Canon EOS 1d mark 4
Both cameras, Canon 1d mark IV and Nikon D3s are targeted towards professional sports photographer, wildlife photographer and also documentary photographer and independent videographer.
Which one is the best? Here is initial point to point comparison to simplify your choice.
Canon 1d mark IV Price: $4999 MSRP – Nikon D3s Price: $5199 MSRP
The price is almost equal. Soon after both cameras hit the street, I believe they will sell around $4999.
Canon uses APS-H with 1.3x crop factor – Nikon uses full frame camera (1x crop factor)
Nikon has advantage on having a larger sensor. This could be good and bad for Nikon. The good thing is theoretically, it will have cleaner image in high ISO level. On the other hand, Canon has more reach, because of the 1.3 crop factor. Longer reach is an advantage for sports, wildlife photographers. Regarding to noise, Canon samples shows that ISO 6400 is as clean as regular DSLR at ISO 1600. Most photographers shoot at ISO 6400 or lower, after that, Nikon might has slight advantage. Nikon full frame also can shoot in wider angle.
Canon has 16 MP – Nikon has 12 MP
From the number, Canon has advantage, but we don’t know about the pixel quality. It could be a close call.
Canon 1d mark 4 can shoot 10 fps continuous shooting burst – Nikon can shoot 9 fps and 11 fps in crop mode
Almost similar specification, but Nikon can shoot up to 36 RAW file, but Canon only 26 RAW files consecutively.
Nikon D3s shown with Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens
Canon has 45 AF points with 39 cross type sensor – Nikon has 51 AF points with 15 cross type sensor
To close to call, but I think Canon are more customizable. Canon has bad reputation in the past with their AF, so they probably won’t make the same mistake with his new one. Nikon AF has been proven to be very effective in tracking.
Rob Galbraith, a pro sport photographer tested both cameras and find out that Nikon D3s auto focus is still more reliable and trustworthy.
Both cameras have ISO range from 100-12800 expandable to H3 (102,400)
Nikon D3s might have cleaner and more details in very high ISO (H2 and H3) due to the image sensor size advantage. From 100-6400, their performance could be equally good.
Both cameras have 3 inches LCD Screen, hi res 910k
The leading LCD screen now, before AMOLED (over 1 million dots takes over)
Lens Compatibility and Availibility
Both cameras only supports full frame quality lens. Canon has wider selection of lenses and cheaper price. Nikon has a few collection, but the quality trumps Canon in several zoom lens. In prime lenses, Canon rules.
Both camera has dual card slots (CF and SD)
Great for back-up for stress free recording.
Canon support Full HD 1920 x 1080 with manual exposure control and variety of frame rate options, Nikon only 1280 x 720 (HD)
Canon rules in movie recording capability. Canon has been leading since last year with Canon 5D mark II. Nikon has improved their video quality and operation since D90, but still very limited for high quality professional work.
Conclusion
It is close to call. But if you are into film making, Canon is way better.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
both cameras offer similar features and on the same level for professional.
imo, the usable max ISO will be on 12,800 – 25,600.
whatever model that we choose, will not disappointed !
from the test sample images I have seen, be your own judge http://unwire.hk/2009/12/18/canon_1d_mark_iv_4_iso_video_test/ Canon doesn’t even come close past 1600, it’s a shame too because Canon’s superior video almost swayed me to jump ship, but they are way lacking in the noise control, better go back to the drawing board, because for now the black lenses rule the sidelines.
What matters most: Image quality, low noise at high ISO, fast tracking focus.
3 for 3, Nikon wins again
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