EOS 1DX Compared to the 5D Mark 3

The new Canon 1DX and the 5D Mark 3 are both great cameras to have but before robbing the bank, we need to know which is better and  useful in a practical way.

To know the answer to this, I have set up a simple list comparing the two dSLR cameras:

Similarities between the 1DX and the 5D Mark 3

  1. Full Frame CMOS sensor.
  2. Same Sized 3.2 Inch LCD Clear View II Screen.
  3. Both use the Digic 5+ Processor
  4. 61 High Density Focus Points (Click to see why its not needed to my opinion)
  5. Manual HD Video Exposure controls.
    (BTW, the 5D Mark 3 has alread made some great videos at  really high ISOs)
  6. Both have the same HD video frame rates at the given video settings 24fps, 25fps, and 30fps at 1080P.  60fps, 30fps for 720P.
  7. Almost perfect field of view in the viewfinder
  8. Multiple Exposure settings.
  9. Built-in Chromatic Aberration and distortion correction.
  10. Great ergonomics… (Check out what I have to say about the feel of the 5D Mark 3)

Now what makes the 1DX different and more expensive from the 5D Mark III?

Differences between the 1DX and the 5D Mark III

  1. 2 Digic 5+ Processors are used to in the 1DX. The 5D Mark 3 uses only one.
  2. Another extra processor, the Digic 4, is used on the 1DX! It’s used for ISA (intelligent subject analysis).  So that makes the 1DX use a total 3 processors compared to the Mark 3 that uses only one.
  3. Rapid Fire machine gun style photo shooting of 14 frames per second on the 1DX compared to the 5D’s 6 FPS…
  4. 400,000 cycles of shutter life compared to the 5D Mark 3‘s expected 150,000 cycle shutter life. (from experience and how you use your camera, shutter life can last longer than that but the numbers stated are those that Canon tested up to. If you’re looking for durability, the 1DX is far more durable with it’s extra 250,000 shutter life.)
  5. Higher ISO capabilities on the 1DX (50 to 204800 ) compared to the 5D’s (50-102400).
  6. The 1DX has dual CF only card slots. The 5D Mark 3 also has 2 card slots but one is for CF cards and the other SDXC cards. Having two slots is always convenient for more storage and for data backup.
  7. 1DX uses up to 18.1 megapixels while the 5D uses up to 23.1 megapixels. I think the reason for the lower megapixel count for Canon’s 1Dx is probably because of the the killer rapid burst shooting of up to 14 fps. I don’t think the 1DX is technologically capable of processing 14 images @ 23 megapixels in a second.
  8. Different body design…. the 1DX is bulkier and heavier than the 5D Mark 3.
  9. Different batteries and battery power system.
  10. Price… EOS 1DX will retail around $6,799, while the 5D Mark 3 will cost about $3,500.

So which camera should I buy? Click here for help deciding!

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8 thoughts on “EOS 1DX Compared to the 5D Mark 3”

  1. 1DX sounds good but…
    Thanks for your post. From a consumer point of view, the 5D Mark III is the camera to buy for the price. In terms of processing speed, the 1DX is better because of the three processors it uses, but that’s quite about it! Quite disappointed with the megapixel count because 17 is just too small.

    For those who use the 1D series, I think it’s not worth the upgrade.

    For most photographers, the 5D III will do, but for sports and high speed shots, the 7D will do just fine.

    Reply
    • 7D and 1DX
      Hello Joseph,

      Thanks for the comment on the post. With the similarities, I’d go for the 5D mark 3. It’s got the same AF as the 1DX and the FPS (frames per second) is good enough. Plus you get to save 3 grand.

      You’re not the only one complaining about the megapixel count. If canon could, I would ask them to make a camera that can take up to 50MP!!!

      The 7D is a kickass camera and should not be forgotten. The APS-C sized sensor, gives it that extra 1.6 crop that helps with the shooting range.

      Btw, don’t forget to upgrade the new firmware that adds and improves 11 new feature! Here’s another post for that! [u]http://adamgo.com/canon-ef/7d-firmware-improves-and-adds-11-features[/u]

      Reply
  2. 1dx versus 5D mark 3
    Here is my 2 cents. The 1DX is a remarkable camera with its speed and durability but because of the low megapixel count, I find the photos to be great if you are only taking pictures for web use. Don’t get me wrong, you can still use the 1DX for other purposes but the 5D is more versatile and can do a better job with its higher megapixel count. Plus the 5D is cheaper! save some cash and invest on glass!

    Reply
  3. Now they have the 6D
    If any of you guys are interested, Canon came out with a new full-frame camera called the 6D! It’s cheaper and has a set of awesome built-in features for a reasonable price! Check out my blog here
    [url]http://adamgo.com/canon-ef/the-canon-eos-6d-compared-to-the-5d-mark-3[/url]

    Reply
    • NOT REASONABLE
      [quote name=”Sam”]for what its worth the price on both cameras is not bda.[/quote]

      THE PRICE IS NOT REASONABLE. ITS TOO EXPENSIVE GIVEN THAT CANON MAKES A SICK PROFIT OUT OF THESE CAMERAS. I BET THE 1DX IS NOT EVEN WORTH 7000USD BUT LIKE 4000. WAIT SEVERAL YEARS AND THE 1DX WILL GO DOWN TO THAT PRICE. THE 5D 3 IS MOST LIKELY REALLY WORTH 1500.

      Reply
      • Interesting
        [quote name=”RIKIN”][quote name=”Sam”]for what its worth the price on both cameras is not bda.[/quote]

        THE PRICE IS NOT REASONABLE. ITS TOO EXPENSIVE GIVEN THAT CANON MAKES A SICK PROFIT OUT OF THESE CAMERAS. I BET THE 1DX IS NOT EVEN WORTH 7000USD BUT LIKE 4000. WAIT SEVERAL YEARS AND THE 1DX WILL GO DOWN TO THAT PRICE. THE 5D 3 IS MOST LIKELY REALLY WORTH 1500.[/quote]

        I like your opinion regarding this. I agree that the new cameras are quite expensive vs their actual worth but a company has to profit to pay their staff. No money = no more better /innovative cameras.

        Reply

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