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Canon 1D Mk4 (EOS-1D MkIV) - replacement for the 1D Mk3

May 11th 2008 - 1D3N 10.1MP FF?

	Other info and stuff on this site Articles and tutorials Digital Black and White All about Colour management Photography and digital imaging info Keith's reviews ... hardware and software Our review policy - for real products Some of Keith's Landscape photos Using your film scanner as a microscope A Canon 1Ds pinhole camera... Webcams in Leicester & view from space
Rumours pages Rumours Index page Canon Medium Format? 5Dmk2 /3D/ 7D New lenses page 50D 1Ds Mk IV	Real Cameras Canon EOS 1D Mark 3 40D Canon EOS 1Ds Mark 3 400D XTi 1DsMk2 (our original rumour page :-) 450D

2008 May

11th A 10.1 MP FF sensor for the 1D3n?

Comment on a site (Google translation).Japanese

6th Some Autumn 1DMk3N info? Japanese page (Google translation for amusement ;-)

April 30th At FM there's a post suggesting June for the next series of Canon releases. As well as the usual 5D2 there is a 1DMk3N and two lenses (note no appearance of June in the list below)

23rd With the expected non-announcement yesterday, there's been a lot more speculation about a possible 1D3n appearing this summer.

For the seers out there it's worth looking at the release dates of the One series

Model	Announced	Effective pixels	Sensor size	Continuous High (JPEG)	LCD monitor
EOS-1D	Sep 2001	4.2 mp	1.3x crop	8.0 fps, 21 frames	2.0"
EOS-1Ds	Sep 2002	11.1 mp	Full frame	3.0 fps, 10 frames	2.0"
EOS-1D Mark II	Jan 2004	8.2 mp	1.3x crop	8.3 fps, 40 frames	2.0"
EOS-1Ds Mark II	Sep 2004	16.7 mp	Full frame	4.0 fps, 32 images	2.0"
EOS-1D Mark II N	Aug 2005	8.2 mp	1.3x crop	8.3 fps, 48 images	2.5"
EOS-1D Mark III	Feb 2007	10.1 mp	1.3x crop	10.0 fps, 110 images	3.0" (Live view)
EOS-1Ds Mark III	Aug 2007	21.1 mp	Full frame	5.0 fps, 56 images	3.0" (Live view)

The IIn does look a bit of an aberation.

I'd personally expect a (FF) Mk4 rather than seeing a IIIn. It -might- come in for PMA 2009 but I'd expect a 2.5-3 year cycle like before. Of course that doesn't rule out the fabled 3D next year, of even a cheaper FF camera such as is alluded to in the Canon Exec's recent remarks (5D2 page). The FF landscape should look a bit different by then ;-)

My own thought is that we will see quite a bit more new glass yet this year (and yes I'm still personally looking for a couple of all new tilt/shift lenses)

18th At DCW there is an interview (in Japanese) that drops a few hints about what Canon is planning.

Here's one translation from babelfish and one from Google (more info and translations on the 5D2 page)

Some have seen some of this as evidence for another full frame camera other than the 5D replacement. However, if you look at the machine translations they could say almost anything. Also, knowing the somewhat eliptical way (to me) that Japanese executives describe business plans, it could mean almost anything.

9th Another 1D3n rumour at USPI

March 12th Is there an announcement of something this Autumn?

Lots of rumours on the 5D2 page, which includes this, about something else new...

Could this be the high speed FF camera to (hopefully) put some of Canon's 1D3 AF woes behind them?

February 6th Some future hints in an interview with Chuck Westfall at CNET.

FF market to expand in 2008
APS-H (1.3 crop) is cheaper but that's its main advantage over FF
1D3 fix makes things better
... but we are still looking at it
Geotagging - it's on the way
Fuel cells [CW mentioned this back in 2005]
OLED displays before long

So it's an FF 1D4, with OLED display, built in GPS and powered by methanol (You can also see this in this 2005 PDF with his thoughts on where digital cameras were going (don't expect too much! ;-)

5th The news that Canon have a 'Final Fix' for the 1D3 AF problem (see 1D3 page) is still being digested, although as yet Canon have not actually said anything officially (no-one believe they were naive enough to think news like this would be kept to the select few originally informed)

What effect this has on the follow up for the 1D3 is unclear, although it now seems much more likely to be full frame. In an interview with Chuck Westfall of Canon US in the video on this page (parts in English after about 50 seconds) he notes that the when the 1D3 was announced, there was no full frame competition, whereas there is now. Given he's a PR man this is about as strong a hint as any that the 1D'x' will be full frame.

January 30th Will there be a trade-in program once whatever follows the 1D3 appears? This from FM

"...the Canon rep told him that there will probably be a program where present owners of the 1DmkIII will be permitted to turn in there cameras toward a new 1DmkIIIN. When there will be a MKIIIN wasn't clear."

16th Some latest comments we were sent about something (24MP) that might fulfil the role of 1D3 follow-up are on the 5D2 page (25FPS version later this year/early next -- £1800 with a range of 'kit' lenses :-)

4th More suggestions from Germany, pointing to a recent 500 Euro fall in 1D3 prices.

2007 December 2nd Whilst I personally think it's too early for any replacement to be announced (after 1 year), there's a post on a German board which roughly translates (Google) as:

"In brief: In February comes a new 1D MarkIIIN on the market, meanwhile recalled all 1D MarkIII in the affected serial numbers, and conversion to a new MarkIIIN."

i.e. swap your dodgy 1D3 for a shiny new 1D3N :-) :-)

November 13th In an interesting mail we were sent, which updated some details of the material we had in September, it would seem that there will be no 1D Mk. IIIN and no 1D Mk. IV... It's the 1Dx (or whatever 'x' is ;-)

"The 1DMk3 AF issues have been a great embarrassment for Canon. The camera is not selling as well as hoped. The D3 and Nikon's new lenses are now seen as a serious threat to the sports and photojournalism market segments.

The 1D III was intended to be a ground-breaking camera, but now is considered 'Kyou' or bad luck, attributed to it being the 4th camera in the 1D Series.

The new camera -will- be a 1D but with a new name - expect it to appear in Aug/Sept of 2008"

Some 'headline' specs

Same form factor as current 1 Series
Full Frame 16MP sensor (end of 1.3 crop cameras)
ISO 100 to 6400 (expandible 50 and 12800)
Live View with contrast detection AF and HD Video capture (It is considered this will revolutionise photo journalism and meet growing requirement for web news video and cross media feeds).
Stills can be grabbed from HD Video capture but only at 2MP resolution.
1.3x crop mode with viewfinder masking and reduced size RAW (10MP) with significantly improved buffer for cropped RAW images
10 fps, buffer similar for FF images.

And yes the picture above is fake! I've been doing 'real' PS work all morning and got bored :-)

31st October Whilst waiting for Canon to announce the details of the fix for the 1D3 AF problems, I notice that people are starting to ask about a possible 1D3N or 1D4.

The 1D2N came out about 18 months after the 1D2, so if Canon want to add a better LCD and improve the AF on liveview, then look for an announcement ready in time for Photokina 2008 (see our info below). Look for a slew of updated features, but probably not the sensor. One thing that may well move this on nicely is the return of Nikon as a real competitor in many areas that Canon had perhaps been a bit too comfortable in...

17th September From our large quantity of Canon related info received recently there's some pointers to what could be in the MK4

Digic IV uses less power, and is faster than the dual Digic 3 found in the 1D3 and 1Ds3. In particular it can support 16bit raw and the larger 40-50MP sensors under development. With the larger sensors, it also supports pixel-binning where pixels are agregated to deliver low noise and higher ISO performance at lower resolutions.

Canon is working on a new generation CMOS sensor – lower voltage, full 100% cover micro-lenses and better dynamic range allowing 16 bit A/D per pixel raw files.

These will support a clean 6400 ISO similar to today's 1600 and go to 25600 with acceptable noise.

The next generation low voltage CMOS generally gives 1 to 2 stops lower noise at higher ISOs

Target for this is the next generation of the 1D series cameras in 2010, before spreading to other models. These are being trialled with 'normal' sensors and others at 40-50MP in FF format (not 'in the field' for a year or so)

Canon is very excited about these sensors – seeing them as being as big a step up in performance as their move from CCD to CMOS a decade ago.

What to do with those 50MP images... Canon is considering built in hard drives (moving or solid state) in the 80-100gb range in future generations of cameras – mostly likely in a optional grip.

A even higher FPS, with mirror lockup just using sensor contrast AF allowing even higher frame rates.

Dynamic 1.3 crop is an option, but was not seen as an important feature at the time by people testing the 1D3

Canon have working MPEG DIGIC III code for their P&S range. This was tried in some of the test cameras sent out during 1D Mk3 trials. It's expected that this will appear in the entry level camera (xxxD range) next year (2008)

Canon is seeing this as an important feature in the 1D Mk IV range in 2010 (it would be HD video)

1DMk3n

There might yet be a 1DMk3n - but given the 3 year development cycle this won't be decided until next year. Options include

High resolution rear LCD
Contrast based live AF
Newer more temperature tolerant AF sensors (they are already in the 40D)
DIGIC IV which would allow even faster frame rates

23rd August Nikon move to FF too (Nikon D3 info) Very interesting specs and well worth a look for 1D3 users - look to see some of these features in the 1D3N ;-)

Note the attention in the press release given to 11FPS and the AF system ;-)

When was that camera announced?

Model	Announced	Effective pixels	Sensor size	Continuous High (JPEG)	LCD monitor
EOS-1D	Sep 2001	4.2 mp	1.3x crop	8.0 fps, 21 frames	2.0"
EOS-1Ds	Sep 2002	11.1 mp	Full frame	3.0 fps, 10 frames	2.0"
EOS-1D Mark II	Jan 2004	8.2 mp	1.3x crop	8.3 fps, 40 frames	2.0"
EOS-1Ds Mark II	Sep 2004	16.7 mp	Full frame	4.0 fps, 32 images	2.0"
EOS-1D Mark II N	Aug 2005	8.2 mp	1.3x crop	8.3 fps, 48 images	2.5"
EOS-1D Mark III	Feb 2007	10.1 mp	1.3x crop	10.0 fps, 110 images	3.0" (Live view)
EOS-1Ds Mark III	Aug 2007	21.1 mp	Full frame	5.0 fps, 56 images	3.0" (Live view)

The original EOS 1DMk3

UK PR Canon today sets new standards for professional photography with the launch of the EOS-1D Mark III. Delivering 10 frames per second at 10.1 Megapixels for a maximum burst of 110 Large JPEG images (30 in RAW), the EOS-1D Mark III replaces the EOS-1D Mark II N as the world’s fastest digital SLR. Dual “DIGIC III” processors drive the camera’s high speed, high resolution performance, and bring 14-bit image processing to the EOS series for the first time. A ground-up redesign introduces a host of new features and advancements to Canon’s flagship EOS-1 series, including a 3.0” LCD with Live View mode, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, new auto focus system with 19 cross-type sensors, and 63-zone exposure metering. The camera’s APS-H size (28.1 x 18.7 mm) CMOS sensor enables a wider 100-3200 ISO range as standard, expandable to L:50 and H:6400. “The EOS-1D Mark III represents a complete reappraisal of everything Canon has learned over the past 20 years of EOS development,” said Tsunemasa Ohara, Senior General Manager, Camera Development Center, Canon Inc. “In building this camera, we started with a blank canvas. Every facet of the photographic process has been refined, every design decision re-evaluated to bring us to this point: a camera that combines familiar EOS ergonomics with a vastly enhanced specification. Our engineers are overjoyed with the result.” Key features 10.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor 10 fps continuous shooting for up to 110 frames Dual “DIGIC III” processors New auto focus system with 19 cross type sensors EOS Integrated Cleaning System ISO 3200 (expandable to H:6400) 3.0” LCD with Live View mode Wider, brighter viewfinder Picture Style1 The choice of professionals The EOS-1D line has enjoyed massive popularity among the world’s leading sports, reportage and wildlife photographers, with international wire agencies AFP, Getty and Reuters choosing Canon for their photographers. “The people at Canon is great to work with because they listen to photographers. It’s their attention to detail and the pace of innovation that makes EOS the system of choice,” explained Stephen Munday, Director of Operations – Editorial, Getty Images. Exceptional image quality Canon’s dual “DIGIC III” processors deliver unprecedented levels of speed, responsiveness and image quality. Ready to shoot within 0.2 seconds of power on, the EOS-1D Mark III can capture and process over 100 Megapixels of image data per second, rapidly clearing the image buffer to allow up to 110 frames in one burst. Images are processed at 14 bits for a total colour depth of up to 16,384 tones per pixel, compared to 4,096 tones from 12 bit images. The third generation CMOS sensor incorporates a new pixel design that works together with on-chip noise reduction circuitry to ensure high image quality at ISO 3200. The option to expand to H:6400 will benefit professionals working in news and sports locations where the use of flash is not permitted or desired. Greater precision, more control Canon has redesigned its auto focus system to include 19 cross-type sensors with sensitivity up to f/2.8, spread out across the AF area to better accommodate off-centre subjects. An additional 26 AF assist points are used to aid AF tracking for improved accuracy. Responding to professional photographer requests, a dedicated AF button on the back of the camera allows users to instantly switch auto focus on or off while keeping their eye on the viewfinder. The viewfinder is now brighter and offers a wider angle of view. The camera’s new 63-zone metering system gives photographers greater level of control over exposure. New LCD with Live View The bright 3.0” LCD monitor provides 230K pixels resolution for precise framing and reviewing of shots. New to EOS, Live View mode enables photographers to frame without having to look through the viewfinder – particularly useful for shooting from awkward positions. The menu system on the EOS-1D Mark III has been completely redesigned to take advantage of the LCD size – menus are easier to read and use. A choice of 57 custom functions gives photographers more options for customising camera settings to their daily working requirements. A new My Menu option allows photographers to store frequently used settings on a separate menu for faster access. Settings for new accessories such as the Speedlite 580EX II and Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 – also released today – can be controlled directly from the LCD. Total reliability The EOS-1D Mark III incorporates a range of practical enhancements for the working photographer. Shutter durability has been increased by 50% to 300,000 cycles. The body is protected by a magnesium alloy casing with dust and moisture resistant seals. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System provides further reliability by reducing sensor dust, minimising the need for manual cleaning on assignment. To avoid corruption of captured images, a warning appears on the LCD and an alarm sounds if the memory card door is opened while images are still being written. Interfaces include video out (for display in both NTSC and PAL formats) and USB 2.0. Compatibility and accessories Canon is marking today’s launch with the release of several additions to the professional EOS system: EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM – A fast, ultra wide-angle zoom lens delivering exceptional image quality throughout the aperture range. Speedlite 580EX II – An update of the Speedlite 580EX that offers weather resistance when attached to the EOS-1D Mark III. Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 – Smaller, lighter and more versatile than its predecessor, the WFT-E2 speeds up workflows by allowing photographers to transmit images wirelessly during the shoot. Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 – Verifies the authenticity of images taken with the camera and supports image encryption for additional security. Software The EOS-1D Mark III is supplied with a comprehensive software suite to help the photographer’s workflow. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP integrates with cameras features such as the Dust Delete Data and Picture Style. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, ImageBrowser/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.