There is probably no need for a detailed review of this excellent camera on what is essentially a consumer web site. The people who would consider a nearly $7000 body are either professionals who will come to their own conclusions based on the specs and in-depth reviews on digital photography sites, or price-insensitive enthusiast photographers who can commit to a high-end system based on the notion that it is in some sense "the best."
For the benefit of the second group I will observe that there are two overriding reasons why you might have a need for this camera to the exclusion of others: (1) the fantastic low-light level performance and (2) that insane frame rate of 12 fps (14 fps if you are shooting/storing JPEGs). If you engage in low-light photography or action photography, this is the body for you (though of course low light levels and high frame rate are mutually exclusive in the real world). If you don't need the fast frame rate or will be satisfied with merely excellent low-light image capture instead of spectacular capture, you might as well consider the Canon EOS 5D, which has otherwise similar specs and is somewhat less massive at about half the price.
On the other hand, massive has advantages for particular types of photography. Even with Canon's image stabilization lenses, extra weight has advantages in controlling camera shake and consequent image softness. The extra mass in the 1D X, as in other makers' high-end offerings, at least partly stems from a design that offers two independent grips and sets of control buttons. Some days you shoot landscape mode, some days portrait. No need to hold the camera in a position that may be awkward or uncomfortable to get the frame shape you want. Just rotate the body and use the other grip position and alternate buttons. Furthermore, the 1D X body is stronger and more weather resistant than Canon's other EOS bodies. If you find yourself out photographing in the wet, consider this one.
Just in case you are thinking of a dual purpose body that allows not only excellent control of single images but also generation of high quality video, you should know that the similar but greatly more expensive (about $12,000) EOS 1D C (for Cinema) body offers similar single image capability plus video recording capabilities that exceed this unit's HD recording standard. The 1D C offers full 4K recording at four times the resolution of the 1D X (twice the pixels in each dimension). That doesn't mean this body is a slouch at video, because it offers full 1920 x 1080 HD capture, which is pretty good even for some professional work. But if you are a budding filmmaker who foresees the possibility of theatrical presentation of what you produce, the 4K standard is where you probably ought to be. Compare the price of Canon's dedicated video body, the EOS 500C, at somewhere around $25,000. Admittedly it is a lot more sophisticated than what you get in the 1D C body, but maybe you don't need that level of power. And if you are satisfied with HD resolution, or don't do much video work at all, there really is no reason to look further than the 1D X.
I have had the 1D X body and four lenses (three zooms and a fixed length macro) for a couple of months now. I could not be happier with the body or the quality of the glass. For my purposes I know I overbought with this camera, but the truth remains: too much is always enough. And it certainly affords me room to experiment and grow.
I am not a professional photographer, but I have considered myself a serious amateur for over 40 years. This body is the core of my retirement camera system.
Canon EOS-1D X 18.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera Black
4.2 | 73 ratings
Price: 1699.99
Last update: 02-26-2025
About this item
18.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor for stunning image quality||Dual DIGIC 5+ processors for high-speed performance||61-point autofocus system for precise focusing||Full HD 1080p video recording||Rugged, weather-sealed body for professional use
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Top reviews from the United States
David WilsonExcellent body for pros and enthusiasts with deep pockets
Triathlete This is a beasty
William D. ColburnFrustratingly Different, Huge Improvement
Akinola OlabodeDoesn’t work
Preacherman