Canon has announced the Canon EOS-1D X, its new top-of-the-line DSLR camera. Expected to be available in Australia in March 2012, the new model will supersede the EOS-1D Mark IV (released 2009) and the EOS-1Ds Mark III (released 2007).
Key features include a full-frame, 18-megapixel, CMOS sensor; top ISO speed of 51,200 (extendable to a staggering 204,800); redesigned AF system; 12 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting; and Full HD video recording.
According to Canon the new sensor uses gapless microlens technology and Dual DiG!C 5+ imaging processors to improve low-light performance and deliver faster operating speeds. Top shooting speed is 12 fps with continuous AF but users can extend this to 14fps for fixed-focus shooting. Canon also claims the quickest shutter response time of any just 0.0036 seconds.
Among the big new features is a 61-point AF system with up to 41 cross-type sensors (by comparison, the EOS 1D Mk IV and 1Ds Mk III used 45-point systems with up to 39 cross-type points). The Auto Exposure (AE) system has also been redesigned and uses a dedicated DiG!C 4 sensor as well as a conventional RGB sensor to track subjects based on colour, brightness and facial features. Canon claims this improves tracking in sports where subjects move erratically.
The 1D-X will be the first 1-series camera to offer Full HD, recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels at either 24 or 25 fps. Compliant with video industry standards it supports the ALL-I compression format, as well as high-quality, high-compression IPB format. In movie mode the camera delivers an ISO range of 100-25600 (H:51200; H1:102400; H2:204800). Audio recording is manually adjustable both before and during shooting.
New accessories launched with the 1D-X include a wireless file transmitter and GPS receiver.
The EOS-1D X will be available through Canon Professional Dealers from March 2012. Pricing is yet to be announced.
Canon's new flagship pro DSLR, the EOS 1D-X.
