Canon EOS 1D X Replaces 1Ds Mark III, 1D Mark IV

Canon merges the EOS 1Ds and 1D DSLR lines into the EOS 1D X. Replacing the 1Ds Mark III and 1D Mark IV with an 18 megapixel full frame sensor, the 1D X aims to please a broad range of pro photographers with 12 fps burst shooting and dual DIGIC 5+ processors.

At the heart of the 1D X is a new full-frame 18.1 megapixel CMOS chip with a native ISO range of 100-51,200. Outside of that range, ISO can be extended to 50 on the low end and up to 204,800 at the high end. A separate 100,000 pixel RGB sensor handles metering, coupled to its own DIGIC 4 processor. The 1D X will offer dual CF card slots; SD/SDHC media will not be compatible.

Canon merges the EOS 1Ds and 1D DSLR lines into the EOS 1D X. Replacing the 1Ds Mark III and 1D Mark IV with an 18 megapixel full frame sensor, the 1D X aims to please a broad range of pro photographers with 12 fps burst shooting and dual DIGIC 5+ processors.

There are no less than three image processors on board the 1D X. Aside from the metering processor, two new DIGIC 5+ engines offer a 30% increase in data processing over previous generations, according to Canon reps. With tracking AF, burst JPEG shooting is available at up to 12 fps; burst rate increases to 14 fps with fixed focus. The new processors make possible 14-bit A/D data conversion in the high octane EOS 1D X.

Also new to the 1D X is a 61-point AF system. When used with lenses with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, fully 21 of the points at the center of the chip are cross-type. Five points are diagonal cross-type points with maximum apertures as small as f/2.8. An AF tab has been added to the menu system, allowing for adjustments to settings like tracking sensitivity.

The EOS 1D X will record 1080 HD video at 24p, 25p or 30p. Two new compression formats are offered: intraframe ALL-I and interframe IPB compression. Video files are automatically split when they reach a 4GB maximum, allowing for uninterrupted video recording for up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds. A stereo mic input is available to videographers as is a wind-reducing filter.

The 1D X's optical viewfinder offers 100% coverage with 0.76x magnification. Shooting modes and other exposure parameters are displayed through the eyepiece. On the camera's rear panel, a few adjustments have been made. A one-touch live view switch has been added and a row of buttons has been moved into positions below the LCD.

An Ethernet jack has also been added, and there are now two function buttons located near the lens. One is assigned depth of field preview, but both can be assigned custom functions such as display of the electronic level. A 3.2-inch LCD monitor offers an impressive 1,040,000-dot resolution, and a new "Q" Quick Control button offers access to camera settings. A new shutter has been engineered for the 1D X, rated at 400,000 cycles. Canon reps claim it is more durable, lighter and produces less vibration thanks to a new motor.

But wait, there's more. In no particular order, the 1D X will also offer these notable features:

• For the first time in a Canon DSLR, multiple exposure capability. Four modes (additive, average, bright and dark) can be used to combine up to nine photos into one composite image.
• New EOS iTR Intelligent Tracking and Recognition AF option.
• Compatibility with a new WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter with 802.11n network support.
• Optional GP-E1 GPS receiver with electronic compass to record latitude, longitude, elevation and Universal Time Code.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS 1D X DSLR will be available to consumers in March 2012 for $6800. The WFT-E6A transmitter should also arrive in March with an MSRP of $600. The GP-E1 will be available in April for $300.