Canon has announced its new flagship DSLR, the full-frame EOS-1D X Mark II. The
new model features a new 20.2MP CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel AF, and uses a pair
of Dual DIGIC 6+ processors to capture 4K video and shoot continuously at up to 16
fps. The camera has a native ISO of 100-51200, expandable to 409600.
The new 61-point autofocus system has 41 cross-type sensors and 24% larger
frame coverage than its predecessor. Its centre point is sensitive to -3EV in
OneShot AF. In live view the camera uses the latest iteration of Canon’s Dual Pixel
AF technology for high-speed focusing in OneShot mode. The metering system has
also been updated to use a 360k-pixel RGB+IR sensor, which the company says
improves subject – including face – detection and tracking.
As with its predecessors, the 1D X is as rugged a camera as you’ll find. Its
magnesium alloy body is fully weather-sealed and has a shutter that will last for
approximately 400 000 cycles. In addition to its large optical viewfinder (now with
better, adjustable AF point illumination), the Mark II has a 3.2″ Clear View II LCD
with 1.62 million dots, up from 1.04 million dots. The screen is touch-enabled, but
only for autofocus point selection in Live View. Another new addition is a built-in
GPS (with an e-compass), which sits in a ‘hump’ on the top of the viewfinder.
Otherwise, the design of the Mark II is very similar to that of its predecessor.
Performance-wise, the 1D X II can shoot continuously at 14 fps with autofocus, and if you lock the mirror up, you can shoot up to 16 fps with locked focus and
exposure. If you’re using the older LP-E4N battery, the top shooting speeds drop to
the same frame rates as the 1D X (12/14 fps). If you’re using a CFast card you can
take an unlimited number of JPEGs or a whopping 170 Raw images in a single burst,
or 12 seconds of shooting at 14 fps. The 1D X II also has a slot for standard
CompactFlash cards. When it comes to connecting to a PC you can choose from the camera’s USB 3.0 or Ethernet ports. Wi-Fi requires the use of Canon’s $600 WFT-E8 wireless file transmitter.
One of the most significant additions to the 1D X II is support for 4K (DCI) video
capture. It can capture 4K video at 60p using the M-JPEG codec (which allows for
easy frame grabs) as well as 1080p at frame rates of up to 120 fps. You’ll need to
use a CFast card in order to record more than a few seconds of 4K video though.
Dual Pixel AF enables continuous autofocus in video, and touch focus makes the
experience a breeze. The camera does not offer focus peaking or zebra patterns
natively, but they are visible when using an external recorder. As one would expect
given its place in Canon’s line-up, the 1D X Mark II has both headphone and mic
jacks.
The EOS-1D X Mark II will be available in April 2016.
