Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II vs Nikon D2X

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II and Nikon D2X. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D2X is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

These two camera models were both released 2004.

Camera Released
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 2004
Nikon D2X 2004

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II has a "Canon Full Frame"-sensor while Nikon D2X has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D2X 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II has a 16,6 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D2X has 12,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16,6 MP
16613376 pixels
4992 x 3328
Nikon D2X 12,2 MP
12212224 pixels
4288 x 2848

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II has a 36 % larger resolution than Nikon D2X. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D2X. Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II has an ISO range that stretches from 50 to 3200 while Nikon D2X has 100 to 3200.

Camera ISO Range
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 50-3200
Nikon D2X 100-3200

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D2X

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds and Nikon D2X can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 4
Nikon D2X 5

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

Though, neither Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II or Nikon D2X can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II weighs 1565 gr (equal to 3.45 lb) which is 30% heavier than Nikon D2X and its 1200 gr (or 2.65 lb).

Camera Weight
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 1565 gr
3.45 lb
Nikon D2X 1200 gr
2.65 lb

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II vs Nikon D2X Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II and Nikon D2X, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
Name Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II Nikon D2X
Manufacturer Canon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
Release Year 2004 2004
Release Date 2004-09-21 2004-09-16
MSRP 7999 USD 6299 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4992 x 3328 pixels 4288 x 2848 pixels
Megapixels 16,6 MP 12,2 MP
Image Processor DIGIC 2 Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration)
Image
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
ISO Range 50 - 3200 100 - 3200
White Balance Presets 8 6
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Focus Points 45 11
Lens Mount Canon EF

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier Full frame
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 2” 2,5”
Screen dots 230000 235000
Touch screen No No
Screen type N/A N/A
Live view No No
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.86× (0.57× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
Frames per second 4 fps 5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No No
Built-in Flash Range N/A N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Spot
Partial
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
Video recording No No
Video format N/A N/A
Video resolution N/A N/A
Built-in Microphone No No
Built-in Speakers No No
Storage
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
Memory Card Compact Flash
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
HDMI Output No No
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No No
Remote Control Yes (N3 connector) Yes
GPS No No
Body & Dimensions
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Nikon D2X
Enviromentally sealed Yes No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Ni-MH Pack NP-E3
Rechargeable Nikon EN-EL4 Li-ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA) 1200 shots 3800 shots
Width 156 mm 158 mm
Height 158 mm 150 mm
Depth 80 mm 86 mm
Weight 1565 gram 1200 gram