Full Frame Cameras aren't Always Better
Just as with other products such as cars, bigger isn't always better. A small car uses less fuel and is easier to park.
Photographers considering a full frame DSLR should carefully think about their requirements and the practicalities of expected usage. They should not be blinded by the image quality of full frame cameras and ignore all other factors.
The money saved on a cropped DSLR can be spent on better lenses or a second camera instead. Only Nikon and Canon make the full range of equipment (especially lenses) that is required by professionals.
This will not be important for the majority of photography enthusiasts. "Professional" doesn't have to mean better. Some professionals like big, heavy, fast, tough cameras which a more sensible photographer would leave at home. Even Steve Mc curry used D700.
Size and Weight
Olympus and Panasonic use the Four Thirds (4/3) camera standard with a 2x crop factor compared to traditional film cameras. Other brands have 1x, 1.3x, 1.5x and 1.6x crop factors.
The 2x crop factor means that a 300mm f2.8 lens is equivalent to a 600mm f2.8 lens on a "four thirds" camera (only 300mm, 450mm or 480mm on the other brands). With these super telephoto lenses weighing a few kilograms, this gives 4/3 a big weight advantage.
Lighter standard-zooms will show a smaller (sometimes zero) weight advantage.
Image Stabilization
Olympus, Pentax and Sony has stabilization built into the camera body (except for some budget models) - image stabilization is available for all the lenses.
Canon and Nikon put the stabilization into the lens. The problem is that they might not put it into some lenses. For example the Canon and Nikon 50mm f1.4 autofocus lenses are not stabilized.
Advantage: Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Panasonic.
High-ISO Performance
The larger the image sensor, the better the high-ISO performance (less noise).
- Full frame cameras (1x crop factor) have the largest image sensors and the best low-light performance but are targeted at professionals and cost thousands of dollars (Canon, Nikon, Sony). Canon also has 1.3x cameras.
- 1.5x (Nikon, Pentax, Sony) and 1.6x (Canon) are the most popular crop factors, with average low-light performance. The sensor size is half the size of the 1x DSLRs, meaning that for the same number of megapixels, ISO 400 on a 1.5x will look like ISO 800 on a 1x.
- The smaller 2x 4/3 image sensors are at a disadvantage in low-light situations, but give comparable performance in bright light. The sensor size is half the size of the 1.5x DSLRs, meaning that for the same number of megapixels, ISO 400 on a 4/3 will look like ISO 800 on a 1.5x, ISO 1600 on a 1x.
- Advantage: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony.
Canon vs Nikon vs Olympus vs Panasonic vs Pentax vs Sony DSLRs
In today's competitive market, no inferior DSLR brand can survive. Any DSLR from a major manufacturer will give excellent results. That having been said, here are some recommendations:
- General photography, expandable to full professional system: Canon, Nikon.
- Available-light photography, sharpness limited by camera-shake. Example is photojournalism where the camera is hand-held (need stabilization with prime lenses): Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic, Sony.
- Available-light photography, sharpness limited by subject movement. Example is sports photography which requires high shutter speeds (need 1x crop full frame, low noise high-ISO image sensor): Canon, Nikon, Sony.
- Lightweight travel, unobtrusive photojournalism, wildlife photography (need small lens, large 2x crop factor magnification): Olympus, Panasonic
Market Share
While more popular doesn't have to mean better, a larger market share does mean:
- More support from third-party lens and accessory makers, websites (forums, how-to and equipment review articles)
- Easier sharing of lenses with friends and family
- Possibly higher resale value
Advantage: Canon, Nikon.
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Review
Canon has been a leader with their image capturing devices and their professional DSLR cameras are no different. Canon has released the EOS-1D Mark IV that offers a vast selection of features that makes it a device that produces beautiful images. The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is the TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award because it offers 10 frames per second continuous shooting, full 1080p HD movie recording and an ISO range reaching up to 102400.
Design:
The overall design of this Canon professional DSLR camera is stunning. Weighing 2.6 pounds, this device is heavier than several of its competitors, but the features available make the extra weight bearable. The 3-inch LCD display screen is built with protective glass and an anti-reflective film. The coverings make it possible to see the screen outdoors, and the ability to choose settings and other menu options on the display screen is much easier and makes the device more enjoyable to use in the outdoors.
The body of the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV was built with a magnesium alloy. The body feels durable, strong and able to withstand any condition. The device is built with an integrated cleaning system which works to remove any dust on the inside of the device. The buttons and controls located on the exterior of this image capturing device are also dust and water resistant. This eliminates any worry you may have of taking the professional DSLR camera outdoors during wind or a little rain.One of the standout features on this device is its ability to capture full HD video. The 1920 x 1080 resolution on the recorded video is stunning and beautiful. To make the video even more captivating, each of the lenses used to capture still images on this device – such as the standard, telephoto and wide angle lens – can be used to capture video. This allows you to capture perfectly clear HD video that you once only saw with still images.
Another HD recording feature found on the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is the ability to have full manual exposure control. This full control is made possible by using the manual mode. Although, if manual is not a necessity for you, this professional DSLR camera has the ability to automatically select the correct ISO, shutter and aperture.
Image Quality:
One of the greatest features available on this Canon product, to ensure high image quality, is the large ISO speed range. The device features your standard ISO range but extends from 50 all the way to 102400. The only drawback of featuring such a high ISO speed is images have a greater chance of containing grain and noise. One of the ways Canon decided to eliminate the noise was to provide the Dual DIGIC 4 image processor. The processor not only works to keep the noise and grain to a minimum but is also designed to ensure that photos are clear and vivid. The processor makes it possible for continuous shooting of up to 10 frames per second.
The new Al Servo II AF focus tracking is available on this professional DSLR camera. According to Canon, this technology is designed to improve stability, reliability and focus. We found the feature makes capturing fast-paced subjects or landscape portraits focused, crisp and clear, with no blur from shaky hand movements or sudden gusts of wind.Another feature on the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV we were highly impressed with was its compatibility with all EF Canon lenses. This means all lenses, from wide-angle, standard, telephoto and super telephoto, can be used on this device. This vast selection of lenses makes it possible to capture the ideal photo and video whether your subject is near or far. If the lens is correctly chosen for the type of image taken, the Mark IV will provide you with a high-quality image with a sharp, focused subject and crisp, vivid colors.
This Canon professional DSLR camera also features the E-TTl II flash metering system. The image capturing device features a 63-zone evaluative metering sensor that provides a flash metering algorithm which reduces overexposure. The flash metering makes it possible for photos to be taken in direct sunlight or complete darkness.
Battery Life/Memory:
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV uses one CR2025 lithium battery. The battery life on this device is impressive. Approximately 1,500 images can be captured on a single battery charge. By using this battery, you have the ability to take nearly as many pictures as you could ever want in a single day without needing to recharge. It also allows professionals to stay at work taking portraits or snapshots without interruptions.
An automatic battery check is featured on the image capturing device. When the device is turned on, the battery check is displayed on the LCD panel, in the viewfinder and the battery information screen. The battery is displayed in one of six levels. We found this a great blessing and it prevented any sudden loss of battery. Also included on Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is a power saving feature. The power automatically turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 or 30 minutes of non-use.This Canon professional DSLR camera features memory capabilities for CF, SD and SDHC formats. Having three separate ways to save memory makes it possible to save more images, video and data at once and keep the information in one spot. Having removable memory on the device also makes it possible for easy editing and the transfer of files onto a PC.
Summary:
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is one of the fastest professional DSLR cameras on the market. With a long battery life, strong HD recording capabilities and a Dual DIGIC 4 image processor, this device really can’t be beaten.
