(1) Full-frame 18.10-megapixel CMOS sensor

At the heart of the EOS-1D X is a high-sensitivity CMOS sensor (Photo 2) with approximately 18.10 effective megapixels and an effective sensor size of about 36 × 24mm.

(2) Dual DIGIC 5+ imaging processors provide fast, high-quality image processing

The new DIGIC 5+ imaging processor is essential to low-noise image processing and makes multiple exposures and other digital image processing functions possible. Having dual processors enables super high-speed continuous shooting as fast as approximately 14 fps.

(3) Wide, ISO 100 – 51200 range expands creative shooting possibilities

We were able to extend the ISO range to 100 – 51200, two stops wider than the EOS-1D Mark IV's ISO range, thanks to the CMOS architecture, which incorporates the latest technology, and the DIGIC 5+ imaging processor's low-noise processing capability.

(4) Dual card slots for CF memory cards

The EOS-1D X comes with two card slots that support CF Type I and Type II cards as well as UDMA Mode 7.

Professional photographers need an AF system that works in all kinds of conditions, so we developed a new 61-point Area AF sensor (Photo 3) that does just that.

(1) 61 high-density reticle AF points

The 61 AF points are laid out in a high-density pattern and provide excellent AF performance (Figure 1). At f/2.8 and f/5.6, five dual cross-type AF points are active, and 41 cross-type AF points are active when an f/4 lens is attached.

(2) AI Servo AF III

In response to feedback from professional photographers, we created a more precise and consistent AI Servo AF. And with AI Servo AF III, the EOS-1D X can track with much greater stability tennis, soccer, and other moving subjects that had been difficult to lock on to in the past (Figure 2).

(3) AF frame selection

We incorporated various innovations to make effective use of the 61 AF points.

(4) EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF

Subject-tracking accuracy is greatly improved because the autofocusing algorithm uses face detection information and color information from the 100,000-pixel RGB metering sensor (Photo 4). EOS iTR, when enabled, functions while either Zone AF or 61-point automatic selection is active.

(1) EOS iSA (Intelligent Subject Analysis) System

This system, which combines the 100,000-pixel RGB metering sensor and a DIGIC 4 imaging processor, calculates the brightness of the main subject more appropriately because it evaluates the exposure and the flash strength based not only on the brightness but also on the subject's color and on face detection information*. This system also works in conjunction with autofocusing and the Auto Lighting Optimizer function. The actual metering divides the sensor area into 21 x 12 blocks (252 zones) (Figure 4). In low-light conditions, metering relies on 7 x 5 blocks (35 zones) to permit higher ISO speeds.

* EOS-1D X comes equipped with three imaging processors: a DIGIC 4 for metering and dual DIGIC 5+ for image processing.

(1) Improved movie recording functionality

The movie recording size menu allows users to choose between the ALL-I compression format, which is ideal for movie editing, and the IPB compression format, which is better for longer recordings (Figure 5). The EOS-1D X also provides various time code settings (Figure 6), which are essential to professional video editing.

(2) Elimination of the 4 GB file size limit

On previous models, movie recording ended once the file size for one continuous shot reached 4 GB. This restriction has been removed on the EOS-1D X, so users can record a continuous clip up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds long, regardless of the file size.

(3) Reduced moiré and color artifacts

Improvements to the CMOS sensor and the image processing applied to movies have dramatically reduced the occurrence of moiré and color artifacts.

(4) Exposure control and ISO speeds

Movies can be recorded with Program AE for movies, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, and manual exposure. The highest ISO speed setting for movie recording is now equivalent to ISO 204800.

(1) Enhanced viewfinder information display

By incorporating a transparent LCD into the viewfinder, the EOS-1D X can display the 61 AF points, a grid, an electronic level, and an AF status indicator while providing approximately 100% coverage. The shooting mode is now indicated at the bottom of the viewfinder (Figure 7).

The EOS-1D X supports the Ec-A, B, D, H, I, and L focusing screens.

(2) Electronic level

Users can display an electronic level on the LCD monitor. The level indicates 360 degrees of horizontal rotation and ±10 degrees of vertical tilt in one-degree increments (Figure 8).

(3) Clear View LCD II monitor

The EOS-1D X has a 3.2-inch high-resolution LCD monitor with approximately 1.04 million dots. The monitor uses a solid construction that eliminates the gap (air layer) between the protective glass cover and the liquid crystals to prevent reflections. The monitor's glass surface is also finished with an anti-reflective coating.

(4) Enhanced image playback functions

(1) Shutter durability of more than 400,000 cycles

In shutter durability tests, the EOS-1D X passed 400,000 cycles, compared with the 300,000-cycle performance of the EOS-1D Mark IV. We have also added a camera system information screen where the user can see the number of shutter releases and a log of past errors and cautions (Figure 10).

(2) Dustproof and drip-proof performance

The EOS-1D X is thoroughly protected against dust and moisture at 76 locations, including around control buttons and along outer cover seams.

(1) Built-in Gigabit wired LAN function

With the new wired LAN connector, users can transfer images to an FTP server at high speeds or use EOS Utility to capture images remotely.

(2) Wireless LAN and GPS support

The optional WFT-E6 wireless file transmitter can be used to transfer images over wireless LAN connections. The optional GP-E1 GPS receiver (Photo 5) can append the location, orientation, and time of the shot to photos. Both units feature compact designs that match the camera and both can be used without impeding shooting in any way.