Reasons to choose EOS-1D Mark III
Released in 2007, EOS-1D Mark III has about 537 mm² of sensor area, 10.1 MP effective resolution, and a 1,335 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Canon EOS-1D Mark III
vs Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
VS
Sensor area
537 mm²
EOS-1D Mark III864 mm²
EOS-1Ds Mark II- Area ratio
- 1.61:1
- Absolute difference
- 327 mm²
- Relative difference
- 61%
The EOS-1Ds Mark II has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 3 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
EOS-1D Mark IIIMetricEOS-1Ds Mark II
10.1 MPEffective pixels16.7 MP
28.7 × 18.7Sensor36 × 24
7.29 µmPixel pitch7.19 µm
53.14 µm²Pixel area51.74 µm²
1.88 MP/cm²Pixel density1.93 MP/cm²
1.26Crop factor1
—Maximum video—
1,335 gWeight1,565 g
Compact Flash (Type I or II), SD/SDHC cardStorageCompact Flash (Type I or II), SD card
Lithium-Ion NB-4L battery Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-Ion NB-4L battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The EOS-1Ds Mark II has the larger sensor area. The EOS-1D Mark III has the lighter body. The EOS-1Ds Mark II has the higher effective resolution. The EOS-1D Mark III is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose EOS-1Ds Mark II
Released in 2004, EOS-1Ds Mark II has about 864 mm² of sensor area, 16.7 MP effective resolution, and a 1,565 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.