Reasons to choose EOS-1D Mark IV
Released in 2009, EOS-1D Mark IV has about 519 mm² of sensor area, 16.1 MP effective resolution, and a 1,230 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
vs Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
VS
Sensor area
519 mm²
EOS-1D Mark IV864 mm²
EOS-1Ds Mark III- Area ratio
- 1.66:1
- Absolute difference
- 345 mm²
- Relative difference
- 66.5%
The EOS-1Ds Mark III has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
EOS-1D Mark IVMetricEOS-1Ds Mark III
16.1 MPEffective pixels21.1 MP
27.9 × 18.6Sensor36 × 24
5.68 µmPixel pitch6.4 µm
32.23 µm²Pixel area40.95 µm²
3.1 MP/cm²Pixel density2.44 MP/cm²
1.29Crop factor1
—Maximum video—
1,230 gWeight1,385 g
CompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, SDHC, Secure DigitalStorageCompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, Microdrive, SDHC Secure Digital
Lithium-Ion LP-E4 rechargeable battery Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-Ion LP-E4 rechargeable battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The EOS-1Ds Mark III has the larger sensor area. The EOS-1D Mark IV has the lighter body. The EOS-1Ds Mark III has the higher effective resolution. The EOS-1D Mark IV is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose EOS-1Ds Mark III
Released in 2007, EOS-1Ds Mark III has about 864 mm² of sensor area, 21.1 MP effective resolution, and a 1,385 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.