Canon EOS-1D X – 10th-generation pro DSLR camera

Canon EOS-1D X, rear view

Canon today released details on its upcoming flagship digital SLR camera, the Canon EOS-1D X. This is a professional grade camera, so it’s out of reach for most in terms of cost, and more highly-specced than most of us need. Still, it’s good for all of us to look at cameras like this, as some top-end features trickle down to lesser cameras over time.

The ‘greatest hits’ of the Canon EOS EOS-1D X include its 35-mm Full-Frame CMOS sensor, providing pixel size of 6.95 microns and 18.1-megapixel image resolution. Image processing is handled by not one, but Dual DiG!C 5+ chips. Shutter release time has been pared down to 36 milliseconds, while the ISO has been dialled up to a range of 100 to 51200. The processing power doesn’t stop with the DIGIC 5+ chips, there is also a DiG!C 4 image processor looking after the exposure metering.



In addition to high speed shooting and high resolution still images, the Canon EOS-1D X shoots full high definition video – 1920×1080 at 24/25 frames per second, at a movie ISO range of 100-25600.

“The EOS-1D X is a truly ground-breaking camera developed in response to requests from professional photographers for an all-round camera that combines both speed and image quality,” said Cathy Hattersley, Brand Manager – EOS Professional, Canon Australia. “The EOS-1D X is the ultimate all-rounder for professionals from sport, photojournalism and nature photography through to studio, fashion and wedding/portrait work, also offering the ability to capture Full HD movies and comply with video industry standards.”

Canon EOS-1D X – price and availability

The Canon EOS-1D X will go on sale in March 2012, with the price to be announced closer to the launch date. Based on previous models, think somewhere north of $6,000.

Canon EOS-1D X – main features

  • Autofocus (AF) continuous shooting at 12 fps (14 fps with mirror lock-up)
  • Full-Frame 18.1MP CMOS sensor with large pixel size and gapless microlens technology
  • ISO range 100­­-51200 (L:50; H2: 204800) and low noise for high quality in all lighting conditions, including near-dark
  • Full High Definition movie recording, video industry standards compliance (ALL-I, IPB)
  • Dual DiG!C 5+ image processors for high-speed processing and noise reduction
  • New AF system features 61 AF points (41 cross points) for precise focussing accuracy
  • Unique Auto Exposure (AE) metering uses RGB colour and face recognition for enhanced subject tracking