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Canon 1D X MII Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Canon 1D X II

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    Main Features

    • 20MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 51200( expands to 50-409600)
    • 3.2 Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
    • 16.0 fps continuous shooting
    • 4K (DCI) - 4096 x 2160 video
    • Built-in GPS
    • 1530g. 158 x 168 x 83 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    • Replaced Canon 1D X
    • Replaced by Canon 1D X III
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon 1D X II Overview

    First introduced in February 2016 , Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is a 20.0MP Pro DSLR camera with a Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and Canon EF lens mount. Canon replaced the older Canon 1D X with this model and later 1D X MII was replaced with Canon 1D X III. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare Canon EOS-1D X Mark II vs Canon 1D X
    Compare Canon EOS-1D X Mark II vs Canon 1D X III

    Canon 1D X II Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Canon 1D X II is a member of Canon's 1D series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Canon 1D Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Canon 1D X III
    Compare
    2020 20.0MP - Full frame 20.0 fps 158 x 168 x 83mm 1440g
    Canon 1D X II
    2016 20.0MP - Full frame 16.0 fps 158 x 168 x 83mm 1530g
    Canon 1D C
    Compare
    2012 18.0MP - Full frame 14.0 fps 158 x 164 x 83mm 1500g
    Canon 1D X
    Compare
    2011 18.0MP - Full frame 14.0 fps 158 x 164 x 83mm 1340g
    Canon 1D MIV
    Compare
    2010 16.0MP - APS-H 10.0 fps 156 x 157 x 80mm 1230g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Canon 1D X MIII vs 1D X MII vs 1D C vs 1D X vs 1D MIV

    Canon 1D X II has an Overall Score of 79/100 and ranked #14 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #52 out of 1223 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Canon 1D X II Physical Specs
    Canon 1D X II weighs 1530 g (3.37 lb / 53.97 oz) and has external dimensions of 158 x 168 x 83 mm (6.22 x 6.61 x 3.27″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 774g, Canon 1D X II is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 83mm, it has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Canon 1D X II
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    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Canon 1D X II
    Min
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    Here is the front and top view image of Canon 1D X II with the dimensions:

    Canon 1D X II Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Canon 1D X II Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon 1D X II, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon 1D X II Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon 1D X II Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now let's compare Canon 1D X II size with the camera that it replaced: Canon 1D X.


    Canon 1D X II vs Canon 1D X Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Canon 1D X II and Canon 1D X Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon 1D X II with its main competitors:

    Canon 1D X II Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs 1D X MII Thickness vs 1D X MII
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon 1D X III
    Compare
    1440g 90g lighter 83mm equal thickness
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    890g 640g lighter 76mm 7mm thinner
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon 1D X
    Compare
    1340g 190g lighter 83mm equal thickness
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon R6
    Compare
    680g 850g lighter 88mm 5mm thicker
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon R5
    Compare
    738g 792g lighter 88mm 5mm thicker
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Nikon D5
    Compare
    1415g 115g lighter 92mm 9mm thicker
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Sony A7 III
    Compare
    650g 880g lighter 74mm 9mm thinner
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon R
    Compare
    660g 870g lighter 84mm 1mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Canon 1D X II has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Canon 1D X II will serve you well. If you attach one of these Canon 1D X II weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

    Canon 1D X II Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon 1D X II has a 20.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Dual DIGIC 6+ processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5472 x 3648 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. 1D X MII has a native ISO range of 100 - 51200 which can be boosted to 50-409600 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Canon 1D X II is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sony A7R IV with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon 1D X II vs Sony A7R IV or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    Canon 1D X II DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Canon 1D X II sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 88 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Canon 1D X II here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon 1D X II's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon 1D X II Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon 1D X II Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Canon 1D X II Lens Mount and Lenses

    Canon 1D X II has a Canon EF lens mount and currently there are 250 native lenses available for this mount. EF mount has the widest and most complete native lens offerings in the DSLR world which helps Canon to protect its place as the number 1 choice amongst professional photographers all over the world.

    Canon 1D X II doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 76 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 83 lenses with weather sealing for 1D X MII that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

    Here are some of the most popular Canon 1D X II Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Canon EF Mount Lenses for Canon 1D X II
    Model Focal Length on 1D X MII Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II
    50mm 35mm FF 130gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
    24-105mm 35mm FF 670gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM
    50mm 35mm FF 159gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
    70-300mm 35mm FF 630gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 15mm f2.8 Fisheye Lens Canon EF 15mm f2.8 Fisheye
    15mm 35mm FF 330gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM
    50mm 35mm FF 290gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 40mm f2.8 STM Lens Canon EF 40mm f2.8 STM
    40mm 35mm FF 130gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM
    70-200mm 35mm FF 1490gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Canon 1D X II Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Canon 1D X II LCD and Viewfinder

    Canon 1D X II has a Fixed Type 3.2 LCD screen with a resolution of 1,620k dots. The Canon 1D X II's 3.2 screen is larger than average and its resolution is up to the class standarts.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Canon 1D X II back view and LCD

    1D X MII has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 100% and a magnification ratio of 0.76x. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

    Canon 1D X II Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect 1D X MII to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Canon 1D X II is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 1210 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, Canon 1D X II has a good battery life for its class.

    Battery Life Comparison in Pro DSLR Cameras

    Canon 1D X II
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Nikon D3X with its 4400shots is the model with longest battery life among Pro DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Canon 1D X II vs Nikon D3X or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

    Canon 1D X II Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon 1D X III
    Compare
    5472 X 2886 2850shots Yes No No
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 900shots Yes No Yes
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon 1D X
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 1120shots No No No
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon R6
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 360shots Yes Yes No
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon R5
    Compare
    8192 x 4320 320shots Yes Yes No
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Nikon D5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 3780shots No No No
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Sony A7 III
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 610shots Yes Yes Yes
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Canon R
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 370shots Yes Yes No

    Canon 1D X II Video Features

    With Canon 1D X II, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 60p,30p,25p,24p,23.98p fps and save in MPEG-4, H.264 and Motion JPEG formats. This means that Canon 1D X II provides 4K (Ultra-HD) video. Except some rare 6K and 8K video recording cameras, 4K is the common standard in consumer video world.
    It is also a big step up from its predecessor 1D X which has a max video resolution of 1920 x 1080 only. If you are thinking of upgrading your 1D X and shoot a lot of video, this is a big factor to consider in favor of 1D X MII.

    1D X MII has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker. Canon 1D X II also has a port for an external microphone and a headphone port for connecting external headphones which make Canon 1D X II a very suitable camera high quality videography.

    Canon 1D X II Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon 1D X II can shoot continuously at max speed of 16.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately 1D X MII doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Focusing

    Canon 1D X II features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 61 points to choose from.

    Canon 1D X II also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Canon 1D X II PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon 1D X II review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    4K (DCI) Video
    Touch Screen
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    20.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    51.200 Max ISO
    61 Focus Points
    Large 3.2 Screen
    1.620k dots LCD Resolution
    1/8000s High Shutter Speed
    Autofocus at f8 using 61 focus points
    16.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    Long Battery Life (1210 shots)
    External Microphone Port
    External Headphone Port
    Environmental Sealing
    0.76x magnification - Large Viewfinder
    Good Low Light ISO - 3207
    2 Storage Slots
    Top LCD Display
    Flash Sync Port
    AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)
    High Shutter Life Expectancy - 400000 cycles
    Dual-axis Electronic Level
    Magnesium alloy body elements
    Webcam Functionality
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon 1D X II from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    Heavy Body: 1530g
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Canon 1D X II Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon 1D X II in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon 1D X II for Portrait Photography

    Canon 1D X II has a score of 65 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 1D X II for Portrait Photography

    Canon 1D X II for Street Photography

    Canon 1D X II has a score of 62 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization
    Large Body

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 1D X II for Street Photography

    Canon 1D X II for Sports Photography

    Canon 1D X II has a score of 93 for Sports Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 16.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
    61 Focus Points
    Good Battery Life: 1210 shots
    Good Low Light ISO
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Anti Flicker feature
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 1D X II for Sports Photography

    Canon 1D X II for Daily Photography

    Canon 1D X II has a score of 71 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Large Body
    1530g
    Body Thickness 83mm

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 1D X II for Daily Photography

    Canon 1D X II for Landscape Photography

    Canon 1D X II has a score of 48 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 1D X II for Landscape Photography
    Canon 1D X II Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon 1D X II compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon 1D X II alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon 1D X II

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon 1D X II amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon 1D X III
    Canon 1D X III
    Compare
    Canon 5D MIV
    Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    Canon 1D X
    Canon 1D X
    Compare
    Canon R6
    Canon R6
    Compare
    Canon R5
    Canon R5
    Compare
    Nikon D5
    Nikon D5
    Compare
    Sony A7 III
    Sony A7 III
    Compare
    Canon R
    Canon R
    Compare

    Canon 1D X II Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon 1D X II with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Canon 1D X II's price range.

    Sony A7R IV
    Sony A7R IV
    Compare
    Sony A7R III
    Sony A7R III
    Compare
    Fujifilm GFX 50R
    Fujifilm GFX 50R
    Compare
    Canon R5
    Canon R5
    Compare
    Panasonic S1R
    Panasonic S1R
    Compare
    Nikon Z7 II
    Nikon Z7 II
    Compare
    Nikon Z7
    Nikon Z7
    Compare
    Sony A9 II
    Sony A9 II
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon 1D X II
    Does the Canon 1D X II have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon 1D X II have RAW support?
    Does the Canon 1D X II have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon 1D X II have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon 1D X II?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon 1D X II?
    is the Canon 1D X II a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon 1D X II have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon 1D X II have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon 1D X II?
    What is the Weight of Canon 1D X II?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon 1D X II?
    Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
    Announced 2016-02-02
    Body Type Large SLR
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Canon EF
    Number of Lenses 250
    Focal Length Multiplier 1x
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.2
    Screen Resolution 1,620k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 16.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Flash Modes no built-in flash
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 88
    DxO Color Depth 24.1
    DxO Dynamic Range 13.5
    DxO Low Light ISO 3207
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 36 x 24 mm
    Sensor Area 864.00mm2
    Sensor Resolution 20 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5472 x 3648
    Max Native ISO 51,200
    Max Boosted ISO 409600
    Min Native ISO 100
    Min Boosted ISO 50
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 61
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 4096 x 2160 (60p, 30p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p), 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 50p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p)
    Max Video Resolution 4096 x 2160
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Optional
    HDMI
    USB USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 1530g
    Physical Dimensions 158 x 168 x 83mm
    Battery Life 1210 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model LP-E19
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Built-in
    Storage Type CompactFlash + CFast 2.0
    Storage Slots 2


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