Canon says it is marking the 10th generation of it's professional system with the development of the EOS-1D X digital SLR, which will "supersede both the EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS-1Ds Mark III."

The EOS-1D X sports a 18.1-megapixel full-frame sensor, as well as a redesigned autofocus system, and "powerful new metering technology with new dual DIGIC 5+ processors.

According to Canon Europe's professional marketing manager Kieran Magee, "the EOS-1D X is the ultimate camera for all types of photographer. Professionals often shoot in fast-paced, high pressure situations, and the EOS-1D X provides the features and performance they need. We've carefully listened to the needs of professionals and created a versatile, powerful camera that will meet the requirements of more photographers than ever before."

The camera's sensor is a newly-deeloped full-frame 18.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, with a sensitibility range of ISO100 to ISO51,200 - which is expandable up to ISO204,800. The dual processors offer a 2-stop improvement in noise performance, "making it easier to capture low noise images, even in extreme low-light conditions," says Canon.

The EOS-1D X also has a new 61-point wide-area autofocus system, with 41 cross-type points, including five dual cross-type points. The camera features a new RGB metering system linked to the autofocus system and powered by its own DIGIC 4 processor, allowing the camera to detect faces and colours to ensure correct exposure levels and improved AF tracking, according to Canon.

Both DIGIC 5+ processors allow for the camera to shoot up to 14fps (in JPEG only)

However, Canon has designed the EOS-1D X as a filmmaker's DSLR, it says. "Users can record Full HD (1920x1080p) movies from the full-frame sensor with a full range of manual settings to control exposure, focus and frame rate (1920 x 1080: 30 (29.97), 25, 24 (23.976) frames per second, 1280 x 720: 60 (59.94), 50 fps, 640 x 480: 30 (29.97), 25 fps), while sound levels can also be displayed and adjusted on the LCD screen, ensuring complete control over every aspect of a shoot."

Canon also claims to have reduced moiré artefacts, thanks to the camera's two processors, which, in addition, allows photographers to shoot longer movies as the camera automatically creates new files once the 4GB file limit has been reached.

The EOS-1D X is built in a high-grade magnesium alloy body and features Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System. Finally, Canon has also included a built-in LAN connection capable of 1000BASE-T transmission speeds.

Canon's EOS-1D X is expected to retail at £5300.