1D Mark IV Press Release

Canon Rumors
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INTRODUCING THE ULTIMATE MULTIMEDIA IMAGING SOLUTION: THE NEW CANON EOS-1D MARK IV DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
The EOS-1D Mark IV Features a Completely Redesigned 45-Point Autofocus System, Fast 10 fps Continuous Shooting, 16-Megapixel Resolution, Outstanding ISO Sensitivity, and Full HD Video Recording at Selectable Frame Rates

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 20, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce the next evolution in the EOS 1D series of cameras: the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera. The EOS-1D Mark IV is a high-speed multimedia performance monster with a 16-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors, and 14-bit A/D data conversion, all at 10 frames-per-second (fps), with the widest ISO range Canon has produced to date. This new camera also features 1080p Full High-Definition video capture at selectable frame rates packaged in Canon’s most rugged and durable professional camera body.

The crowning achievement of Canon’s 1D Mark IV Digital SLR is its new autofocus system that starts with 45 AF points including 39 high-precision cross-type focusing points capable of tracking fast moving athletes or wildlife accurately at speeds up to 10 frames per second. With greater subject detection capability than ever before plus a newly redesigned AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV camera sets new standards for autofocus performance among professional digital SLRs. Whether shooting for the six o’clock news or the front page, the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR is the quintessential camera to freeze fast-moving action with high-speed stills or capture stunning HD video with dynamic color and image quality. To accompany the new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera, Canon is also announcing a new accessory, the WFT-E2 II A wireless file transmitter providing photographers with a wide range of professional digital connectivity options.

“Canon works hard to be the imaging leader in all our business endeavors. This goal has fueled our innovation and R&D efforts to engineer the most advanced autofocus system Canon has ever produced. We are proud to announce the camera that will deliver the ultimate in imaging quality to professionals working in all areas of multimedia imaging, whether it’s action photography, photojournalism or HD video and cinematography,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV camera will intrigue professional photographers in virtually every category from photojournalism and sports through nature, wedding, portrait and fashion to commercial, industrial and law enforcement. What makes the EOS-1D Mark IV camera different from its predecessors, in addition to numerous focusing system and image quality improvements, is its exceptional Full HD video capture capability. With this new level of functionality, the 1D Mark IV Digital SLR is destined to appeal not only to professional still photographers but also to a diverse market of professional videographers and filmmakers who are looking for exceptional Full HD video quality, amazing low-light performance, outstanding portability and a level of durability unheard of in most HD video cameras in this price range.

New 45-Point Autofocus System
The new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera features Canon’s most advanced Autofocus system to date. It is equipped with a newly developed 45-point AF sensor featuring 39 high-precision cross-type AF points, and an all new AI Servo II AF mode that gives still photographers the power and performance to track and focus a fast-moving subject at speeds up to 10 frames per second. With more than twice as many cross-type focusing points as the EOS-1D Mark III and a new AF sensor construction that improves performance in low light and with low contrast subjects, the EOS-1D Mark IV has greater subject detection capabilities than any previous EOS model. To complete the range of AF improvements, Canon has developed a new AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm that significantly improves responsiveness and stability by making better decisions on focus tracking in a variety of shooting conditions.

Amazing High ISO Performance
Wedding and event photographers shooting in low light without the benefit of a flash can take advantage of Canon’s widest ISO range and highest performance ever. The EOS-1D Mark IV camera’s ISO speed settings range from 100 up to 12,800 in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments with ISO Expansion settings of L: 50 for bright light or H1: 25,600, H2: 51,200, and H3: 102,400 for even the most dimly lit situations. Photographers and documentary filmmakers working in available light will be impressed by the low-noise image quality of the 1D Mark IV, capturing amazing still images and video footage even at speed settings as high as ISO 12,800. High ISO, low light still images are further enhanced by Canon’s adjustable High ISO Noise Reduction feature, now a default setting in the camera.

The EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS HD Video Powerhouse
Over the past year, Canon’s EOS HD Video technology has changed the way users capture 1080p HD video and opened new doors for multimedia journalists and Hollywood cinematographers alike with full manual exposure control, selectable frame rates, and interchangeable lenses on some of the largest and most sensitive image sensors on the market. Canon continues this innovation trend with the new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR with Full HD capture and full manual exposure control, plus selectable frame rates on an all-new APS-H-sized image sensor that’s similar in size to a Super 35mm motion picture film frame. The large sensor allows filmmakers to achieve shallow depth-of-field just as cinematographers have traditionally done using much higher-cost motion picture equipment.

The more than 50 Canon EF lenses compatible with the EOS-1D Mark IV give videographers incredible creative options, including an impressive selection of large-aperture professional L-series primes as well as zoom lenses, macro, Tilt-Shift and Fisheye optics. The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV allows for three video recording resolutions – 1080p Full HD and 720p HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards. Sound is recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via optional external microphones connected to the stereo microphone input. The camera also provides an in-camera video editing function allowing users to remove the start or ending of a video clip directly in the camera to eliminate unwanted footage and speed up post-production.

Image Quality and Performance
The heart of the EOS-1D Mark IV camera’s outstanding image quality is a newly developed 16.1-Megapixel CMOS sensor featuring Canon’s latest and most advanced proprietary technologies. These technologies include improved photodiode construction to enhance dynamic range and gapless microlenses that are positioned closer to the photodiodes for improved light gathering efficiency. The transmissive quality of the color filter array has been enhanced to improve sensitivity. Canon has also upgraded the sensor circuitry to improve noise reduction before the image data is exported from the CMOS sensor to the rest of the image processing chain.

With 60 percent more pixels than the EOS-1D Mark III, the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR employs Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors with approximately six times the processing power of DIGIC III for full 14-bit A/D conversion at 10 fps. High-speed continuous shooting up to 121 Large JPEGs is possible using a UDMA CF card. This camera also features three RAW shooting modes for versatility with Full RAW (approx. 16 million pixels), M-RAW (approx. nine million pixels), and S-RAW (approx. four million pixels). Three additional JPEG recording formats (M1, M2 and Small) are also available.

The 14-bit per channel conversion facilitated by the dual DIGIC 4 Processors provides smoother tonalities in final images capturing all 16,384 distinct tones in each channel (red, green and blue) at the full 10 fps frame rate. RAW images shot on the new Canon EOS-1D Mark IV use the entire 14-bit space when converted to 16-bit TIFF files in Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied with the camera at no extra charge. The 14-bit A/D conversion is also the foundation for Canon’s Highlight Tone Priority feature that takes maximum advantage of the camera’s extensive dynamic range to preserve detail in highlight areas of the image. Canon’s new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR also features an improved white balance algorithm making colors more accurate when shooting under low color temperature light sources such as household tungsten lamps.

The EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR features Canon’s Peripheral Illumination Correction function which corrects darkening that can occur in the corners of images with most lenses when used at their largest apertures. When activated, it is automatically applied to JPEG images and video clips as they are shot. For RAW images, it can be applied in DPP software.

Other new features include a large three-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution and a wide 160-degree viewing angle for enhanced clarity and more precise color when reviewing images and shooting video. The new in-camera copyright information feature helps professionals secure control over images by setting copyright data directly into the camera and appending that information to each image file in the Exif metadata. Additional features include a fluorine coating on the Low Pass Filter to further repel dust and enhance the EOS Integrated Cleaning System.

Minimize Post-Production with Enhanced Canon Auto Lighting Optimizer
Action photography truly is all about speed, capturing a fast subject with fast focusing and fast frame rates. However, all this speed might be wasted if it is slowed down by lengthy post-production procedures to adjust image quality. The EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR helps reduce post-production work with a powerful new Auto Lighting Optimizer (ALO) system. When enabled, Canon’s ALO automatically adjusts the image for optimal brightness and contrast on the fly during in-camera image processing, reducing clipped highlights while keeping shadowed areas as clear and detailed as they actually appear. By optimizing brightness and contrast in-camera, Canon’s ALO system significantly reduces the need for post-production image optimization, and gives photographers image quality they can take directly to press. Demanding professional photographers who tested ALO clearly stated that this one feature will reduce their post-production image optimization process by more than 75 percent. Canon’s ALO works with both RAWi and JPEG images as well as video recording.

Rugged Reliability
Canon has taken every measure to ensure that the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera has the highest degree of weather resistance in the EOS line. The 1D Mark IV camera incorporates a wide range of design features that enhance its durability and reliability for professional assignments. For example, the 1D Mark IV’s body, chassis and lens mount are completely weather-resistant and 76 gaskets and seals surround all buttons and seams. The body covers and internal chassis, including the mirror box, are constructed with magnesium-alloy, one of the strongest and rigid metals available for its weight. For added strength, the lens mount is constructed with stainless steel. In fact, when used with Canon’s Speedlite 580EX II and/or most current L-series lenses, the entire camera system remains fully weather resistant, so professionals can concentrate on getting the shot instead of worrying about protecting their gear.

New Wireless Connectivity
Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E2 II A* wireless file transmitter exclusively for the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E2 II A wireless transmitter is an extremely small and versatile device that offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. In addition to adding the ability to connect to wireless networks over 802.11a, the new WFT-E2 II A adds a wealth of new professional features to the photographer’s tool kit. The new Camera Linking feature allows a single photographer to simultaneously fire up to 10 cameras remotely; and the updated WFT Server mode lets you remotely use Live View, control settings, and fire the EOS-1D Mark IV over the internet from anywhere in the world using a standard Web browser or many Web-enabled smart phones. Additionally, geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in late December, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $4,999.00ii. Final pricing and availability for the Canon WFT-E2 II A wireless file transmitter will be available later this year.

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76 Comments
  • I’m a little under-whelmed from a feature standpoint. Seems like a few things from the 7D would have been no-brainers. Looking forward to the images though! Vincent’s video looks incredible, as always. Likely going to pick one up mid next year.

  • no new buttons or button layout. No dedicated video/live view button . And what I really would have liked, a joystick in portrait mode.

  • Could have asked for a little more in upgrades but ordered mine anyway through Amazon (only site that has it up for sale so far)

  • Do people really still have a boner with Vincent’s videos ? I don’t get it … I thought his video was pretty god awful minus the helicopter stuff … everyone’s like “OH MY GOD! DOF! LOOK!” is that what makes a good video/film now a days?

  • Ugh. I was really hoping they’d put out something to compete with Red. Guess I’ll have to see if the 1Ds has the chops for real cinematography, and save up a few extra thousand dollars. As is, I’d rather keep shooting my 5DmkII.

  • This camera is overpriced for it’s features, I can’t believe it’s not around $3500 to $4000. The gap between the 7D is huge. The D700 still looks like a bargain compared to the 7D, 5DII, and now this camera.

  • How does the D700 figure into this conversation? The only one it compares to in price is the 5DII. Last time I checked, this was a story on the 1DIV. And how is it a bargain compared to the 5DII? Better AF but no video and half the detail? Are you another Nikon user that woke up this morning and decided to post something moronic on this forum?

  • Other than the sensor, this looks like an improved 7D with better ISO and maybe 1 or 2 movie modes extra. Am I missing something?

  • Hi,

    in the news, it’s written “WFT-E2 II A* wireless file transmitter exclusively for the EOS-1D Mark IV ” but I’ve seen a demo of this functionnality in Paris for the 7D. This functionnality seems to be build in the grip.

    The 2 problems I see with this is the limitation of the wifi distance (for soccer, photographer can be 50 to 100m far from his DSLR) and the fact that wifi can be hacked so the cable will still have a long life.
    Another things would have been the possibility to desinchronize the fire of the 10 1DmkIV by a step of X ms to do a Matrix like movie ;-D

    Good news is that with this ability we can start to create 3D movies :D

  • To be honest, I am a little bit dissapointed. Where are the new cool features from EOS 7D? Where is the transparent display in the viewfinder, new metering senzor, X-type AF senzor, elektronic level? What about a new button layout, joystick in portrait position, LiveView button, shorter mirror blackout…

  • Not impressed by the number of pixels. The 5D is far higher. Also would like to see some form of spirit level included.
    I think the 5D mk II is a better buy still.

  • Congratulations!

    How did you make the difficult decision to go with “furst” over “frist”? Personally, I would be uncomfortable using “furst”; while it might convey a sense that I was in too much of a hurry to run a spelling check, it might alternatively suggest to some that I cannot spell. I prefer “frist”; it conveys the same urgency, but is less suggestive of one’s educational deficiencies. Perhaps, though, my choice is a sign of my own insecurities. We should do lunch and discuss this further.

  • It’s a professional model, so there is probably less pressure on Canon to include gimmicky features that look good on a spec. sheet but have little real-world utility. The previous model was already very capable, so to (claim to) improve the AF, add video, dial the ISO up 102,400, etc. are pretty impressive advances if you need to make a living.

    That said, there is always a sense that a top model should have a wow factor to appeal to the masses; something that might attract the hoi polloi to the brand, even if they only buy a P&S; something a bit more Buggati Veyron than Audi A6. How about a limited edition EOS-Zero that just gets wheeled out to trade shows? 1MP with ISO 1,000,000 would have the fan boys in a tizzy. Think of all the P&S models they’d buy–along with an EOS-Zero poster for their bedroom ceiling.

    (On second thoughts, maybe the world doesn’t need the Japanese to build any more Zeros.)

  • What a pathetic joke. Did anybody notest in press release any good argument in favour of APS-H? Because of big user base they can make quite a money, it is much cheaper to make smaller sensors, and look what they ask for it?

    I wish for this camera extremely short period to live. Hopefully Sony new FF sensor will shine (especially in a new Nikon body).

  • PS. It will be available only as of december (in reality it could be in january). So for 2010 Canon is introducing a camera which is half-functional (1.3x is not a platform, it is a compromise). If you don’t believe this, quote me something in the press release which states 1.3x with a pride (remember, Canon marketing is saying out loud everything which is even a little bit worth it).

    Now to the 1Ds Mark IV – easy guess this time – FF version of 1D MK IV, just more MPs, let’s say 30+ and lower frame rate. Isn’t Canon so predictable?

  • IT IS VERY WORTH TO MENTION that the 5D Mark II Firmware Update was announced too.

    – Check http://5dmark2.wordpress.com blog, we’ll update it today.

    At least and at last Canon say a word…

    Good point to Canon for this, and SPECIAL THANKS to all those people around the world who helped “making pressure” for this to happen.

    BTW, we don’t see the reason to wait until “first half of 2010” for the firmware update, because it has been tested since months ago, probably being improved, but wait “until 2010” ?

    It seems more a marketing strategy than a real technical reason.

    Anyway, thanks to everyone who supported this Community effort around the world, and to all those anonymous person who also did their best by other ways.

    JUST IN CASE IT ISN’T CLEAR ENOUGH TO CANON:

    Frame rates MUST be the STANDARD ones (that means 29.97fps for the “30p” mode, and so on)

    .

  • Seems a few dissapointed people out there! I cant understand why? It was never going to be FF thats the Ds and when you compare a 7d or D700, come on… The reason the 1 d series is on a whole other level is the AF. The AF together with the more AF points the better it tracks an object, simple. These specs look awesome! I really dont care for the video, im a photographer not a videographer! But 16mp/10fps, new AF and ISO range, Great!!!

  • Yes I agree we should do lunch. However, I should let you that I bill at $450 an hour, which is no doubt of any concern to a man of your caliber. I will forward you my secretary’s information and she can assist you in your pursuit of meeting with me face to face.

    With best regards,
    Furst

  • Let’s see the real AF performance first. Hope it will be great.

    On the other side the small details also matter – for example the ability of Nikon D3s to use any part of the image for custom white balance. Not a must but very useful.

  • At least the AF could be compared to D700, it’s same as D3’s, 51 points, etc. What’s worryong, just like with the D3s, is the mention by RG that CFA is more transmissive, quoting Chuck Westfall. This has been an issue, with less color separation on the cheaper models, hope Nikon and Canon haven’t dropped the ball. Here, from RG’s post on 1DIV:

    http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-10044-10310

    “This includes, says Canon USA Technical Information Advisor Chuck Westfall, making the colour filter array over the sensor more transmissive, eliminating the gap between each pixel’s light-boosting microlens and redesigning both the internal structure of each pixel as well as the circuitry that reads each pixel’s signal before pumping it through eight channels to the analog-to-digital converter.”

  • The Mark IV has phenomenal specs and although $5K is a good price for its target segment, my pain threshold is near $3K.

    I hope it won’t be a long winter before the 5DMIII gets some of these goodies.:-)

  • To be perfectly honest, im vey disapointed that it has the crop sensor. It simply means that it isnt an option for me, i was looking forward to it being Full Frame, as the 1Ds is just a bit to expensive. The new D3s is a tempting option as it caters for more people. Although changing system isnt a discission to be made overnight, but i am now giving it more thought.

  • There’s a lot of FF snots here, really did anyone actually expect this thing to have a FF sensor? Really??

    I am disappointed in one thing as well though: the shot buffer:
    85 large jpeg
    26 RAW
    20 RAW+jpeg

    NOT impressive.

  • And that’s why I’m still going to pick one up next year. Just would have thought the slightly redesigned read grip would have found it ways way over, and the dedicated video button. I’m glad the transmissive display in the 7D didn’t move over, the black AF points are a bad move. Red is way better for shooting in the dark. Oh, and dual CF cards would be nice, don’t have much use for a SD slot.

  • Some guy on some site wrote that the CF+SD slots suit his workflow better. He always shoots with two cards so he has a backup. When he gets home, he puts the SD cards to one side and reads off the CF cards. Only when everything is transferred, verified and backed up to a few more places does he touch the SD cards. The different format makes them impossible to mix up and delete by accident, or even just to copy the same photos twice and waste time.

  • Well, its enough for sports and they needed to keep the ISO noise down with the smaller sensor. Beside, they also needed a smaller image size to get a better buffer and a faster frame rate. The 5d mk II is the best buy for anyone looking for image quality (and the 1ds mark IV).

    There will be a day where canon will release a full frame sensor with a 10FPS camera. After All they don’t lack anything to do it. 1) they have sensor from the 5d, 5d mark II, 1Ds 2) they have the mechanical parts ready because they had the canon 1v fim camera with 10Fps. But now, I believe that canon have studied the market and decided that this is their winning horse.

  • I’m hopeful that Canon would announce the 5DMII follow on at CES. Don’t burst my bubble :-)

    Hope they don’t show up at CES empty handed after all the fuss of them not doing PMA.

  • no, but it shows that that stuff can be done with the gear that a lot of us have now, that has a pro look to it.

  • Well, i agree. 26 frames is actually pretty disappointing if you think about it. 26 frames at 10 fps compared to the Mk 2 of how many years ago was 21 at 8.5 if i remember of hand. Yes, yes 16 mp but why not take out that silly HD and use that to pump it up to 50 frames…

  • There were announcement of Nikon D3s on here when it came out so how come no news of 1DMk4 in Nikon Rumor? It should be recipricol. Perhaps they are run by fanboys for fanboys?

    Remember Nikon Roadmap straight out of fanboy fiction, what a laugh :)

  • “so how come no news of 1DMk4 in Nikon Rumor?”

    Maybe they’re too busy laughing at Canons playing catch-up, instead of innovating?

  • Crop sensor is dissappointing, forcing me to buy the more expensive brother I can’t afford. 5D MKII is so old school now.

  • Nonsense, this cameras are targeted for very specific photographers, at least you can pair a 5dmkII and a 7D to have the best of both worlds for those who cant spent 15,000 G’s on a 1DS and 1D. the 1DmkIV and the 7D are meant for fast action shooting while the 1DS and the 5DmkII are for those into fashion and studio works, are we being naive here asking canon to create something that we probably wont need or take advantage of, so whats the point, you shoot action then 7D or 1D will suit your needs and so on with 1DS and 5DmkII. yes we can spect canon to create a hybrid hydrogen powered super Full frame with medium format and crop capabilities but a what price ? and who the heck is gonna invest so much money on it. so stop arguin and debating and enjoy the freaking ride. camera specs so far are outstanding for those who need it a can afford it !

    Period !

  • Sure, it’s very old school. I’m sure it’s preventing you from creating quality images right?

  • Well, I agree that the camera is very specifically targeted and for most of it’s targeted market it’s very appropriate, but I myself find a 5d mk2 a bit slow for fashion, not in terms of fps, just the responsiveness of the body. Not to mention even the center point AF is inaccurate about 30% of the time, often not by much, but enough to make 21 MP fairly useless. I’m happy with anything over 15 megapixel personally, but a full frame with half decent af (I mean I have an old 20D that feels more responsive then a 5dII) would be super, I don’t want 10fps, or full weather sealing, and I can even live without 100% VF, but a 21 MP body with inaccurate AF… not to mention slow is a tad redundant, which is a shame considering the body puts out what are in my opinion the highest quality files in the 35mm dslr market.

  • I too was a little shocked at that, and was likewise dissapointed with it in the 7D, I’m not in the taget market for either of these camera’s as I don’t use machine gun mode much myself. But raw is why I shoot digital… and to me a sports orientated camera that only has space for 26 photos in raw on it’s buffer is a bit odd… I get the uber fast cards supposedly compensating for this, but I’ve found that with the 5dII even with a fast card the buffer doesn’t feel any bigger, maybe the 1dIV writes faster, but it seems like a bit of silly thing to be relient on when a bigger buffer really wouldn’t be that hard to put in.

    I’ve got a question though, does using the smaller raw files fit you more on the buffer? or does it slow it down like on the nikon?

  • OK,I’ll get one. But I was ready to pop for two if it had been full frame. I’ll keep my Mark III and finally sell my last Mark II. I won’t go the FF 5D route just because I want to keep the batteries and brackets the interchangable. Having a split battery system for the past 18 months has been a headache on a couple of jobs. But I am really geeked out over the landscape/vertical auto focus point swap. That’s something that will speed up my shooting about 100 times a wedding.

  • The dedicated video button isn’t really all that. I admit it’s cool to have but it’s still a two step process to get video started.

  • it’s great when people put ridiculous facts / comparisons in their criticism. Makes it easier to filter out the real opinions from the bs.

  • If it can clear the buffer quickly into a fast CF card it could help alleviate the low buffer.. I’m wondering why that wasn’t improved too though

  • Ask Anthony Turano and some other high Fashion Shooters why they had switch from the nikon D300 to the 5DmkII, well let me tell you why, when you’re asked to shoot a model for a billboard add, you’ll be surprise what 21mp vs 12mp difference makes when high resoultion is important, and still a lot of people do not think so, they just want IQ even at 10mp, but what you can do with that, can’t even decently crop a 10×8. so yes the 5DmkII may be s bit sluggish when it comes to the AF, that will improve down the road believe me, 7D improved AF is a guinney-pig of what’s to come on future canon models. 7D is already on my next upgrade list then the 5DmkIII its gonna be its big brother to compliment for my inmediate futuristic needs, no need to go to 1D terrain … i’ll leave that to magazine and rich SOB photogs !

  • I’m not doubting the benefit of 21 megapixel, and will never settle for cropped again, if anything I’d move to larger formats as I still prefer the look of medium format (even on film) to 35mm digital. Just don’t particularly enjoy the feeling of not being certain my camera’s af is up for the task of auto focusing. I’d say the 5dII has better IQ then anything else in the 35mm category and untouched by anything else in and above it’s price range. But when a 20D separated by 5 years of R&D has a more responsive and accurate af, I begin to question some of canon’s decision making. Not that they didn’t hit the nail on the head in terms of making a camera they can sell a crapload of, just wondering how hard it would have been for them to put in a slightly better af.

  • 1Ds Mark IV will be out before the 5DMII and probably in the next 6 months. I’d expect the 5DMIII 12 months or so after that.

  • Trust me. This IS a problem. I lose pictures all the time. It should hav been at least 45 frames in RAW. RAM ain’t that expensive now a days. This is not good enough Canon!!!