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 Nikon D3
VS
Sensor area
519 mm²
EOS-1D Mark IV860 mm²
D3- Area ratio
- 1.66:1
- Absolute difference
- 341 mm²
- Relative difference
- 65.8%
The D3 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 IVMetricD3
16.1 MPEffective pixels12.1 MP
27.9 × 18.6Sensor36 × 23.9
5.68 µmPixel pitch8.43 µm
32.23 µm²Pixel area71.11 µm²
3.1 MP/cm²Pixel density1.41 MP/cm²
1.29Crop factor1
—Maximum video—
1,230 gWeight1,240 g
CompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, SDHC, Secure DigitalStorageCompactFlash type I, CompactFlash type II, Microdrive
Lithium-Ion LP-E4 rechargeable battery Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-Ion (EN-EL11) 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 D3 has the larger sensor area. The EOS-1D Mark IV has the lighter body. The EOS-1D Mark IV 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 D3
Released in 2007, D3 has about 860 mm² of sensor area, 12.1 MP effective resolution, and a 1,240 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.