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Canon 1Ds Mark II vs Sony A7S II

The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II and the Sony Alpha 7S II are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2004 and September 2015. The 1Ds Mark II is a DSLR, while the A7S II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 16.6 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 12 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon 1Ds Mark II
versus
Sony A7S II
Canon 1Ds Mark II   Sony A7S II
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
16.6 MP – Full Frame sensor 12 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-1,600 (50 - 3,200) ISO 100-102,400 (50 - 409,600)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots)
2.0" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 1229k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
4 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
1200 shots per battery charge370 shots per battery charge
156 x 158 x 80 mm, 1215 g 127 x 96 x 60 mm, 627 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II and the Sony Alpha 7S II? 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

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1Ds Mark II and the Sony A7S II. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon 1Ds Mark II vs Sony A7S II
Compare 1Ds Mark II versus A7S II top
Comparison 1Ds Mark II or A7S II rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7S II is considerably smaller (51 percent) than the Canon 1Ds Mark II. Moreover, the A7S II is substantially lighter (48 percent) than the 1Ds 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. Both cameras have similarly sized sensors, but DSLRs have a larger flange-to-focal plane distance than mirrorless cameras, which imposes contraints on the optical engineering process and generally leads to bigger and heavier lenses. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (1Ds Mark II) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7S II). Mirrorless cameras, such as the A7S II, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the 1Ds Mark II gets 1200 shots out of its Canon NP-E3 battery, while the A7S II can take 370 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1Ds Mark II has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the A7S II, Sony provides the VG-C2EM vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the A7S II can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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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 1Ds Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1215 g 1200 Y Sep 2004 US$ 7 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7S II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 627 g 370 Y Sep 2015 US$ 2 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1565 g 1200 Y Aug 2005 US$ 3 999ebay.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 III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 Y Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1440 g 2850 Y Jan 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
11.
 
Canon 5D 152 mm 113 mm 75 mm 895 g 400 Y Aug 2005 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 Y Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7 IV 131 mm 96 mm 80 mm 659 g 580 Y Oct 2021 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 US$ 3 199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 US$ 3 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7S 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 489 g 380 Y Apr 2014 US$ 2 499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 US$ 3 499 amazon.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 A7S II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 63 percent) than the 1Ds Mark II, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the A7S II is 2 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 1Ds Mark II and Sony A7S II sensor measures

With 16.6MP, the 1Ds Mark II offers a higher resolution than the A7S II (12MP), but the 1Ds Mark II has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 7.21μm versus 8.40μm for the A7S II). Moreover, the A7S II is a much more recent model (by 10 years and 11 months) than the 1Ds Mark II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 1Ds Mark II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 1Ds Mark II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25 x 16.6 inches or 63.4 x 42.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.7 x 33.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.6 x 11.1 inches or 42.3 x 28.2 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony A7S II are 21.2 x 14.2 inches or 53.8 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.1 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.1 x 9.4 inches or 35.9 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 50-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha 7S II are ISO 100 to ISO 102400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-409600.

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.

1Ds Mark II versus A7S II MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the A7S II offers substantially better image quality than the 1Ds Mark II (overall score 11 points higher). The advantage is based on 0.3 bits higher color depth, 2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. 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 1Ds Mark II Full Frame 16.6 4992 3328none23.311.3148074
2.
 
Sony A7S II Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/30p23.613.3299385
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N APS-H 8.2 3504 2336none22.311.297566
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 III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
8.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
9.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
10.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.214.5324891
11.
 
Canon 5D Full Frame 12.7 4368 2912none22.911.1136871
12.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
13.
 
Sony A7 IV Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7337997
14.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
15.
 
Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
16.
 
Sony A7S Full Frame 12.0 4240 28321080/60p23.913.2370287
17.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The A7S II indeed provides for movie recording, while the 1Ds Mark II does not. The highest resolution format that the A7S II can use is 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7S II has an electronic viewfinder (2400k dots), while the 1Ds Mark II has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the A7S II has a higher magnification than the one of the 1Ds Mark II (0.78x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 1Ds Mark II and Sony A7S II in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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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 1Ds Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
2.
 
Sony A7S II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II Noptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 8.5/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 IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
9.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
10.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n n
11.
 
Canon 5Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
12.
 
Canon 6Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
13.
 
Sony A7 IV3686 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7S2400 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
17.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the 1Ds Mark II, but is missing on the A7S II is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A7S II is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The 1Ds Mark II writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDHC cards, while the A7S II uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The 1Ds Mark II features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the A7S II only has one slot. The A7S II supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the 1Ds Mark II cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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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-1Ds Mark II and Sony Alpha 7S II 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 1Ds Mark IIY- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Sony A7S IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II NY- / ----1.1---
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon 1DsY- / ----FW---
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
8.
 
Canon 1D XYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
10.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
11.
 
Canon 5DY- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Canon 6DYmono / monoY-mini2.0Y--
13.
 
Sony A7 IVYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
16.
 
Sony A7SYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y

It is notable that the A7S II offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 1Ds Mark II does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 1Ds Mark II (unlike the A7S II) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 1Ds Mark II and the A7S II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 1Ds Mark II was replaced by the Canon 1Ds Mark III, while the A7S II was followed by the Sony A7S III. Further information on the features and operation of the 1Ds Mark II and A7S II can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1Ds Mark II Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7S II Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 1Ds Mark II or the Sony A7S II – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (16.6 vs 12MP) with a 18% higher linear resolution.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1200 versus 370) on a single battery charge.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2004).

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Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha 7S II:

  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (11 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/30p video.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.70x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 230k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (127x96mm vs 156x158mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 588g or 48 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (63 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 10 years and 11 months of technical progress since the 1Ds Mark II launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the A7S II is the clear winner of the contest (21 : 8 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

1Ds Mark II 08:21 A7S II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1Ds Mark II and the Sony A7S II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 1Ds Mark II or the A7S II perform in practice. 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 expert reviews 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 1Ds Mark II......+ +.... Sep 2004 US$ 7 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7S II5/5+....4.5/55/5 Sep 2015 US$ 2 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N............ Aug 2005 US$ 3 999ebay.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 III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III..+ +5/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
11.
 
Canon 5D..88/100..+ +o.. Aug 2005 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7 IV5/5+ +4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2021 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 US$ 3 199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 US$ 3 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7S4/5....86/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2014 US$ 2 499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 US$ 3 499 amazon.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. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Canon 1Ds Mark II vs Sony A7S II

    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 1Ds Mark II Sony A7S II
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2004 September 2015
    Launch Price USD 7,999 USD 2,999
    Sensor Specs Canon 1Ds Mark II Sony A7S II
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 35.6 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 847.28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 42.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 16.6 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4992 x 3328 pixels 4240 x 2832 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.21 μm 8.40 μm
    Pixel Density 1.92 MP/cm2 1.42 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1,600 ISO 100 - 102,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 3,200 ISO 50 - 409,600 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC II BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 74 85
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.3 23.6
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 13.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1480 2993
    Screen Specs Canon 1Ds Mark II Sony A7S II
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2400k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 1229k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Shooting Specs Canon 1Ds Mark II Sony A7S II
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy200 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterno E-ShutterYES
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDHC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Canon 1Ds Mark II Sony A7S II
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Canon 1Ds Mark II Sony A7S II
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Canon NP-E3 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)1200 shots per charge370 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 156 x 158 x 80 mm
    (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
    127 x 96 x 60 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4 in)
    Camera Weight 1215 g (42.9 oz) 627 g (22.1 oz)
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