Canon has announced its latest flagship DSLR, the full-frame EOS-1D X Mark II. The camera features a new 20.2MP CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel AF, and uses a pair of Dual DIGIC 6+ processors to capture 4K video and shoot continuously at up to 16 fps.
The new 61-point autofocus system has 41 cross-type sensors and 24% larger frame coverage than its predecessor. Its center point is sensitive to -3EV in OneShot AF. In live view the camera uses the latest iteration of Canon's Dual Pixel AF technology for high-speed focusing in OneShot mode. The metering system has also been updated to use a 360k-pixel RGB+IR sensor, which the company says improves subject detection and tracking.
The 1D X is as rugged a camera featuring a magnesium alloy body and has a shutter that will last for approximately 400,000 cycles. In addition to its large optical viewfinder, the Mark II has a 3.2" Clear View II LCD with 1.62 million dots, up from 1.04 million dots. The screen is touch-enabled, but only for autofocus point selection in Live View. Another new addition is a built-in GPS (with an e-compass).
The 1D X II can shoot continuously at 14 fps with autofocus, and if you lock the mirror up, you can shoot up to 16 fps with locked focus and exposure. If you're using the older LP-E4N battery, the top shooting speeds drop to the same frame rates as the 1D X (12/14 fps). If you're using a CFast card you can take an unlimited number of JPEGs or 170 Raw images in a single burst, or 12 seconds of shooting at 14 fps. The 1D X II also has a slot for standard CompactFlash cards. Connectivity options include USB 3.0 and Ethernet ports. Wi-Fi requires the use of Canon's $600 WFT-E8 wireless file transmitter.
The camera can capture 4K video at 60p using the M-JPEG codec as well as 1080p at frame rates of up to 120 fps. Dual Pixel AF enables continuous autofocus in video, and touch focus makes the experience a breeze.
The estimated retail price for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is $5999 (MSRP) for the body or $6299 for the Premium Kit which includes a 64 GB CFast memory card and card reader. The new camera is scheduled to begin shipping to authorized Canon USA dealers in April 2016.