• APS-H 525.5mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-H 518.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Canon 1D Mark III advantages over Canon 1D Mark IV

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.23 vs 5.70 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.10 vs 0.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 2200 vs 1500 shots
    Capture more photos

Canon 1D Mark IV advantages over Canon 1D Mark III

  • Higher effective ISO
    1,320 vs 1,078 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    39 vs 19
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    45 vs 19
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    46 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3X

Canon 1D Mark III
Nikon D3X
  • $4500
  • APS-H
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
Canon 1D Mark IV
Nikon D3X
  • $1900
  • APS-H
  • More cross-type AF points
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compared to Nikon D3S

Canon 1D Mark III
Nikon D3S
  • $4500
  • APS-H
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Canon 1D Mark IV
Nikon D3S
  • $1900
  • APS-H
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon 7D

Canon 1D Mark III
Canon 7D
  • $4500
  • APS-H
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • External Mic Jack
Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 7D
  • $1900
  • APS-H
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compared to Sony A77

Canon 1D Mark III
Sony A77
  • $4500
  • APS-H
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Canon 1D Mark IV
Sony A77
  • $1900
  • APS-H
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Nikon D4

Canon 1D Mark III
Nikon D4
  • $4500
  • APS-H
  • Fast startup
  • Less shutter lag
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
Canon 1D Mark IV
Nikon D4
  • $1900
  • APS-H
  • Less expensive
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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