Edmund,
I wasn't sure if you were being sarcastic. ;~)
There is clearly a difference between the granularity of the focus abilities. The 1Dx has 63 points(?) I think. And when you select one by any means (my method or other methods) it is a clearly defined point that you can place precisely on an eye or an object and you will get focus, each and every time. It is almost telepathic once you get in the groove. Nothing better in my opinion. But, the speed, or better put, the snappiness of the motors to grab focus from one subject to another is nearly equal, if not equal. The problem is there isn't a refined granularity with the XF. You have a big area in the middle that you try to lay on your target and it may get the eye, or the nose or the other eye. So, to use your analogy, if the 1Dx is the Ferrari (or Porsche as I am a Porschephile lol), the XF is an Aston Martin. A little levity in there somewhere.
As for how I like the 1Dx, well, completely frankly, it is the best camera I have ever owned. And I have owned the 1Dx, 1Dx2, 5D2, 5D3, 1Dx3, 1Dx, DF, DF+, XF, NEX7, A7R and a6000.
I shoot people, professionally. And I have to say, the 18.xMP sensor provides the perfect mix of high ISO performance, and beautiful rendition that prints beautifully. I have printed up to 30"x40" in regular prints and up to 60"x40" in a gallery wrap and, wait for it, up to 20 FEET x 3' for a composited mounted banner for a client. We needed to rent a truck to get it from the lab to the client! But I digress. I cannot recommend the 1Dx highly enough.
Regards,
Ken
Sarcasm off: I believe you. But whether this means there is an issue with the Canon or the XF is incredibly good is something I wouldn't know.
Usually a Ferrari wins against a Mercedes saloon, and this is no aspersion on the Mercedes. If the Mercedes wins, one tends to wonder whether the Ferrari is not a bit sub-par
BTW, what d'you think of the 1Dx image quality? Now they are appearing on the used market, I'm thinking of getting one.
Edmund