Canon 1Dx Mark Ii Vs Canon 5D Mark Iv Comparison

Hey everyone, it’s great to hang out with you all today. As a photographer with over a decade of experience, I’ve had the chance to work with some incredible Canon cameras. Today, I’m diving into a comparison of two flagship models: the Canon 1Dx Mark II vs Canon 5D Mark IV. Both are fantastic, but they serve different purposes. Let me walk you through their differences, sharing my experiences to help you decide which one fits your photography style.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me say both cameras are top-notch, each excelling in specific areas. If you’re chasing fast action, like sports or wildlife, the 1Dx Mark II might be your go-to. For portraits, landscapes, or general photography, the 5D Mark IV could be your perfect match. Let’s start with their build and design.

Canon 1Dx Mark Ii Vs Canon 5D Mark Iv Comparison

Comparison Table: Canon 1Dx Mark II vs Canon 5D Mark IV

To make things clear, here’s a side-by-side look at their key features:

Feature	Canon 1Dx Mark II	Canon 5D Mark IV
Sensor Resolution	20.2MP	30.4MP
ISO Range (Native)	100-51200	100-32000
ISO Range (Extended)	50-409600	50-102400
Continuous Shooting	14fps (AF), 16fps (LV)	7fps
AF Points	61 (41 cross-type)	61 (41 cross-type)
Video (4K)	60p	30p
Video (Full HD)	120p	60p
Build Quality	Magnesium alloy, WS	Magnesium alloy, WS
Weight	1530g	890g
Size (mm)	158 x 168 x 83	151 x 116 x 76
Battery Life (shots)	1210	900
Connectivity	None	Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS

WS = Weather-sealed, LV = Live View

Build Quality and Ergonomics

Both cameras are built like tanks, as you’d expect from Canon’s professional line. The 1Dx Mark II feels incredibly robust, with a magnesium alloy body and top-notch weather sealing (Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Specifications). I’ve shot with it in rain and dust storms, and it’s never faltered. It’s perfect for rugged outdoor shoots, like sports events or wildlife safaris.

The 5D Mark IV, also made of magnesium alloy, is weather-sealed but feels lighter and less bulky (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Specifications). This makes it more comfortable for long sessions, like weddings or travel photography. I once carried it all day in Iceland, and its lighter weight was a relief. The grip on both is excellent, but the 1Dx Mark II’s larger grip suits bigger hands or gloved use.

Controls are intuitive on both, following Canon’s familiar layout. The 1Dx Mark II has extra buttons for advanced users, ideal for quick adjustments during fast-paced shoots. The 5D Mark IV’s touch-screen LCD is a standout, making menu navigation and focus point selection in live view a breeze. The 1Dx Mark II has a touch-screen too, but it’s less responsive, so I often stick to physical buttons.

If you need a camera that can withstand harsh conditions, the 1Dx Mark II is your pick. For a lighter, more portable option that’s still durable, the 5D Mark IV is excellent.

Image Quality

Image quality is where these cameras diverge. The 5D Mark IV’s 30.4MP sensor captures finer details, perfect for landscapes or portraits where cropping or large prints are common (Fstoppers: Canon 5D Mark IV Review). At a wedding, I shot with the 5D Mark IV and was blown away by the intricate lace details on the bride’s dress. Zooming in, I could crop without losing quality, ideal for high-resolution prints.

The 1Dx Mark II, with a 20.2MP sensor, is built for speed and low-light performance (DPReview: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Review). Its lower resolution supports faster burst rates and cleaner high-ISO images. During a night football game, I used the 1Dx Mark II at ISO 16,000 under stadium lights, and the images were sharp with minimal noise. The 5D Mark IV holds up in low light but can’t match the 1Dx Mark II’s high-ISO clarity.

Dynamic range is strong on both, but the 5D Mark IV has a slight edge, especially in shadows, which helps with high-contrast scenes like sunsets (Imaging Resource: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Review). Both deliver vibrant, natural colors, thanks to Canon’s consistent color science. The 5D Mark IV’s higher resolution offers more post-processing flexibility, while the 1Dx Mark II prioritizes speed.

For detailed shots or large prints, the 5D Mark IV is the winner. If low-light performance and speed are key, the 1Dx Mark II shines.

Autofocus

Both cameras feature 61 AF points, with 41 cross-type, offering excellent coverage (Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Specifications). The 1Dx Mark II’s AI Servo III+ system is more advanced, excelling at tracking fast-moving subjects. At a car show, I photographed vintage cars speeding by, and the 1Dx Mark II locked focus seamlessly, even through crowds. Its tracking is a game-changer for sports or wildlife.

The 5D Mark IV’s AF is capable but less refined for rapid movement (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Specifications). It’s perfect for static subjects or slower-paced shoots, like portraits or landscapes. I’ve used it for studio work, and it nails focus every time. Both cameras have Dual Pixel CMOS AF for live view and video, providing smooth, accurate focusing, enhanced by the 5D Mark IV’s responsive touchscreen.

For action photography, the 1Dx Mark II’s autofocus is superior. For general use, the 5D Mark IV is more than adequate.

Video Capabilities

For video, the 1Dx Mark II takes the lead. It shoots 4K at 60p, delivering smooth, cinematic footage, especially for fast action (DPReview: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Review). It also supports Full HD at 120p for 5x slow motion, great for sports or creative effects. I borrowed a 1Dx Mark II for a wildlife shoot, and the 4K 60p footage of running animals was stunningly fluid.

The 5D Mark IV shoots 4K at 30p and HD at 120p, which is solid but less versatile (Fstoppers: Canon 5D Mark IV Review). Its 4K files are large, and the lack of 60p limits dynamic shots. Both cameras feature Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth video focusing, a big plus. The 5D Mark IV’s touchscreen makes focus transitions intuitive.

If video is a priority, especially for high frame rates, the 1Dx Mark II is the better choice. For occasional video, the 5D Mark IV is still capable.

Connectivity and Features

The 5D Mark IV offers built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS, which are incredibly useful (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Specifications). Wi-Fi lets you transfer images to your phone, and GPS geotags photos, perfect for travel. In Iceland, I used the 5D Mark IV’s GPS to tag landscape shots, simplifying my portfolio organization. NFC makes device pairing a snap.

The 1Dx Mark II lacks these features, requiring an external transmitter for Wi-Fi, which adds bulk (Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Specifications). Both have dual card slots: the 1Dx Mark II uses CFast and CF for faster data transfer, while the 5D Mark IV uses CF and SD, which are more common. The 5D Mark IV also has a built-in intervalometer for time-lapse photography, a feature the 1Dx Mark II lacks.

For connectivity and convenience, the 5D Mark IV is the clear winner. If speed is your focus, the 1Dx Mark II’s card setup is advantageous.

Battery Life and Portability

The 1Dx Mark II’s LP-E19 battery delivers up to 1210 shots, outlasting the 5D Mark IV’s LP-E6N, which manages 900 shots (DPReview: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Review). This is crucial for long shoots, like wildlife expeditions, where power sources are scarce. However, the 1Dx Mark II is heavier (1530g) and larger (158 x 168 x 83mm), which can be tiring.

The 5D Mark IV, at 890g and 151 x 116 x 76mm, is much more portable (Fstoppers: Canon 5D Mark IV Review). I’ve hiked with it for hours without strain. Its battery life is sufficient for most shoots, especially with spares. For extended sessions, the 1Dx Mark II’s battery is a plus. For portability, the 5D Mark IV is ideal.

Real-World Reliability

Both cameras are incredibly reliable. I’ve dropped the 5D Mark IV a few times, and it’s still going strong, showing minimal wear (Fstoppers: Canon 5D Mark IV Review). The 1Dx Mark II feels even tougher, surviving rough conditions like sand and mud (DPReview: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Review). The 1Dx Mark II can run hot during extended video or bursts, but it’s not a major issue. Both have high shutter durability, suitable for heavy use.

Accessories and Compatibility

Both cameras use Canon’s EF mount, so your L-series lenses will work seamlessly. The 5D Mark IV’s higher resolution demands high-quality glass to avoid lens flaws (Imaging Resource: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Review). The 1Dx Mark II supports advanced flash controls, useful for studio setups. The 5D Mark IV’s Wi-Fi simplifies wireless shooting, while the 1Dx Mark II requires additional hardware. Both support Canon’s speedlites, enhancing lighting options.

Decision-Making: Which Camera Should You Choose?

In conclusion, choosing between the Canon 1Dx Mark II and Canon 5D Mark IV depends on your photography needs. If you’re a sports, wildlife, or action photographer, the 1Dx Mark II’s 14fps burst rate, superior autofocus, and low-light performance make it the top choice. Its robust build is perfect for demanding environments.

For portraits, landscapes, weddings, or general photography, the 5D Mark IV’s 30.4MP sensor delivers stunning detail, and its Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS add convenience. It’s also more budget-friendly, offering great value for its features. Both are outstanding, so match the camera to your style.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about the Canon 1Dx Mark II vs Canon 5D Mark IV:

1. Which has better image quality?
   The 5D Mark IV’s 30.4MP sensor offers higher resolution for detailed shots, while the 1Dx Mark II excels at high ISOs with less noise.
2. Can I use my Canon lenses with both?
   Yes, both use the EF mount, so all Canon EF lenses are compatible.
3. Which is better for video?
   The 1Dx Mark II, with 4K at 60p and Full HD at 120p, outperforms the 5D Mark IV’s 4K at 30p.
4. Is the 1Dx Mark II worth the extra cost?
   If you need speed and low-light performance, yes. Otherwise, the 5D Mark IV is a great value.
5. How do they compare in weight and size?
   The 5D Mark IV is lighter (890g) and smaller than the 1Dx Mark II (1530g).
6. Do both have touch screens?
   Yes, but the 5D Mark IV’s touchscreen is more responsive for menu navigation and focus selection.
7. Can I use the same batteries?
   No, the 1Dx Mark II uses LP-E19, and the 5D Mark IV uses LP-E6N.
8. Which has better weather sealing?
   Both are weather-sealed, but the 1Dx Mark II is designed for harsher conditions.
9. Do they support 4K video?
   Yes, but the 1Dx Mark II shoots at 60p, while the 5D Mark IV is limited to 30p.
10. Which is better for beginners?
    Both are professional cameras, but the 5D Mark IV’s versatility and lower cost make it more approachable.

Happy shooting, and I hope this helps you pick the right camera for your next adventure!