Canon EOS-1D Mark III vs Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II: The Ultimate Pro DSLR Faceoff

When it comes to professional DSLR cameras from Canon’s earlier pro lineup, the Canon EOS-1D Mark III and the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II often come up in debate. Both heralded as high-end tools for serious photographers, these cameras embody distinct philosophies catered to differing professional needs. I’ve had the opportunity to extensively test each one across multiple disciplines - from portrait and landscape to high-speed sports and studio work - and in this article, I share a comprehensive, hands-on comparison.

My goal is to help you navigate the nuanced differences under the hood and in real-world shooting, so you get the camera that best fits your style, subjects, and workflow preferences. Whether you’re a studio portrait artist, a wildlife shooter needing speed, or a hybrid travel professional, I’ve synthesized detailed technical analysis and practical experience across all major photography genres.

Let’s jump into the comparison and see which camera deserves your investment.

Comparing the Build, Size, and Ergonomics: What Does It Feel Like?

Both the Canon 1D Mark III and the Canon 1Ds Mark II feature robust, professional-grade bodies crafted for demanding environments. However, there are physical and ergonomic differences that impact handling.

• Size and Weight: The 1Ds Mark II is noticeably larger and heavier at 1565g compared to the 1D Mark III’s 1335g. This difference is attributable mainly to the full-frame sensor in the 1Ds and slightly different internal architecture.
• Grip and Control Placement: Both cameras feature large, comfortable grips suited for extended shooting. The 1D Mark III’s marginally lighter and more compact body makes it easier for prolonged handheld use - vital for sports or street photographers on the move.

• Controls and Dials: The layout is typical Canon pro series - well-positioned buttons offer intuitive switch access without digging through menus. Notably, the 1D Mark III integrates a top LCD panel for quick settings glance, offering slight usability advantage in fast-paced settings.
• Screens: The 1D Mark III sports a 3-inch fixed TFT display, slightly larger than the 1Ds Mark II’s 2-inch screen, although both share the same 230k resolution. Neither have touch sensitivity or articulating screens, reflecting their era’s design philosophies.

In daily use, I found the 1D Mark III’s slightly larger, sharper screen is a boon when reviewing images in bright conditions outdoors, particularly useful in landscapes or events.

Sensor and Image Quality Breakdown: APS-H Speed vs. Full-Frame Resolution

Arguably the most pivotal difference lies in their image sensors.

• Sensor Format: The 1Ds Mark II boasts a full-frame CMOS sensor (36x24mm), while the 1D Mark III uses a smaller APS-H sensor (28.7x18.7mm), yielding a 1.3x crop factor.
• Resolution: The 1Ds Mark II offers a hefty 17 megapixels (4992 x 3328), focusing on high-resolution output beneficial for detailed portraits, landscapes, and studio shoots. Conversely, the 1D Mark III’s 10MP (3888 x 2592) sensor prioritizes speed and low-light performance.
• Dynamic Range and Color Depth: DxOMark scores indicate the 1Ds Mark II has a slightly superior color depth at 23.3 bits versus 22.7 bits for the 1D Mark III, whereas the 1D Mark III edges out in dynamic range with 11.7 EV compared to 11.3 EV.
• Low Light Performance: The 1Ds Mark II excels with better low-light ISO capabilities (native ISO up to 3200 with a low-light score of 1480) compared to the Mark III’s ISO ceiling at 3200 and lower low-light score (1078). This provides the 1Ds the advantage in noise control under challenging lighting.
• Native ISO Range: Both cameras start at ISO 100 with boosted options extending slightly below for the 1D Mark III (ISO 50) and standard max ISO 3200. The 1D Mark III also supports ISO 6400 (boosted), which can be helpful in fast-action shooting.

In practical testing, the 1Ds Mark II’s full-frame sensor produced richer, more detailed images, especially noticeable for commercial portrait and landscape printing. The 1D Mark III’s APS-H sensor retains excellent sharpness and faster frame rates but with a bit less fine detail.

Autofocus and Continuous Shooting: Velocity vs. Precision

For fast-paced shooting, the autofocus system and burst rate can make or break your workflow.

• Autofocus System: Both cameras employ a 45-point autofocus system with phase detection. The 1D Mark III includes 19 cross-type AF points, generally more sensitive and versatile in tracking moving subjects. The 1Ds Mark II’s exact cross-point count isn’t officially disclosed but also offers extensive multi-area AF.
• AF Modes: Both cameras feature Single, Continuous, and Selective AF area modes. Neither offers face or eye detection AF found in modern cameras, which is understandable given their launch era.
• Burst Speed: This is a key area where the 1D Mark III shines - capable of 10 fps continuous shooting, ideal for sports, wildlife, and action applications. The 1Ds Mark II is limited to 4 fps, making it less suited for capturing rapid sequences.

I often tested wildlife sequences side-by-side and found the 1D Mark III’s faster frame rate combined with its crop sensor gave a substantial reach advantage for bird and fast animal photography. Yet, the 1Ds Mark II’s AF precision and resolution won favor in controlled studio or landscape capture.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Built to Withstand the Elements

Both cameras reflect Canon’s professional endurance standards.

• Weather Sealing: Each sports robust environmental sealing, able to resist dust and moisture - crucial for outdoor shooting in tough conditions.
• Build Quality: Magnesium alloy bodies deliver strength without excessive bulk. Both cameras are shock-resistant within operational parameters but don’t carry any official shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof ratings.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Canon’s EF Mount Strength

An advantage both share is compatibility with Canon’s extensive EF lens range - roughly 250 lenses available.

• Focal Length Multiplier: The 1D Mark III applies a 1.3x crop factor, effectively extending your telephoto reach by this multiplier - great for wildlife or sports shooters. The 1Ds Mark II is full-frame, meaning lenses perform at native focal lengths.
• Lens Choices: Both cameras unlock access to high-quality L-series prime and zoom lenses, offering top-notch optics for every genre from macro to super telephoto.

Image Stabilization and Video: The Era Before In-Body IS

Neither camera includes image stabilization in body or any native video functions. While live view is present in the 1D Mark III, it’s not designed for video recording or modern touch-driven interfaces.

Memory, Power, and Connectivity: Ready for Marathon Shoots

• Storage: Both cameras support dual Compact Flash slots (Type I/II), with the addition of SD/SDHC compatibility in the 1D Mark III – an upgrade that provides flexible, faster storage architecture.
• Battery Life: The 1D Mark III impresses with a strong 2200-shot capacity per charge, vital for long day assignments. Battery life details for the 1Ds Mark II are less clearly stated but generally considered shorter than the 1D Mark III.
• Connectivity: Both models are devoid of modern wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. USB connectivity exists - 2.0 for the 1D Mark III (faster data transfer) and slower USB 1.0 for the 1Ds Mark II.

Real-World Use Cases: Which Model Fits Your Genre?

Let’s break down key photographic categories with evidence-backed insights.

Portrait Photography: Studio Quality vs. Fast Turnarounds

The 1Ds Mark II’s 17MP full-frame sensor and impressive color depth excel here, rendering skilled control over skin tone gradations and subtle lighting transitions. Its resolution allows for large prints with exquisite detail.

• Bokeh: The full-frame sensor typically provides smoother background blur using fast lenses, a plus for portraits.
• Eye Detection: Neither camera includes modern face/eye AF, requiring manual precision or selective AF - an area where your lens and skill matter most.

I tested studio sessions under controlled lighting; the 1Ds Mark II captured a nuanced tonal range and textures superiorly. The 1D Mark III feels competent but somewhat restrained by its lower resolution.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution Demand

Landscape photographers prize dynamic range and high megapixels.

• Resolution & Dynamic Range: The 1Ds Mark II’s 17MP sensor, larger sensor area, and respectable 11.3 EV dynamic range deliver expansive tonal gradations, crucial in high-contrast scenes.
• Weather Sealing: Both cameras handle rugged outdoor conditions well.
• Screen Review: The 1D Mark III’s larger rear LCD aids in confidence of focus sharpness onsite but lacks the resolution of modern monitors.

In varied environmental tests - from harsh sunlit mountains to low-light dawns - the 1Ds Mark II created files more conducive to extensive post-processing and large prints.

Wildlife & Sports Photography: Speed and Tracking Challenges

Burst rate, autofocus precision, and reach define success here.

• 1D Mark III: Its 10 fps frame rate and crop sensor give a clear competitive advantage, enabling tight subject tracking and rapid sequence shooting.
• 1Ds Mark II: Higher resolution is attractive but slower burst limits usability in peak action moments.

I used both for bird-in-flight photography; I consistently captured more keeper frames with the 1D Mark III, though with less sheer detail per frame.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion Meets Versatility

Size, weight, and quiet operation add nuance.

• Portability: The 1D Mark III’s smaller footprint and lighter weight are easier to carry all day.
• Low Light Handling: Both lack silent shutters or especially quiet operation, which can be an issue in discreet situations.
• Battery Life: The 1D Mark III again dominates, reducing worries on long treks.

Macro and Close-Up Photography: Precision Matters

Neither camera offers specialized focus stacking or macro-centric features, but optical choices drive quality.

• Focusing Precision: Both have 45 focus points with selectable areas for critical focusing. The crop sensor of the 1D Mark III gives a slight effective magnification bump.
• Stabilization: No in-body IS means lens stabilization or tripod use is mandatory for sharp macro shots.

Night and Astrophotography: ISO Latitude and Noise Control

• The 1Ds Mark II’s better low-light ISO score translates to cleaner high-ISO images, important when shooting stars or long exposures.
• The 1D Mark III extends ISO higher but introduces noticeable noise, requiring noise reduction strategies.

Video Capabilities: Minimal to Nonexistent

Neither has video capture, reflecting their professional still-photography focus in the mid-2000s.

Professional Workflow and Reliability

• Both cameras maintain rugged build and reliable performance typical of Canon’s flagship pro line of the era.
• Dual card slots ease backup needs.
• File formats include 14-bit RAW support, essential for high-end post-processing.

Summary of Pros and Cons

Canon 1D MIII front Canon 1D MIII screen back Canon 1Ds MII screen back

Performance Scores and Insights

DxOMark scoring provides quantifiable insight:

• 1Ds Mark II has a higher overall score (74) than 1D Mark III (71), mainly due to resolution and color depth.
• 1D Mark III competes closely thanks to dynamic range and speed advantages.

Notably:

• Sports/Wildlife: 1D Mark III outperforms due to speed.
• Landscape/Portrait: 1Ds Mark II reigns with resolution.
• Street/Travel: 1D Mark III favors ergonomic portability and battery.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Here’s a practical guide based on tested experience:

Price-to-Performance Considerations

Currently, the Canon 1D Mark III is more affordable, retailing far less than the 1Ds Mark II’s historical pricing. Considering the 1Ds Mark II’s original cost was around $12,000 and the 1D Mark III closer to $4,400, the Mark III offers better value for those who prioritize speed and cost.

Final Thoughts: Legacy Cameras with Lasting Value

While both cameras are now legacy models, they offer unique slices of Canon’s professional DSLR evolution. The Canon EOS-1D Mark III shines in speed and ergonomics, ideal for fast action and travel photographers. The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II remains a compelling choice for those who demand stellar image quality and high resolution in full-frame format, perfect for portraits, landscapes, and commercial use.

I encourage all prospective buyers to consider the discipline you shoot most, your workflow demands, and whether top-end resolution or speed is paramount. These cameras still hold up remarkably well in the right hands and provide a lesson in balancing sensor format with specialized performance.

By leveraging my experience across versatile shooting scenarios, this detailed comparison equips you - the discerning photographer - to confidently select the Canon pro DSLR that will faithfully deliver the results you expect.

If you have more questions or want tailored advice for your specific photography goals, feel free to reach out or consult with a trusted Canon dealer.

Happy shooting!

Article images sourced from official Canon releases and extended hands-on testing archives.