Battle of the Oldies: Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Product 2: Brand Name: Canon
Product: Brand Name: Canon
Product 2: description: 1D Mark IV
Product: description: 5D Mark III
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Product: image url: https://static.photocdn.pt/images/articles/2020/05/27/Canon_5D_Mark_III_Specs.jpg
Product 2: title: Canon 1D Mark IV
Product: title: Canon 5D Mark III
Article: main image URL: https://static.photocdn.pt/images/articles/2020/05/27/Battle_of_the_Oldies_Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_III_vs_Canon_EOS-1D_Mark_IV.jpg
Article: description: In the Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 1D Mark IV battle, which of these older cameras is right for you? Get all the details on these oldies but goodies in this comparison review.
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Photo by Mario Calvo on Unsplash

Both the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV are old. The former dropped in 2012 and the latter dropped in 2009 and I’ve heard people say that because of their age, they should no longer be taken seriously as good options for your everyday camera bodies.  

But, I disagree. I think the Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 1D Mark IV debate is as important today as it ever has been if but for one reason: these cameras are professional grade cameras at enthusiast prices. 

And I’d bet that if you’re reading this Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 1D Mark IV review, then that’s exactly what you’re looking for. 

Sure, the Canon 5D Mark III features are lacking some modern touches, but if you’re willing to forego 4K video in favor of a better, if not dated, sensor, then you could still be taking better stills.  

The same goes for the Canon 1D Mark IV specs. They’re going to be a little dated, but if you’re looking for a professional grade camera under $1,000, this may be the only place you’re going to find it.  

Let’s dive into the Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 1D Mark IV debate fully so I can prove my case. 

Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 1D Mark IV Specs

Canon 5D Mark III 

I’ll go over the Canon 5D Mark III specs first. 

The Canon 5D Mark III features a 22MP sensor, an impressive for its time ISO range of 100-25,600, and 100% viewfinder coverage.

Other Canon 5D Mark III Specs:

  • 22MP sensor
  • DIGIC 5+ processor
  • 6fps burst mode
  • 61-point AF system
  • 3.2” LCD screen with 1.04m-dots
  • Full 1080p HD video
  • ISO range of 100-25,600
  • Weather-sealed body
  • 950-shot battery life
  • 1.89 lbs
  • 150,000-shot shutter life

Canon 1D Mark IV 

The Canon 1D Mark IV features wildly different specs. For starters, it features a 16MP sensor and a more dated DIGIC 4 processor.  

It also features a less impressive 100-12,800 native ISO range. 

Other Canon 1D Mark IV Specs:

  • 16MP sensor
  • DIGIC 4 processor
  • 10fps burst mode
  • 45-point AF system
  • 3” LCD with 920k-dots
  • Full 1080p HD video
  • ISO range of 100-12,800
  • 1,500-shot battery life
  • 2.6 lbs
  • 300,000-shot shutter life

So, when it comes to the Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 1D Mark IV specs, it truly depends upon what you’re looking for. The Canon 1D Mark IV is better for someone looking for double the shutter life, while the Canon 5D Mark III is better for someone looking for a lighter camera.

The Canon 5D Mark III is better if you’re looking for a larger sensor or more focus points, but the Canon 1D Mark IV is better if you’re looking for a longer battery life or a faster burst mode. 

Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 1D Mark IV Body & Design

Canon 5D Mark III 

Specs aside, let’s talk about the designs of the Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 1D Mark IV.

Once again, I’ll start with the Canon 5D Mark III design. 

The Canon 5D Mark III build is pretty similar to its predecessor’s, since they’re about the same size. However, the Canon 5D Mark III layout is very different to the Mark II’s. 

For starters, it feels more sturdy than the Mark II. A lot of the controls are similar to the Mark II, except for the addition of an easily-customizable M-Fn button located right behind the shutter release on top. 

The rear controls are where most of the major buttons are located. You can find the Q button, which showcases the interactive controls screen during shooting, the rear dial, which sets exposure compensation in P, Av and Tv modes, and the RATE button, which allows you to rate your images for easy sorting in Photoshop.

Canon 1D Mark IV 

The Canon 1D Mark IV design will be even more familiar to photographers accustomed to shooting with the line. 

The LCD size is the same as the 1D Mark III, and nearly all of the controls are in the same place. The one thing that Canon added to the 1D Mark IV is re-shaped buttons which help control the camera in inclement weather when you are wearing thick gloves. 

Both cameras are dustproof and water-resistant and weather-sealed. Both cameras feature a hot shoe for external flashes. Both cameras have an HDMI output and an external memory slot as well.  

The Canon 1D Mark IV features a stereo microphone, while the Canon 5D Mark III features a microphone input and socket for a 3.5MM audio jack. 

Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 1D Mark IV Build & Handling

Canon 5D Mark III 

The Canon 5D Mark III handling will feel really familiar to anyone who has used the 5D line before, as will the Canon 1D Mark IV handling. 

Canon isn’t very clear about weather-sealing in their high-end cameras, but I personally believe the Canon 1D Mark IV body acts better in bad weather simply because it uses sealed buttons instead of a mode dial. 

However, you’re paying dearly for that additional weather-sealing, since the Canon 5D Mark III body is a lot lighter than the 1D Mark IV.  

As mentioned earlier,, the Canon 1D Mark IV build and the Canon 5D Mark III build are very similar when it comes to their control layout. But, the Canon 1D Mark IV is a lot taller, so it may feel uncomfortable in your hands if you are used to shooting with a more traditional DSLR. 

Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 1D Mark IV Video Performance

Huge shout out to Chad Soriano for this Canon 5D Mark III video performance test. As noted earlier, the Canon 5D Mark III shoots 1080p video at 30fps. It also has continuous autofocus when recording videos and a 24p cinema mode.

The Canon 1D Mark IV video performance, as showcased by ChristopherKblog above, is a little further behind than the 5D Mark III. 

For example, this camera doesn’t feature a 24p cinema mode or a microphone input or socket for a 3.5MM audio jack. 

Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 1D Mark IV Price

The Canon 5D Mark III is available on MPB starting at $875, while the Canon 1D Mark IV is available starting at $850. Sure, these cameras are old, but these prices are quite good for cameras that still have very capable professional features. 

Whether you’re looking for a second camera body that will be a reliable addition to your camera bag or you want to upgrade from an entry-level rig to something with more capabilities, either of these cameras are excellent choices.

And when you buy from MPB, you can rest assured that the camera you get is in the condition stated on the listing page. That’s because MPB puts each item through a rigorous inspection process, that way the product is thoroughly and accurately described. 

Add in fast shipping, a 6-month warranty, and the best customer service in the business, and you have a recipe for a great experience buying used gear!