Why is the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III more expensive than the EOS-1D Mark IV?
Asked 11/14/2011
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I’m comparing the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV and noticed the 1Ds Mark III is priced higher, even though spec-comparison sites can make the 1D Mark IV look better in some areas. Why does the 1Ds Mark III cost more, and what are the main differences between these two cameras?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
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The EOS 1Ds Mark III is Canon's top-of-the-line full-frame DSLR: 21MP; 45 AF points; dual DIGIC III processors.
The EOS 1D Mark IV (that's 1D, not 1Ds) uses a 28.1 × 18.7mm sensor which is smaller than a 36 x 24mm full-frame, but bigger than the 22.3 × 14.9 mm sensor in the Rebel, 60D, 7D, etc.
The main tradeoff with the 1D Mark IV vs. the 1Ds is that you get a slightly lower image quality but continuous 10 fps shooting vs. only 5 fps on the 1Ds.
Originally by user6783. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user6783
14y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
They’re different pro cameras aimed at different jobs, so a simple spec sheet can be misleading. The key difference is that the EOS-1Ds Mark III is full-frame, while the EOS-1D Mark IV uses a smaller APS-H sensor. That gives the 1Ds Mark III advantages that matter to some photographers, such as higher resolution, full-frame field of view, and generally stronger image quality traits valued for studio, portrait, fashion, and landscape work.
The 1D Mark IV trades some of that for speed and versatility: it shoots much faster (about 10 fps), offers much higher ISO, records 1080p video, and is often better suited to sports and action.
So the higher price of the 1Ds Mark III isn’t because it is newer or better in every way; it’s because full-frame, high-resolution flagship bodies were positioned for a different market and carried a premium. In short: 1Ds Mark III for maximum image quality and full-frame shooting, 1D Mark IV for speed, reach, and low-light/action features.
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