Nikon D1X vs Canon EOS 1Ds

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D1X and Canon EOS 1Ds. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Nikon D1X is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 1Ds is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon are well known brands though.

Nikon D1X were released 2001 and Canon EOS 1Ds was released 2002. That is a 1 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D1X 2001
Canon EOS 1Ds 2002

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D1X has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Canon EOS 1Ds has a "Canon Full Frame"-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 **
Nikon D1X 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Canon EOS 1Ds 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** 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 (Nikon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)

Resolution

Nikon D1X has a 5,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 1Ds has 11 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D1X 5,3 MP
5895680 pixels
3008 x 1960
Canon EOS 1Ds 11 MP
10989056 pixels
4064 x 2704

Canon EOS 1Ds has a 86 % larger resolution than Nikon D1X. 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 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D1X. Canon EOS 1Ds has an ISO range that stretches from 50 to 1250 while Nikon D1X has 125 to 800.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D1X 125-800
Canon EOS 1Ds 50-1250

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 Nikon D1X
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 1Ds

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D1X can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 1Ds can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D1X 3
Canon EOS 1Ds 3

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Nikon D1X or Canon EOS 1Ds 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 weighs 1585 gr (equal to 3.49 lb) which is 32% heavier than Nikon D1X and its 1200 gr (or 2.65 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D1X 1200 gr
2.65 lb
Canon EOS 1Ds 1585 gr
3.49 lb

Nikon D1X vs Canon EOS 1Ds Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D1X and Canon EOS 1Ds, 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
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
Name Nikon D1X Canon EOS 1Ds
Manufacturer Nikon Canon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
Release Year 2001 2002
Release Date 2001-02-05 2002-09-24
MSRP 4849 USD 7499 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm)
Sensor Type CCD CMOS
Resolution 3008 x 1960 pixels 4064 x 2704 pixels
Megapixels 5,3 MP 11 MP
Image Processor Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) DIGIC
Image
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
ISO Range 125 - 800 50 - 1250
White Balance Presets 6 8
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
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 5 45
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Canon EF

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier 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
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
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 2” 2”
Screen dots 130000 120000
Touch screen No No
Screen type N/A N/A
Live view No No
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 96% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
Frames per second 3 fps 3 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/16000 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 No Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Partial
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/2 EV, 1/3 EV steps) +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
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
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
Memory Card Compact Flash
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
HDMI Output No No
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No No
Remote Control Supported Yes (N3 connector, Remote switch RS-60 E3)
GPS No No
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D1X
Canon EOS 1Ds
Enviromentally sealed No Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Ni-MH Battery Pack EN-4
Ni-MH Pack NP-E3
Battery Life (CIPA) N/A N/A
Width 157 mm 156 mm
Height 153 mm 158 mm
Depth 85 mm 80 mm
Weight 1200 gram 1585 gram