Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Review: Still Relevant In 2019?

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II was released almost exactly three years ago, so we thought it would be a good time to do a review to see if this 20.2-megapixel full-frame camera is still relevant for photography in 2019 and competitive against newer cameras.

We paired the 1D X Mark II with the new Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L IS Mark III USM for this review. The full specifications list for the 1DX Mark II can be found at the bottom of this article.

We brought the camera and lens to the Singapore Zoo to shoot some wildlife shots. First off, the camera resolved details well with a great dynamic range whether in situations with a good light source, or in low light. With the expandable ISO from 50 all the way up to 409600, you’re set for all situations, though I cannot fathom a time when someone would ever need their ISO to go so high.

Good cameras are limited only by the glass, so it makes sense to use one of the best telephoto lenses around to really test the capabilities of both. The 70-200mm F/2.8L IS Mark III USM has slight improvements over the Mark II version, most notably an increase in sharpness and contrast, and better handling of indirect light sources.

While slight, the improvements might be the tipping factor for photographers who own the Mark II version to upgrade if they’re feeling that the older version might be a bit lacking lately. And of course, the 70-200mm lens is a must add to any photography enthusiast’s collection, being the optimal telephoto lens for most scenarios, offering reliable image stabilization and pin sharp images.

While the 1D X Mark III might be a big camera, even bulky, in comparison to some of the smaller mirrorless options available now, the ergonomics of the body is a good reason as to why this camera is still a viable option. Aside from the built-in bottom grip allowing you to switch seamlessly between landscape and portrait photos, the weight distribution helps the user to be able to carry it in most situations without feeling strained.

And of course, the image quality is another huge factor. Skin tones are realistic and look great with Canon’s renowned colour science, while the 20.2-megapixel sensor and dual DIGIC 6+ processors result in photos with enough resolution for print while ensuring that you don’t miss a moment with a continuous shooting rate of up to 14 frames per second.

Here are some photos shot while at the Singapore Zoo. Photos used in this article have been edited and are not representative of the maximum resolution capable from the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II.