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| Photo 1: EOS-1D Mark IV, front | Photo 2: EOS-1D Mark IV, back |
Development objectives
The EOS-1D Mark IV (photos 1 and 2) is a professional digital AF SLR camera based on its predecessor, the EOS-1D Mark III, developed with particular attention to evolution and maturity while faithfully addressing the wishes of professional photographers and many other users. The development aims of the camera are outlined below.
[ Superb resolution, image fidelity, and sensitivity ]
16.10-megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-H size) Dual high-performance DIGIC 4 image processors Full time ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (L: 50, H1: 25,600, H2: 51,200, H3: 102,400)[ Faster and more responsive for superior manipulability ]
10fps continuous shooting with a maximum burst of about 26 RAW framesHigh-precision 63-zone metering sensor[ Full functionality meeting the demands of pros ]
High-magnification, wide-area viewfinder with nearly 100% coverage New area AF sensor with 45 points (39 cross-type points) 3.0-inch Clear View LCD II monitor Fine-tuned controls[ Cutting-edge functions for greater photographic expressions ]
Live View shooting Movie capability[ Outstanding durability, reliability, and body rigidity ]
Shutter durability of 300,000 cycles Magnesium alloy bodyLet's take a closer look at the EOS-1D Mark IV, concentrating on its new and upgraded features.
Advances in image quality, resolution, and digital functions
(1) Large 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor
The EOS-1D Mark IV is equipped with a new, large, CMOS sensor (Photo 3) that has an effective sensor size of 27.9 x 18.6 millimeters (APS-H size) and boasts about 16.10 effective megapixels. This sensor is the heart of the camera's digital functions, including a high-speed eight-channel read-out (capable of handling 10 fps), Live View shooting, and Full HD movie recording.
(2) Dual DIGIC 4 processors for faster image processing
The Mark IV uses two DIGIC 4 image processor chips (Photo 4) to achieve faster, fuller featured signal processing. Thanks to the chips' parallel signal processing; the camera has a fast continuous shooting speed of about 10fps.
(3) Full-time ISO 12,800
The Mark IV has a full-time ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (with ISO extension settings of L: 50, H1: 25,600, H2: 51,200, and H3: 102,400) despite its higher pixel count. This extraordinary range was made possible by raising the photoelectric conversion efficiency, increasing the light-gathering efficiency with gapless microlenses, and ensuring sufficient photodiode area with advanced semiconductor fabrication processes.
(4) Enhanced automated image processing features
[ Auto Lighting Optimizer ]
This function automatically corrects brightness and contrast according to the shooting results. The Auto Lighting Optimizer function has been upgraded on the Mark IV to work with manual exposures as well as auto exposures.
[ Peripheral Illumination Correction ]
This function automatically corrects vignetting in JPEG images. JPEG images are automatically corrected in-camera immediately after shooting. RAW images can be corrected after shooting on a computer with the Digital Photo Professional's capture settings. EOS Utility, a bundled software communications program, is used to register and delete lens correction data.
[ Enhanced noise reduction ]
The Mark IV comes with special noise reduction algorithms for long exposures and high ISO speeds.
[ Highlight Tone Priority mode ]
The Mark IV includes this popular function, which gives priority to highlight reproduction.
Pursuit of better ergonomics
(1) High-magnification, wide-area, viewfinder with nearly 100% coverage
The Mark IV's high-magnification viewfinder (Figure 1) features a wide angle of view and nearly 100% coverage.
The D+ icon has been added to the viewfinder display to indicate the Highlight Tone Priority mode. The ISO speed indication has been increased from four digits to five.
(2) 3.0-inch monitor (920,000-pixel Clear View LCD II)
The 3.0-inch, 920,000-pixel LCD monitor (see Photo 2) features a wide viewing angle, bright display, and low power consumption. Reinforced glass is used for the protective cover. To cut unwanted reflections, strengthen the monitor , and increase visibility, we applied an anti-reflective coating to the protective cover surface and used solid construction that eliminates the air gap between the protective cover and the liquid crystal assembly.
Another addition is the ability to adjust the monitor's brightness instantly by pressing the Illumination button during playback (Figure 2).
(3) Enhanced custom functions
[ AF microadjustment ]
The Mark IV features AF microadjustment, which fine-tunes the AF's point of focus.
[ AE microadjustment ]
This function allows fine adjustment of the exposure reference in one-eighth step increments over a ±1 step range.
[ FE microadjustment ]
This function allows fine adjustment of the flash exposure reference in one-eighth step increments over a ±1 step range.
[ Vertical/horizontal AF point setting ]
This function detects the orientation of the camera and automatically switches between preset AF points.
Many other custom functions have been added to the Mark IV.
(4) Fine-tuned controls
While the same basic controls from the Mark III are used, the shape and stroke of the control buttons have been fine-tuned for more responsive and comfortable operation.
(5) Integrated sensor cleaning system
The EOS-1D Mark IV features the proven EOS Integrated Cleaning System. A fluorine coating has been applied to the front surface of the low-pass filter, making it harder for dust and dirt to stick to the filter.
Greater shooting and creative possibilities
(1) Live View shooting
[ Operability ]
Settings are made on the menu screen. The SET button controls Live View shooting.
[ Focusing ]
The Mark III required manual focusing in Live View mode, but the Mark IV adds the following three AF modes.
Live mode: Contrast AF that uses the imaging sensor. Face detection Live mode: This is also a contrast AF mode, but it focuses on a face detected in the frame. When multiple faces are detected, the camera autofocuses on the largest face closest to the center of the frame. The user can use the multi-controller to select another face if the automatic selection is not desired. Quick mode: Phase-difference AF that uses the AF sensor. Live View is paused momentarily when the camera autofocuses in this mode. Autofocusing can be controlled by half-pressing the shutter button or with the AF start button.[ Grid displays ]
Users can select either a 3 x 3 or a 4 x 6 superimposed grid.
(2) Movie shooting
[ Operability ]
Settings are made on the menu screen. The FE Lock button starts and stops movie shooting.
[ Exposure control ]
Auto exposure: Unless set to M (manual exposure), the camera will perform automatic exposure based on the brightness of the scene. The exposure uses either center-weighted metering or movie Program AE metering. Both use the imaging sensor as the exposure sensor. Manual exposure: When the camera is set to M (manual exposure), the exposure can be controlled by manually setting the shutter speed and aperture. ISO speed can be set to Auto or set manually between ISO 100 and ISO 12,800.[ Recording sizes and frame rates ]
Table 1 gives the movie frame rate and recording size combinations.
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[ Movie image effects ]
The selected Picture Style, white balance setting, Auto Lighting Optimizer setting, and Peripheral Illumination Correction setting all function with movie shooting.
[ Recording lengths and audio recording ]
A 4GB memory card can record about 12 minutes in either Full HD or HD quality, and about 24 minutes in SD quality. Note that the CF memory card must have a read/write speed of at least 8MB/second in order to record movies. Audio can be recorded either in mono with the built-in monaural microphone or in stereo using an external stereo microphone (recording levels are adjusted automatically).
[ Shooting stills during movie recording ]
Fully depressing the shutter button while recording a movie will take a still image in the resolution and drive mode set for still images. The movie and the still image are recorded on the same media.
(3) Movie playback and editing
[ Enjoying full HDTV playback from the camera (recommended) ]
Users can enjoy full HDTV quality playback of their movies using the camera's playback controls by connecting the camera to a Full HD TV with an HDMI cable. (The output resolution is set automatically to match the connected TV's specifications.)
[ Movie playback using a computer ]
It is possible to play back movies on a computer using the bundled software (ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser), but because of the amount of data, a high-performance computer (a 2.6GHz Core 2 Duo CPU or better and a minimum of 2GB of RAM) is necessary for smooth playback.
[ Simple movie editing (making cuts at the start and end) ]
It is possible to make cuts to a recorded movie at the start or end in 1 second increments using the camera controls. The edited movie file can be saved separately from the original file.
Maintaining and improving reliability and durability
(1) AF System
[ AF sensor ]
The Mark IV's AF sensor (Photo 5) was developed based on the Mark III's AF sensor. Both sensors have 45 AF points, but all AF points are manually selectable on the Mark IV. Furthermore, there are now 39 cross-type AF points (in manual selections) from the previous 19, which improves detection precision and capture efficiency (Figure 3).
[ AF algorithm ]
The AF algorithm has been improved in terms of stability, tracking, and responsiveness. The AI Servo AF algorithm is not only effective when shooting moving subjects; it is also effective in hand-held close-up photography, where the distance from the subject is continually fluctuating very slightly.
[ Spot AF (custom function) ]
This custom function is used to narrow the AF range when the AF Spot button on a super telephoto lens is used. A certain skill level is needed to shoot moving subjects in Spot AF because of the narrow AF range.
(2) Superb water and dust resistance
The Mark IV is designed to work flawlessly under the most demanding conditions. All controls and external cover assemblies are sealed against water and dust.
(3) 300,000-cycle durability and rugged body
Both the shutter unit and the mirror-drive unit (Figure 4) have a service life of 300,000 cycles. The body, the major exterior covers, and the mirror box are constructed from magnesium alloy for strength, rigidity, and lightness.
System enhancements
[ External interfaces (Photo 6) ]
The Mark III video out terminal has been replaced with a combination digital/video/audio out terminal. A new Type C HDMI mini out terminal and an external microphone in terminal have been added. And the extension system terminal cover is now attached to the camera so it cannot be lost.
[ Image transfer system ]
The newly developed WFT-E2 II B wireless file transmitter offers several functional advancements, including IEEE 802.11a support, over the dedicated EOS-1D WFT-E2 transmitter. The WFT-E2 transmitter can be used with the Mark IV after a firmware update (to Version 2.0.0 or newer).
This concludes this month's look at the new EOS-1D Mark IV. Table 2 compares the main specifications of the Mark IV with those of the Mark III.