Latest Info on Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera?

* * *  See the EOS-1D X Mark II vs Nikon D5 comparison  * * *

* * *  Nikon has officially announced their top-of-the-line D5 camera  * * *

The current EOS-1D X camera has been my pick as the best full frame DSLR camera for sports and wildlife photography over three years in a row. According to the latest information I have received, the long awaited EOS-1D X Mark II model will be equipped with 4K video. That indicates to me Canon feels Nikon will definitely include 4K video in their soon to be announced top-of-the-line D5 camera. They also want to make sure Sony, Leica and Nikon are not the only companies with a full frame camera capable of 4K video.

In order to support 4K video and other improved features and function, Canon will probably break its usual habit and equip the new camera with their latest processor - DIGIC 7. Up to now, Canon has always introduced their newest processors on the lower end models like the Powershot cameras first. The DIGIC 6 was a case in point. On top of that, the Mark II model will probably come with dual CFast card slots to handle the added processing power and vast amount of data. This means for many owners of the new DSLR, especially those who plan to use the 4K video feature a lot, they will have to buy a whole new supply of more expensive CFast memory cards.

My readers know I am a wildlife photographer. After resisting for many months, I have finally and reluctantly replaced my faithful full frame Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III camera with the EOS-5Ds. The main reason is the super high resolution 50MP sensor and the flexibility of the EOS-5Ds to take photos in the 1.3x and 1.6x crop mode. These advantages offset the disadvantage of its slow 5 fps burst rate. My main 'complaint' of the EOS-1D X is its relative modest 18 MP sensor does not offer too many pixels for post processing cropping and I am not a big fan of extenders. Still keeping my eyes open for the upcoming EOS-5D Mark IV. Should be announced after the EOS-1D X Mark II.

A combination of the EOS-5Ds, EOS-7D Mark II and the upcoming EOS-1D X Mark II cameras will be the main bodies in my equipment bag. I have many global photo shoots coming up in 2016 and will put the EOS-5Ds and EOS-1D X Mark II through many real world testing and write a comprehensive report on these cameras in the next few months.

Below are the best information I have for the upcoming EOS-1D X Mark II camera. Keep checking back for the latest development. More to come . . . . You can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com


Possible specs for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II : 

• New 22 to 24 megapixel full frame Canon sensor 
• May utilize column parallel sensing technology similar to Sony's EXMOR sensor
• New sensor technology subdividing high and low sensitivity pixels
• New, state of the art AF system
• Dual DIGIC 7 processors
• 15 stops of dynamic range
• Maximum burst rate 15 fps (13 fps w/o mirror lockup)
• 4K video (maximum 30 fps)
• Dual CFast or CF memory card slots
• 3.3 inch Super high resolution LCD
• Unmatched weather sealing and ergonomics
• List price - below $7,000 in the U.S.A.
• Expected announcement date : Q1 of 2016

Additional Info On Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera

* * *  I'm on my Polar Bear Photo Tour. Read latest post on location here  * * *

The current EOS-1D X camera has been my pick as the best full frame DSLR camera for sports and wildlife photography three years in a row. According to the latest information I have received, the long awaited EOS-1D X Mark II model will most probably be equipped with 4K video. That indicates to me Canon feels Nikon will definitely include 4K video in their soon to be announced D5 camera. They also want to make sure Sony, Leica and Nikon are not the only companies with a full frame camera capable of 4K video.

In order to support 4K video and other improved features and function, Canon will probably break its usual habit and equip the new camera with their latest processor - DIGIC 7. Up to now, Canon has always introduced their newest processors on the lower end models like the Powershot cameras first. The DIGIC 6 was a case in point. On top of that, the Mark II model will probably come with dual CFast card slots to handle the added processing power and vast amount of data. This means for many owners of the new DSLR, especially those who plan to use the 4K video feature a lot, they will have to buy a whole new supply of more expensive CFast memory cards.

My best estimate is the EOS-1D X Mk II may come with a new sensor in the low 20MP range, powered by new Digic 7 processors and additional processor(s) for metering and other functions. A new AF system with many more than the current 61 points and perhaps all cross-type. Frame rates matching the current model but perhaps without mirror lockup and a state of the art LCD monitor. The list price should be just below $7,000. Announcement may come in early Q1, 2016 with delivery commencing early Q2. I am very anxious to get my hands on the new camera. After almost 4 years, the EOS-1D X is getting a bit 'long in the tooth'. Keep checking back for the latest development and information.

Still here in the Canadian sub Arctic on my Polar Bear Photo Tour. Last night, there was some decent Aurora Borealis activity. Click here to see Polar bear photos from my previous tours. You can follow my travels on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram and see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com. I will be providing updates on the tour as time, condition and WiFi signal permit.

Canon EOS-1D X Mk II Camera Shoots 14 fps?

* * *  Read the latest post on the Canon EOS-1D X Mk II camera  * * *

I am back from my Alaskan wildlife photography tour. There was a delay getting to my destinations and an even longer delay getting out of Alaska. After some rest, I will be posting my wildlife photos and sharing some stories from my trip.

It seems during my absence, the rumors and leaked info about the Canon EOS-1D X Mk II camera has increased. I have cast doubt on the possibility of the DIGIC 7 processor in the new camera. My best 'intelligence' now is, it will be powered by a dual DIGIC 6+ and an additional DIGIC 5+ processor for metering. There will be a brand new, 24MP sensor, AF system and an advanced LCD display. In addition, the current EOS-1D X fastest speed of 14 fps (with mirror lockup) may be achieved again, in RAW mode and without mirror lockup. I am not completely convinced that speed is necessary for RAW or even full JPEG for that matter.

If all the above specs proved to be correct, it will indeed be a quantum leap in Canon's top-of-the-line camera and may trump the soon to be announced Nikon D5 camera. My expectation is for Nikon to announce first, followed by Canon. The announcement may come in Q4 of 2015 or Q1 of 2016. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter and see more of my photos on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EOS-1D X Mk II, EOS-5D Mk IV, EOS-6D Mk II Update

The second half of 2015 will be decision time for Canon. They want to introduced the EOS-1D X Mk II, EOS-5D Mk IV and EOS-6D Mk II, three full frame cameras that need a replacement soon.

The EOS-6D Mk II will still be the least expensive full frame camera in Canon's line up and may go slightly upmarket with a new sensor, more AF points and higher native ISO with better weather sealing, higher quality material, powered by the DIGIC 6 processor(s).

The EOS-5D Mk IV may come with a low 20MP sensor but will be equipped with a new AF system, perhaps sharing it with the new EOS-1D X Mk II. It will be powered by new processors, most probably dual DIGIC 6+ but DIGIC 7 is also possible but unlikely for now. It will boast superior ISO performance and 4K video is still a possibility.

The EOS-1D X Mk II will be a Nikon D5 slayer. It will have a new mid 20MP sensor, state of the art AF system accompanied by unmatched dynamic range and native ISO performance. Multiple new processors will power the camera to a slightly higher frame rate, perhaps up to 14 fps without the need to lockup the mirror. It will have improved ergonomics and a slight weight and shape change due to improved material.

Everything is still very fluid in the Canon's decision making process. Nothing has been firmed up yet and I suspect once Nikon announce their D5 later this year, we will know more about Canon's plans. Test cameras are out in the wild with selected contract photographers and I hope to get more information as the summer and autumn months roll around. Keep checking back for the latest development. I am still on my road trip in the Canadian Rockies doing some travel photography. Visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see photos from my past trips and you can follow my travel on Twitter and Facebook.

Canon EOS-1D X Mk II vs Nikon D5 Camera Comparison

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera

Nikon D5 camera

* * *  Canon EOS-1D X Mk II camera announced  * * *

* * *  Nikon D5 camera announced  * * *

Canon and Nikon are both expected to release their respective top-of-the-line camera - EOS-1D X Mk II and D5 some time in late 2015 or early 2016. I have written about the upcoming EOS-1D X Mk II but so far there is no real specific information about its capabilities.

Nikon Rumors claims the new Nikon D5 will have 4K video, 20MP full frame sensor, native ISO of 102,400, 15 fps and 173 AF points. The first three features sound plausible but the last two sound like a wish list. I will be very surprised Canon will let Nikon trump their Mk II camera.

My guess is Nikon will announce first, follow by Canon and delivery will start some time in Q1, 2016 for both cameras. My readers know I have picked the EOS-1D X as the best sports and wildlife photography full frame camera 3 years in a row. I expect the Mk II to keep that title again in 2016.