Appearance 1DMarkIV quite reasonable. With excellent video mode capabilities and light sensitivity characteristics ISO.
It is worth remembering another reason for the appearance of this top model. The third generation of "Marks" with their autofocus system can not always "keep up" with athletes, and photographers equipped with them often lag behind colleagues who have cameras from other manufacturers in their arsenal. Naturally, for $ 5000-5500 (and this is only for the "carcass") sports photographers and photojournalists have the right to get something outstanding. At least, the fact that they will not let them down either day or night, not in heat or cold ...
Standard delivery set
The Mark IV's autofocus system is completely new. Now it is a 45-point system with 39 cross-type sensors, which should be the best, that is, almost perfect, fit for a camera with telephoto lenses. Actually, it will be mainly used with them. The speed of continuous shooting has increased up to 10 frames per second.
The range of ISO sensitivity has expanded (from the maximum ISO 6400 in its predecessor to its own and simply incredible ISO 102400). Currently, only the Nikon D3s can boast of the same photosensitivity characteristics. By the way, this device is a very, very worthy competitor on the market. After all, it also shoots video at 1080p at 24fps, and has a number of outstanding modern features. Is that slightly inferior in the speed of continuous shooting (9 fps). Next, let's look at other arguments for the 1D Mark IV.
Reliably tailored
Mark III and Mark IV look almost identical. The dimensions of the cases match up to a millimeter (156.0x156.6x79.9 mm), the difference in weight of 25 grams also does not play any significant role, the placement of the controls is practically one to one.
What's new in this model are three LCDs. The main 3-inch with a resolution of 920000 pixels and two informational ones on the top and rear panels. It should be added that the protection of the main display is enhanced. Added to the anti-reflective coating is an outer plate made of heavy-duty material. The gap between the display and the protective coating is filled with elastic optical material, which reduces light reflection and, as a result, increases the clarity of the image.
We also find in this model two information panels in the viewfinder, a built-in panel with a shutter button for convenient vertical shooting and a double slot for memory cards. Moreover, the recording can be made to both at once or one can be kept in reserve (Compact Flash and SDHC / SD are supported).
Like the LCD display, the magnesium alloy housing (which is shock-resistant and scratch-resistant) offers decent protection. Namely, 76 rubber seals around the control buttons and seams. This makes the camera waterproof and dustproof when used with Canon's all-weather EF lenses and EX Speedlites. Now the photographer can not be afraid of a sudden downpour on the shores of Foggy Albion or a sandstorm in Taklamakan.
The video recording mode is practically without external changes, that is, specially made separate buttons (which we find, for example, in 7D). The mode is activated through the main menu. It is not inferior not only to the 5D Mark II and 7D, but it can also compete in most parameters with professional camcorders.
Unique matrix
The 1D Mark IV is not equipped with the full-frame CMOS sensor like the closest competitor to the Nikon D3s, nor even the APS-C format CMOS sensor used in most Canon DSLRs. This model uses a unique APS-H format CMOS sensor. Judge for yourself: the size of the full-frame sensor is 36.0 x 23.9 mm, the APS-C is 28.1 x 18.7 mm, and our APS-H is 27.9 x 18.6 mm.This size provides a crop factor of 1.3 and with it significant advantages for photojournalists filming sporting events, reporting or wildlife, for whom a fast yet lightweight optics is ideally suited. This camera is primarily intended for photographers who already have EF lenses in their arsenal.
Digic 4 processor
Food
The built-in battery pack increases weight, but also increases the burst shooting and image processing capabilities of the processor. In addition, it has buttons convenient for vertical shooting.
On the street
Shot with Al Servo AF at 1/800 s and ISO 640 as the subject moved in front of the lens at approximately 50 km / h. There are no complaints about the sharpness.
Exposition
The exposure was measured against a clear sky. Exposure Lock was used during continuous shooting.
Focusing
Each object passed in front of the lens along different lines, at different speeds. But the Al Servo AF mode coped with the task with dignity.
"Rate of fire"
We had to shoot this athlete in the light of the setting sun. The continuous shooting speed of 10 fps did not lag behind what was happening in front of the lens.
EF-S lenses are not compatible with the new "brand".
The autofocus system has been designed with the aim and purpose of ensuring Canon's top-end lenses show their tremendous potential. A 45-point system with 39 cross-type sensors with f / 2.8 sensitivity provides a wide variety of areas for precision focusing throughout the frame. Focus points at the edge of the frame and in the center of the frame are equally sensitive. The camera has a Spot AF mode, like the 7D, which increases focusing accuracy in a given area. True, it works with a limited number of Canon telephoto lenses with an AF Stop button on the body.
Autofocusing when shooting normal sports events is phenomenal. With the correct lens, it keeps the subject sharp throughout the entire duration of continuous shooting at 10 fps.
The photographer has every chance of getting an excellent 121 JPEG in this case (until the buffer memory is full), provided that a good memory card is used.
The matrix resolution is increased by 60%, compared to the 1D Mark III (10.1 megapixels). Many could expect an increase in the noise level, as there are more pixels on the matrix. And, as we have seen, completely in vain. Up to ISO 12800, images are suitable for printing in large format, but at ISO 102400, noise already distorts images somewhat.
Some Canon fans may still be disappointed that the new camera does not have more widgets, such as a built-in wireless flash controller (like in the 7D) and others. But this is a very, very hardworking and high quality camera. There are no widgets, but there is a viewfinder with a 100% field of view, a shutter speed of 1/8000 s and a flash sync of 1/300 s. Fast autofocus and high-performance processors will make any photographer happy.
In room
Taken with an EF 85mm f / 1.2L II USM at ISO 3200. Subject was illuminated only by light from a small table lamp. Even in this light, the camera focused perfectly and the noise was barely noticeable.
Skin tones
Taken with the EF 70-200 f / 2.8L IS USM using One Shot AF. The athlete was at the start, so there was no time to “play” with the shooting parameters. But the 1D Mark IV has done a tremendous job of accurately reproducing colors.
Tireless professional photographer James Cheadle has already purchased the 1D Mark IV and is sharing his impressions with us:
“I was really looking forward to the 1D Mark IV. With the same impatience I went with him to a test photo session. And immediately set a serious task for the camera, shooting motocross. I've worked on the track before with the 1D Mark III. The difference is very, very tangible. The new advanced autofocus system impressed with its speed and accuracy.
I was forty meters to the left of the athletes' main jump. There was no choice of another position. And he began to shoot. There was no opportunity to see the motorcyclists even before they appeared in the frame. They appeared unexpectedly and only for a couple of seconds in front of the lens. A split second was allotted for focusing. The AI Servo AF mode really surprised and delighted me. I took about 40 shots of the athletes and each one was sharp! And to test the advertised high ISO sensitivity, I decided to take a picture of my daughter in the living room at nightfall by the light of a table lamp. This single source of light was on the table to her daughter's right. I set ISO 3200 ... and was amazed. There was practically no noise!
I have been using Canon professional cameras since 1992 and today I have to honestly admit that the 1 D Mark IV is their best camera. Of course, $ 6,800 can be a barrier to buying from many photographers. But it seems to me that the price will drop a little as soon as the mass deliveries of this model to the market begin. And the fact that it is worth buying is indisputable. "
Test shots
Evaluation
Functionality: 5 out of 5
just a shock update of functionality and technology.
Image quality: 5 out of 5
The quality we saw with the 1D Mark IV, with its outstanding autofocus system and excellent dynamic range, makes this camera our favorite.
Ease of operation: 5 out of 5
Not much different from its predecessor. Something improved (buttons are easier and faster to respond to pressing).
Build and design: 5 out of 5
In reality, it looks unshakable like a rock. Maximum protection is what a traveling photojournalist needs. Value for money: 4 out of 5 Expensive. It's hard to justify this price with anything other than daily professional use. Eventually The 1D Mark IV provides the photographer with a wealth of new advanced features and technologies. This makes it the best choice for sports reporters and reporters working in hot spots or at the epicenter of world events. Also good for wildlife photographers.
