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We chose three rival cameras for the Canon EOS-1D X Mk II to see how it measured up in our lab tests: its predecessor, the EOS-1D X, the Nikon D4S and the 1D X Mk II's closest competitor, the Nikon D5.
We've carried out lab tests on the 1D X Mk II across its full ISO range for resolution, noise (including signal to noise ratio) and dynamic range. We test the JPEGs shot by the camera, but we also check the performance with raw files. Most enthusiasts and pros prefer to shoot raw, and the results can often be quite different.
Canon EOS-1D X Mk II resolution charts
We test camera resolution using an industry-standard ISO test chart that allows precise visual comparisons. This gives us numerical values for resolution in line widths/picture height, and you can see how the Canon 1D X Mk II compares with its rivals in the charts below.
JPEG resolution analysis: The 1D X Mk II falls behind the D5 for resolution at the higher sensitivity values, confirming our real-world findings that the Nikon camera produces sharper images straight from the camera.
Raw (converted to TIFF) resolution analysis: The 1D X Mk II's raw files follow the same pattern as the JPEGs, indicating that it's a step up from the 1D X for detail resolution, but doesn't quite match the D5 at some sensitivities.
