Hands on with Canon's EOS-1D X full-frame DSLR

In the frame

As ever, the vertical grip duplicates a few of the controls available on the standard grip, but new to the EOS-1D X is another joystick on the back, the better to skip through the menus and select autofocus points. The viewfinder’s enormous and very bright; 100% frame coverage is a given at this price, but even so the .76x magnification means it’s easy to see what you’re doing and what the camera’s focussed on.

Full length photos: no crop factor with lenses on this model

Like previous models, it’s extremely well-balanced, although the new-look menu system might take a bit of getting used to. Whether the two customisable function buttons on the front are any use remains to be seen, but it’s a nice idea for those who need to shuffle between modes not already catered for by buttons elsewhere.

Canon's WFT-E6 attachment delivers wireless connectivity

The EOS-1D X has its work cut out for it. The Nikon D3s has carved itself a neat little niche thanks to entirely respectable performance and outstanding ISO capabilities, and the EOS-1D X is much more expensive: £5,299 on release, versus the two year-old D3s’ price of £3,577. The next few months will be interesting, with Nikon much-rumoured to release a high-end DSLR before Christmas, and the Canon EOS-1D X set to touch down in the first quarter of next year. Until then, photographers will have to salivate and save in equal measure. ®