Canon EOS-1D X
Announced October 18, 2011
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Canon EOS-1D X is a high-speed, full-frame DSLR engineered for sports and demanding professional environments. Although its significant weight and price tag may deter casual users, the camera excels in low-light conditions and offers a state-of-the-art autofocus system that remains highly reliable for action photography.
Weighted from 17 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, accurate, and highly capable autofocus system
- Robust, weather-sealed build quality designed for heavy professional use
- Incredible burst shooting speeds up to 12-14 frames per second
- Exceptional high ISO performance and low-light image quality
- Ergonomic design with comfortable grips and intuitive control layout
Cons
- Excessive size and heavy weight
- Cumbersome interface and menu-driven operations
- Limited video functionality and lack of monitoring features
- High cost and restrictive budget requirements
- Lower resolution sensor compared to modern expectations
- Launch price $6,799 (USD)
- Sensor 18.1MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Stabilization None
- Burst 12 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 17 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The reason to buy the Canon 1D X is simple: If you want speed and plenty of it, and the best autofocus on any full-frame DSLR, the 1DX is your camera.
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Cameras at this level have extremely high standards to live up to and the 1D X certainly meets them and in places even exceeds them.
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I find the Canon EOS-1D X to be a more revolutionary camera upgrade than I have seen for a while.
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The Canon EOS 1D X delivers exceptional high ISO performance and for those that need the speed, this camera delivers.
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The Canon EOS-1D X is a superb full-frame DSLR that’s ideal for pros and enthusiasts who want the best camera money can buy.
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This is a camera that you can expect to survive several years of heavy use. Thanks to the control layout and deep comfortable grips it is also one that you can enjoy using.
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What Canon has achieved with the EOS-1D X is remarkable and we have no hesitation in saying it’s the best Canon DSLR we’ve ever used.
- CNET 9.3/10
Designed for sports and demanding professional photographers, the Canon EOS-1D X is an excellent SLR that will not disappoint users who expect the most from their equipment.
- Photo Review 9/10
Arguably, the EOS 1D X is Canon’s most versatile camera to date and there are few situations in which it won’t shine.
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I'm not exaggerating when I say that you'll love the images that you get from the Canon EOS-1D X and that you'll get more that are in focus than you're used to. It's absolutely state-of-the-art.
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If you're on a real budget and you want a really good DSLR, then the Canon EOS-1D X may be an option for you.
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This is the world's best professional camera for shooters who need speed and durability. The 5D Mark III gives the same or better pictures with the same AF performance. For consumers, the 5D Mark III is the better camera.
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This camera is definitely an all-around performer. You cannot go wrong with the Canon EOS-1D X.
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It’s a beautiful piece of engineering, and I’m looking forward very much to taking it down to Antarctica for six weeks later this year.
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What ultimately saves this camera is that sensor. The Canon EOS-1D X sensor is just an amazing sensor that really keeps this camera punching with the big boys, because this was the big boy or big girl from back in 2012.
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This was quite a long video, probably longer than I really wanted to do because it's like nearly an hour, but the Canon EOS-1D X was my favorite camera. It really did elevate my photography, it really did become an absolute pleasure to use.
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If you can afford this camera, whether you need to borrow the money to do it or be able to pay cash for it, this is the camera to own.
