Upgrade Guide

Canon EOS-1Ds→Canon EOS M

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

📷

You own

Canon

EOS-1Ds

£200

2002

→

Upgrade to

Canon

EOS M

£80 (-£120)

2012

✅

Strong upgrade

The EOS M improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most EOS-1Ds owners will notice the difference.

What's new in the EOS M

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-1Ds	EOS M
Price	£200	£80
Released	2002	2012	↑
Sensor	11.1MP full-frame CMOS	18MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	11MP	18MP	↑
Video	—	1080p 30fps
Autofocus	45-point AF with 7 cross-type points	Hybrid CMOS AF (phase + contrast), notoriously slow
Burst Rate	3fps continuous	4fps	↑
Battery Life	~500 shots per charge	~230 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1270g (body only)	262g (body only)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	OVF, 0.70× magnification, 100% coverage	No viewfinder
Screen	2.0" fixed LCD	3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.04M dots
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF-M mount
Memory Cards	CompactFlash Type I/II	1× SD/SDHC/SDXC

Compare side-by-side

See EOS-1Ds and EOS M 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 M against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the EOS-1Ds

Related buying guides

Camera family history