• First glance
• Improvements and features
• Image quality

Photo: Canon

The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV DSLR was released in December 2009 and seems to carry on building the reputation of the EOS-1D range with its high speed continuous shooting, handling and reliability.

First glance

At first glance, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV DSLR looks like an intimidating camera for the amateur photographer. It’s large and bulky, and comes with a lot of buttons and switches which are generally well positioned over the DSLR camera. Canon has built the EOS-1D Mark IV DSLR tough, and its strong rubberised grip also makes the heavy camera easy to hold onto. However, at first glance, users will also notice and feel that the Canon camera is reliable and built to deliver what should be amazing images.

Improvements and features

Comparing the Mark IV to the Mark III would be rather difficult for the untrained eye. Some significant changes have however been made to the Mark IV, which ensure that the ‘prosumer’ won’t feel shortchanged in purchasing the newer Canon EOS-1D camera. On the Mark IV we find slightly improved ergonomics, improving handling and grip. The LCD screen has been given an added angle of 170 degrees, while also reducing glare.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV also features the larger and better 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor which uses an APS-H sized sensor measuring 27.9mm x 18.6mm. Images captured by the CMOS sensor are processed by the Canon DIGIC 4 image processing engine which provides amazing performance, even when the device is being used in high speed continuous shooting mode, capturing 10fps. The EOS-1D Mk IV also carries an impressive ISO range of 100 to 12,800 ISO. The camera’s AF mode has also been improved to include a new 45-point autofocus system. The Canon DSLR camera is also capable of recording video in HD at 720p and 1080p at different frame rates.

Image quality

When it comes to image quality, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV delivers amazing images in almost any situation. Using the L series 24-105mm f/4 zoom to capture the images in this instance we found that the Mark IV is quick to start up and has a shutter lag of 0.01 seconds, which is incredibly fast. The camera is also able to focus in its AF mode in 0.18 seconds which is definitely super-quick. Images are sharp, though they can be sharpened further. Colours come out looking good and natural. The ISO performance is out of this world, with images only showing some noise at the highest ISO setting of H3, which is ISO 102,400. Images taken at night will please similarly, as with images taken in low light conditions. However, the Canon DSLR camera does not come with a built-in flash and has been fitted with a hot shoe mount.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is one of the best DSLR cameras available on the market today. Selling for a little under £3,400, it’s not the cheapest camera available, but then again delivers astounding value for money. It wouldn’t be recommended for anyone with a Mark III to upgrade to the Mark IV, but an amateur photographer who has gained some considerable skill and is looking to move into the big league should consider purchasing the EOS-1D Mark IV.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Price

	Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Body		View the best price
	Canon EOS 1D Mark IV		View the best price

Video Review

Description: In this video, we take two giant flagships from the planet's fiercest rivals of DSLR camera manufactures and have them battle on a... er, snooker table.

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