Canon New EOS 1D X

Canon has announced the latest professional DSLR to its lineup, revealing the Canon EOS-1D X.

The full frame, 18.1 megapixel Canon 1D X boasts dual DIGIC 5+ processors, which Canon claims offer three times faster performance than standard DIGIC 5. Canon says the EOS-1D X's dual processors enable full-resolution continuous shooting up to 12fps with 14-bit A/D conversion and full camera operation, which it claims is the fastest of any DSLR on the market.Other Canon EOS-1D X specs include a 61-point AF with 41 cross-type sensors, including five dual cross -type points, as well as a new 100,000-pixel RGB metering sensor which is linked to the AF system and powered by its own dedicated DIGIC 4 processor. Canon says this allows the EOS-1D X to detect faces and colour to ensure correct exposure levels and improved AF tracking in challenging situations.

What's more, a super high-speed mode extends the shooting speed to 14fps (JPEG format only), while a new shutter and mirror mechanism works to reduce shutter lag and mirror bounce, Canon claims.

Low light photographers will also enjoy the EOS-1D X's wide ISO range, which runs from ISO 100 to 51,200, and is extendable up to ISO 204,800.

The Canon 1D X also offers full HD video recording, promising longer recording options that automatically create a new file once the 4GB limit has been reached.

The Canon EOS-1D X records movies from the full-frame sensor giving users access to the full range of manual settings to control exposure, focus and frame rate (1920 x 1080: 30 (29.97), 25, 24 (23.976) frames per second, 1280 x 720: 60 (59.94), 50 fps, 640 x 480: 30 (29.97), 25 fps). The Canon 1D X also displays sound levels on the LCD screen, which users can make adjustments to.

Retaining the classic Canon EOS design, the Canon 1D X supersedes the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV in the hierarchy of Canon DSLRs.

The Canon EOS-1D X price was not available at the time of writing.

Launched alongside the EOS-1D X is a new, compact WiFi transmitter, the Canon WFT-E6, designed for transferring images when a wired connection isn’t available.

Supporting the 802.11n WiFi standard and offering Bluetooth support for connectivity to external GPS devices, Canon claims the WFT-E6 offers secure transfer of images and video to an FTP server, or the ability to display content on a compatible screen over a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) connection.

The Canon EOS-1D X will also be compatible with a new GPS receiver – the GP-E1. Enabling users to add location information to EXIF data and geographically track the progress of travelling shoot, the GP-E1 is particularly useful for wildlife or location-based photographers who may need to record the location of a scene for future reference.