This morning Canon have announced their new flagship professional digital SLR - the EOS 1DX. This launch sees the amalgamation of their 1D and 1Ds lines and brings with it an "unparalleled combination of speed, resolution and image quality".
The Canon EOS 1D X Digital SLR
One thing is for sure, the 1D X is an impressive machine so we'll take a quick look at some of it's key features...
Specifications
- 18.1 megapixel full frame sensor
- ISO expandable up to 204800
- Powered by new dual DIGIC 5+ processors
- Up to 12 fps shooting at full resolution, and 14 fps in high speed mode
- Redesigned 61 point autofocus system with 41 cross-type points and 5 dual cross-type points
- Newly-designed metering system powered by a dedicated DIGIC 4 processor
- Full HD 1080p movie capability
- 3.2" 1,040k dot resolution LCD screen
- Integrated gigabit ethernet port for enhanced connectivity
The rear view of the 1D X showing the twin CF card slots
Designed to be the ultimate camera for professsional photographers, the 1D X boasts an 18.1 megapixel full-frame sensor as well as two brand new DIGIC 5+ processors - which are a whopping 3 times faster than the standard DIGIC 5 processor and enable full-resolution continuous shooting at up to 12fps (and up to 14fps at reduced resolution).
Another highlight for many professional photographers will be the upgraded ISO capabilities of the 1D x, with a range of 100-51200 and expandable up to an incredible 204800 - it's a big improvement on the models it supersedes and we're looking forward to seeing the real life results of what this camera is really capable of.
The latest addition to the EOS lineup also gets shiny new autofocus and metering systems to shout about. The 61-point AF system will deliver greater sensitivity and increased precision with 41 cross-type points (including five dual cross-type points) and the new metering system is also very impressive on paper. It's equipped with a 100,000 pixel metering sensor and powered by its very own dedicated DIGIC 4 processor to improve AF tracking and detection of correct exposure levels.
Full HD video can be recorded on the 1D X with a full range of manual controls including exposure, focus, frame rate and sound levels. The integrated gigabit ethernet port will be a godsend for many photographers, providing a quick, reliable image transfer option without the need for an adaptor. If WiFi capability is what you were hoping for, the WFT-E6 transmitter (announced alongside the 1D X) also offers secure image and video transfer without a wired connection.
The Canon WFT-E6 WiFi transmitter
In comparison: 1D MK IV vs 1Ds MK III vs 1D X
| 1D Mark IV | 1Ds Mark III | 1D X | |
| Megapixels | 16.1 | 21.1 | 18.1 |
| ISO range | 100-12800 | 100-1600 | 100-51200 |
| Max expandable ISO | 102400 | 3200 | 204800 |
| Image Processor | Dual DIGIC 4 | Dual DIGIC 3 | Dual DIGIC 5+ |
| HD Video Max | 1080p | No | 1080p |
| Autofocus | 45-point | 45-point | 61-point |
| FPS | 10 | 5 | 12 |
| Screen (dot resolution) | 3.0" LCD (920k) | 3.0" LCD(230K) | 3.2" (1040K) |
| Weight | 1180g | 1210g | TBC |
Top view of the Canon EOS 1D X
Sample Images
We've sourced four sample images from Canon (original source) for a first glance at what the 1D X is capable of. We'll be adding more sample images to this section as they become available.
1/2500 sec at f/4.0, ISO 400. Taken with an EF 300mm f/2.8 IS II USM lens 
1/1600 sec at f/6.3, ISO 400. Taken with an EF 8-15mm f/4L lens 
1/800 sec at f/5.6, ISO 12800. Taken with an EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens
[caption id="attachment_12989" align="aligncenter" width="590" caption="1/40 sec at f/4.0, ISO 200. Taken with an EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens"]
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If you're keen to see more of what the 1D X can do, this video from Canon gives a great overview of their new flagship DSLR...
Availability
The Canon EOS 1DX is expected to be available in March 2012 and can be pre-ordered from Wex Photographic for £5,299*
*price as at 18th October 2011, subject to change