Upgrade Guide

Canon EOS-1Ds→Canon EOS R

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

📷

You own

Canon

EOS-1Ds

£200

2002

→

Upgrade to

Canon

EOS R

£799 (+£599)

2018

✅

Worthwhile

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

What's new in the EOS R

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 R
Price	£200	£799
Released	2002	2018	↑
Sensor	11.1MP full-frame CMOS	30.3MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution	11MP	30MP	↑
Video	—	4K/30p (1.7× crop), 1080p/60p
Autofocus	45-point AF with 7 cross-type points	Dual Pixel CMOS AF — 5655 AF areas, Eye AF
Stabilisation	—	No stabilisation
Burst Rate	3fps continuous	8fps continuous (5fps with AF/AE)	↑
Battery Life	~500 shots per charge	~350 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1270g (body only)	660g (body only)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	OVF, 0.70× magnification, 100% coverage	EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.71× magnification
Screen	2.0" fixed LCD	3.0" touchscreen, fully articulating
Mount	Canon EF	Canon RF mount (full-frame)
Memory Cards	CompactFlash Type I/II	Single SD UHS-II slot

Compare side-by-side

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

Other upgrades from the EOS-1Ds

Related buying guides

Camera family history