Canon EOS-1D X Vs EOS-1D MK IV Camera Comparison
Many photo enthusiasts are often curious about my decision to sell my Canon EOS-1D MK IV after purchasing the Canon EOS-1DX X camera. Let’s review their major specifications.
EOS-1DX body
Dual Digic 5+ processors power 18 MP sensor, 3.2-inch, 1040K dot LCD display.
Dual CF card slots, 12 fps & 14 fps (with Mirror Lockup).
ISO ranges from 100 to 51200 and up to 204800 with extension.
61-point High-Density Reticular AAF with dedicated metering, powered by a Digic 4 CPU
The speed of the lens is a major factor in the number of cross-points.
36 ms. shutter delay, 400,000 shutter cycle shutter and.76x see finder
EOS-1D IV body
16 MP sensor powered dual Digic4 processors, 3.0 inches, 920K dot LCD display.
One CF slot and one SD card slot with ten fps.
ISO ranges from 100 to 12800 and up to 102400 with extension.
45-point AF system, 39 cross-points.
104 ms. Shutter lag, 300,000. Cycle Shutter and.59x Viewfinder
The EOS-1D MK IV has been my main body for over three years. I am extremely happy with its reliability and performance. My confidence grew to the point that I sold my EOS-1D MKIII when the EOS-7D was released and used it as a backup camera. I’m now trying to decide if I should keep the EOS1D MK IV as a backup camera or should get rid of it once I receive the EOS-1DX.
This is not an easy choice. Although the EOS-1DX X comes with a new battery, charger, and battery, they can both be used on either camera. However, the EOS-1D IV charger is not recommended for this new battery. Although they have similar specs, the EOS-1DX’s faster burst speed, and higher ISO performance will give me an edge when photographing wildlife, particularly moving ones. The 1D MK IV is capable of shooting at ISO 3200 and above. However, the noise level is unacceptable to me. This camera is tough and a great performer. It can work in harsh conditions without causing any problems and gives me great results.
The 1D X’s performance impressed me immediately. The viewfinder is very bright, and the AF works well even in low light. The camera was able to autofocus in many situations, and it did so with minimal fuss. It is much more impressive than the MK IV’s high ISO performance. The noise at ISO 3200 is very good, ISO 6400 is well controlled, and ISO 12800 is also excellent. ISO 25600 is acceptable, but ISO 51200 will only be used in an emergency. I find the burst rate at 12 fps to be music to my ears. The difference between two additional fps is hard to overstate. I’ve taken shots with the EOS-1D IV (10 fps) that I didn’t get with the EOS-7D 8 fps.
The 1D X can’t autofocus at apertures above f/5.6 using Canon extenders, while the 1D MKIV can get up to f/8. The Kenko Teleplus Pro 300 Teleconverter 1.4X can be attached to the EOS-1DXX, and the camera will autofocus down to f/8. This professional camera should not be able to AF beyond f/5.6 with Canon extenders. I hope a firmware update will fix this issue.
It is my preference to hold my camera while traveling light. I, therefore, usually carry two cameras bodies and three lenses. The Canon 400mm F/4 DO is the maximum prime lens that I can take on photo shoots. The Canon 1.4X extender gives me a focal length that is 560mm with autofocus, while the EOS-1DX X has a focal length that is over 1000mm when using the 2.0X extension. This extends the reach of wildlife photography.
Each camera has key features that I can’t get in the others, but they combine to give me an unbeatable level of performance. Canon will also discontinue the APS-H format, so the EOS-1D MKIV will be the last camera to use that sensor technology. This sensor is a great choice because it offers professional-level performance and a wider reach than the EOS 7D. The 1D MK IV will be my primary backup camera. I’ll keep the 7D as my secondary backup body. Canon should address the AF issue in a software upgrade.
