Canon EOS 1D Mark IV vs EOS 5D Mark III Comparison
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Brand | Canon | Canon | |
Model | EOS 1D Mark IV | EOS 5D Mark III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2009 | 2012 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 20, 2009 | March 02, 2012 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV with a score of 65/100 compared to 54/100. Both cameras are DSLRs and were released in 2009 and 2012, respectively. They share similarities in their launch prices, with the 1D Mark IV priced at $5,840 and the 5D Mark III at $3,499.
The 5D Mark III has a smaller and lighter body, measuring 152 x 116 x 76mm and weighing 950g. This makes it more portable and convenient for photographers. However, the 1D Mark IV has its own advantages, such as its larger size of 156 x 157 x 80mm and heavier weight of 1,230g, which may provide better stability during shooting.
Taking into account the scores, launch prices, and physical specifications, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III stands as the better choice due to its higher score, lighter weight, and more affordable price. The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV’s larger size and weight can be beneficial for some photographers, but its lower score and higher price make it less appealing overall.
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV vs EOS 5D Mark III Overview and Optics
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III emerges as the winner in the optics comparison, scoring 67 out of 100, while the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV scores 54. Both cameras share some common specifications, including the CMOS sensor type, Canon EF lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization.
The 5D Mark III outperforms the 1D Mark IV in several aspects. It has a higher megapixel count of 22.3, compared to the 16.1 megapixels in the 1D Mark IV. This results in higher resolution images for the 5D Mark III. Additionally, the 5D Mark III boasts a more advanced Digic 5+ processor, which contributes to better image quality and faster processing. The 5D Mark III also has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 81, indicating better performance in terms of color depth, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities. Furthermore, the 5D Mark III features a full-frame sensor, which allows for a wider field of view and better control over depth of field.
On the other hand, the 1D Mark IV has a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second, compared to the 5D Mark III’s 6 frames per second. This makes the 1D Mark IV a better choice for capturing fast-moving subjects or action photography. However, the 1D Mark IV’s APS-H sensor size is smaller than the full-frame sensor in the 5D Mark III, which may affect the overall image quality.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the superior choice in terms of optics due to its higher resolution, more advanced processor, better sensor performance, and full-frame sensor size. The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, while offering a faster shooting speed, falls short in other aspects, making it less preferable for those prioritizing image quality.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16.1 MP | 22.3 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4896 x 3264 px | 5760 x 3840 px | |
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 mm | 24 x 36 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-H |  Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps | 6 fps | |
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 5+ | |
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 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 12,800 | 25,600 | |
Minimum 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. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum 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. | 102400 | 102400 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
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. | 45 | 61 | |
In-body Stabilization 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) |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV vs EOS 5D Mark III Video Performance
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in video capabilities with a score of 56/100, a 13-point lead over the 1D Mark IV’s score of 43/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a Full HD maximum video resolution and 1920 x 1080 maximum video dimensions. However, the 5D Mark III has a higher maximum video frame rate and the absence of built-in time-lapse functionality in both models.
The 5D Mark III’s superior video performance is primarily due to its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, compared to the 1D Mark IV’s 30fps. This allows the 5D Mark III to capture smoother and more detailed video, particularly in fast-paced or action scenes.
Although the 1D Mark IV has a lower video score, it still provides Full HD video resolution and 1920 x 1080 video dimensions, making it a suitable option for casual videographers or photographers who occasionally shoot video. However, its lower maximum frame rate of 30fps may limit its appeal to professionals or enthusiasts seeking the best possible video quality.
In comparing the video capabilities of these two cameras, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the clear winner due to its higher maximum video frame rate. The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, while not as competitive in video performance, remains a viable choice for those not requiring the highest frame rates.
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Video
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Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD | Full HD | |
Max Video Dimensions 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 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
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 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse 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 | MOV |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV vs EOS 5D Mark III Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III wins the feature comparison with a score of 59/100, while the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV scores 54/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including the absence of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Despite these similarities, the 5D Mark III outperforms the 1D Mark IV in specific areas.
The 5D Mark III has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches compared to the 1D Mark IV’s 3-inch screen. A larger screen provides better visibility and ease of use. Additionally, the 5D Mark III has a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, compared to the 1D Mark IV’s 920,000 dots. The increased resolution offers a clearer and sharper image preview, allowing users to better assess image quality and composition.
The 1D Mark IV does not surpass the 5D Mark III in any features. However, it is important to note that the 1D Mark IV is still a competent camera with a relatively close feature score. The absence of certain features, such as WiFi and Bluetooth, does not render the camera inferior; it simply means that the 5D Mark III has a slight edge in terms of screen size and resolution.
In the end, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III takes the lead in the feature comparison due to its larger screen size and higher resolution. While the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV does not exceed the 5D Mark III in any features, it remains a capable camera with a competitive feature score.
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Features
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Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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 | TFT 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" |  3.2" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 920,000 dots | 1,040,000 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV vs EOS 5D Mark III Storage and Battery
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III wins in the storage and battery category with a score of 76, while the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV scores 48. Both cameras have no USB charging and accept SD/SDHC memory cards, as well as Compact Flash and UDMA cards.
The 5D Mark III outperforms the 1D Mark IV with two memory card slots, allowing for more storage capacity and the option to use SDXC cards. However, the 1D Mark IV has a longer battery life, lasting for 1500 shots compared to the 5D Mark III’s 950 shots. The 1D Mark IV utilizes the LP-E4 battery, while the 5D Mark III uses the LP-E6 battery.
Despite its lower score, the 1D Mark IV has a notable advantage in battery life. However, the 5D Mark III offers more storage flexibility and overall better performance in this category.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC, Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash, UDMA | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E4 | LP-E6 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1,500 shots | 950 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 22.8 bits | 24 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 12 EVs | 11.7 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1320 | 2293 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS 1D Mark IV vs EOS 5D Mark III – Our Verdict
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 5D Mark III:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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B&H photo video |
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