Canon introduces EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR Camera
Canon has just announced its newest EOS-1D series model: the Mark IV Digital SLR Camera. The two prime highlights of this 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor camera are improved its AF system and full HD video capability.
Professional event photographers (especially those at sporting events and weddings), are the target market for this EOS model. The Mark IV features an extensive ISO range, with speed settings going from 100 up to 12,800, in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments with ISO Expansion settings of L: 50 for bright light up to H1: 25,600, H2: 51,200, and H3: 102,400 for extremely dim settings. Canon has also made High ISO Noise Reduction a default setting in the new SLR. The Mark IV also employs 60 percent more pixels than the Mark III with the help of Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, approximately six times the processing power of DIGIC 3 for full 14-bit A/D conversion at 10 fps.
The 45-point Autofocus system features 39 high-precision cross-type AF points, a new AI Servo AF mode giving photographers the power to capture a subject moving at speeds of up to 10 frames per second. Developing upon previously weaker AF modes in previous EOS models, Canon argues that the new AF system incorporates an algorithm that "significantly improves responsiveness and stability by making better decisions on focus tracking in a variety of shooting conditions."
As for video, the Mark IV is ready for three recording modes: 1080p Full HD and 720p HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio. With a built-in microphone and video editing function, the SLR can record at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 with frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video (SD in either NTSC or PAL standards) recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94).
Scheduled to ship by the end of the year, the body alone will cost you $4,999.00. So if you plan on giving this as a holiday present, it better be for someone extremely special (and someone who isn't clumsy because you obviously don't want to drop this.)
To see a comparison of the Mark IV against the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS 1-Ds Mark III, see CNET's full recap. For the full press release, click here.