The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Specifications?

[wallstreetoneil]

My guess is that the bullet proof tracking autofocus of the 1DX did not allow more than a very modest pixel density increase - big pixels are better than small pixels at contrast. Can you imagine the feedback if the 1Dx II had poorer AF the the 1Dx - there would be an enormous backlash - so they stopped at 20 megapixels.

I would call the new AF sensor a big upgrade as well as the F8 ability to do real AI Servo tracking - if you are behind the net in a pro soccer game shooting down the field in good outdoor light this is a big deal for added DoF.

A lot of the Pro sports guys deliver jpegs for quick uploading so doing any of the correction in camera is a big deal for them.

I would truly like to know how many Pro Sports photogs use this camera for video - in the pro sports world there are very expensive video cameras so I don't think I get the apparent focus of the upgraded video - that said everything needs to be 4k so it seems like it was a must - what I do see as superior to the D5 is that I think it will record longer than 3 minutes in 4K which seems insane for the D5.

Where the D4s is used by the wedding photog community, I don't see anyone buy this for weddings - I could be wrong but I won't be.

The hump on the top is definitely GPS - exactly the same as the 7D2.

 

[Besisika]

You are excused for your ignorance.
ML raw on the 5D3 is softer than the C100 compressed codec. Also, workflow is terrible with ML DSLR's. I'd get the C100/300II or 1DXII if these specs are true. Not sure why you'd want the 1DC for more money.

Also for the prior two nested posters, I'm not sure how 120 fps 1080p, 60 fps 4k is not a significant upgrade in addition to Dual Pixel AF which is also supposedly better than other AF implementations for video.

Agree!
My opinion, how improved DPAF compared to the C100 II will determine if videographers would be interested or not.
In particular, how well it will work with L glasses. How well it would recognize and track faces both in video and live view mode with L glasses, how well it rack focuses using the touch screen, can we move the focus square with the joystick and so on.
One stop ISO improvement would be enough.
Combined with 120fps, double recording and better compression via HDMI, it will attract many who has no time or opportunity to shoot and reshoot scenes.

 

[applecider]

Has anyone actually stated that the images we are looking at of the x2 are real? If not then worrying about the hump is kinda sporting.

My main wish was for higher iso performance first with more MP's to allow a true one stop gain. Getting "only 2MP" more than the current 1DX doesn't speak to kick ass new sensor technology, unless the focus required compromise. Of course until the digital picture gets it tested we won't know, and even then I find his interpretations to be a little difficult to visualize, especially his sensor test patches.

I also thought that there might be a new processor "digic 7" to handle the 4K and near unlimited raw shooting throughput.

 

[PureClassA]

I also thought that there might be a new processor "digic 7" to handle the 4K and near unlimited raw shooting throughput.

There is. It's called the Digic 6 +

As a reminder, the difference in speed from the Digic 5 to Digic 5+ was pretty serious. It was something like 2-3 times faster. Just because they perhaps didn't alter the entire architecture and call it a Digic 7 doesn't mean it's not new and significantly faster than what's out there now.

 

[PureClassA]

My guess is that the bullet proof tracking autofocus of the 1DX did not allow more than a very modest pixel density increase - big pixels are better than small pixels at contrast. Can you image the feedback if the 1Dx II had poorer AF the the 1Dx - there would be an enormous backlash - so they stopped at 20 megapixels.

I would call the new AF sensor a big upgrade as well as the F8 ability to do real AI Servo tracking - if you are behind the net in a pro soccer game shooting down the field in good outdoor light this is a big deal for added DoF.

A lot of the Pro sports guys deliver jpegs for quick uploading so doing any of the correction in camera is a big deal for them.

I would truly like to know how many Pro Sports photogs use this camera for video - in the pro sports world there are very expensive video cameras so I don't think I get the apparent focus of the upgraded video - that saide everything needs to be 4k so it seems like it was a must - what I do see as superior to the D5 is that I think it wil record longer than 3 minutes in 4K which seems insane for the D5.

Where the D4s is used by the wedding photog community, I don't see anyone buy this for weddings - I could be wrong but I won't be.

The hump on the top is definitely GPS - exactly the same as the 7D2.

Sports guys wont care about the video, no. But the indy film makers who liked the 1DC and the overall Canon "look" when they shoot absolutely will. Depending on what the real/final specs turn out to be (like what codec) then Canon may have, as I previously predicted, more or less merged the DX and the DC and are trying to expand the standard sports and journalist and wildlife, etc... crowd. If they didn't care about the video in it, they would have left it at 30FPS 4k and maybe 60FPS 1080p (maybe even no 4k). We got a lot more. So this tells me Canon is trying to leave the door open. A FF sensor can make much prettier bokeh and isolation than a Super 35 can with the same lens. Granted it wont have all the video bells a C300 does, but it looks like it could be a damn fine cinema machine for it's size and design

 

[Famateur]

Some thoughts, in no particular order:

The Viewfinder Bulge

Likely the GPS receiver with plastic/resin housing, thus the seam that separates it from the magnesium body. I doubt it's removable.

ISO & Dynamic Range

Could be a trade-off for having Dual Pixel AF. We saw lower-than-expected ISO in the 7DII and the 5DS(R)*. With a DPAF sensor, I suspect no on-chip ADC. There were rumors about that (and 15 stops of dynamic range), so I wonder if those relate to the 5DIV. That would seem consistent with Canon interviews where it seemed different bodies for resolution vs. sensitivity (in the context of the 5D family) were the new philosophy.

Dual Pixel AF

I'm glad to see a touch-screen is rumored to go along with it. Still scratching my head about its exclusion from the 7DII (seems silly to have DPAF but no tap-to-focus). Hopefully, Dual Pixel AF will be leveraged to provide in-body AFMA, or better, on-the-fly AF refinement (if it's fast enough). If Dual Pixel AF in Live View is fast enough for good servo tracking, this would be fantastic. I'm hoping the potential of these features is the reason Canon opted for a DPAF sensor instead of something with on-chip ADC (if they're mutually exclusive -- I could be wrong on that).

Reactions

Obviously, everyone wants to see something huge and jaw-dropping. With a few exceptions, those who already shoot with a 1DX seem a bit underwhelmed by these rumored specs, while those who would be new to the 1D line have every reason to be ecstatic with what a 1DXII can do for them (or 1DX that goes way down in price).

We're getting to the point where cameras are so capable that huge leaps are less and less likely. Still everyone wants huge leaps. There will be some leaps, but I expect less frequently. That said, I was hoping to see something that represented a new generation of technology (and we might still see that). Instead, it looks like Canon took the best of what's already released (DPAF, GPS, etc), made some improvements (and some significant, like F8 AF on all points), and put it all together in a body that is, as a camera, spectacular in capability. Just not a debut of exciting, next-generation tech.

My hunch is Canon is packing workhorse capability and welcomed refinements into the 1DXII and will use the 5DIII successor to unveil new sensor sensitivity tech.**

* Though the 5DS(R) does not have DPAF, the pixel density may be considered a similar trade-off.

** I still have a gut feeling that it was a choice between Dual Pixel AF, and the features that brings, versus on-chip ADC. For the 1D series, it's about breadth, depth and robustness of feature set trumping dynamic range at certain ISOs.

 

[CanonGuy]

What a joke! Lolz! They had 4 years to make it right and they couldn't even catch up? Rip innovative, rip canon.

 

[Diltiazem]

Let's wait until Monday/tuesday and see...

Honestly, if I were in Canon's marketing department, I would purposely leak a "weak" spec list, and then WOW everyone once the real thing comes out with better specs ;D

Canon's tradition is to under-promise on spec lists and then over-perform when the product actually hits the market. Almost every time they have a major release, the forums light up with spec list experts who go through the list and conclude that the Canon product is weaker than the Nikon equivalent. But, once the cameras hit the streets, actual users find the Canon delivers way above the quoted spec list.

I expect it will be the same with this.

Now I like my Canon gear, but I'm not sure I fully agree with this. I am still irritated about the 5d3 release when they claimed a 1 stop improvement in dynamic range over the 5d2. The camera was out a full month before independent testing forced them to grudgingly admit it was only the in camera jpgs that had any improvement.
The c300 (I don't track these studies as closely) claim of 15 stops of dynamic range seems at least "very optimistic" depending who is measuring.

I hope this is not another similar scenario.

No, the claim wasn't about DR, it was about high ISO noise. But you are right, it turned out to be JPEG only 'improvement'. On the other hand banding was improved compared to 5DII which made shadow areas definitely more usable in 5DIII.

 

[kaihp]

My guess is that the bullet proof tracking autofocus of the 1DX did not allow more than a very modest pixel density increase - big pixels are better than small pixels at contrast.

Uhm, the (high-speed) autofocus tracking is courtesy of the AF sensor, not the image sensor itself. There is no link between the sensor pixel size and the AF sensor points.

The sensor is only used for AF in Live Mode (contrast-detect AF).

 

[tr573]

My guess is that the bullet proof tracking autofocus of the 1DX did not allow more than a very modest pixel density increase - big pixels are better than small pixels at contrast.

Uhm, the (high-speed) autofocus tracking is courtesy of the AF sensor, not the image sensor itself. There is no link between the sensor pixel size and the AF sensor points.

The sensor is only used for AF in Live Mode (contrast-detect AF).

The higher the resolution, the more glaring small AF errors will be when looking at photos @ 100%

 

[Famateur]

What a joke! Lolz! They had 4 years to make it right and they couldn't even catch up? Rip innovative, rip canon.

Defining "right" for one person is easy.

Defining "right" for a broad market with varying needs? Not so easy...

---

A thought from the economist in me: Take a look at the global markets. It's very possible that we're on the verge of another global recession, and perhaps a very painful one. Technology companies (and that includes Canon) must keep a pipeline of innovation and meter its release in order to stabilize the R&D to product cycle (only if you want to remain solvent for decades, of course). This means releasing only what your market needs, and very little more. I'd prefer the security of a company that is stable in the long term (and that produces amazingly capable cameras) over a vomit of radical tech...followed by bankruptcy...or obsolescence.

People point to Sony. Sony is "innovating" because it must do so in order to make a dent in market share. It has to convince buyers to not only choose their product but to also depart from the comfort zone of an established ecosystem. Example of the risk of that departure: Samsung NX1. Dead end.

One last thought about R&D to product cycle and metering releases of tech: If you had any idea what SanDisk has in its pipeline, you'd either wet your pants, feel cheated that it's not available NOW, or perhaps both.

Peaks and valleys mean volatility. Slow and steady means viability. Which ones do investors (which includes customers who adopt the ecosystem) prefer?

 

[jaayres20]

I just read the D5 specs again and they are basically the same camera on paper with some minor differences. I think it all comes down to the sensor and everyone is assuming Nikons will be great and Canon's will be terrible.

AF - Canon has 41 selectable cross type while Nikon has 35 selectable cross type. Nikon has -4EV (on how many sensors?) Canon has -3EV (on how many sensors?). If it is less that -3EV then I am using a flash anyway. However if I can use all 41 AF with -3EV sensitivity and they have more coverage in the edges of the frame, then I will be overjoyed. From what I can tell of the D5, most of the points are clustered in the center still.

Resolution - They are the same

ISO - They are basically the same and we wait until we see which has better performance. If I had to guess I would imaging that they will basically be the same after testing, but someone will dig deep and find that the Nikon will be a tiny bit better viewing the image 4X magnification.

DR - Again it depends on the sensor, but if Canon claims to have better DR and the D4s only had in the low 13s and didn't list better DR in their specs then I bet they are about the same too. Well I say that, but everyone on the web reviewing it will give the D5 the advantage.

Colors - This is where I really hope that Canon can give us the gorgeous colors they did with the 5DSr. Every time I edit a wedding where I used the 1DX and 5DSr in the same location and am blown away with how pleasing the 5DSr colors are and how muddy and dull the 1DX colors are. I would hope the colors are as good or better with the 1DX2. I never liked Nikon's colors.

FPS - They both are machine guns and IMO anything 12 and above is more than enough.

Buffer - They both shoot a around 14-17 second strait (at 12 FPS). I cannon imagine listening to 14 second of 12 FPS and I am amazed the camera can handle it. I am worried when I shoot a few seconds with my 1DX.

Video - I don't know enough about it but is seems like Canon will have a little better video capabilities but I am not a video guy so I don't really care.

DPAF - Does the D5 have AF in video mode? If not I can't see why this won't be a huge Canon advantage.

At first I was disappointed in the specs because I wanted basically for Canon to come out and blow us away with radical new technology. If these specs are true then it is worth the upgrade for me over my 1DX but I want the bragging rights too. I guess I shouldn't worry about it. It is interesting to see that with basically the same camera, and Canon actually having slightly better specs, how well the news of the D5 was received and how negative the news of the 1DX2 is received.

 

[JMZawodny]

A little bit of context: I'm (still) using a 5D2 and a 7D2. These (rumored) specs look very enticing to me, however, I'll sit tight in order to see what the actual specs are for this and the 5D4. Personally, I am hoping for a few firmware improvements where I can assign a back button to switch between 4k video and stills on the fly. I'm also hoping Canon will improve the AFMA SW so I can set different offsets based on focal distance (a-la Sigma). Everyone seems to be spun up on these rumored specs when the real improvements may never make the news until after these cameras are announced. Yes, I'd like 61 AF points that work at f/8. I'm fine with 20MP. Yes, I'd like my AF point to light up red. Yes, I'd love to shoot at ISO 25,600 (or higher). Yes, I might use 1080p @ 120fps. ... Until real people use these new cameras in real life, we won't know squat about what improvements have actually been made. Then, and only then, will I decide which (if either) to buy. I've waited 6 years, what difference will a couple of extra months make?

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Im having a hard time believing another 61 pt AF system. Ok... All can do f8. That's pretty substantial... But still the same 61?? Didnt the 7D2 come out with 65? Something's fishy here.

why?

 

[Famateur]

Im having a hard time believing another 61 pt AF system. Ok... All can do f8. That's pretty substantial... But still the same 61?? Didnt the 7D2 come out with 65? Something's fishy here.

why?

If the points are all active at F8 and (hopefully) spread out more along the frame, what's to complain about? Sounds pretty great to me...

 

[dolina]

FYI this article does not appear on the front page of CR. What shows up is Tamron article from way back on 24 January 2016.

This only shows up after I click elsewhere on the site and return to the front page. The Tamron article is then moved to the 2nd page

 

[kphoto99]

Technology companies (and that includes Canon) must keep a pipeline of innovation and meter its release in order to stabilize the R&D to product cycle (only if you want to remain solvent for decades, of course). This means releasing only what your market needs, and very little more.

The problem with this approach is that customers don't upgrade with each new model, so effectively you reduce your sales when you depend on upgrades vs new sales. An example of this is Neuro, he has a 1Dx and stated that he is not going to upgrade to the new one. So how is that good for Canon?

 

[CG photography]

Let's wait until Monday/tuesday and see...

Honestly, if I were in Canon's marketing department, I would purposely leak a "weak" spec list, and then WOW everyone once the real thing comes out with better specs ;D

Canon's tradition is to under-promise on spec lists and then over-perform when the product actually hits the market. Almost every time they have a major release, the forums light up with spec list experts who go through the list and conclude that the Canon product is weaker than the Nikon equivalent. But, once the cameras hit the streets, actual users find the Canon delivers way above the quoted spec list.

I expect it will be the same with this.

Now I like my Canon gear, but I'm not sure I fully agree with this. I am still irritated about the 5d3 release when they claimed a 1 stop improvement in dynamic range over the 5d2. The camera was out a full month before independent testing forced them to grudgingly admit it was only the in camera jpgs that had any improvement.
The c300 (I don't track these studies as closely) claim of 15 stops of dynamic range seems at least "very optimistic" depending who is measuring.

I hope this is not another similar scenario.

No, the claim wasn't about DR, it was about high ISO noise. But you are right, it turned out to be JPEG only 'improvement'. On the other hand banding was improved compared to 5DII which made shadow areas definitely more usable in 5DIII.

Ahh, you are correct Diltiazem re the d53 high iso, apologies; I was texting on the run The dynamic range issue was the c300. Still, I feel that Canon sometimes over promises on performance. By the way, the circulating rumor about "class leading dynamic range and high iso performance" in the 1dxii, was that an anonymous rumor, or a Canon statement?

 

[tpatana]

For my use, it they have also 720p240, I'd be more interested. Currently the features are bit on the low side to upgrade from Mk1 "just because", although will see how it actually behaves. These are only rumors. If not, I'll get 5DsR or similar studio body as second.

 

[privatebydesign]

I just read the D5 specs again and they are basically the same camera on paper with some minor differences........

Video - I don't know enough about it but is seems like Canon will have a little better video capabilities but I am not a video guy so I don't really care.

DPAF - Does the D5 have AF in video mode? If not I can't see why this won't be a huge Canon advantage.

To me the difference in video specs is gigantic, and I'm not in to video at all, the D5 is absolutely crippled in 4k whereas the 1DX MkII is rumoured to shoot 60fps in 4k. I was hoping for a drop dead photographers tool (against my better judgement) however I believe what we have is the logical successor to the 1DX, I think it will beat it's predecessor in every metric and the combined total of those seemingly modest (apart from the video) upgrades will win over anybody that uses the 1DX regularly.