Upgrade Guide
Canon EOS 6D→Canon EOS-1Ds
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Skip it
The EOS-1Ds offers little measurable spec improvement over the EOS 6D. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution11MP (down from 20MP — optimised for low light)
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StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
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 6D | EOS-1Ds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.7 | ||
| Street | -1.5 | ||
| Travel | -1.8 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -1.0 | ||
| Documentary | -1.6 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.9 | ||
| Landscape | -1.3 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.8 | ||
| Casual | -1.2 | ||
| Food | -0.8 | ||
| Macro | -0.7 | ||
| Architecture | -1.1 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.3 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | EOS 6D | EOS-1Ds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £156 | £200 | |
| Released | 2012 | 2002 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 20.2MP full-frame CMOS | 11.1MP full-frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 11MP | ↓ |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60 | — | |
| Autofocus | 11-point phase-detect (centre cross-type, EV -3) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view | 45-point AF with 7 cross-type points | |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | — | |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 3fps continuous | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~1090 shots (CIPA) | ~500 shots per charge | ↓ |
| Weight | 755g (with battery) | 1270g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 97% coverage, 0.71x | OVF, 0.70× magnification, 100% coverage | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots | 2.0" fixed LCD | |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | CompactFlash Type I/II |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See EOS 6D and EOS-1Ds next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the EOS-1Ds against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the EOS 6D
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