My love affair with the EOS 1 series started when I playing with my friends Canon EOS 1D Mark I and Mark IIN, I was totally awed by its high frames per second and the sound of the high speed shutter. In time to come, I found myself owning a used Canon EOS 1D Mark III that I faithfully used for a few years before I upgraded to another EOS 1 series, the Canon EOS 1DX, also a used camera when the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II was announced and the price of a used EOS 1DX started to drop.

During a media event in February 2016, I got my hands on experience with the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II and inside my heart said, “I know you want it, buy it!”. However, my brain said, “It’s out of your current budget at the moment, even though you have a use for it on a professional basis” Therefore, I opted for a used Canon EOS 1DX, that I still love it and it’s now my current workhorse DSLR camera, as much as I badly wanted the EOS 1DX Mark II.

I did have an opportunity to review the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II recently, I was very excited because I am a huge fan of the EOS 1 series, not just on and from a professional basis, also from a photography enthusiast perspective.

During the review period, I had the opportunities to test the EOS 1DX Mark II over different situations, themes and events, from Singapore Motorshow 2017, Chinatown Heritage Walking Trail CNY 2017, River Hongbao 2017, Battle for Singapore Tour media preview, Chinese New Year gathering, Jaybird Freedom Wireless earphones product theme shoot and walking around Marina Bay area in the blue hour and night sceneries walkabout shoot. The experiences were really good and I was secretly lusting for a Canon EOS 1DX Mark II for my professional photography work along with a Canon EOS 1DX as a back up / second camera setup!

Through the various types of photographs that I took with the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II, I have the following observations, views and opinions of this powerful and awesome Canon flagship DSLR camera, written down in this review article.

However, before I begin, first and foremost, let me highlight the key differences between the technical specifications between the Canon EOS 1DX and EOS 1DX Mark II, the information that I extracted from Canon Singapore website by comparing these two Canon DSLR cameras side by side –

Based on the comparisons of technical specifications only, the key differences may not seem by many users as a big jump from the EOS 1DX to EOS 1DX Mark II. From my sharing of my Canon EOS 1DX Mark II review, I would share some of the key improvements that makes professional photographers to make their upgrade from EOS 1DX to EOS 1DX Mark II.

Colours

The Dual Digic 6+ processors inside the EOS 1DX Mark II make a key difference and impact to the quality and output of the photographs. They were richer and more accurate in colours, making it even easier and faster for jpeg photographs straight out from the EOS 1DX Mark II to be used quickly for your work requirements.

Dynamic Range

From my observations of the photographs shot with the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II review camera, on various subjects and themes during the review period, the dynamic range of the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II has improved. Therefore, the EOS 1DX Mark II is able to capture and retain more details and information. With this significant improvement, the shadows/dark tone areas of the photograph are lifted.

Anti-Flicker Technology

The Anti-Flicker technology that was first introduced to the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is now available inside the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II. The flickering of the indoor lights always pose an issue to photographers and they can give some photographers many problems/challenges to handle when shooting indoors. With the Anti-Flicker technology, indoor sports or events photography with the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II is so much more easier and pleasant, without the hassles of the flickering lights.

Auto Focus

The Canon EOS 1DX Mark II is the current flagship DSLR camera, it’s a monster machine as I always love (and usually) call it. Their Auto Focus system has improved significantly over the past few models since I started off (still owning it at this current juncture) with the EOS 1D Mark III and I am currrently using the EOS 1DX.

What make this Canon flagship DSLR camera so powerful, highly trusted and widely adopted by professionals around the world, from photojournalists, sports and wildlife photographers, are the AF technology packed inside this camera.

The technical specifications on paper shows how good and powerful this Canon EOS 1DX Mark II is. I recommend photographers who are keen in this camera to try it out and have a go at this flagship DSLR camera, you will then know why it is so highly trusted and widely adopted by the professioanls in photojournalism, sports and wildlife.

Here are the key improvements that are built inside the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II

• 170 RAW images with CFast 2.0 card
• Live View RAW – 16fps
• New AF algorithm and AI Servo AF III+
• EOS iTR
• Large Zone AF
• Newly developed 61-point AF sensor
• AF shooting is possible on most lenses using all AF points with a maximum aperture value of f/8
• Intelligent viewfinder II

During my review and research that I done previously for the Canon EOS 1DX, I discovered Canon USA produced a guide book on Canon EOS 1DX AF Setting Guidebook for users to fully utilise and customise the full AF capabilites. This book is now helping me to fine tune my AF settings in my EOS 1DX.

For this review article, I went back to Canon USA website and discovered that they have produced a new book titled Canon EOS 1DX Mark II AF Setting Guidebook. I strongly encourage photographers (whether professionals or serious enthusiasts) to download this handy guide book for their Canon EOS 1DX Mark II DSLR camera. This is a very handy and useful guide book to have for the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II.

Thoughts and views

The Canon EOS 1DX Mark II is the flagship Canon DSLR camera, this camera is highly regarded and used by professional photographers in the fields of journalism, sports and wildlife.

Owning a EOS 1DX is a huge upfront investment, the cost is pretty substantial. Therefore, this camera model is not something that all photographers would choose to purchase, considering their shooting requirements and budget. Moreover, Canon has a series of different professional DSLR camera models for professional as well as photography enthusiasts to choose from, such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS 5DS, EOS 5DS R and not to forget the semi-professional camera models such as the EOS 7D Mark II, EOS 6D, EOS 80D etc.

Key factors that make photographers upgrade from EOS 1DX to 1DX Mark II

While the differences between the EOS 1DX and EOS 1DX Mark II may not be that big of a difference on paper, professional photographers who view the photos and read about the key differences in performances, they would choose to let go of their EOS 1DX and go for the EOS 1DX Mark II.

During the period when I reviewed the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II, these key factors (in my personal opinion) are why some photographers are letting go of their Canon EOS 1DX for the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II

• Improved dynamic range
• Shadows/Dark tone areas improvements
• Anti-flickr shooting capabilities
• Smarter and faster auto focusing with the new AF algorithm and AI Servo AF III+
• 170 RAW images with CFast 2.0 card

On a personal note, I would really love to own the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II when my budget and finances allow. The Canon EOS 1DX is still a very capable camera, that is still doing its job well for me. Therefore when the opportunity arises, I hope that I can upgrade to the EOS 1DX Mark II in the near future.

I would like to thank Canon Singapore and Ogilvy Public Relations for the opportunity to review the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II.

The post Canon EOS 1DX Mark II Review appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

At a recent media event, we were shown the Canon EOS-1DX Mark II and had a short hands on with the two units. It was very exciting for me, some of my friends and public relations folks knew about my desire and my next dream DSLR camera. I managed to record some short videos of the Canon EOS-1DX Mark II, the short hands on and the 14fps action, with some help and assistance from fellow photographer friend, Joe Teh of TechieLobang.

In this particular article sharing, this would be more of an introduction article from the press release information and I would not go into details on the differences yet between the Canon EOS-1DX Mark I and EOS-1DX Mark II. On the differences and comparisons, I hope to share it when I am able to have the EOS-1DX Mark II unit available for review when they are officially available in the market.

Let me share some key points on Canon flagship DSLR, Canon EOS-1DX Mark II –

• 16fps when shooting with Live View with no screen blackout
• AI Servo AF III+, a new AF algorithm
• 4K Image quality for EOS Movie
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• Shutter count @ 400,000

Personally, I am into sports and wildlife photography, the Canon EOS-1 series definitely and always fit and suits my needs and requirements. Although I am not in the profession of a news photojournalist, my freelance photography work in events coverage and my own personal photography projects, the EOS-1 series is a great asset, especially my beloved, trusted and robust EOS-1D Mark III. Over time, wear and tear, the Canon EOS-1D Mark III had served me really well, brought me towards a level of professionalism and recognition. With the announcement of the Canon EOS-1DX Mark II, this might be the time to semi-retire my Canon EOS-1D Mark III and I would get the Canon EOS-1DX Mark I as my flagship camera setup (I secretly and openly declare that I still want the Canon EOS-1DX Mark II if my budget allows).

From my lengthy personal thoughts and feelings on the introduction of the Canon EOS-1DX Mark II, you would be able to see the passion and support that I have for the EOS-1 series family.

Let me officially introduce the Canon EOS-1DX Mark II from the press release information –

“To photographers, a moment lost is lost forever. The EOS-1D X Mark II is our masterpiece crafted through close collaboration with professionals in the industry, years of research and innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence for our users,” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “We’re ecstatic to be unveiling the next generation of pro-level DSLRs capable of delivering stunning image quality and an unwavering reliability that professionals demand of their work consistently.”

Built for quality high-speed photography

A split second can mean a lot to professional photographers, especially those in the sports, journalism and wildlife fields. Beyond being there in the right moment to capture that one unique shot, professionals require equipment quick enough to capture that split second, in impeccable image quality, with precise focus for a perfectly composed shot – something that the EOS-1D X Mark II is capable of delivering. With its new 61-point all points selectable AF system with 41-points cross type AF, photographers benefit from an expanded AF area (approximately 24 percent vertically) compared to the EOS-1D X.

Its low-intensity limit function at the centre AF is also improved to EV-3, thus ensuring a solid performance even in low-light and low contrast conditions. Beyond the hardware, the DSLR is equipped with Al servo AF III+, a new AF algorithm with AI servo scenes analysis that improves AF precision in scenarios involving fast and unexpected movements. With all 61-points compatible to effective aperture of f/8 or faster, autofocusing is possible even when using teleconverters on super telephoto lenses, equipment common in wildlife and sports photography.

Additionally, the mirror on the EOS-1D X Mark II is constructed with a new drive mechanism that quickly suppresses vibration which enables the DSLR to deliver a quick frame rate of 14 fps with AF and auto-exposure tracking enabled, and an even more impressive 16 fps when shooting with Live View, with no screen blackout. With a CFast 2.0 card slot for high-speed writing, the EOS-1D X Mark II can capture up to 170 RAW images and an unlimited number of JPEG images in continuous shooting mode.

4K image quality for EOS Movie

In 2012, the EOS-1D C was the first EOS DSLR to incorporate 4K movie recording. With the EOS-1D X Mark II, users are now able to utilize 4K motion JPEG at 60/50p, resulting in amazingly smooth footages. The EOS-1D X Mark II’s Full HD recording feature comes with a new High Frame Rate mode that allows recording at 120/100, enabling slow motion video recording. The inclusion of a CFast slot caters to these high data-rate shooting modes.

With the addition of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF (DAF), a first in the EOS-1D series, users utilising phase-detection in Live View mode benefit from extremely fast auto-focusing and efficient tracking of moving subjects without aperture limitations. The DSLR also supports EV-3 for all effective AF points within the sensor area when shooting 4K movies. Similar to the EOS 7D Mark II, the EOS-1D X Mark II includes selectable adjustments for Movie Servo AF speed and Movie Servo AF tracking sensitivity, giving users more flexibility in controlling focus racking during video shooting. Additionally, the EOS-1D X Mark II is equipped with touch focus function for its DAF feature. With this, users can easily switch focus by tapping the LCD panel for AF point selection in Live View mode.

With the DSLR’s 4K Frame Grab function, users can also easily extract images[1] of approximately 8.8 megapixels in JPEG format from 4K movies recorded on the camera without connecting to a computer. The camera’s ability to shoot at 60p means sports and wildlife photographers can now pick one out of the sixty images in every second of the video, thereby achieving a much higher image hit-rate and improving work efficiency.

Top-class image quality

The EOS-1D X Mark II breaks new ground for the EOS line with a newly developed 35mm full frame CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 6+ image processors, enhanced resolution of 20.2- megapixel images, and expanded ISO speeds of up to 409,600, one full stop higher than its predecessor the EOS1D X. With this, users are able to achieve better shooting results in lowlight. The new 360,000 pixel RGB + IR metering sensor and EOS iTR AF system on the EOS-1D X Mark II also greatly improves tracking precision. For indoor shoots under artificial lighting, photographers can turn on an anti-flicker mode to detect high frequency flickering of lights, thus ensuring better exposure stability. With this feature, irregular exposure and colours caused by flickering lights can be better managed.

A new in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer is now able to process and optimize RAW images in-camera. Previously available only in post-production, this editing function includes chromatic aberration correction, peripheral illumination correction, and for the first time in EOS history, diffraction correction. The combination of these corrective functions allows photographers to obtain higher quality JPEGs directly from the camera without using a computer, enabling fast image productions where time is of essence. The inclusion of Fine Detail picture style also pushes JPEG files to achieve even higher levels of sharpness.

Made to last

Every part of the EOS-1D X Mark II from its mirror to shutter mechanisms is built for endurance and durability, giving the DSLR a shutter life expectancy of 400,000 cycles. The EOS-1D X Mark II is encased in a robust magnesium alloy body and designed to be dust- and drip-proof for enhanced protection against the elements, essential for reliability in the professional photographer’s varied line of work, especially when working at outdoor shoots.

In terms of design and ergonomics, the grip and button operations were improved for greater comfort and operability for photographers of varying hand sizes. The control configuration on the EOS-1D X Mark II also makes the horizontal and vertical layouts more similar, so shooting landscape or portrait will have a similar feel.

The EOS-1D X Mark II uses the LP-E19 battery, which has a 10 percent increase in capacity compared to the LP-E4N used in the EOS-1D X, providing photographers with longer usage while in the field.

Built in GPS function and optional Wireless File Transmitter

For the first time in the EOS-1D series, GPS is built into the body of the camera. This allows all the photos to be tagged with accurate location information, providing users specific location references especially when traveling between assignments and locations. Access to satellite clocks also ensures accurate time-stamp information, allowing for more efficient organization of images.

File transfer is also made easy with the Wireless File Transmitter, WFT-E8D, available as an option with the EOS-1D X Mark II. The WFT-E8D supports high speed file transfer which supports IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac (5 GHz and 2.4 GHz band) wireless LAN. When mounted on the EOS-1D X Mark II, it allows seamless wireless connection between the photographer’s smartphone and the camera, allowing photographers to remotely control the camera for still image shooting, movie recording and transferring of images from camera to smartphone all via Canon’s Camera Connect app. The EOS-1D X Mark II is also equipped with a USB 3.0 port for high speed data transfer.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing and availability of the EOS-1D X Mark II will be announced at a later date

Product Specifications 

EOS 1D X Mark II

Dimensions: Approx. 158 x 167.6 x 82.6m

Weight: Approx. 1340g (body only)

Image sensor: 20.2 mega-pixel 35mm Full Frame CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel CMOS AF

Imaging processor: Dual DIGIC 6+

ISO speed: 100-51,200 (expandable to 409,600)

Continuous shooting speed: 16 fps (Live View), 14 fps (Viewfinder)

Maximum video quality: 4K 60p (max. 30 mins)

AF: 61-point High-Density Reticular AF System (41-point cross type)

Wi-Fi: Available with WFT-E8D (Optional)

GPS: Yes

LCD: Wide 3.2-inch (1.62 million dots)

Memory slot: CF + CFast 2.0

[1] Saving a still image from a single movie frame does not result in the same image quality as a normal still image.

*Information and details courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy Public Relations Singapore*

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