Canon EOS-1D X

A professional full-frame DSLR built for speed, durability, and precise autofocus tracking in demanding conditions

Overview

The Canon EOS-1D X is a professional full-frame DSLR designed for high-speed photography, combining rugged all-metal construction with advanced autofocus and high frame rates. It replaced both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV, consolidating Canon’s flagship lines into a single model. It held the position of Canon’s top professional SLR until the release of the 1DX Mk II in 2016. The camera features a large, bright LCD and a robust build, though its viewfinder uses a consumer-style LCD-based AF display, a step down from earlier professional models.

Specifications

Weight	53.8 oz./1,526g with battery and one CF card
Sensor	18 MP full-frame (24 x 36mm) CMOS. 14-bit analog to digital conversion.
Image Sizes	5,184 x 3,456 pixels, native, LARGE and CR2. 4,608 x 3,072, MEDIUM 1 JPG. 3,456 x 2,304, MEDIUM 2 JPG. 2,592 x 1,728, SMALL JPG and S-RAW. 3,888 x 2,592, M-RAW.
ISO	100 to 51,200. Also L1: ISO 50, H1: ISO 102,400 and H2: ISO 204,800.
Auto ISO	Auto ISO: 100 to 51,200.
Color Spaces	sRGB and Adobe RGB.
White Balances	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, Kelvin. 5 Custom memories. ±9 units amber/blue and green/magenta bias adjustment.
Frame Rate	12 FPS (fast) and 3 FPS (slow).
Frame Rate (Conditional)	12 FPS only if shutter speed at 1/1,000 or faster, ISO below 25,600, manual focus, and maximum aperture. Change any of these, like shoot a stop down or with AF, and it gets slower. 10 FPS at higher ISOs and smaller apertures. 14 FPS with mirror up (finder black).
Shutter Life	400,000 cycles. Carbon-fibre blades.
Shutter Delay	constant 55ms, settable in a menu to as little as 38ms
Storage	two CF slots

Design

The EOS-1D X is built tough out of all metal, reflecting its professional-grade durability. It features a superb LCD—big, bright, accurate, smooth, and sharp—though it lacks auto brightness control. The viewfinder uses an LCD-based AF sensor display that overlays gray boxes, a downgrade from the additive-LED displays of earlier 1D models.

Context

The Canon EOS 1D X replaced both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV, unifying Canon’s professional DSLR line. It served as the company’s flagship SLR until the 1DX Mk II launched in 2016.