Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D X Mark II Comparison
Canon EOS 90D
Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
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Brand | Canon | Canon | |
Model | 90D | EOS 1D X Mark II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2019 | 2016 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 28, 2019 | February 02, 2016 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Canon EOS 1D X Mark II outperforms the Canon EOS 90D with a score of 73/100, compared to the 90D’s 67/100. Both cameras are DSLRs released by Canon, with the 1D X Mark II launched in 2016 and the 90D in 2019. They share similar specifications, but there are key differences that set them apart.
The 1D X Mark II excels with its larger size (158 x 168 x 83mm) and heavier weight (1530g), providing a more robust and professional feel. However, the 90D is more affordable with a launch price of $1199, significantly lower than the 1D X Mark II’s $6000 price tag. Additionally, the 90D’s smaller size (141 x 105 x 77mm) and lighter weight (701g) make it more portable and user-friendly.
Considering these factors, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark II is the superior camera due to its higher score, but the Canon EOS 90D offers a more budget-friendly and compact option for photographers.
Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D X Mark II Overview and Optics
The Canon EOS 1D X Mark II surpasses the Canon EOS 90D in optics with a score of 72/100 compared to the 90D’s score of 62/100. Both cameras share similarities in their specifications, including the CMOS sensor type, Canon EF lens mount, and lack of image stabilization.
The 1D X Mark II’s superiority in optics stems from its higher DXOMARK sensor score of 88 and a full-frame sensor size. These features contribute to better image quality and low-light performance. Additionally, the 1D X Mark II has a faster shooting speed of 16 frames per second (fps), allowing for improved action and sports photography.
On the other hand, the EOS 90D has a higher megapixel count of 33, which can result in more detailed images. However, this advantage is offset by the camera’s lower DXOMARK sensor score of 58 and smaller APS-C sensor size. The 90D’s shooting speed of 10 fps is slower compared to the 1D X Mark II, but still adequate for most photography needs. Both cameras use different processors, with the 90D utilizing the newer Digic 8, while the 1D X Mark II relies on the dual Digic 6+.
In terms of optics, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark II emerges as the stronger contender due to its superior sensor score, full-frame sensor size, and faster shooting speed. While the Canon EOS 90D offers a higher megapixel count, it falls short in other key aspects that contribute to overall image quality. Photographers seeking optimal performance in optics should opt for the Canon EOS 1D X Mark II, while those prioritizing higher resolution might find the Canon EOS 90D more suitable for their needs.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 90D
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Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 33 MP | 20.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6960 x 4640 px | 5472 x 3648 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 22.3 x 14.9 mm | 24 x 36 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |  Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps | 16 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon EF/EF-S | Canon EF | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic 8 | Dual Digic 6+ | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 | 51,200 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 51200 | 409600 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 45 | 61 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D X Mark II Video Performance
The Canon EOS 90D outperforms the Canon EOS 1D X Mark II in video capabilities, scoring 91/100 compared to the latter’s 69/100. Both cameras share the ability to record in 4K resolution, with the 90D having a maximum video dimension of 3840 x 2160 and the 1D X Mark II at 4096 x 2160.
The 90D surpasses the 1D X Mark II with its higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, double that of the 1D X Mark II’s 60fps. This advantage allows the 90D to capture smoother slow-motion footage and provide more flexibility in post-production. Additionally, the 90D includes built-in time-lapse functionality, making it more versatile for creative video projects without requiring extra equipment or software.
The 1D X Mark II, however, excels with its slightly larger maximum video dimensions. This difference can result in marginally more detailed footage, although the impact on overall video quality is minimal. The 1D X Mark II’s advantage in this aspect does not outweigh the benefits offered by the 90D’s higher frame rate and time-lapse feature.
Considering the video capabilities of both cameras, the Canon EOS 90D proves to be the better choice due to its superior frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality. While the 1D X Mark II has a slight edge in maximum video dimensions, this advantage is not significant enough to compensate for the 90D’s higher video score and additional features. Therefore, the Canon EOS 90D is the recommended camera for users seeking enhanced video performance.
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Video
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Canon EOS 90D
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Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 px | 4096 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 120 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, H.264 | MOV, MP4 |
Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D X Mark II Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS 90D outperforms the Canon EOS 1D X Mark II in terms of features, scoring 83/100 compared to the latter’s 74/100. Both cameras share some similarities, such as screen size, touchscreen functionality, and screen resolution. The EOS 90D has a 3-inch screen, while the EOS 1D X Mark II has a slightly larger 3.2-inch screen. Both cameras also have touchscreens, with the EOS 90D having a screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots and the EOS 1D X Mark II having a higher resolution of 1,620,000 dots.
The EOS 90D takes the lead with additional features such as a flip screen, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities. The flip screen allows for more versatile shooting angles, while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it easier to transfer files and control the camera remotely. These features make the EOS 90D more user-friendly and adaptable to different shooting situations.
On the other hand, the EOS 1D X Mark II has GPS functionality, which the EOS 90D lacks. This feature allows for geotagging photos, which can be useful for travel photography and documentation purposes. However, this advantage is not enough to surpass the EOS 90D’s overall higher feature score.
Taking these points into consideration, the Canon EOS 90D emerges as the better camera in terms of features, offering a wider range of functionalities that cater to different photography needs. The EOS 1D X Mark II’s GPS feature is noteworthy, but it cannot compensate for the absence of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a flip screen. Thus, the EOS 90D’s superior feature set makes it a more versatile and practical choice for photographers.
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Features
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Canon EOS 90D
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Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" |  3.2" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,040,000 dots | 1,620,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D X Mark II Storage and Battery
The Canon EOS 1D X Mark II outperforms the Canon EOS 90D in storage and battery with a score of 79/100, compared to the 90D’s 48/100. Both cameras lack USB charging capabilities, but the 1D X Mark II excels with two memory card slots accepting Compact Flash and CFast 2.0 cards. This provides more storage flexibility and backup options. The 90D, on the other hand, has only one memory card slot compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC (UHS-II) cards.
Regarding battery life, the EOS 90D takes the lead with 1300 shots per charge, using an LP-E6N battery, while the 1D X Mark II offers 1210 shots with its LP-E19 battery. Although the 90D has a slightly longer battery life, the 1D X Mark II’s superior storage capabilities make it the better choice in this comparison.
Thus, the Canon EOS 1D X Mark II proves to be the superior camera in terms of storage and battery, thanks to its dual memory card slots and versatile storage options. The Canon EOS 90D, however, provides a marginally longer battery life, which may be advantageous for some users.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 90D
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Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | Compact Flash, CFast 2.0 | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6N | LP-E19 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1,300 shots | 1,210 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 90D
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Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | N/A | 24.1 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | N/A | 13.5 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | N/A | 3207 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 90D
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Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
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Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 1D X Mark II – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 90D or the Canon EOS 1D X Mark II:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 90D
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Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
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B&H photo video |
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