Canon EOS 1D Mark IV DSLR Camera Body {16.1MP}

Canon's proven 10 fps APS-H workhorse built for professionals.

The EOS-1D Mark IV carries the 1D series reputation for bodies that work as hard as the photographers behind them. A 16MP APS-H CMOS sensor paired with a Digic 4 processor delivers a native ISO range of 100-12800, expandable to 102400, with four levels of high-ISO noise reduction giving shooters real latitude when the light drops. The 1.3x crop factor is a known asset for anyone shooting long glass, squeezing additional reach from telephoto lenses without the full-frame tax.

The 45-point autofocus system includes 39 cross-type points active with f/2.8 or faster lenses, a meaningful distinction for photographers tracking unpredictable subjects. Burst shooting runs at 10 fps with room for up to 121 JPEG Large/Fine frames on a UDMA mode 6 card. The magnesium alloy body is environmentally sealed, the optical pentaprism viewfinder delivers 100% coverage, and the LP-E4 battery is rated at 1500 shots per charge. Dual card slots accept CompactFlash (UDMA) and SD/SDHC simultaneously, and 1080p H.264 video at 24, 25, or 30 fps added a functional hybrid option that was forward-thinking at launch.

For anyone already invested in Canon EF glass, this body puts that investment to full use. The combination of speed, AF depth, and weather sealing represents a well-established platform at a fraction of its original cost.

Who It's For

Sports and action photographers get 10 fps with a deep JPEG buffer and a 45-point AF system built to hold focus on moving subjects. Wildlife shooters benefit from the 1.3x focal length multiplier, pulling extra reach from long telephoto lenses. Photojournalists who need reliability in variable conditions will find the sealed magnesium body and 1500-shot battery life practical in field assignments. Event photographers working available light can lean on ISO expandable to 102400 with adjustable noise reduction to manage exposure across unpredictable venues.

Key Features

• 16MP APS-H CMOS sensor with 1.3x crop factor for telephoto reach
• 45-point autofocus, 39 cross-type points active with f/2.8 or faster lenses
• 10 fps burst shooting up to 121 JPEG frames on UDMA 6 CompactFlash
• ISO 100-12800 native, expandable to 102400 with four-level noise reduction
• Magnesium alloy body with environmental sealing and 100% optical pentaprism viewfinder
• 1080p H.264 video at 24/25/30 fps with stereo microphone input
• Dual card slots: CompactFlash (UDMA) and SD/SDHC
• 1500-shot battery life (CIPA) with LP-E4 lithium-ion battery

FAQ

What's the autofocus system like on the 1D Mark IV, and does it matter which lenses I use?

The 45-point AF system has 39 cross-type points that activate only with f/2.8 or faster lenses, so telephoto shooters with fast glass get the full benefit. The remaining 6 points are standard type and work with slower lenses, but the real AF depth lives in that 39-point cross-type cluster.

How much burst capacity do you actually get before the buffer fills?

On a UDMA mode 6 CompactFlash card, you'll hit 121 JPEG Large/Fine frames at 10 fps before the camera throttles. RAW capacity is 28 frames, and RAW + JPEG sits at 20 frames, so your limiting factor is almost always the card type and speed.

Does the 1.3x crop factor give meaningful reach for telephoto work?

Yes. The APS-H sensor applies a 1.3x magnification, so your 400mm f/2.8 effectively becomes 520mm without any quality loss. That's a real tool for wildlife and sports where you're already investing in premium long glass.

How does the noise performance hold up at high ISOs?

Native range is 100-12800, with four noise reduction levels built into the firmware. You can push to ISO 102400, but at that point you're trading pixels for cleanliness. The Digic 4 processor does solid work at 6400-12800 if you're selective about shadows and keep NR at moderate levels.

Can you use both CompactFlash and SD cards at the same time?

Yes. The 1D Mark IV has dual slots that accept CompactFlash (UDMA) and SD/SDHC simultaneously, so you can overflow to the second card or backup on-the-fly without stopping.

What video capabilities are actually useful here?

1080p at 24/25/30 fps gives broadcast frame rates in H.264. 720p at 60 fps exists if you need high-speed, and 640x480 at 60 fps is there but rarely used. Stereo mic input means you're not locked into external audio, which was forward-thinking for a 2009 release.

Is the weather sealing legitimate?

The magnesium alloy body is environmentally sealed, so dust and moisture resistance are real. It's built to the same standard as other 1D series cameras, meaning you won't hesitate to work in rough conditions.