Canon 1D Mark IV

The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is a professional DSLR body built around a 16.1MP APS-H CMOS sensor (27.9 × 18.6 mm, 1.3× crop), dual DIGIC 4 processors, 45-point autofocus, 10fps continuous shooting, a shutter rated to 300,000 actuations, weather sealing, and an extended ISO range of 50–102,400 — all in a magnesium-alloy body weighing 1,180 g.

Key Specifications

• Sensor: 16.1MP APS-H CMOS, 27.9 × 18.6 mm, 1.3× crop factor
• Processor: Dual DIGIC 4
• Autofocus: 45 points
• Continuous shooting: 10 fps at full resolution
• ISO range: 100–12,800 native, extended 50–102,400
• Shutter: 1/8000 s – 30 s, rated to 300,000 actuations
• Video: Full HD 1920×1080 up to 60 fps
• Storage: Dual card slots — CompactFlash + SD
• Lens mount: Canon EF (1.3× field of view crop)
• Battery: LP-E4, rated ~1,500 shots per charge
• Weather sealing: Yes — dust and moisture resistant
• Body dimensions: 156 × 157 × 80 mm, 1,180 g

What makes the Canon 1D Mark IV special?

The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV offers the speed and build of a professional sports body with enough resolution for editorial and wildlife work. At 10 fps with 45 AF points, it delivered significant performance for fast action and professional shooting demands. The APS-H sensor — unique to Canon's 1D series — sits between APS-C and full frame, providing a modest telephoto reach advantage (1.3×) without the heavier noise penalty of a smaller sensor. The Canon EF mount means you can make full use of the huge range of Canon EF lenses — from fast primes to professional telephoto lenses.

Compared to the Canon 1D Mark III, the Mark IV increased resolution by roughly 50% (from approximately 10MP to 16.1MP) and brought a significant leap in high-ISO capability. The dual DIGIC 4 setup handles noise reduction effectively while preserving fine detail in feathers, hair, and texture. Against the Canon 1D X that followed, the Mark IV provides a more affordable entry point into the professional 1D ecosystem, though you trade full-frame coverage and the DIGIC 5+ processor for this advantage.

DXO Mark rates the sensor at a color depth of 22.8 bits, a dynamic range of 12.0 EV, and a low-light ISO score of 1,320 — performance that remains respectable for action and available-light shooting.

Who is the Canon 1D Mark IV for?

This camera suits photographers who need a rugged, fast, dependable body that can handle demanding field work:

• Sports photographers: 10 fps and a 45-point AF system deliver fast-moving subject tracking.
• Wildlife photographers: The combination of speed, autofocus coverage, and the 1.3× crop factor provides reach without sacrificing sensor sensitivity.
• Event and documentary photographers: Weather sealing, burst capability, and reliable performance in variable lighting conditions support long days of shooting.