Offering a comprehensive combination of speed, accuracy and image quality, the EOS-1D Mark IV is the perfect choice for professional photographers and subjects on the move. With a completely redesigned 45-point AF system including 39 cross-type points, a new AI Servo II AF focus tracking system with improved algorithm combined with 10 fps continuous shooting, the EOS-1D Mark IV can handle even high-speed situations with ease. An APS-H sized 16.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, a spectacular ISO range of 100 – 12800 (up to 102400 in H3 mode) with an advanced noise reduction system helps ensure sharp, low-noise images even in low-light situations. Add advanced Live View shooting, Full HD movie recording with selectable frame rates and manual exposure control plus a host of new features that enhance every facet of the shooting process. The EOS-1D Mark IV is the choice of professionals looking for the ultimate in SLR performance.

Read more at Canon USA

Reviews

Nikon D3S vs. Canon EOS-1D Mark IV by photographyreview.com

The bottom line is, regardless of which camera is better for auto focus or low light shooting; they’re both incredible professional cameras.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV review by imaging-resource.com

In most other respects, the Canon 1D Mark IV is a remarkably capable camera, fit for news, sports, and many other types of professional photography. Its fast frame rate of 10 frames per second make it excellent for action, yet its higher resolution makes it great for portrait or other work. Printed results tell most of the story, outputting 16×24-inch prints at ISO 3,200. The Canon 1D Mark IV is built like a tank, is very well sealed against the elements when used with the right lenses, and its controls and menu system are very easy to use. The new tempered LCD glass also makes the 1D Mark IV more durable than ever.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Review by Richard Butler – February 2010 (DPReview.com)

Good For: Professional shooters needing fast, high res performance
Not so good for: Pros working in ultra low light – the D3S is still better

Putting the EOS-1D Mk3′s demons behind it Canon has produced an upgrade that’s not just better, but delivers an incredibly versatile tool that blurs the ‘sports camera/studio camera’ line more than ever before. The Nikon D3S might beat it in very low light, but if you want speed and resolution the EOS-1D Mark IV delivers convincingly.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV has the feel of a product that is determined to be as close to perfect as possible, and this is understandable after the uncertainty that hung over the 1D Mark III. It almost doesn’t matter how many people were affected by the Mark III’s AF problems – in the same way that a great flagship product has a ‘halo effect’ that radiates out, conferring some if its greatness on more lowly models, rumors of a flaw can have an impact on perceptions way beyond the group of people actually affected. And, with Nikon successfully competing for the professional market in a way it hasn’t done since its D1, this is a product Canon needs to be perfect.

Canon’s 1D series have always been the results of carefully considered evolution but in this instance the evolution is so subtle that you can almost think of the Mark IV as the EOS-1D Mark III Mark II. The body and handling are essentially unchanged, which is to be expected, as the Mark III’s ergonomic prowess has never been in doubt. Regardless of which brands you’ve used before, you don’t have to use the Mark IV for long before you appreciate just how carefully honed the shooting experience has been.

There is, perhaps a problem with evolution, though – adapting can take a long time. And, while the Mark IV’s handling may be approaching the zenith of what any stills shooter might desire, it is pretty clear it isn’t a camera designed for video shooting. Of course this isn’t an issue at all if you don’t shoot movies but if you do, you’re likely to find the experience a slightly disjointed one – the 1D body doesn’t readily lend itself to being held away from the eye and the functions all feel a bit tacked-on. This isn’t unique to the Mark IV of course (and the video options are amongst the best you’ll find on anything this side of a pro video camera), but the disconnect is felt more acutely on a camera this big and this good in its traditional use.

Canon 1DMKIV (beta) at a wedding by jeffascough

In conclusion; I would say that hand on heart this is the best digital SLR I have ever used. Ergonomically the MKIII was always exceptional, but Canon have added amazing high iso image quality and solid AF to the package making a stunning camera. Ok, I accept that it isn’t full frame, but like I said earlier, it wasn’t ever an issue in the cut and thrust of shooting – and there are some advantages for using a cropped sensor.

The quality of the files from this camera makes me believe that we are finally at the stage where we can buy a DSLR and know it will produce stunning results for many years to come – the necessity to upgrade won’t as great as it has been in previous years.

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Digital SLR Camera Review by the-digital-picture.com

The upgrade from any of Canon’s APS-C/1.6x bodies to the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is a big one – and of course, the cost to trade up is reflected in this. Those not needing the fast performance, impressive AI Servo AF and rugged, sealed build of the 1D Mark IV may find the Canon EOS 5D Mark II to be a better option – especially better from a cost perspective. The 5D II’s image quality is at least as good as the 1D IV’s (with higher resolution) and the full frame sensor is a big feature for me personally.

The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is a closer match to the 1D IV in terms of AF, rugged build, faster shutter release and viewfinder, but it is missing some key features including video and a 10fps burst rate. It is, of course, full frame.

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Review by digitalcamerareview.com

At this level of camera, the performance gains are incremental over more modest offerings from the same company or even others. The Canon 7D, for example, shoots at 8 fps for about 160 JPEG captures and offers an 18 megapixel sensor and 1080p HD video, at a price that’s about $3,300 less than the Mark IV. Shutter lag and autofocus acquisition times clocked in with identical figures for both cameras in our lab tests. Why would anyone spend so much more for what appear to be modest gains in many areas? Perhaps because sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Manuals

Canon EOS 1D MK IV manual (version 1) English

Links

Comparing side by side – Videos from the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 7D and 1D MKIV from planet5d.com

Focal Length test using Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 II L and Canon 50mm f/1.2 L, Rolling shutter test using Canon 50mm f/1.2 L, Low light test using Canon 50mm f/.12 L at ISO 3200 and ISO 6400