Canon
EOS-1D X Mark II
Legendary sports DSLR with 14fps and 4K DCI — still seen on sidelines.
$5,999
Released Feb 2016
Canon
EOS R3
Pro 24MP full-frame stacked-sensor body built for sports, news, wildlife, and high-speed hybrid capture.
$5,999
Released Sep 2021
EOS R3 is 5.6 years newer.
Wins
EOS-1D X Mark II
Wins
EOS R3
9 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BEOS R3 has higher Max video bit rate (2600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- BEOS R3 has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 51,200)
- BEOS R3 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- AEOS-1D X Mark II has lower Weight (720 g vs 1015 g)
- AEOS-1D X Mark II has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 150 frames)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
EOS-1D X Mark II
138 × 98 × 88 mm
720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
EOS R3
150 × 143 × 87 mm
1015 g (2.24 lb / 35.80 oz)
EOS-1D X Mark II is 12mm narrower and 45mm shorter than EOS R3 but it is also 1mm thicker.
EOS-1D X Mark II is 295 g lighter than EOS R3.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm EOS-1D X Mark II · 87mm EOS R3
Sensor size, to scale
EOS-1D X Mark II
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
EOS R3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
EOS-1D X Mark II
✓ more lensesCanon RF
105+
native lenses available
EOS R3
✓ more lensesCanon RF
105+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
EOS-1D X Mark II
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only EOS-1D X Mark II supports it
Weight
720 g vs 1015 g — lower is better
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 150 frames — higher is better
EVF magnification
0.78 × vs 0.76 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
EOS R3
AF low-light limit
-7.5 EV vs -6.5 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Dogs, Cats…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 150, 142.6, 87.2
Max video bit rate
2600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
102,400 vs 51,200 — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only EOS R3 supports it
Codecs
Adds RAW
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 1053
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
EOS-1D X Mark II
Pros
- ✓14fps mechanical
- ✓Pro tank build
- ✓4K DCI video
Cons
- –Discontinued
- –20MP
- –Very heavy
EOS R3
Pros
- ✓30fps electronic burst from a stacked full-frame sensor
- ✓Exceptional low-light AF down to -7.5 EV
- ✓Integrated pro body with large LP-E19 battery
- ✓6K RAW video and 4K 120p
- ✓Rugged weather-sealed construction
Cons
- –24MP resolution trails higher-detail rivals
- –Large integrated-grip body
- –Expensive compared with enthusiast full-frame bodies
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, EOS-1D X Mark II or EOS R3?
EOS-1D X Mark II scores 10.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for EOS R3 — 30fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS R3?
EOS-1D X Mark II is 20.2 MP and EOS R3 is 24.1 MP, so the EOS R3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS R3 have in-body image stabilization?
EOS-1D X Mark II has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while eOS R3 has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the EOS-1D X Mark II or the EOS R3?
EOS-1D X Mark II reaches 30 fps electronic. EOS R3 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS R3?
EOS-1D X Mark II weighs 720 g and EOS R3 weighs 1015 g, so the EOS-1D X Mark II is 295 g lighter.
Do the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS R3 record 4K video?
EOS-1D X Mark II: 4K up to 60p. EOS R3: 6K RAW (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS R3 weather sealed?
EOS-1D X Mark II: Yes. EOS R3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 520 shots (CIPA) for the EOS-1D X Mark II and 620 shots for the EOS R3, giving the EOS R3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Both launched at $5,999.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.