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Canon 1D Mark II vs 1D Mark II N

The Canon EOS-1D Mark II and the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2004 and August 2005. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-H sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 8.2 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 1D Mark II
versus
Canon 1D Mark II N
Canon 1D Mark II   Canon 1D Mark II N
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
8.2 MP – APS-H sensor 8.2 MP – APS-H sensor
no Video no Video
ISO 100-1,600 (50 - 3,200) ISO 100-1,600 (50 - 3,200)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
2.0" LCD – 230k dots 2.5" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
8.3 shutter flaps per second 8.5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
1200 shots per battery charge1200 shots per battery charge
156 x 158 x 80 mm, 1535 g 156 x 158 x 80 mm, 1565 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1D Mark II and the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D Mark II and the Canon 1D Mark II N is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon 1D Mark II vs Canon 1D Mark II N
Compare 1D Mark II versus 1D Mark II N top
Comparison 1D Mark II or 1D Mark II N rear

In this particular case, the Canon 1D Mark II and the Canon 1D Mark II N have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. However, the 1D Mark II N is slightly heavier (2 percent) than the 1D Mark II. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

As can be seen in the images above, both cameras have a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1535 g 1200 Y Jan 2004 US$ 4 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1565 g 1200 Y Aug 2005 US$ 3 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1585 g 500 Y Sep 2001 US$ 6 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1265 g 600 Y Sep 2002 US$ 8 999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1215 g 1200 Y Sep 2004 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 5D 152 mm 113 mm 75 mm 895 g 400 Y Aug 2005 US$ 3 299ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 US$ 3 499ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The 1D Mark II N was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 11 percent) than the 1D Mark II, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-H sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.3. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 1D Mark II and Canon 1D Mark II N sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 8.2 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the 1D Mark II and the 1D Mark II N have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the 1D Mark II N is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 6 months) than the 1D Mark II, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 50-3200. The Canon EOS-1D Mark II N offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

1D Mark II versus 1D Mark II N MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark II APS-H 8.2 3504 2336none22.311.1100366
2.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N APS-H 8.2 3504 2336none22.311.297566
3.
 
Canon 1D APS-H 4.1 2496 1662none........
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Full Frame 11.0 4064 2704none21.811.095463
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II Full Frame 16.6 4992 3328none23.311.3148074
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
9.
 
Canon 5D Full Frame 12.7 4368 2912none22.911.1136871
10.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
11.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
12.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
Neither the 1D Mark II nor the 1D Mark II N offer Live View, so that they cannot project the live image that the sensor receives onto the rear screen. Moreover, both cameras are still-image focused and cannot record videos.
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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 1D Mark II and the 1D Mark II N are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), as well as the same magnification (0.55x). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 1D Mark II and Canon 1D Mark II N along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n n
2.
 
Canon 1D Mark II Noptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 8.5/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1Doptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 8.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 1Dsoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
9.
 
Canon 5Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
10.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
11.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
12.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the 1D Mark II and the 1D Mark II N write their files to Compact Flash or SD cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II and Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIY- / ----1.1---
2.
 
Canon 1D Mark II NY- / ----1.1---
3.
 
Canon 1DY- / ----FW---
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon 1DsY- / ----FW---
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIY- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
9.
 
Canon 5DY- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
12.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the 1D Mark II and the 1D Mark II N have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 1D Mark II was replaced by the Canon 1D Mark II N, while the 1D Mark II N was followed by the Canon 1D Mark III. Further information on the features and operation of the 1D Mark II and 1D Mark II N can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1D Mark II Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon 1D Mark II N Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 1D Mark II and the Canon 1D Mark II N? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Advantages of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II:

  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2004).


Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N:

  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (2.5" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (11 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 6 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 1D Mark II N emerges as the winner of the match-up (3 : 1 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

1D Mark II 01:03 1D Mark II N

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1D Mark II and the Canon 1D Mark II N place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 1D Mark II or the 1D Mark II N. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark II......+ +.... Jan 2004 US$ 4 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N............ Aug 2005 US$ 3 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D......+ +.... Sep 2001 US$ 6 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds......+ +.... Sep 2002 US$ 8 999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II......+ +.... Sep 2004 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 5D..88/100..+ +o.. Aug 2005 US$ 3 299ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 US$ 3 499ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Canon 1D Mark II vs Canon 1D Mark II N

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 1D Mark II Canon 1D Mark II N
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2004 August 2005
    Launch Price USD 4,499 USD 3,999
    Sensor Specs Canon 1D Mark II Canon 1D Mark II N
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-H Sensor APS-H Sensor
    Sensor Size 28.7 x 19.1 mm 28.7 x 19.1 mm
    Sensor Area 548.17 mm2 548.17 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 34.5 mm 34.5 mm
    Crop Factor 1.3x 1.3x
    Sensor Resolution 8.2 Megapixels 8.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3504 x 2336 pixels 3504 x 2336 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 8.17 μm 8.17 μm
    Pixel Density 1.49 MP/cm2 1.49 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1,600 ISO 100 - 1,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 3,200 ISO 50 - 3,200 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC II DIGIC II
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 66 66
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.3 22.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.1 11.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1003 975
    Screen Specs Canon 1D Mark II Canon 1D Mark II N
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.55x 0.55x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    Rear LCD Size 2.0inch 2.5inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon 1D Mark II Canon 1D Mark II N
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 8.3 shutter flaps/s 8.5 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SD cards CF or SD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Canon 1D Mark II Canon 1D Mark II N
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 1.1 USB 1.1
    HDMI Port no HDMI no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon 1D Mark II Canon 1D Mark II N
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Canon NP-E3 Canon NP-E3
    Battery Life (CIPA)1200 shots per charge1200 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 156 x 158 x 80 mm
    (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
    156 x 158 x 80 mm
    (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 1535 g (54.1 oz) 1565 g (55.2 oz)
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