Upgrade Guide

Canon EOS-1D→Canon EOS M3

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

📷

You own

Canon

EOS-1D

£150

2001

→

Upgrade to

Canon

EOS M3

£150 (+£0)

2015

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the EOS-1D. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the EOS M3

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	EOS-1D	EOS M3
Price	£150	£150
Released	2001	2015	↑
Sensor	4.1MP APS-H CMOS (1.3× crop)	24.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	4MP	24MP	↑
Video	—	1080p/30p
Autofocus	45-point AF with 7 cross-type points	Hybrid CMOS AF III (phase-detect + contrast-detect)
Burst Rate	8fps continuous (up to 21 RAW frames)	4.2fps	↓
Battery Life	~1200 shots per charge	~250 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1225g (body only)	366g (body only)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	OVF, 0.72× magnification, 100% coverage	None (optional EVF-DC1 accessory)
Screen	2.0" fixed LCD	3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.04M dots
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF-M mount
Memory Cards	CompactFlash Type I/II	Single SD UHS-I slot

Compare side-by-side

See EOS-1D and EOS M3 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the EOS M3 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the EOS-1D

Related buying guides

Camera family history