Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Model | EOS 1Ds Mark III | EOS 5D Mark II |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2007 | 2008 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
20/08/2007 | 17/09/2008 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 150 x 160 x 80 mm | 152 x 114 x 75 mm |
| Camera weight | 1385 g | 850 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
21.1 MP050 | 21 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5616 x 3744 | 5616 x 3744 |
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. |
24 x 36 | 24 x 36 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full 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. |
5 fps045 | 3.9 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 EF | 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 III | Digic 4 |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
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. |
16003003280000 | 64003003280000 |
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. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
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. |
32003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
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. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
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. |
450300 | 90300 |
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/A | N/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/A | Full HD |
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/A | 1920 x 1080 |
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/A | 30 fps |
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/A | MOV |
| 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 | LCD | TFT 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" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 9200001150001500000 |
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) | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Microdrive |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✗ |
| Battery type | LP-E4 | LP-E6 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
1800 shots1505000 | 850 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III and the Canon EOS 5D Mark II both have a score of 58/100, indicating that they are quite similar in performance. As DSLR cameras, they share some common specifications, such as their announcement and release years, 2007 and 2008 respectively.
The 1Ds Mark III stands out with its larger size (150 x 160 x 80mm) and heavier weight (1385g / 3.05lbs), making it more robust than the 5D Mark II. However, this camera also comes with a higher launch price of $7100.
On the other hand, the 5D Mark II has a more compact size (152 x 114 x 75mm) and lighter weight (850g / 1.87lbs), making it more portable and convenient for photographers. Additionally, its launch price is significantly lower at $2199.
Considering the specifications, the choice between the two cameras depends on the user’s priorities. The 1Ds Mark III is a more robust option, while the 5D Mark II offers better portability and affordability.
The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III wins in the optics comparison with a score of 60/100, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark II follows closely with a score of 59/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full frame sensor size, Canon EF lens mount, and the lack of image stabilization.
The 1Ds Mark III has a slight edge in terms of megapixels, boasting 21.1 compared to the 5D Mark II’s 21. This difference allows the 1Ds Mark III to capture marginally more detailed images. Additionally, the 1Ds Mark III has a faster shooting speed of 5 frames per second (fps), as opposed to the 5D Mark II’s 3.9 fps. This makes the 1Ds Mark III better suited for capturing fast-moving subjects or action shots. The 1Ds Mark III also has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, with a score of 80 compared to the 5D Mark II’s 79, indicating a slightly better overall sensor performance.
On the other hand, the 5D Mark II features a more advanced Digic 4 processor, compared to the 1Ds Mark III’s Digic III processor. This provides the 5D Mark II with better processing capabilities and potentially faster overall performance.
Considering these points, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III performs slightly better in optics due to its higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, and marginally better sensor performance. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II should not be disregarded, as its more advanced processor may offer advantages in other areas of camera performance.
When comparing the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III and the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, it is important to note that the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III does not have any video functionality. This means that if video recording is a priority, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the only option between the two cameras.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II offers a video score of 43 out of 100. This camera is capable of recording Full HD video with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The maximum video frame rate for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is 30 frames per second. However, it does not have built-in time-lapse functionality.
Taking the video capabilities into account, the decision between the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III and the Canon EOS 5D Mark II becomes clear. If video recording is essential, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the better choice due to its video capabilities. On the other hand, if video recording is not a priority, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III remains a strong contender based on its other specifications and features.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II wins the features comparison with a score of 54/100, while the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III scores 49/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, absence of touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth. Additionally, both cameras are equipped with WiFi connectivity.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is better in terms of screen resolution, boasting 920,000 dots compared to the 230,000 dots of the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III. This higher resolution results in a sharper and clearer display, enhancing the user experience during image review and menu navigation.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III does not have any specific feature that makes it better than the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. The lower feature score of the 1Ds Mark III reflects this lack of advantages over its counterpart.
Taking into account the feature scores and shared specifications, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II emerges as the superior camera in this comparison. Its higher screen resolution provides a more enjoyable user experience, and there are no aspects in which the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III surpasses it. This analysis suggests that the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the better choice for photographers who prioritize camera features.
The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in storage and battery with a score of 84/100 compared to 71/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and do not support USB charging. The 1Ds Mark III accepts SD and Compact Flash (Type I or II) memory cards, while the 5D Mark II takes Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, and Microdrive cards.
The 1Ds Mark III’s superior battery life is a significant advantage, offering 1800 shots per charge with its LP-E4 battery. In contrast, the 5D Mark II provides 850 shots using the LP-E6 battery. This difference means the 1Ds Mark III allows for extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent battery replacements.
On the other hand, the 5D Mark II’s compatibility with UDMA and Microdrive cards provides users with more storage options. However, this advantage is less significant compared to the 1Ds Mark III’s impressive battery life.
In terms of storage and battery, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is the better choice due to its longer battery life and similar memory card compatibility. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II falls short in this aspect, but its additional storage options may still appeal to some users.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III or the Canon EOS 5D Mark II: