It's been long awaited. The rumours have been flying for ages, and finally it has arrived. I know
many of you reading this will be jumping up and down with glee at this news, the EOS-1D Mark IV is here. It's arrived. The wait (for an announcement!) is over.
So, what's it got? Well, from the top:
16.1 Megapixel CMOS, APS-H sensor
10 fps shooting speed
ISO range from 100-12,800 plus expansion settings running to ISO 102,400 (for when you need that shot of a black cat in a coal hole!)
Dual DIGIC 4 processors
45point AF system, all user selectable and 39 of which are cross-type AF points for more precision
Spot AF when using Super Telephoto lenses that have an AF Stop button
Full HD movie shooting with user selectable frame rates
63 zone metering system
62 custom functions to let you tailor the camera to your way of shooting
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
3inch ClearView II LCD
As you can see, there is nothing really spectacular in this camera. It feels like Canon have decided bells an whistles was last years trick and they've gone back to the KISS principles - Keep It Simple. It feels like a workhorse. Like it'll take the rough with the smooth and keep on shooting. And this is good thing. Bells and Whistles suit certain levels of camera, but the EOS-1Series is built for professionals to do a job in any situation. They don't want or need many of these extras.
If you compare it to the EOS 7D, there are features it doesn't have - the Dual Axis Electronic level and Zone AF for example. However, in a camera such as this, this is not an issue. For the working photographer, who needs to get the shots time and again and who will use the camera to make money from, these extras are not needed. If you're not a working photographer and you want the most technically advanced camera you can get, then buy the EOS 7D.
Visually, the EOS-1D Mark IV looks almost identical to the EOS-1D Mark III. The only difference is a slight bump around the ports to accommodate the HDMI socket.
At the same time as the announcement on the EOS-1D Mark IV, there is another press release from Canon concerning the EOS 5D Mark II and firmware development - they are working on it and in the first half of 2010 we will get firmware that offers both 24 and 25fps shooting speeds for full HD movies. So don't go getting rid of your EOS 5D Mark II cameras just yet if you want user selectable frame rates! (Press release on this at the bottom.....)
As we get more information, we'll be passing it on, but for now, here's the UK press release to go with the camera:
Introducing the Canon EOS 1D MARK IV – fast, powerful, high resolution performance for professional photographers.
United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 20 October 2009 – Canon today announces the launch of the new EOS 1D MARK IV – a high-speed, professional Digital SLR (DSLR) camera designed to empower photographers to capture split-second moments in high resolution, under the most challenging of conditions. Ideal for shooting action, sports, news events and wildlife photography, the Canon EOS 1D MARK IV delivers speed, power and high-resolution images, creating the perfect camera for photographers who require reliability in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.
Developed incorporating feedback from professional photographers, the EOS 1D MARK IV features a new Canon 16.1MP APS-H CMOS sensor and a brand new 45-point Auto Focus (AF) system with 39 f/2.8 sensitive cross-type points, providing a wide selection of precise focus areas across the frame. Dual “DIGIC 4” processors provide the power to shoot continuous, high-resolution images at up to 10 frames per second (fps), as well as delivering the widest ISO range ever to feature in a Canon camera.
“Throughout the EOS 1D MARK IV’s development, we’ve carefully studied feedback from our photographers and developed a camera to meet their specific requirements” said Mr. Shinbori, Senior General Manager of Camera Development Center, Canon Inc. “With a brand new, high-quality CMOS sensor and Dual “DIGIC 4” processors, the Canon EOS 1D MARK IV allows photographers to be the first to get the highest quality images to picture desks in what is becoming an increasingly competitive market.”.
- Highly sensitive, cross-type focusing – capture every detail at speed
The entire AF system is managed by a dedicated microprocessor, providing fast, accurate focusing – even when shooting continuously at 10fps. Canon’s newly-evolved AI Servo II AF offers more precision when tracking moving objects, utilising the power provided by the dedicated microprocessor to improve overall tracking accuracy and increasing focus reliability in low-contrast and extremely bright conditions.
To provide increased flexibility, a vast range of manual and automatic AF control options are available including - with lenses featuring an AF Stop button - Canon’s new Spot AF feature. Spot AF offers a more precise focus area to meet the needs of photographers that require pinpoint focusing. A 63-zone metering system enables the use of multiple metering modes, with the dedicated sensor linked to the 45 AF points, providing AF point-linked and multiple spot metering options.
The EOS 1D MARK IV also features orientation-linked AF points, an orientation sensor controlled feature that enables photographers to store separate AF points for different camera positions. Covering both horizontal and vertical shooting positions (both grip up and grip down), orientation linked AF points offers the flexibility to quickly change camera orientation when shooting with the AF settings switching to suit the subject. AF point registration enables the photographer to store an alternate AF point that can be used at the touch of a button.
- The power and performance of Dual “DIGIC 4” and CMOS
The inclusion of an APS-H sensor combines a high pixel-count with an effective field of view measuring 1.3x the focal length of the lens. This provides immediate benefits for sports, news and wildlife photojournalists, who operate on-the-move and need to get closer to their subjects whilst maintaining fast apertures without resorting to longer focal-length lenses – which are typically heavier.
Continuous shooting is facilitated by the sensor’s eight-channel data read out, which provides a rapid read sequence and makes full use of the Dual “DIGIC 4” processors to enable high-speed 10fps shooting at full 16.1MP resolution, while maintaining image colours through 14-bit analogue to digital (A/D) conversion.
The ability to shoot images at 10fps, without any drop in resolution, means the EOS 1D MARK IV features the fastest continuous shooting with Auto Focus currently available from a Canon DSLR. The increased processing capacity of Dual “DIGIC 4” processors manages the increased data created by the 60% rise in image resolution, while still enabling the EOS 1D MARK IV to deliver a continuous burst of up to 121 large JPEGS, or 28 RAW images using a UDMA 6 card – ideal for fast-moving sporting action or news events where scenes are unfolding quickly.
EOS 1D MARK IV also includes updated Picture Styles and the first ever integration of ALO (Auto Lighting Optimizer) in a professional EOS body, automatically correcting the contrast and brightness of images as they are recorded. These features combine to provide a faster workflow for those requiring press-ready images direct from the camera without the need for retouching, enabling photographers to concentrate solely on capturing that once-in-a-lifetime shot.
Full compatibility with the latest UDMA 6 standard Flash memory cards also ensures that image data is rapidly written to the EOS 1D MARK IV’s CF memory card. In addition, the flexibility to also record to a Secure Digital/SDHC memory card allows photographers to keep shooting for longer until they get the shot they need.
- Advanced performance in low-light
Intelligent noise reduction techniques keep chroma and luminance noise to a minimum, while maintaining colour balance, but never take control of the overall image quality away from the photographer. The architecture of the new 16.1MP APS-H CMOS sensor, featuring gapless microlenses with less surrounding circuitry and more sensitive, high-capacity photodiodes, also ensures that all available light is used as efficiently as possible to maximise ISO performance in low light conditions.
- Built for extreme use – robust, weatherproof and portable
The EOS 1D MARK IV is protected by a total of 76 rubber seals fitted around the controls and cover seams, making the Canon EOS 1D MARK IV dust and water resistant when used in tandem with Canon’s range of weather-resistant EF lenses and Speedlite EX flash units.
The 920,000 dot, VGA resolution, Clear View II LCD makes it easy to instantly review images and video in the most challenging conditions. By filling the gap between the LCD panel and the protective cover screen with a photo-elastic material, Canon has been able to reduce light reflection, resulting in the clear display of images. The previously acrylic cover has also been replaced by reinforced glass, providing strong, scratch-resistant protection for the screen.
The EOS 1D MARK IV also features the EOS integrated cleaning system, which automatically eliminates dust on the sensor – ensuring reliable image quality when shooting in testing outdoor environments.
- Cinematic, High Definition video
The EOS 1D MARK IV features a programmable button to enable quick movie shooting, allowing photographers to record HD video instantly at the touch of a single button. The EOS 1D MARK IV also features a mini HDMI output, enabling video and images to be viewed directly on compatible HD-ready TVs.
- Advanced customisation to suit you
Further customisable features include the ability to add copyright information directly in the camera. This enables photographers to embed their details within each shot as standard, removing the need for retrospective data insertion, and allowing news photographers to get shots to picture desks in the shortest time possible. An integrated microphone also allows the recording of audio notes to accompany each image, which will directly benefit photographers who wish to keep a record of the content of each image as they shoot.
- Canon EOS 1D MARK IV – key features:
10 frames per second continuous shooting
Up to 121 large JPEG images in a single burst
New 45-point wide area AF with 39 cross-type sensors with f/2.8 sensitivity
High-speed Dual “DIGIC 4” processors for superb image quality
12,800 high ISO expandable up to 102,400
Full HD movie recording at 30, 25 and 24 frames per second
3.0” Clear View II LCD with Live View mode
Durable dust and water resistant body with 76 rubber seals
Compatible with all Canon EF lenses, and Speedlite EX flashes
Also available - new EOS 1D MARK IV Wireless Transmitter WFT-E2 II (also compatible with existing Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2)
- Accessories
The EOS 1D MARK IV is compatible with all existing EOS 1D Mark III accessories, EF lenses (excluding EF-S lenses) and EX Series Speedlite flash units. Untethered shooting and image transfer are available with the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 II. New EOS 1D MARK IV accessories will also be backwards compatible with EOS 1D Mark III bodies, subject to a firmware upgrade.
- Pricing & Availability
The EOS 1D Mark IV is available from the end of December 2009 priced at £4499.00 / €5499.00 RRP inc. VAT.
EOS 5D Mark II Press release:
Canon today announces that it is currently developing a firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II to enable the recording of high definition 1080p video at 24 and 25fps. The decision to develop new firmware to support these features has been taken following feedback received from cinematographers and photographers.
Introduced in September 2008, the multi award-winning EOS 5D Mark II was the first DSLR product to offer full frame 1080p HD video recording, opening up a multitude of new creative possibilities for photo journalists, news photographers and amateur filmmakers. Since then, Canon has continued to develop its groundbreaking EOS Movie functionality, firstly with the firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II that enabled manual exposure control, and more recently by introducing a choice of video recording frame rates with the EOS 7D and EOS 1D MARK IV.
Canon currently expects the firmware update to be made available during the first half of 2010. An announcement regarding details of the update and its availability will be made closer to the release date.
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