Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 54
SCORE
|
✓ WINNER
 58
SCORE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2009 | 2007 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
20/10/2009 | 20/08/2007 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 156 x 157 x 80 mm | 150 x 160 x 80 mm |
| Camera weight | 1230 g | 1385 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16.1 MP050 | 21.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4896 x 3264 | 5616 x 3744 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
18.6 x 27.9 | 24 x 36 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-H | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
10 fps045 | 5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Canon EF | Canon EF |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Digic 4 | Digic III |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
128003003280000 | 16003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
1024003003280000 | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
450300 | 450300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✗ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
30 fps | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | N/A |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9200001150001500000 | 2300001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC, Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA | SD, Compact Flash (Type I or II) |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✓ |
| Battery type | LP-E4 | LP-E4 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
1500 shots1505000 | 1800 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III emerges as the winner with a score of 58/100, while the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV trails behind with a score of 54/100. Both cameras share similarities, such as being DSLR types and having the same camera depth of 80mm.
The 1Ds Mark III excels with a higher score due to its larger size (150 x 160mm) and heavier weight (1385g). In contrast, the 1D Mark IV is smaller (156 x 157mm) and lighter (1230g), which could be an advantage for users who prioritize portability. Moreover, the 1D Mark IV is more affordable with a launch price of $5,840 compared to the 1Ds Mark III’s $7,100.
Taking these specifications into account, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III’s superior score reflects its better overall performance, while the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV offers a more compact and budget-friendly option.
The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III triumphs over the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in terms of optics with a score of 60/100 compared to the latter’s 54/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having a CMOS sensor, Canon EF lens mount, and no image stabilization.
The 1Ds Mark III outshines the 1D Mark IV with its higher megapixel count of 21.1, which allows for greater image detail and larger prints. Additionally, it boasts a full-frame sensor size, which contributes to better image quality and low-light performance. Its DXOMARK sensor score of 80 further supports its superior image quality compared to the 1D Mark IV’s score of 74.
The 1D Mark IV, however, excels in shooting speed, capturing images at 10 frames per second, making it suitable for action photography. Its sensor size is APS-H, which is smaller than the 1Ds Mark III’s full-frame sensor, but it has a more advanced Digic 4 processor, which may result in faster processing and better color reproduction.
In terms of optics, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is the clear winner due to its higher megapixel count, full-frame sensor, and better DXOMARK score. These features contribute to enhanced image quality and performance. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV’s faster shooting speed and advanced processor make it a viable option for specific photography styles, such as action and sports. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
When comparing the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, it is important to note that the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III does not have video functionality. This means that the comparison in this aspect will focus solely on the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV.
The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV has a video score of 43 out of 100. This camera is capable of recording videos at a maximum resolution of Full HD, which translates to 1920 x 1080 pixels. The maximum video frame rate that this camera can achieve is 30 frames per second. Unfortunately, the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV does not have built-in time-lapse functionality.
Taking into account the video capabilities of both cameras, it is clear that the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is the only option for those who require video functionality in their camera. The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, on the other hand, does not offer any video features. Therefore, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the user’s specific needs and priorities, such as whether video recording is essential or not.
The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV emerges as the winner with a feature score of 54/100, while the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III trails behind with a score of 49/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, absence of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth.
The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV outperforms the 1Ds Mark III mainly due to its superior screen resolution, which stands at 920,000 dots, as opposed to the 230,000 dots found in the 1Ds Mark III. This difference in screen resolution allows the 1D Mark IV to provide clearer and more detailed image previews and menu navigation, enhancing the overall user experience.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III has an advantage over the 1D Mark IV in terms of connectivity, as it comes equipped with built-in Wi-Fi. This feature allows for easy and convenient sharing of images and remote control of the camera through a smartphone or tablet. However, this advantage does not outweigh the benefits provided by the 1D Mark IV’s higher screen resolution.
Taking these factors into account, it is evident that the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is the superior camera in terms of features. Its higher screen resolution offers a better user experience, while the Wi-Fi connectivity of the 1Ds Mark III does not provide enough of an edge to surpass the 1D Mark IV.
The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in storage and battery with a score of 84/100 compared to 48/100. Both cameras accept SD and Compact Flash (Type I or II) memory cards and share the same battery type, LP-E4. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities.
The 1Ds Mark III excels with two memory card slots and a longer battery life of 1800 shots, providing more flexibility and convenience for photographers. On the other hand, the 1D Mark IV has only one memory card slot and a shorter battery life of 1500 shots, which may be limiting in certain situations.
Despite the lower score in storage and battery, the 1D Mark IV still offers adequate performance for most users. However, the 1Ds Mark III’s superior storage and battery capabilities make it the better choice for those who require extended shooting capabilities and more storage options.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV or the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III:
