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Canon 1D X II

 
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II front
 
Portability
50
Imaging
70
Features
79
Overall
73

Canon 1D X II summary

Canon 1D X II is Canon's Pro DSLR camera initially introduced on February of 2016. The camera has got a 20MP, CMOS Full frame size sensor with a full resolution of 5472 x 3648.

Canon released this camera in order to replace the older Canon 1D X (Read Full Comparison) and subsequently brought out the newer Canon 1D X III (Read Full Comparison) in an effort to update this model.

The 1D X II stands at #5 out of 35 in Pro DSLR cameras and over all #129 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our list. Please try out our Smart camera finder to find camera rankings based on your personal factors.

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Here is a chart of different factors used in the rating system.

Canon 1D X II family

The Canon 1D X II is part of a family of cameras. You can see the full list underneath.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Canon-EOS-1D-X-Mark-III front thumbnailCanon 1D X III
1D X II vs 1D X III
20MPFull frame20.0 fps2020
Canon-EOS-1D-X-Mark-II front thumbnailCanon 1D X II20MPFull frame16.0 fps2016
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Canon-EOS-1D-C front thumbnailCanon 1D C
1D X II vs 1D C
18MPFull frame14.0 fps2012
Canon-EOS-1D-X front thumbnailCanon 1D X
1D X II vs 1D X
18MPFull frame14.0 fps2011
Canon-EOS-1Ds-Mark-III front thumbnailCanon 1Ds MIII
1D X II vs 1Ds MIII
21MPFull frame5.0 fps2008
Canon-EOS-1Ds-Mark-II front thumbnailCanon 1Ds MII
1D X II vs 1Ds MII
17MPFull frame4.0 fps2005
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Canon-EOS-1Ds front thumbnailCanon 1Ds
1D X II vs 1Ds
11MPFull frame3.0 fps2002

Canon 1D X II Pros and Cons

Here is a selection of good and bad points of the Canon 1D X II based on criterias which are typically regarded as important in a camera.

built-in touchscreen
builtin Top LCD display
comes with HDMI port
comes with headphone port
comes with mic port
delivers RAW files
good MP (20 megapixels)
great sensor size (Full frame)
has double storage slots
high frames per second (16.0 fps)
high shutter speed (1/8,000 seconds)
interchangeable lenses (Canon EF mount)
manual focus
offers face detect focusing
offers tracking focus
screen is a good size (3.2 inch)
supports phase detect AF
supports touch focus
very good high ISO (51,200)
very good minimum ISO (100)
very good screen resolution (1,620 thousand dot)
video res high (4096 x 2160 pxls)
weather sealing
does not feature selfie friendly display
does not have Time Lapse function
low battery life (1,210 shots)
no image stabilization
no moving screen
Photography Glossary

Canon 1D X II Sensor information

The Canon 1D X II features the Dual DIGIC 6+ processor. The sensor spec in the Canon 1D X II is 36mm x 24mm (Full frame). The 864 mm² sensor has the capability to capture 5472 x 3648 pixels using aspect ratios of 3:2.

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The CMOS sensor boasts 20 megapixels and provides a native ISO range of 100 - 51200. The ISO can also be widened electronically to 50 - 409600. RAW photos are saved so you have more room to maneuver in post.

The image underneath illustrates the 1D X II's sensor size compared to other common sizes. The 1D X II sensor comes with a crop factor of 1 and is pointed out in green.

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To get an understanding of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Canon 1D X II dimensions

Canon 1D X II weighs around 3.37 lbs (1,530 gr / 53.97 oz) and features exterior dimensions of 158mm x 168mm x 83mm (6.2" x 6.6" x 3.3"). The weight of average Pro DSLR camera is 1,280 gr so the Canon 1D X II is heavier as compared to various rivals.

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Here is a image of the Canon 1D X II alongside a softdrink so you're able to have a feel for its size.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II dimensions scale

The top view under will highlight the button design on the 1D X II.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II topview buttons dials

Canon 1D X II Lens information

The 1D X II works with the Canon EF mount and has 306 lenses on the market today. Here is a few of the lenses we have in our database that will fit the 1D X II.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Irix-45mm-F1.4-EF-Mount lensIrix 45mm F1.445mmf/1.4925g
Zeiss-Milvus-25mm-F1.4-Canon-EF lensZeiss Milvus 25mm F1.425mmf/1.41225g
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Carl-Zeiss-Distagon-T3.5-18-Canon-EF lensCarl Zeiss Distagon T 3,51818mmf/3.5 470g
Tamron-SP-AF-17-35mm-F2.8-4-Di-LD-Aspherical-IF-Canon-EF lensTamron SP AF 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF17-35mmf/2.8-4.0 440g
Canon-TS-E-90mm-f2.8 lensCanon TS-E 90mm f2.890mmf/2.8 565g
Tamron-SP-AF-10-24mm-F3.5-4.5-Di-II-LD-Aspherical-IF-Canon-EF lensTamron SP AF 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical IF10-24mmf/3.5-4.5 406g
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Tokina-AT-X-Pro-11-16mm-f2.8-DX-II-Canon-EF lensTokina AT-X Pro 11-16mm f2.8 DX II11-16mmf/2.8 560g
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Canon 1D X II Connectivity

The 1D X II has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Digital cameras that have NFC and Bluetooth compatibility can easily be controlled wirelessly with smartphones. You can send pictures and in some cases adjust camera settings with no need to connect physically with the camera.

Many apps also provide a Liveview and release the shutter whenever you are not close to the camera. If the camera comes with a HDMI out, it could be hooked up to an external monitor. Virtually all cameras enable you to charge the battery pack through the USB socket.

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Canon 1D X II Video information

The highest possible video quality in the Canon 1D X II is 4096 x 2160 and it can record in MPEG-4, H.264 and Motion JPEG format. 2160p provides a great quality for video recording. You can easily downsample to 1080p in order to get clearer results. Beware of the substantial file sizes and make sure you have high quality SD cards with good write speed. The camera does have both headphone and mic port making it pretty useful while capturing audio.

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Canon 1D X II Weather Sealing

Canon 1D X II features weather proofing making it a excellent pick to use during tricky environments. This is especially valuable any time you are not sure about the conditions you might face during outdoor photography.

Canon 1D X II Display and Viewfinder

The Canon 1D X II has got a 3.2 inch fixed screen having a resolution of 1,620 thousand dots.

Moreover the screen is touch friendly so you can easily switch focus points plus adjust settings using your fingertips. The 1D X II also comes with a Top LCD display in order to instantly look at your settings.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II screen and viewfinder Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The ViewFinder details regarding Canon 1D X II are as follows:

  • ViewFinder Optical (pentaprism)
  • ViewFinder Coverage 100%
  • ViewFinder Magnification 0.76x

In those sunny outdoor conditions that make the camera displays washed out and hard to view, viewfinders will be pretty useful.

Canon 1D X II Shutter information

Canon 1D X II has the capability to shoot continuously at 16.0 fps. The highest shutter speed is 1/8000s.

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Canon 1D X II Flash and Hot shoe information

Canon 1D X II includes external flash support but is lacking integrated flash.

Canon 1D X II Autofocus information

Canon 1D X II includes both Phase Detect Autofocus along with Contrast Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more quicker & accurate as compared to Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera has got Face detect which makes it useful for portraits.

The AF system has got 61 focus points to choose from. Canon 1D X II has touch to focus. You can use your fingers in order to adjust focus. It also boasts Tracking Autofocus for things on the move. Canon 1D X II has the ability to use manual focus in case it is required during low light conditions or you want to have more exact control on focus.

Photography Glossary

Canon 1D X II Battery life

The battery life (LP-E19) on the Canon 1D X II is designed to last for 1210 pictures based on the CIPA requirements which is lower in comparison with its competitors. The average Pro DSLR camera battery life is 2438. Nikon D3X comes with the best (4400) battery life within this group of cameras.

Here is a list of Pro DSLR cameras that come with the highest battery life:

Canon 1D X II for different forms of photography

The following illustration gives a outline of the Canon 1D X II for different forms of photography. To understand more, check out the specific section underneath.

Canon 1D X II as a Portrait photography camera

The Canon 1D X II has a points total of 82 which is exceptional, and means the camera is a outstanding pick for portrait images. Taking portraits favors greatly towards sensor dimensions, RAW support together with the flexibility to work with external lighting.

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has manual focus
decent sensor resolution (20 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
features face detect focusing
delivers RAW files

Canon 1D X II Street photography info

Coming in at a very good points total of 61, the Canon 1D X II is a very decent choice to use in street photography. A good street photography camera provides a good balance of image quality and portability.

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large sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW files
supports focus by touch
weather proofing
good ISO range (51,200)
no articulating screen
lack of image stabilization

Canon 1D X II Sports photography advice

A above average sports photography points tally of 73 indicates the Canon 1D X II is a very decent fit for taking photos of sports. A camera should have very good tracking plus continuous shooting for sports photography.

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max shutter speed is good (1/8,000 seconds)
high fps (16.0 fps)
MP count good (20 megapixels)
great sensor size (Full frame)
includes tracking focus
weather sealing
has phase detect AF
does not have image stabilization
terrible battery (1,210 shots)

Canon 1D X II Travel photography information

Portability is pretty crucial when choosing a travel camera. Overall, the Canon 1D X II gets a decent 54 as a travelling camera which is fairly acceptable to take with you on your trips.

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environment proof
boasts touch to focus
sensor resolution is decent (20MP)
does not have Timelapse recording
terrible battery life (1,210 per charge)
does not feature selfie friendly screen

Canon 1D X II Landscape photography details

When you're planning to buy a camera for landscape photographs, the most critical aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Canon 1D X II at it's very good score of 70 as a landscape camera is a very decent fit in the current market.

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you can focus manually
switch lenses (Canon EF mount)
nice screen size (3.2 inches)
good resolution (20 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
above average high ISO (51,200)
exports RAW formats
weather proofing
two card slots
does not have image stabilization
terrible battery power (1,210 per charge)
lack of Timelapse function

Vlogging with Canon 1D X II

A vlogging camera should really come with a moving display, mic port and if possible image stabilization. Taking everything into account, the Canon 1D X II is not really acceptable for vlogging as it comes to a terrible rating of 30.

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touchscreen
has face detection focus
great video quality (4096 x 2160 resolution)
comes with external mic jack
doesn't have selfie friendly screen
does not have image stabilization

Canon 1D X II Alternatives

If you are in the market for alternatives to the 1D X II, here is a selection of the highest ranked cameras that fall under the class of Pro DSLR.

The graph just below offers you a bird's eye view of the 1D X II compared to it's highest ranked rivals suggested earlier.

Here are a handful of other cameras you may view as alternative options. To check out a detailed comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Canon
Model
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Category
Pro DSLR
Launched
2016-02-02
Body design
Large SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Processor
Dual DIGIC 6+
Sensor size
Full frame
Sensor dimensions
36 x 24mm
Sensor area
864.0mm²
Sensor resolution
20MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
3:2
Peak resolution
5472 x 3648
RAW pictures
Highest native ISO
51200
Highest enhanced ISO
409600
Lowest native ISO
100
Lowest enhanced ISO
50
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Number of focus points
61
Lens
Lens mount
Canon EF
Available lenses
250
Crop factor
1
Screen
Display type
Fixed Type
Display diagonal
3.2 inch
Display resolution
1,620 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage
100%
Viewfinder magnification
0.76x
DXO scores
DXO Overall score
88
DXO Color Depth score
24.1
DXO Dynamic range score
13.5
DXO Low light score
3207
Features
Minimum shutter speed
30 seconds
Fastest shutter speed
1/8000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed
16.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
no built-in flash
Flash modes
no built-in flash
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions
4096 x 2160 (60p, 30p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p), 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 50p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p)
Highest video resolution
4096x2160
Video format
MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
Optional
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS
BuiltIn
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
1530 grams (3.37 pounds)
Dimensions
158 x 168 x 83mm (6.2" x 6.6" x 3.3")
Other
Battery life
1210 shots
Battery form
Battery Pack
Battery model
LP-E19
Self timer
Yes
Time lapse shooting
Storage slots
Two
Pricing at release
$5,999