Decision tools · Compare

EOS-1D vs EOS 5D Mark II

Quick take: The EOS 5D Mark II has the highest resolution at 21MP; the EOS 5D Mark II is the most affordable.

16 specs side by side·13 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras

How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.

Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more

Verdictwhich should you buy?

EOS-1D — Professional Digital Camera History Collectors: Canon's first pro digital DSLR — a 4MP, 8fps APS-H monster from 2001 that set the template for every 1D to follow. A landmark piece of digital camera history.

Who should buy what
EOS-1D (2001)
is the right camera for you if…
  • Collectors of professional digital camera milestones
  • Canon historians documenting the evolution of the EOS-1 line
  • Sports photography archivists
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
Specification EOS-1DCanon · 2001EOS 5D Mark IICanon · 2008
Price £150£128Best
Sensor 4.1MP APS-H CMOS (1.3× crop)21.1MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution 4.1MP21.1MPBest
Video —Full HD 1080p/30
Autofocus 45-point AF with 7 cross-type points9-point phase-detect (+6 assist points) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view
Stabilisation —No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate 8fps continuous (up to 21 RAW frames)Best3.9fps
Battery Life ~1200 shots per chargeBest~850 shots (CIPA)
Weight 1225g (body only)890g (with battery)Best
Dimensions 155.6 × 117.8 × 77.5mm152 × 113.5 × 75mm
Weather Sealed YesYes
Viewfinder OVF, 0.72× magnification, 100% coverageOptical pentaprism, 98% coverage, 0.71x
Screen 2.0" fixed LCD3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots
Mount Canon EFCanon EF
Memory Cards CompactFlash Type I/IISingle CompactFlash slot
Connectivity USB 1.1, FireWireUSB 2.0, mini HDMI, AV out, 3.5mm mic jack, N3 remote

Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.

How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
EOS-1D
EOS 5D Mark II
Portrait
4.7/10
5.8/10
Street
3.6/10
4.7/10
Travel
3.6/10
4.8/10
Wedding & Events
5.0/10
5.4/10
Documentary
3.7/10
5.1/10
Sports & Action
5.6/10
5.1/10
Landscape
3.7/10
5.4/10
Wildlife
5.9/10
5.6/10
Casual
1.9/10
2.9/10
Food
3.1/10
4.2/10
Macro
2.9/10
3.8/10
Architecture
3.3/10
5.1/10
Astrophotography
5.6/10
5.9/10

Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →

Next
More comparisons with EOS-1D
Camera family history