CameraReview

Canon EOS 1D Mark II N vs Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Canon EOS 1D Mark II N
Canon
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N
DSLR · 8.2 MP · APS-H
40
SCORE
No live offers
✓ WINNER
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III
Canon
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III
DSLR · 21.1 MP · Full Frame
58
SCORE
$523.90
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General
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20052007
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
22/08/200520/08/2007
Camera type DSLRDSLR
Camera size 156 x 158 x 80 mm150 x 160 x 80 mm
Camera weight 1565 g1385 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
8.2 MP05021.1 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
3504 x 23365616 x 3744
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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.
19.1 x 28.724 x 36
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-HFull Frame
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
8.5 fps0455 fps045
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 EFCanon EF
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic IIDigic III
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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
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.
1600300328000016003003280000
Min 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.
50302005030200
Max 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.
3200300328000032003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max 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.
800080032000800080032000
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.
450300450300
In-body stabilisation
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)
Viewfinder dots N/AN/A
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/AN/A
Max video format
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.
N/AN/A
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.
N/AN/A
Timelapse 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.
N/AN/A
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
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 LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 2.5"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
23000011500015000002300001150001500000
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
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD,Compact Flash (Type I or II)SD, Compact Flash (Type I or II)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-E3LP-E4
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
1200 shots15050001800 shots1505000
USB charging

The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III emerges as the winner with a score of 58/100, while the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N trails behind with a score of 40/100. Both cameras share common specifications, such as being DSLRs and having similar dimensions (1Ds Mark III: 150 x 160 x 80mm; 1D Mark II N: 156 x 158 x 80mm).

The 1Ds Mark III has the advantage of a more recent release year (2007) and a lighter weight (1385g / 3.05lbs) compared to the 1D Mark II N (2005, 1565g / 3.45lbs). This makes it more advanced and easier to handle. The 1D Mark II N, however, has a lower launch price ($5986) than the 1Ds Mark III ($7100), making it a more affordable option.

Taking into account these factors, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III’s higher score reflects its superior features and performance, while the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N offers a more budget-friendly option for those who value affordability over the latest technology.

Canon EOS 1D Mark II N vs EOS 1Ds Mark III Overview and Optics

The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III comes out on top in the optics comparison, with a score of 60/100, while the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N scores 46/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including the use of a CMOS sensor, Canon EF lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization.

The 1Ds Mark III has a clear advantage in terms of image quality, with a higher resolution of 21.1 megapixels compared to the 8.2 megapixels of the 1D Mark II N. This allows the 1Ds Mark III to capture more detail and produce larger prints. Additionally, the 1Ds Mark III has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 80, compared to 66 for the 1D Mark II N, which means it performs better in low light and has a wider dynamic range. Furthermore, the 1Ds Mark III features a full-frame sensor, which is larger than the APS-H sensor found in the 1D Mark II N, resulting in better image quality and improved low-light performance.

On the other hand, the 1D Mark II N has a faster shooting speed of 8.5 frames per second, compared to 5 frames per second on the 1Ds Mark III. This makes the 1D Mark II N more suitable for action and sports photography.

Considering these factors, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is the superior camera in terms of optics, thanks to its higher resolution, better sensor performance, and full-frame sensor. However, the 1D Mark II N may be more suitable for certain situations, such as action photography, due to its faster shooting speed.

Canon EOS 1D Mark II N vs EOS 1Ds Mark III Video Performance

In discussing the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N and Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, it is important to note that neither camera possesses video functionality. As such, there is no comparison to be made in terms of video capabilities for these two models. The lack of video functionality does not affect the overall quality of the cameras, as their scores are determined by other factors, such as general specifications and optics.

Canon EOS 1D Mark II N vs EOS 1Ds Mark III Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III triumphs over the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N in features, with a score of 49/100 compared to 17/100. Both cameras share some similarities in their specifications, such as screen resolution at 230,000 dots, lack of a touchscreen, absence of a flip screen, and no GPS or Bluetooth capabilities.

The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N with its larger screen size of 3 inches, compared to the latter’s 2.5 inches. Additionally, the 1Ds Mark III offers Wi-Fi connectivity, which the 1D Mark II N does not have. This feature allows users to transfer images and remotely control the camera, providing more convenience and flexibility.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N does not have any distinct advantages over the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III in terms of features. Both cameras have the same screen resolution, and neither has a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, or Bluetooth. The 1D Mark II N has a smaller screen size and lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, which makes the 1Ds Mark III a superior choice in this comparison.

Taking into consideration the feature scores and specifications, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is the better camera when compared to the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N. Its larger screen size and Wi-Fi capabilities make it a more convenient and user-friendly option for photographers. The absence of any significant advantages in the 1D Mark II N further solidifies the 1Ds Mark III as the preferable choice among the two cameras.

Canon EOS 1D Mark II N vs EOS 1Ds Mark III Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III wins in storage and battery with a score of 84/100, while the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N scores 79/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots, accepting SD and Compact Flash (Type I or II) cards. USB charging is not available for either camera.

The 1Ds Mark III outperforms the 1D Mark II N in battery life, offering 1800 shots compared to 1200 shots. This difference is significant for extended shooting sessions. The 1Ds Mark III also uses the LP-E4 battery type, while the 1D Mark II N utilizes the NP-E3.

However, the 1D Mark II N does not have any advantages in storage and battery over the 1Ds Mark III. The 1Ds Mark III is the clear winner in this category, providing a longer battery life for users who need the additional capacity.

Canon EOS 1D Mark II N vs EOS 1Ds Mark III – Our Verdict

Canon EOS 1D Mark II N vs EOS 1Ds Mark III Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N or the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III: