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  • Introduction

  • Motion & Sharpness

  • Introduction
  • Motion & Sharpness

Pros

  • Plenty of pro-grade features

  • 18.1-megapixel sensor

Cons

  • Weighs more than 7 lbs

Introduction

Motion & Sharpness

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Motion looked great with the Canon 1D X, as our motion test showed very little signs of signal interference or distortion due to subject movement. There were hints of moire through the image, however, and some trailing with the RGB and monochrome pinwheels in our motion rig. Motion looked good using both the camera’s 24p and 30p frame rates, with the 24p setting offering a slightly more cinematic look. Movement looked fluid and images in motion stayed quite sharp in our test, and the camera’s rolling shutter effect wasn’t usually noticeable.

See our full motion performance review, including video clips. We found the Canon 1D X was able to produce sharpness results of approximately 700 lw/ph vertical sharpness (around 600 lw/ph horizontal) with the 24-70mm f/2.8L series lens stopped down to f/9. We found the sharpness was much worse with the lens wide open, but there is still relatively narrow depth of field with the f/9, so the image still has that “full-frame aesthetic” that so many videographers love. Read our full motion performance review. ## Low Light {{section_header}}{{section.name}}{{/section_header}} As we saw with the Nikon D4, the Canon 1D X can practically see in the dark. We found that with auto ISO set (max of ISO 25600) the camera produced a 50 IRE image at a light level of just 6 lux. When you allow the camera to use its maximum video ISO of 204800, you get a much noisier image, but sensitivity improves dramatically. In most low light situations, like a restaurant or living room, the Canon 1D X will produce video images that looks clean, sharp, and has minimal noise. By pushing the ISO up to its highest settings you can record images in near-total darkness, but you will start to see lots of noise—the same thing we saw with the Nikon D4. Read our full motion performance review. ## Conclusion {{section_header}}{{section.name}}{{/section_header}} There’s no question the Canon EOS-1D X is capable of recording excellent video images, but that’s what you should expect from a camera that costs in excess of 6000 dollars. The multiple compression options (ALL-I or IPB), as well as the numerous record modes and extensive manual video controls offer everything the professional videographer needs to capture high-quality video. But the camera isn’t marketed to video users as much as, say, the Canon 5D Mark III or the Panasonic GH3. This is a professional DSLR camera that’s geared towards photographers first and foremost. In that sense, despite the camera’s top-notch video capabilities, we don’t recommend it over the Canon 5D Mark III based on video performance alone. Other than the ability to bump up the ISO by one more stop, and the presence of an Ethernet port for quick file transfers, the 1D X doesn’t do anything for video users that the 5D Mark III can’t do either. Also, the 1D X is much larger than the 5D Mark III, which makes it far more difficult to use for handheld videography. Not to mention, the 1D X lacks a headphone jack for monitoring audio levels (another advantage of the 5D Mark III). {{product.vanity}}

The 1D X is a great camera for pro photographers. But if you're primary concern is professional video, then you'd be perfectly fit with a cheaper model instead. If you want to stick with Canon, that means the 5D Mark III is your boy. If you want to look outside the Canon marketplace for a good camera for video, you'll find some solid competition in the form of the Nikon D800, Sony Alpha A99, and Panasonic GH3.

To read our full conclusions for the {{product.name}} including analysis of the camera's video handling and audio options, plus see sample videos and photos, visit the full review at DigitalCameraInfo.com.

Meet the tester

Jeremy Stamas

Jeremy Stamas

Managing Editor, Video

@nematode9

Jeremy is the video expert of our imaging team and Reviewed.com's head of video production. Originally from Pennsylvania and upstate NY, he graduated from Bard college with a degree in film and electronic media. He has been living and working in New England since 2005.

See all of Jeremy Stamas's reviews

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