick Control Button and menu navigation controls will allow users to change camera settings using only their right hand, for fast, simple one-handed control using their thumb on the scroll wheel. The new multi-controller is positioned by the right hand thumb when the camera is held for vertical shooting and enables the same level of control to camera operators when shooting vertically as they have when shooting horizontally. On the front of the camera are four user assignable function buttons, two for vertical shooting and two for horizontal shooting, allowing customizable button control when shooting in either position. The camera also features a level of weather resistance equivalent to earlier professional models such as the EOS-1D Mark IV.

Canon has answered the request of many professional EOS photographers and incorporated Dual Card Slots into the new EOS-1D X DSLR camera. The dual CF card slots will allow photographers to carry only one memory card format and still achieve instant image back-ups and enhanced storage capacity.


This camera also features a new shutter design with even greater durability and precision. Rated to 400,000 cycles, the new carbon fiber shutter blades are more lightweight and durable, allowing the EOS-1D X to achieve over 100,000 cycles more than the shutter of the EOS-1D Mark IV. A new shutter motion and new motor help further reduce vibration in the camera. The EOS-1D X also features an electronic first curtain, new to the EOS-1D series DSLRs, for minimal in-camera vibration during image capture.

Connectivity

For professional photographers who prefer a wired workflow and transfer system, Canon has included a built-in LAN connection in the EOS-1D X DSLR. The built-in LAN connection features a gigabit Ethernet Jack capable of 1000BASE-T transmission speeds, offering photographers a stable wired connection for ultra-fast data transmission. If the network were to go down, the camera will attempt to resend images until the files are sent. The EOS-1D X also features a direct image transfer function whereby images can be selected for transfer, and only sent once a LAN or USB connection is established.

Accessories

Designed exclusively for the EOS-1D X, the new Canon WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter* features wireless LAN support for 802.11n network transfer rates providing users with increased communication speed when compared to previous models. With this new dust and weather resistant model, professionals can synchronize clocks on multiple cameras and use the unit to support linked shooting when utilizing multiple cameras. In addition, Bluetooth-compatible equipment can be easily linked to the device as well.

The EOS-1D X also offers an optional Canon GP-E1 GPS Receiver*, which can be easily integrated into the camera's body. Powered by the camera, this GPS receiver provides the same weatherproof resistance as the EOS-1D X, even at the connector. With an electronic compass on-board, the GP-E1 will log movement - latitude, longitude, elevation, and the Universal Time Code - and allow viewing of camera movement on a PC after shooting. The receiver will also record camera direction when shooting, even when shooting vertically.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera is scheduled for March 2012 availability and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $6,800.00. The compact, lightweight WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter is scheduled to be available in March 2012 and have an estimated retail price of $600. Availability for the GP-E1 GPS receiver is expected in April 2012 with an estimated retail price of $300.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2010†, with global revenues of more than US $45 billion and is listed as number five in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies 2011 list. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

###

* This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Specifications, price and availability are subject to change without notice.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
i Super High Speed Continuous shooting at 14 fps requires mirror lock and JPEG mode at ISO speeds less than 32000.
 
Last edited:
Did they give you one to test Artie?

Hey Arash, From Pane #1:

Just for the record: I have not seen or held this camera. In fact, I did not hear of even a rumor until last night. I will likely get one through the Canon Explorer's of Light Program (in order to save my 10% off low dealer's net price, aka B&H Photo; if that is how it works out hundreds of consumers will have the camera in their hands before I do :). You gotta love it.
 
HEY WHAT BOUT YOUR MARK IV WANNA SELL ???? HEY JUST KIDDING REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS LAUNCH OF 1DX BUT TOO EXPENSIVE AND THE FULL FRAME IS BOTHERING ME AS WE WILL LOSE ABOUT 30% CROP . NO DOUBT THE PERFORMANCE IN LOW LIGHT IN HIGH ISO WILL BE GREAT IN THIS CAM .

REGARDS

RAM MALLYA
 
HEY WHAT BOUT YOUR MARK IV WANNA SELL ???? HEY JUST KIDDING REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS LAUNCH OF 1DX BUT TOO EXPENSIVE AND THE FULL FRAME IS BOTHERING ME AS WE WILL LOSE ABOUT 30% CROP . NO DOUBT THE PERFORMANCE IN LOW LIGHT IN HIGH ISO WILL BE GREAT IN THIS CAM . REGARDS RAM MALLYA

Breathe deeply. And remember, good photographers make good images. Great cameras can only sit in their boxes until someone who knows how to use them takes them out....
 
Unless I wind up selling the 800, I would have to classify this info from Canon USA's top tech rep Chuck Westfall as bad news (just received via e-mail):

"AF is unavailable on the EOS-1D X if the maximum aperture reported to the camera through the electronic lens mount is smaller than f/5.6. This is a lower specification than previous EOS-1 series DSLRs. On the plus side, consider the fact that with most f/4 lenses including the 400 DO, 500/4L IS and IS II, and 600/4L IS and IS II, you now have 41 cross-type AF points plus color and face detection, whereas you had no cross-type points and no color or face detection during AF with previous EOS-1 series DSLRs using the same lenses, not to mention a significantly wider AF coverage area from left to right."
 
I'm really surprised that they abandoned AF at f/8. That really limits the utility of the new 2x with most of the super-telephoto lenses, and the 800mm f/5.6 with any TC. I wonder why they decided to do it.
 
Doug, I agree. With a full frame camera TCs are vital. Being unable to use the 2X III TC on any of the f/4 super-telephotos (new or old) and being unable to use the 1.4XIII TC on the 800 is just brutal.... Not so bad for sports folks who do not have as great a need for TCs as wildlife folks and especially bird photographers.... Sometimes is baffles me when new gear is introduced as a total surprise....
 
I very disappointed, not with the 1Dx, I have no doubt it will be a great lens for sports, events, photojournalism, landscapes and for wildlife. But the IMO canon shouldn't stop making the 1D MkIV, I would expect a new 1Ds IV without replacing the 1D MKIV.

I know that are great wildlife and birds photographs with full frame cameras, but sometimes reach can make the difference.

Now canon is like Nikon, only 2 choices, fullframe and APS-C, i´m sorry about that, because if Nikon guys didn´t had a choose, we in canon had...
 
I very disappointed, not with the 1Dx, I have no doubt it will be a great lens for sports, events, photojournalism, landscapes and for wildlife. But the IMO canon shouldn't stop making the 1D MkIV, I would expect a new 1Ds IV without replacing the 1D MKIV.

I know that are great wildlife and birds photographs with full frame cameras, but sometimes reach can make the difference.

Now canon is like Nikon, only 2 choices, fullframe and APS-C, i´m sorry about that, because if Nikon guys didn´t had a choose, we in canon had...
The 1DX crop to the 1.3 sensor size gives you about 11 megapixels the same as the 1D MarkIII so you basically get a Mark III with better auto focus (if it works as advertised) better low light capability and overall picture quality I do not see what the issue is before Canon cropped the image with the sensor now you do it in post processing there is no difference either way DOF will be the same and image quality will be better the the Mark III was. The only advantage the Mark IV has is the 6 extra mega pixels it has on the 1.3 size sensor over a cropped a cropped 1DX and if the files are as clean as Canon claims then even that is negated by the ability to up Rez the file
 
Maybe those who are disappointed that the 1.3x crop sensor cameras seem to be on the verge of being phased out should just buy a few extra copies of the 1D Mk IV, and keep them unopened until their current 1D Mk IV bodies stop working.

Of course every few months or so, put in a battery, fire off a few frames, and put them back into storage.

After all, these cameras ARE built to last, and as we all know, some still have their original 1D series, bodies.

If the current technology of the 1D Mk IV (and even older models technology) still produces salable images, then 10, 15 years down the line, it still will.

Sometimes we ALL tend to forget it's not what we WANT that matters, but what we NEED!

If Canon, Nikon, Sony, Leica etc all stopped making cameras, or better yet...IMPROVEMENTS and ADVANCEMENTS to cameras 10 years ago, we'd all still be taking pictures.

Not trying to be a smart A$$ or anything, just a suggestion.
 
The 1DX crop to the 1.3 sensor size gives you about 11 megapixels the same as the 1D MarkIII so you basically get a Mark III with better auto focus (if it works as advertised) better low light capability and overall picture quality I do not see what the issue is before Canon cropped the image with the sensor now you do it in post processing there is no difference either way DOF will be the same and image quality will be better the the Mark III was. The only advantage the Mark IV has is the 6 extra mega pixels it has on the 1.3 size sensor over a cropped a cropped 1DX and if the files are as clean as Canon claims then even that is negated by the ability to up Rez the file

If you crop the image that much, you will not be able to send it to some international wildlife contests, for instant Veolia Wildlife Photographer of The Year, and you will be not able to print it with the same size as if it was an APS.H with 18 Mp.
 
I will be most interested to see what happens to the price of the 1D4. Also putting a DIGIC 5 processor and some other improvements in both the 7D and the 5D2 will make that a very attractive package.
 
Maybe those who are disappointed that the 1.3x crop sensor cameras seem to be on the verge of being phased out should just buy a few extra copies of the 1D Mk IV, and keep them unopened until their current 1D Mk IV bodies stop working.

Of course every few months or so, put in a battery, fire off a few frames, and put them back into storage.

After all, these cameras ARE built to last, and as we all know, some still have their original 1D series, bodies.

If the current technology of the 1D Mk IV (and even older models technology) still produces salable images, then 10, 15 years down the line, it still will.

Sometimes we ALL tend to forget it's not what we WANT that matters, but what we NEED!

If Canon, Nikon, Sony, Leica etc all stopped making cameras, or better yet...IMPROVEMENTS and ADVANCEMENTS to cameras 10 years ago, we'd all still be taking pictures.

Not trying to be a smart A$$ or anything, just a suggestion.

I have no problems with that, I have a 7d, 1,6x crop factor, and can´t complain about the image quality, the images are very sharp, of course with higher ISO's are not the same as in the MKIV and probably the 1Dx...

And yes if I get the money until the march, will get one Mk IV, and if have more money a 5D MK II...

If I had the money, would prefer to have one camera for of each sensor size than just had one and crop the image, even with better quality on the crop one...

Each one have their opinion, and I respect it, but i try to shot best way I can just to do minor crops to compose, so shooting far and crop, is no option for me...
 

Latest posts

Back
Top