Canon recently announced it’s flagship professional Digital SLR camera, the EOS 1D-X. It will replace the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models. The EOS 1D-X features a newly engineered high-performance 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor combined with a all-new Dual DIGIC 5+ Image Processors with 14-bit A/D data conversion that can freeze action with 12 frames-per-second (fps). The all-new Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors delivers approximately 17 times faster processing speed than the last generation DIGIC 4 and improved higher continuous shooting, better low noise performance and a huge increase in data processing than the any EOS 1D series models. It also has a dedicated DIGIC 4 processor for metering and auto focus control.
Canon features the EOS 1D-X with a new second generation self-cleaning sensor unit, the Ultrasonic Wave Motion Cleaning system (UWMC). It uses an advanced “wave” technology to remove tiny dust particles from the 18-megapixel CMOS sensor using a new fluorine coating on the sensor’s infrared absorption glass to help repel dust.
ISO sensitivity range from ISO 50 to 51,200 and can also be expanded to 102,400 at H1 and 204,800 at H2, which is extremely useful in low light shooting conditions.
The EOS 1DX also comes with a Canon’s new top-notch and most sophisticated 61-Point High Density Reticular Auto Focus system.
The 21 focusing points in the 1D-X central area (in red) are standard precision cross-type and very effective with apertures as small as f/5.6 or depending on the lens. All 61 points are sensitive to horizontal contrast with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6 and 20 of the outer focusing points function as cross-type points with maximum apertures as small as f/4.0.
The 1D-X also have a similar auto-focus selection options in the EOS 7D.
Six auto-focus point selection modes are Spot, Single Point, Single Point with surrounding four points, Single Point with surrounding eight points, Zone selection and Automatic AF point selection.
The EOS 5D Mark II was the first Digital SLR in the industry to offer Full HD 1080p video recording, the 1D-X is no doubt following the 5D Mark II technology with new compression formats, automatic splitting of movie files when a single file exceeds 4GB and records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p. 25p, or 30p and for 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p. SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards. A all-new manual audio level control is also a new feature in the 1D-X that is adjustable during before or after video recording begins. Sound recording can be recorded with the on-board internal mono microphone or insert a stereo external microphone into the 1D-X mic input.
Additional features in the 1D-X is a Dual Compact Flash Card Slots, a built-in LAN connection features a gigabit Ethernet Jack, optional Canon electronic compass GP-E1 GPS Receiver (Available in April 2012 for $300) to record camera direction and Canon WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter to transfer photos (Available in March 2012 for retail price of $600). The 1D-X and the optional accessories are dust and weather resistant. Canon’s top-of-the-line L series lenses will be waiting to be mounted on this historic DSLR.
Canon’s new EOS 1D-X Digital SLR professional camera body is scheduled to be released in March 2012, with a retail price of $6,800.
