Upgrade Guide
Canon EOS-1D X→Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Situational
One clear hardware improvement over the EOS-1D X. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.
What's new in the EOS-1D X Mark II
-
Generation4 years newer (2016 vs 2012)
Unchanged or similar
-
ResolutionSimilar (20MP)
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.
| Genre | EOS-1D X | EOS-1D X Mark II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +0.1 | ||
| Street | +0.1 | ||
| Travel | — | ||
| Wedding & Events | +0.1 | ||
| Documentary | +0.9 | ||
| Sports & Action | +0.2 | ||
| Landscape | +0.2 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.1 | ||
| Casual | +0.8 | ||
| Food | +0.5 | ||
| Macro | +0.2 | ||
| Architecture | +0.2 | ||
| Astrophotography | — | ||
| Filmmaking | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | EOS-1D X | EOS-1D X Mark II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Released | 2012 | 2016 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 18.1MP full-frame CMOS | 20.2MP full-frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 18MP | 20MP | ↑ |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60 | DCI 4K/60p, Full HD 120p | |
| Autofocus | 61-point phase-detect AF (41 cross-type) with EOS iTR tracking | 61-point phase-detect AF (41 cross-type) with EOS iTR tracking; Dual Pixel AF in Live View / movie | |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | |
| Burst Rate | 12fps | 14fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~1120 shots (CIPA) | ~1210 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 1530g (with battery) | 1530g (with battery) | |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.76x | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.76x | |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots | 3.2" fixed touchscreen, 1.62M dots | |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF | |
| Memory Cards | Dual CompactFlash slots | Dual slots: CompactFlash + CFast |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See EOS-1D X and EOS-1D X Mark II next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the EOS-1D X Mark II against your specific genres — not just specs.
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