Ergonomics
While the camera body is very heavy (and the body+lens combination will be even heavier), its amazing performance and blistering frame rate will tempt you to carry it, even on long treks. This feature-filled camera, designed for professionals and advanced amateurs, requires the user to have good basic knowledge on what the various features do and how to set them up for optimum mage quality. The camera is easy to use (once you know how to set it up properly), but sooner or later, you’ll wish for lighter equipment. This of course, is true for all top-grade models, even from the competition.
Performance
In one line, the overall performance was excellent. The 1D X Mark II is obviously designed for sports, wildlife and street photography. These genres demand the most out of any camera. The blistering frame-rate will be appreciated by all those who have the need for such speeds (it also gives the user ‘bragging rights!’). Obviously, everyone would like to know how the 1D X Mark II fares in the other departments.
Noise performance
Noise Reduction set to ‘Off’
The Canon EOS 1D X Mark II has a native image size of 18.24 x 12.16” at 300ppi. At 16.7% and 25% screen size, all ISOs up to 51,200 appeared clean; though noise can be clearly seen at H1 (equivalent to ISO 102,400), in an emergency, I would not hesitate to use up to H2 (equivalent of ISO 204,800). At 50% screen size, noise can be seen from ISO 3200 onwards but is not objectionable. If necessary, I would use up to ISO 6400. At 100% screen size, noise can be seen from ISO 800 onwards, but again, if necessary, I would use up to ISO 3200.
Noise Reduction set to ‘Standard’
With NR set to ‘Standard’, there was a great improvement in noise level. You can check out our comparison at ISO 12,800. Why ISO 12,800? The reason is that we believe that most photographers generally are not likely to take pictures beyond ISO 12,800.
Frame Rate
Using CFast 2.0 (SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB, 515 MB/ sec): The 1D X Mark II achieved a frame rate of 14 Raw frames per second (140 Raw frames in a 10-second burst). The total time to write 140 Raw frames to the CFast card was 15 seconds; in other words, it took just 5 seconds more (after completing the 10-second burst) to complete the writing to the card.
Using CF card (SanDisk Ultra 4GB, 30 MB/sec): The cameram achieved a frame rate of 5.4 frames per second (54 Raw frames in 10 seconds). The total time to write the 54 Raw frames to the CF card was 43 seconds; in other words, it took another 33 seconds (after completing the 10-second burst) to complete the writing to the card.
Using a 32GB Silicon Power 90MB/ sec CF card, the camera achieved 5.3 frames per second (53 Raw frames in 10 seconds). But all the data was written to the card as soon as we stopped firing.
Auto White Balance
The Auto White Balance performance was very good (but we could not check for ‘Daylight’ due to the rainy overcast days). The camera provided perfect colours under Shade, Cloudy and Fluorescent light. AWB for Flash produced a slight yellow cast which was very easy to correct in post-production (light reflected off the room walls and/or an ageing flashgun could also be the reason).
Metering
Exposure metering with all the four metering modes – Evaluative, Partial, Spot and Centre-weighted – was satisfactory.
Value for Money
The Canon EOS 1D X Mark II body is available at an MRP of Rs.455,995. In spite of its superb image quality and build, that is a lot of money! |SP
FINAL SCORE 87%
Design and Build Quality 19/20
Key Features 17/20
Ergonomics 17/20
Performance
Autofocus 5/5
Metering 4/5
Noise Control 4.5/5
Sharpness 4/5
LCD/EVF 4.5/5
Auto WB 5/5
Sub-Total 27/30
Value for Money 7/10
PLUS
• Superb image quality
• Blazing fast performance
• Very good control over digital noise
• Superb build quality
• Very good dynamic range
MINUS
• Very expensive
• No built-in flash
• Heavy
• Two-hand operation to switch ‘on’ the camera
VERDICT
The Canon EOS 1D X Mark II, like its counterpart from the competition, is for professionals and serious photographers. It is the perfect tool for photographers pursuing sports, wildlife, photojournalism and even landscapes. The 1D X Mark II has a very good dynamic range, along with very good control over digital noise. If you know how to set it up for optimum image quality, and if you do not mind its weight, bulk and cost, you might be hard-pressed to find a better machine. Best Buy!
Reviewed by: Rohinton Mehta
