Canon has long been a leader in photography with their image capturing devices, and their professional DSLR cameras live up to their legacy. Our favorite of their high-end selection is the EOS-1D Mark IV since it's brimming with features and functions that are fun to use and easy to master . The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is the winner because it offers 10 frames per second continuous shooting, full 1080p HD movie recording and an ISO range reaching up to 102400.
A large image sensor, wide ISO range, fast shutter and more make this DSLR shine.
It lacks a built-in red eye removal function, which isn’t a deal-killer; it's expensive.
Design
The overall design of this Canon professional DSLR camera is fantastic, with a light weight, excellent features and more. The body of the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV was built with a magnesium alloy. The body feels durable, strong and able to withstand just about any condition. It doesn’t feel like a flimsy plastic camera. The device is built with an integrated cleaning system which works to remove any dust on the inside of the device. The buttons and controls located on the exterior of this image-capturing device are also dust and water resistant. This eliminates any worry you may have of taking the professional DSLR camera outdoors during wind or light rain.
Weighing 2.6 pounds, this device is heavier than several of its competitors are, but the features available make the extra weight bearable. The 3-inch
LCD display screen is built with protective glass and an anti-reflective film. The coverings make it possible to see the screen outdoors so you can adjust the settings and use the menu even in conditions that would normally produce a glare.
One of the standout features on this device is its ability to capture full
HD video, with 1920 x 1080 resolution (along with 720p and 480p), and frame rates of 60p, 50p, 30p and 24p. The resulting recorded video is stunning and beautiful, and something Canon has perfected with their line of professional DSLRs. A large advantage over using a camcorder, is the ability to use the lenses – such as the standard, telephoto and wide-angle lens – which enhance the depth of field of the video image. Many camcorders have a fixed lens, which prevents users from using other lenses without a special adapter.
Depth of field is essentially determines which objects in a photo that are in focus. Wide-angle lenses tend to offer deep focus, or objects that are in sharp focus in the entire photo. Telephoto lenses allow for shorter focus, or shallow depth of field; it will appear that the background is soft while the subject or object is in focus. This is a popular feature on high-end digital video and film cameras that Hollywood directors use on major films. Many prosumer-level video cameras can’t achieve this, so independent filmmakers are relying on professional DSLRs, such as the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, to achieve short focus in their films.
Another HD recording feature found in the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is the ability to have full manual exposure control. You just switch to manual mode and you have full control of the exposure. Although, if you'd prefer not to make manual adjustments, this professional DSLR camera has the ability to automatically select the correct ISO, shutter and aperture for any situation.
Image Quality
One of the greatest features available on this Canon device for ensuring high image quality is the large
ISO speed range. The device features your standard ISO range but extends from 50 all the way to 102400, which is great for extremely dark conditions. The only drawback of featuring such a high ISO speed is images have a greater chance of containing grain and noise. One of the ways Canon decided to eliminate the noise was to provide the Dual
DIGIC 4 image processor. The processor not only works to keep the noise and grain to a minimum but is also designed to ensure that photos are clear and vivid. The
image sensor size, 27.9 x 18.6 mm, allows for better shooting in darker conditions. The processor makes it possible for continuous shooting of up to 10 frames per second.
The new Al Servo II AF focus tracking is available on this professional DSLR camera. According to Canon, this technology is designed to improve stability, reliability and focus. We found the feature improves the device's ability to capture fast-paced subjects or landscape portraits with no blur from shaky hand movements or sudden gusts of wind.
Another feature on the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV we were highly impressed with is its compatibility with all EF Canon lenses. This means all lenses, from wide-angle, standard, telephoto and super telephoto, can be used on this device. This vast selection of lenses makes it possible to capture the ideal photo and video whether your subject is near or far. If you use the right type of lens for the right situation, the Mark IV will provide you with a high-quality image with a sharp, focused subject and crisp, vibrant colors.
This Canon professional DSLR camera also features the E-TTl II flash metering system. The image-capturing device features a 63-zone evaluative-metering sensor that provides a flash-metering algorithm that reduces overexposure. The flash metering means you can take photos in direct sunlight or complete darkness.
Battery Life/Memory
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV uses one CR2025 lithium battery. The battery life on this device is impressive. Approximately 1,500 images can be captured on a single battery charge. By using this battery, you have the ability to take nearly as many pictures as you could ever want in a single day without needing to recharge. It also allows professional photographers to stay at work taking portraits or snapshots without interruptions.
An automatic battery check is featured on this image-capturing device. When the device is turned on, the battery check is displayed on the LCD panel, in the viewfinder and on the battery information screen. The battery is displayed in one of six levels. We found this a great help since it keeps you constantly aware of your battery level so you won't suddenly be out of luck. Also included on Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is a power saving feature. The power automatically turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 or 30 minutes of non-use, depending on your preference.
This Canon professional DSLR camera features memory capabilities for CF, SD and SDHC formats. Having three separate ways to save memory makes it possible to save more images, video and data at once and keep the information in one spot. Having removable memory on the device also makes it possible for easy editing and transferring files to a PC.
Help & Support
Canon provides several help and support options, including a user guide, a FAQs page on its website, a valuable and fairly extensive Resources and Learning page, and a one-year warranty. If you need technical support, you can contact Canon by telephone or email. On its website, canon has a link to arrange for a repair, but if your professional DSLR is out of warranty, you will be responsible for the incurred repair costs.
Summary
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is one of the fastest professional DSLR cameras on the market. With a long battery life, strong HD recording capabilities and a Dual DIGIC 4 image processor, this device excels at excellent and fast images, though the price is a bit high.
Specifications
Type: Digital AF/AE SLR
Recording Media: CF Card Type I and II, SD/SDHC Memory Card (1 slot each), UDMA Mode 6 CF cards and/or External media (USB v.2.0 hard drive, via optional Canon Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2/E2A or Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 IIA*)
Image Format: 1.098 x 0.73 in./ 27.9 x 18.6 mm (APS-H size sensor)
Compatible Lenses: Canon EF
Lens Mount
Canon EF mount
Back to Top
Type: High-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate, CMOS sensor
Pixels: Approx. 16.10 Megapixels
Total Pixels: Approx. 17.00 Megapixels
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 (Horizontal:Vertical)
Color Filter System: RGB primary color filters
Low Pass Filter: Fixed position in front of the image sensor
Dust Deletion Feature
(1) Self Cleaning Sensor Unit
- Helps remove dust adhering to the low-pass filter.
- Automatic cleaning when power on and off, and manual cleaning.
- Low-pass filter has a fluorine coating.
(2) Dust Delete Data acquisition and appending
- The coordinates of the dust adhering to the low-pass filter are detected by a test shot and appended to subsequent images
- The dust coordinate data appended to the image is used by the provided software to automatically minimize the dust spots
(3) Manual cleaning
Back to Top
Recording Format: DCF 2.0 (Exif 2.21): JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording possible. Multiple options for recording images on two memory cards, and onto compatible external USB hard drives (via optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2/2A, E2 IIA*)
Image Format: JPEG, RAW, M-RAW, S-RAW (Canon .CR2) MOV
File Name
The file name can be set to one of three formats:
1. Factory-default, four-character alphanumeric name
2. Any four characters (User setting 1)
3. Any three characters plus the image size (User setting 2). If 3 is set and an M-RAW image is taken, the fourth character will be "M." The above three settings also apply to the file name for movies. If 3 is set, the forth character will be "_" (underscore).
File Size
JPEG
1) Large: Approx. 16.00 megapixels (4896 x 3264)
2) Medium 1: Approx. 12.40 megapixels (4320 x 2880)
3) Medium 2: Approx. 8.40 megapixels (3552 x 2368)
4) Small: Approx. 4.00 megapixels (2448 x 1632)
LOSSLESS RAW
1) RAW: Approx. 16.00 megapixels (4896 x 3264)
2) M-RAW: Approx. 9.00 megapixels (3672 x 2448)
3) S-RAW: Approx. 4.00 megapixels (2448 x 1632)
Folders: Folder creation/selection enabled
Recording Functions
(1) Standard
- No automatic switching of recording media
(2) Automatic switching of recording media
- When the current recording media becomes full, it switches to another recording media automatically and continues recording
(3) Separate recording
- Set the desired image size (L, M1, M2, S, RAW, M-RAW, S-RAW) for each recording media before shooting
- The image size set for one captured image will be applied to all the recording media
(4) Recording of identical images
- The same image is recorded to all recording media. (Also possible withRAW+JPEG.)
- Movies cannot be recorded simultaneously to multiple recording media
- If simultaneous recording has been set, movies will be recorded to the recording media set with [Play] on the [Recording func+media/folder sel.] screen.
- If a still photo is taken during movie shooting and (3) or (4) has been set, the still photo will be recorded to each recording media in the image size that was set.
Backup Recording
Enabled
- With external recording media connected via WFT-E2 IIA* and WFT-E2/E2A (Firmware Ver. 2.0.0 or higher).
- Two options: 1. Quick backup (Backup folder created automatically and folder name set automatically.), 2. Backup (Backup folder created manually and folder name can be entered manually.)
- Images in the card are backed up in the external recording media's root directory based on the card's DCIM folder structure.
* This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
File Numbering
(1) Continuous numbering (2) Auto reset (3) Manual reset (the image numbering is reset to 0001, a new folder is created automatically)
Image Copy: Image copying between recording media enabled (images with checkmarks or all images in folder or card)
Color Space: sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Style: Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Def. 1-3
