Canon EOS 1DX vs 1DX Mark II vs 1DX Mark III
Canon EOS 1DX
Introduced in late 2011, the Canon EOS 1DX is still a powerhouse camera in Full Frame format and will enable you to step up into Full Frame format for a budget-friendly price since you’ll be finding these DSLR style cameras on the used market.
The Canon 1DX has been replaced a couple of times already, with the Canon 1DX Mark II and Canon 1DX Mark III, with mostly upgrades to the sensor resolution. Canon 1DX prices for used cameras will increase with each replacement model, so a Canon 1DX II of 2016 will cost more than the 1DX, and the Canon 1DX III of 2020 will be even more.
The Canon 1DX has been out of production for several years, while the Canon 1DX III is a current model also available brand-new. You may still be able to find a Canon 1DX II as a new camera, but there won’t be many available.
For price comparisons, we will be considering Canon EOS 1DX used cameras, including the original, Mark II, and Mark III.
Canon 1DX Models - Similarities
Canon EOS 1DX Mark II
Let’s look at the similarities of the various Canon 1DX camera models.
When the Canon 1DX was first introduced, it was a step forward for combining a larger sensor with sports imaging speed. The 1DS had a higher pixel count, but the Canon 1DX was faster and had great AF features.
Previously, the line of Canon EOS digital pro cameras designed for sports photography was a crop sensor, APS-H, which was larger than APS-C but not quite Full Frame. All three of the Canon 1DX cameras are Full Frame format and built as DSLRs with the Canon EF lens mount.
Canon EOS 1DX
These are somewhat large and heavy cameras with extreme ruggedness and many features and capabilities desired by professional shooters. Though designed for action photography, the Canon 1DX series of cameras have exceptional resolution, so it’s not like you have huge trade-offs of image quality between the 1DS cameras and Canon 1DX cameras.
These cameras have large fixed rear view screens, generously arranged hand grips, camera controls for shutter release and changing settings in either vertical or horizontal shooting, and dual card slots.
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Canon 1DX Models - Differences
Canon EOS 1DX
The Canon 1DX has an 18MP Full Frame sensor, 61 AF points, ISO from 50 to 204,800 when boosted, and uses Compact Flash memory cards. It can cycle still images at 14 frames per second and shoots Full HD 1080p video. The top shutter speed is 1/8000th of a second, and flash sync is 1/250th.
Canon EOS 1DX Mark II
The Canon 1DX II, meanwhile, has a 20.2MP Full Frame sensor, 61 AF points, expandable ISO from 50 to 409,600, and has CFast 2.0 support in dual card slots. The Canon 1 DX II can cycle at 16 fps and shoots 4K video for high-quality recordings. Top shutter speed 1/8000th, flash sync 1/250th, and a higher resolution rear view screen.
Canon EOS 1DX Mark III
The Canon 1DX III has a 20.1MP Full Frame sensor, 191 AF points, expandable ISO from 50 all the way up to 819,200, and dual CFExpress card slots. It can cycle still images at 20 fps, and the video is upgraded to 5.5K. Shutter speeds remain the same as the other two cameras, and this rear view screen is even higher resolution.
Canon 1DX Models - Prices
Canon EOS 1DX
Now let’s look at the real reason we’re examining older used cameras as well as current production models as used cameras - the prices.
I highly recommend shopping used photographic equipment only from highly reputable stores. One of my favorites is MPB, which offers 6-month warranties, a 7-day return policy, and they carefully vet each and every camera and lens they offer for sale.
At the time of writing, the Canon 1DX can be found in excellent condition for $1,600, good condition for $1,529, well used for $1,189, and heavily used but still usable at the rock-bottom price of $899.
The Canon 1DX II currently goes for $2,699 in excellent condition. In good condition, the price is $2,379, and well-used versions go for $1,829.
Canon EOS 1DX Mark III
Since it’s a newer model, the prices for a used Canon 1DX III are higher. One in like-new condition goes for $5,669, one in excellent condition sells for $5399, and one in good condition for $4,859.
Canon 1DX - Canon 1DX II - Canon 1DX III
Canon EOS 1DX Mark III
So, which one should you buy? Well, the prices for the oldest cameras are the lowest, highest for the most current model. The older camera has average video, while the other two cameras have 4K and 5.5K. The Canon 1DX also uses the older style Compact Flash cards, while the newer cameras use the better memory cards with very fast transfer speeds.
Ultimately, it will likely come down to price vs features, but there are bargains available for each model. Whether moving up to Full Frame from a crop format or looking for a good value as a backup second camera, any of these three fine cameras will serve you well.
