Canon EOS 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3s
This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and Nikon D3s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D3s is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.
These two camera models were both released 2009.Camera | Released |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV | 2009 |
Nikon D3s | 2009 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Canon EOS 1D Mark IV has a "Canon APS-H"-sensor while Nikon D3s has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV | 65 mm Canon APS-H sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.3 |
Nikon D3s | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV has a 16,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3s has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
16,1 MP
15980544 pixels 4896 x 3264 |
Nikon D3s |
12,1 MP
12052992 pixels 4256 x 2832 |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV has a 33 % larger resolution than Nikon D3s. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3s. Canon EOS 1D Mark IV has an ISO range that stretches from 50 to 102400 while Nikon D3s has 200 to 102400.
Camera | ISO Range |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV | 50-102400 |
Nikon D3s | 200-102400 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3s
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 1D Mark IV can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV | 10 |
Nikon D3s | 11 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and Nikon D3s can shoot movies.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon D3s weighs 1240 gr (equal to 2.73 lb) which is 1% heavier than Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and its 1230 gr (or 2.71 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV | 1230 gr 2.71 lb |
Nikon D3s | 1240 gr 2.73 lb |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3s Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and Nikon D3s, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
Name | Canon EOS 1D Mark IV | Nikon D3s |
Manufacturer | Canon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
Release Year | 2009 | 2009 |
Release Date | 2009-10-20 | 2009-10-14 |
MSRP | 4999 USD | 5199 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
Sensor Size | APS-H (approx 27.9 x 18.6 mm) |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 4896 x 3264 pixels | 4256 x 2832 pixels |
Megapixels | 16,1 MP | 12,1 MP |
Image Processor | DIGIC 4 | EXPEED |
Image |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
ISO Range | 50 - 102400 | 200 - 102400 |
White Balance Presets | 8 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW + TIFF |
Optics & Focus |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Focus Points | 45 | 51 |
Lens Mount |
Canon EF See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
APS-H Sensor 1.3x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 31 mm 50 mm becomes 65 mm 100 mm becomes 130 mm 200 mm becomes 260 mm |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 3” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | TFT LCD | Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.76× (0.58× 35mm equiv.) | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
Frames per second | 10 fps | 11 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | No |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
H.264 |
Motion JPEG MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
1280 x 720 |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash SD/SDHC |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | Yes | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Optional , Eye-Fi Connected and Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 |
Yes Optional |
Remote Control | Yes (N3 connector) | Yes |
GPS | No |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV |
Nikon D3s |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion LP-E4 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 1500 shots | 4200 shots |
Width | 156 mm | 160 mm |
Height | 157 mm | 157 mm |
Depth | 80 mm | 88 mm |
Weight | 1230 gram | 1240 gram |