MOVIE MADE

Though HD movie shooting with DSLRs (or HD-DSLRs, if you prefer) has become ubiquitous, Canon's cameras have superior video capability compared to Nikon. For one, Canon offers full 1080p HD video shooting while Nikon, at the time of this writing, still offered only 720p capture.

Canon's also done a good job of integrating a range of video options so, like the 7D before it, the Mark IV can shoot full HD in a choice of frame rates including approximately 30fps, 25fps, and 24fps. It can also record 720p HD video at 60fps and features a stereo mic jack.

Though there are many "glamorous" video projects on the Internet shot with HD-DSLRs from photographers we all know the names of already, these cameras are also great utilitarian tools. I used the Mark IV to record photographer friend Jason Groupp as he led a class of a students and the footage provided a great educational spot for Jason to showcase on his website. (Now, if only they'd make getting into the Mark IV's video mode easier!)

THE BOTTOM LINE

As I write this review, the Vancouver Winter Olympics are only days away and the games should be a good test for Canon and its 1D Mark IV. As far as my testing is concerned, I believe Canon has a winner on its hands with the Mark IV, especially in comparison to its less than Olympic-caliber predecessor. But the playing field has changed a lot since the Mark III came out in 2007 and Nikon has made serious inroads into the sports photography market with its excellent D3 and D3s. Though I preferred the low noise/low-light shooting capabilities of those cameras to the Mark IV, the new Canon has a faster frame rate, more resolution for cropping, a better movie mode, and a revamped autofocus system that's fast and, yes, reliable. Canon photographers, rest easy. The 1D Mark IV is the solid follow-up you've been waiting for.


Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

www.usa.canon.com

Pros: Updated autofocus system is quick and reliable and produces excellent sharpness; 10 frames per second shooting speed is still best in class; superb HD movie mode; increased resolution helps for better cropping.

Cons: More noise at high ISOs compared to Nikon's D3 & D3s, especially with skintones; movie mode could be easier to use.

Pricing: $4,999 (body only)