Canon EOS-1D MARK-IV Digital SLR Camera with 16.1 Megapixel, EOS HD Movie, 10 FPS - U.S.A. Warranty

Almost hugged the UPS guy !!

Ordered mid-October, received from Adorama last week with as much anticipation as anyone else who had one on order. Other "pro" bodies to compare this to is my 5D (original version), 5D Mark II and a 1D Mark III. I still own the Mark III and the 5D Mark II. After a week of shooting, setting up my custom functions and scrutinizing over Canons 122 page "white paper", which goes over every single feature of this body (the "white paper" is downloadable on Canon's website) I will give you brief r...undown as im sure reviews will soon be pouring in as these are shipped to consumers. I see some substantional improvements over the Mark III, enough to justify the pricetag... 1) low light shooting up to ISO 12600 is simply amazing. ISO above that are really not something you want to use unless absolutely needed. Even with noise reduction, pictures at the high three custom ISO's arent really practical. I believe more of a marketing point than a useable feature a professional would use. 2) HD video at custom frame rates. I personally am not an HD video fan on pro bodies...I have a Canon full HD camcorder for that...but I would be somewhat disappointed if the Mark IV didnt have HD video. 3) Autofocus system retooled with 39 cross-type AF points. Customization of those AF points and their expansion is available as a custom function. 4) A new feature, which I can not belive how much I love is "Auto ISO". You set ISO to Auto, and set camera to manual. You choose shutter speed and f stop, camera figures ISO automatically for proper exposure. This is a godsend in changing light conditions and is amazingly acurate. The only downside, which maybe will be addressed in a future firmware version, is that you can not manually adjust exposure, using the quick control dial in 1/3 step increments. 4) AF point actually changes whether you have camera in landscape or portrait mode. No more changing AF point yourself when shooting portrait. There is a sensor in body which automatically changes AF point to match the cameras orientation. This point is of course programable by the user easily. (Too Cool !) 5) Improved JPEG workflow with such features as "Auto lighting optimizer" reducing over/underexposed shots, and even inbedable copyright infomation which can not be programed directly from the camera. 6) VASTLY improved 3" LDG with 900,000 dot viewing and glare reduction. The same LCD as the 5D Mark II which I love. ...now for my only minor gripe. There is already a firmware update version 1.06 to address AF issues with slow moving subject moving toward you. Canon calls this an "enhancement", hoping to steer clear of the Mark III AF fiasco. In their defense, my body came with the new version already installed so a firmware update was not needed on my part. ---OK....is it worth moving up from the Mark III or the 5D MII....in my humble opinion yes. The update sensor, (which is a technological wonder), amazing low light ability, reworked AF, HD video and a new LCD which is simply amazing make this a no brainer for me. Too bad my Mark III's resale value tanked thanks to the Mark IV. Guess it will make a nice back up body.

Mark IV Field Review

I've now shot 30,000+ images with the Mk IV. I'm still amazed. I'm able to shoot in extreme conditions. I've found a new ISO at 8000 I really enjoy when the lighting is poor. And, I just made a poster from a print shot at 12800iso, f2.8 @664 shutter speed. It's real easy to adjust the exposure compensation to take out shadows when shooting against the sun. Something I'd never do before.