Canon U.S.A. has introduced its EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR camera, which has a 20.2 megapixel 35mm full frame Canon CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 6+ image processors. It combines the ability to capture high-resolution still images at speeds up to 14 frames per second as well as video up to 4K 60P featuring Canon’s proprietary dual pixel CMOS Autofocus (AF) technology.
The camera includes an improved 61-point high-density reticular AF II system with all AF points selectable by the user (and up to 41 cross-type points depending on the lens in use). The improved AF system includes expanded coverage that supports AF at maximum apertures up to f/8 with all 61 points for high precision autofocus even when using EF super-telephoto lenses with an EF extender.
A first for the Canon EOS-1D series, this camera also features a 360,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with enhanced precision and performance compared to its predecessor, improving facial recognition and tracking, as well as nature scenes. Additionally, the AE system can detect and compensate for flickering light sources such as sodium vapor lamps. When enabled, this anti-flicker system automatically adjusts shutter release timing to help reduce disparities in exposure and color especially during continuous burst shooting.
For filmmakers and photographers looking to do more than just still photography with a DSLR camera and EF lenses, the EOS-1D X Mark II camera offers high-resolution DCI 4K video at frame rates up to 60P, recording to an in-camera CFast 2.0 memory card. An additional card slot supports standard CF memory cards up to UDMA 7. The built-in headphone jack supports real-time audio monitoring. The camera’s 4K frame grab function allows users to isolate a frame from recorded 4K video and create an 8.8 megapixel still JPEG image in-camera. When combined with the EOS-1D X Mark II’s high-sensitivity full-frame CMOS sensor, the new camera’s ability to record full HD video at frame rates up to 120p will allow videographers to produce high quality slow motion video even in extremely low light.
“This camera is a huge step forward,” remarked photographer Damian Strohmeyer. “Shooting sports in a gym at 8,000 ISO, it looked as good as 800 ISO from a generation or two ago. The images are tack-sharp, and the autofocus just doesn’t miss. I’ve been amazed by what I’ve seen so far.”
“The autofocus was awesome,” agreed Peter Read Miller, sports photographer. “The higher frame rate coupled with the speed of the CFast card was a definite advantage. It just never buffered out, even shooting RAW.”
The new camera also offers a built-in GPS receiver with compass for precise geo-tagged information of latitude, longitude, elevation and direction. This is especially valuable to wildlife photographers and photojournalists who need to track their locations, as well as providing sports photographers the ability to sync a multiple-camera setup with extreme accuracy and precision. It is also possible to use the camera’s built-in GPS to automatically sync the camera’s time to the atomic clock.
