Canon EOS-1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3S - Rivalling in Speed and Sensitivity
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3S – Rivalling in Speed and Sensitivity
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3S - Rivalling in Speed and Sensitivity
22 October 2009
As expected, any major product announcement from one of the big two is usually followed by one from the other. With Nikon's D3S announcement, Canon has also responded with their EOS-1D Mark IV. Targeted at the professional segment both cameras offer high sensitivity (up to a whopping ISO 102400) as well as high burst speeds for those determined to get a fine slice of every moment.
The Nikon D3 has helped Nikon break into the sea of white lenses at major sports events, most noticeably at the Beijing Olympics, and it would be safe to say that Nikon has reinforced that position with the Nikon D3S. On the Canon front, their AF system in some of their models have been taking some very heavy flax, both in terms of performance issues as well as complaints that it is not as good as the “51-point” AF of Nikon. The EOS-1D Mark IV has significant improvements in many areas and this will surely make a lot of the serious sports shooters out there lick their lips in anticipation.
Of course, both cameras are not just about sports shooting. Photojournalists and paparazzi alike will find them to be the excellent choices for their work. Which is better? Let's take a look at the specs.
Multi-CAM3500DX (51-point / 15 cross type sensors)
Pop-up Flash
No
No
We sometimes wonder ourselves why we would write a comparison article between pro models from different brands as it is often meaningless to the end user even if one is a clear winner to the other. Most of those in the market for these cameras are already heavily invested in their current system and it would take much for them to jump ship, especially if the new model is a clear improvement to what they've already got. The fan boys from both sides may or may not like the verdict but it will certainly gives them something to comment about (If you fall into this category, feel free to jump straight down to the comment section and launch your tirade against the other brand and shout praises as you see fit).
DigitalRev's Verdict
On paper at least, both camps should be very pleased with their new model and both cameras could honestly be considered for as an upgrade that would make a real difference. We will be keen to put these two cameras side by side for some hands-on test in the near future. Stay tuned.
tests:
At low ISOs, Canon has better image quality.
Starting 3200 and up, Nikon beats Canon
at 12800, Nikon is way better.
Per Petersen From DENMARK
30 Nov 2009, 11:23pm
I started out with Nikon, then mowed to Canon, and lately I have been leaning back towards Nikon, so I don’t favour a specific brand.
I just want the best shot, and for my kind of shooting (Sport, Action and in extreme conditions) it actually look’s to me like the Canon (on paper) is a little superior. But we need to see how the APS-H censor performs with the new focusing! My experience says that Nikon delivers, so the question is dos Canon this time? So please Canon, show us!
Ha Ha, and I agree! The Canon looks way better this time
e_mulvey From IRELAND
26 Nov 2009, 12:51am
Bought a Mark III 18 months ago and am very disappointed with the focusing. I moved up from a 20D and I still think the 20D took sharper images. Will seriously consider moving to Nikon next time.
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