Just behind Nikon's announcement of the D5, Canon comes with their own anxiously-awaited update to their flagship DSLR: the new EOS-1D X Mark II. Building on the experience of both the 1D X and the 1D C, the 1D X Mark II features a modest increase in resolution to 20 megapixels, instead counting its improvements mostly in the areas of image quality, autofocus, and speed.
Of note, native ISO performance of the 1D X Mark II stays the same at ISO 100-51,200 while its expanded range increases one stop to 409,600. For those that may have wished for more, you have plenty to be pleased about within other areas of performance. And there's still room for wishfully thinking that Canon is taking this body's release as a way to more accurately state its ISO performance in relation to its signal-to-noise ratio in relation to that of other manufacturers. Here's to hoping.
On another note, the Mark II features new, dual Digic 6+ processors that allow for processing 14 raw or JPEG frames per second (and up to 16 in Live View). Helping these high frame rates is a shutter with carbon fiber blades that is built to withstand 400,000 exposures.
These processors can also churn out 4K video clips at 60 frames per second for, get this, as long as it takes to fill up your card, no clip-stitching necessary. Canon does this thanks to the CFast 2.0 card slot in the Mark II (the other is a traditional CF card slot). Because of the exFAT file system used by CFast 2.0 and the high speeds at which it can record, there's no need to split up clips or stop recording at any point, even when shooting at full 4K resolutions and 60 frames per second or at 120 frames per second in 1080p. Shooting at full speed, the buffer will allow recording of up to 170 raw frames on CFast 2.0 cards or 73 frames to CF cards. (Update: Unfortunately, according to the video just added, it seems that all 4K recording from this body comes directly from the center pixels of the sensor, meaning you won't get the full angle of view you're used to getting from your lenses. While this is common in various cameras -- especially DSLRs with video -- some may have expected 4K down-sampled from the full frame.)
Canon also promises continuous autofocus while shooting stills and video, regardless of the frame rate, thanks to its dual-pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF. A 360,000-pixel metering sensor helps with subject recognition and tracking across the 61-point High Density Reticular AF II system with 41 cross-type points that give improved center point focusing sensitivity to -3 EV and compatibility down to f/8.
One feature likely to be undervalued is Canon's new in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer technology that allows for in-body lens aberration and diffraction correction for every shot, naturally saving one more step in post.
Naturally, the 1D X Mark II is weather sealed, even at its connection points, as is the available WFT-E8A wireless transmitter. As an added bonus, GPS functionality is built-in, including an awesome auto time-syncing feature that syncs with Universal Time Code via satellites.
It's hard to compete with numbers above 3 million when it comes to ISO. But given further refinements in the body design (helped by a rear touchscreen), virtually unlimited video recording capabilities, continuous accurate autofocus in every scenario, the addition of a card slot that offers faster media, and ever-increasing frame rates, the 1D X Mark II should easily become the Canon pros' tool of choice.
Canon shooters, what do you think? Worth your money? Everything you'd hoped? Let us know!
The EOS-1D X Mark II will be available for $5,999 and will ship in April. Pre-order yours here.
Other than the 4K at 60fps, I am not impressed.
Glad to see Canon's focus on video remains unchanged. Looking forward to my D5s improved AF, and other features that matter in photography.
Other than something that is only available in much higher end professional video cameras at 2-3+ times the cost should be impressive.
My cellphone records video in 4K ;)
It is just faster computer in this baby. Something that is normal in other industries. Computers got faster, smaller and more energy efficient. What kills me is that you need to buy "optional" equipment for WiFi!!! Something that consumer equipment has as a standard for couple years already.
Your cell phone does 4k 60p?
I guess you missed the point
Your cell phone probably costs as much as a gh4 or nx1. Why people talk about there phones like they are toys is perplexing, being as how it is one of the largest technological industries on the planet.
You missed the point entirely! If the cellphone with its size can fit computer and the battery to record 4K in 30p, so pro camera body can fit electronics that are able to handle this kind of job. You can be amazed (I am) how the technology evolved over last 10 or 20 years but that is not the point either. Canon is barely keeping up with the industry. They did update the computer but didn't do anything really impressive... That's all.
"Canon is barely keeping up with the industry"
First DSLR to have internal 4k- Canon
First Camera Manufacturer to implement "full frame" 35mm sized Sensors n their DSLR- Canon
First Camera Manufacturer to implement Image Stabilization on a wide array of lenses- Canon
First Camera to have internal 4k 60 fps- Canon
Fastest Digital SLR ever- Canon
Sony overheats when its not running out of batteries every 10 minutes and yet they are hailed as the King of the world because they threw everything and the kitchen sink into their camera bodies when most of those features are a non factor for most pros.
Contax was first with FF sensor.
The IS was implemented ages ago (1995). We can talk this way about Kodak ;) (BTW Sony's sensor stabilization is a better solution because it works with any lens).
I am using Canon myself but I am not a fanboy. Sony created CMOS sensors that are used by Nikon and PhaseOne but Canon put 4k into photography tool... Canon didn't create anything worth updating, however I've seen quite few times people switching to Nikon.
And all those stupid up-selling accessories. If you want WiFi you need external adapter. For time-lapse you need to spend additional $130 for intervalometer, something that takes few lines of code. They implemented it in 5ds but didn't make an update for 5dmk3...
Wasn't the mark 1 closer to $9k when released? Or was that just in the land of Aus, where people seem happy to pay more?
It was almost $7k, which is still a lot (quite a bit better, now). You may have been thinking of the 1D C...which I believe was about that much.
Cheers Adam. Yeah perhaps I was. It's still interesting that an upgraded model can come in a couple of thousand under the original. Makes me wonder about the profit margins of the Mark 1 and the competition out there these days.
Admittedly it does seem like an amazing camera. There seems to be one obvious omission from all the marketing blurb, dynamic range. Its probably the one area Canon's current lineup are furthest behind with, compared to the other big brands out there. Its certainly the main reason behind myself and a lot of others switching from Canon to Nikon. I'd love to see Canon get more competitive in this field, but it doesn't seem like an area they're too concerned with. In any case it does still look like a beautiful camera, and very nice to see them settings trends instead of playing catch up. The 60fps 4k feature is amazing, also the 120fps HD video would be so nice to have.
Interestingly Canon doesn't show any improvements with it's sensors. Even 5Ds was just existing APS-C cut to FF size. Perhaps Sony's technology was bigger jump than it seemed and Canon can't come up with anything similar.
Yep its a strange one to call. I remember an interview last year where one of the main Canon guys said he was less interested in pursuing what their competitors were and more interested setting new ground. In a sense I guess they've achieved it. Its just a strange move considering how widely accepted it is that the dynamic range in their sensors is the probably the worst of all the big manufacturers. Maybe they didn't think it was necessary for the kind of photographer who'd likely purchase the 1D-X II. I hope for their sake they address it with the 5D mkIII.
Most of the interviews with the Canon reps talk about ADC on the sensor and major improvements in high ISO performance, DR, and very low noise in the shadows.
This camera should have called the 1DX MK 1.3
5 Years of development for this?!?! Really Canon?!?!?
"You got illuminated red autofocus which is something our users were asking for" Took you this long for a simple firmware update..
Oh! and it has GPS unit..Yippee..
The camera looks really ugly.
The only exciting thing is that backwards compatibility batteries.
Just out of curiosity what would have made it worth it for you?
First of a whole new AF system!!! More expanded to cover 85-90% of the frame...(Asking for this for ages now).
Some more MP would be more than welcome. 24 is the new 16 nowadays. Not
that I have a thing for MP but 20 seems a little low.
Same Card format giving the customer the option to choose. (Nikon D5)
Focus Peaking and Zebras for Video Shooters!!!! I don't really care about video but videographers love these two.
WIFI!!!!!! I know that has problems sending signals through magnesium bodies but figure it out already its 2016!!!!!
That auto AF tune (posted about this a year before on CR as a thought on features on new bodies) the new Nikon D5 has...If it works well its a must have and I think Canon already has a patent for this.
Where is that toggle from the 7D mkII for the focus options?!?!? I was expecting to see that.
Some kind of electronic shutter.
At the end I don't feel that much of difference from 1DX to 1DX mkII as I felt from 1DmkIV - 1Ds mkIII to 1DX.
PS: On a perfect world I would love to see a hybrid viewfinder as well, some kind of ovf and evf, but its too early for that for the slowly innovative world of DSLR.
PS 2: Fingers crossed on DR...Lets hope they finally figured it out. (If they did they would have marketed it)
PS 3: Canon shooter myself
Hey! Maybe they'll offer a firmware upgrade to allow clean HDMI out from the Mark 1 now! HAHAHAHAHAHHA. No but seriously. Focus peaking?
It looks like a new workhorse but if the money worth it?....
We will see how a comparison shows the difference between the first Generation. If they improved the dynamic range and and noise I'll think about a change but if not I keep my old one. But I'm still happy about the 20 megapixels because I personally don't need a Megapixelmonster which eats the battery's for breakfast...
Instead of a camera that has an ISO up to thirty million, how about a camera that can come down to say 10 or 15 ISO? I don't know the technical possibilities of this but the ability to do long exposure daylight shots or super shallow DOF portraits outdoors with strobes surely is of more benefit than the ability to shoot in a pitch black cave using ambient light?? It'd be like an in-built ND filter. Anyone know if this is even possible?
I've often wondered the same thing. The Nikon D810 can go down to 32 in extended range, and it's been quite handy. I'd much rather have a camera with a range that started a couple stops lower and maxed lower....say ISO 8 to 12,800.
I have to admit...as a Nikon shooter who does a lot of video this camera is a lot more appealing than the D5. I've never said that about any Canon camera, but they're a full generation ahead of Nikon here in regard to video resolutions and frame rates. This would make an excellent b-camera to my FS7, whereas the D5/D500 is lacking a lot (all those stitched video files for 4K, no high frame rate options for 1080). If Canon can improve their DR, Nikon is in definitely in trouble.
Too late Canon... i jumped the boat long ago and by the looks of it, even if i didnt before i still would've done it now :/
::arrives on Canon HQ's doorstep at 2AM, in the middle of a thunderstorm, wearing bloody pajamas::
"WHOEVER IS IN THERE I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME! JUST TELL ME THE DR FIGURES! I NEED... THE DR FIGURES. I DON'T EVEN CARE ABOUT THE PHOTOS ANYMORE, I JUST NEED THE NIKON AND SONY GUYS TO SHUT THE HELL UP ON THE MESSAGE BOARDS, I CAN'T DO THIS FOR ANOTHER PRODUCT CYCLE!!"
i know them feels. eventually those message boards get to you and you make the switch >_<
So does this mean the 5D Mark IV is on the horizon?
Yes, rumoured to arrive around autumn this year.
I dont believe any of the rumors until they are confirmed by canon. It was rumored to arrive this spring this time last year.
From what I remember the rumours always pointed to a 1Dx release first and then the 5D IV 6 months later, which is sort of confirmed by Canon when they talked about the 5Ds line saying they would review how the market received them.
1. Surprised they didn't steal/improve on the 7d2 65pts.
2. Does it shoot 4K cropped or not cropped
3. Think it was smart not getting carried away with the extended iso range. Nobody uses it. Seems like they are trying to nail down the native performance.
Based on the video interview 4k is the center of the sensor to avoid binning; so yes cropped.
Huh, didn't realize they were still in business.
As great as these specs are it's way too late.
Wonder what the bit rate is for the video, especially 4k 60p...
Things are looking up for the 5div right about now! I had heard claims of 15 stops of dynamic range from canon but someone said that translates to around 14 stops in real world tests. We will see! Super happy to see the 4k 60p and the 120fps hd, I hope this trickles down to the 5div and canon puts the 5d back into the video/stills workhorse category.
Very excited about this camera! From the reviews I have seen so far it looks like they really improved the IQ by adding an on sensor Analog/Digital converter. Way better ISO performance and major DR increase. Don't care about the fps, but having a wider range of AF points is nice. Wish they would have chosen to go all CF or all CFast, not both. Looking forward to pre-ordering one.
http://www.andyrouse.co.uk/index.php?b=1¤tpage=
My main camera is still a Canon 5D2. I can drop it on concrete or leave it at a shoot and I won't be heartbroken and likely not even report to my insurance. It does about everything I need, I use a tripod when I need to and shoot at ISO 100. I shoot video at 24p and if I "need" slomotion for a spot I borrow a gh4. Never, not once ever has a client asked me even remotely asked me or talked about image quality. They ask how much it's all going to cost, when they can get it and what they are allowed to use it for. Hopefully, if I have done a good enough, job they will call and ask those questions again.
There is nobody that needs this new camera on earth today. Only people that want it. For all the people that shoot video, can someone please tell me why they need to own a camera that does high frame rates and why in hell it so important?
I agree with most of your assessment. Higher frame rates are sometimes important because it gives you more options as a video producer to get smooth slow motion. I love the GH4 and I have a hard time understanding how a camera like this can cost so much more.
To give a sense of calm and stillness to a film? You've never seen a beautiful slow motion scene?
This is the least attractive camera for a "Filmmaker". This is a photographers tool that shoots exceptional video, at best a B or C camera for filmmaking professionals. What I meant is what i said "why they need to OWN a camera that does high frame rates". You can rent a camera that fits the bill for a spot. All these people clamoring that they need high frame rates like they shoot 90% of their work with it.
High frames rates is great sometimes but this camera does a lot of things besides that. Plus I have a C100 and it doesn't do slow motion so it would be wonderful to have a B camera that could fill that hole.
Especially when shooting ronin shots a slow motion video helps smooth out the bouncing.
The sample images look very nice as well. The ISO 25,600 shot looks very clean and has a lot of detail for that high of an ISO. With my current 1DX I would keep my settings at 12,800 or below. I would say 25,600 looks similar to 6400 on a 1DX.
http://cweb.canon.jp/camera/eos/lineup/1dxmk2/samples/index.html
A whole lot of haters down here. I've been pissed at Canon for the past camera generation for everything that they've left out of their cameras (or gone out of their way to hinder, a la Magic Lantern). I saw the D5, went into a joy coma and was ready to jump ship until I saw this. People say underwhelming but I say ahead of the curve. There are few cameras outside of the FS7 that can shoot video like this (much less internally) and using GPS to sync to Universal Timecode isn't just a nifty feature: It's effing mind-blowing. But as a still camera, I fully anticipate this body to impress. The 1DX has always been, first and foremost, a stills camera (which is why they offer dedicated cinema bodies within its price range). Canon knows this. If its video capabilities are this impressive, I am anxious to get my hands on it to see what kind of stills we can pull out of it.
Not much love for Canon here, but I have been shooting with a 1D X for about two years now and in terms of sheer pleasure to shoot with, nothing comes close. The 1D X Mark II looks like a solid improvement to what is already an exceptional camera, so I could not be more pleased. If you want to whine about this or that, that's fine, but I care more about who a camera handles than some nebulous feature(s) that I'll never use.
To me, the D5 looks MUCH more sexy from a design perspective. This is just kind of boxy and plain. Yeah yeah...I know it's the guts that matter. But after dropping over 6 grand on something, you should love the looks too.
I see a lot of people going on about how lack-luster this, and the D5 are as far as the wait times vs. new features released.
These bodies are made for working people in the working world for sports, editorial, and press. We don't want 4K. We don't really want anything larger than 20-24 MP, we don't need GPS, and all this clamoring on about video is enough to drive a guy to start drinking.
The top ISO, AF features, FPS, buffer capacity, and anything that will add to the workflow of getting images from body to wire service sooner are the features most wanted. And although I would have liked to see that ceiling of MP reached at or more near the 24 area, I can live from 16 to 20.
These improvements (on paper) look to be pretty good model upgrades. I have a date night with a D5 in a week from now, and I don't think it will be a disappointment. But all of this noise over bells & whistles..
Maybe I'm just tired out and still way too happy with my D800 (different core user/market than these new beasts, I know). But each new iteration seems less and less exciting at this stage of camera perfection.
http://lifeascinema.blogspot.com/2015/04/california-dreamin.html
In fact, I'm still pleased with my D80 :)
http://lifeascinema.blogspot.com/2015/06/that-little-giant.html