Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon Zf
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and the Nikon Zf are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2009 and September 2023. The 1D Mark IV is a DSLR, while the Zf is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-H (1D Mark IV) and a full frame (Zf) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 16 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 24.3 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Check 1D Mark IV offers at
ebay.com

Check Zf price at
amazon.com
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and the Nikon Zf? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D Mark IV and the Nikon Zf is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The Zf can be obtained in seven different colors (black, grey, brown, blue, red, orange, green), while the 1D Mark IV is only available in black.



If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Zf is considerably smaller (39 percent) than the Canon 1D Mark IV. Moreover, the Zf is substantially lighter (42 percent) than the 1D Mark IV. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.
Concerning battery life, the 1D Mark IV gets 1500 shots out of its Canon LP-E4 battery, while the Zf can take 380 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15c power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1D Mark IV has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. The power pack in the Zf can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Canon 1D Mark IV | 156 mm | 157 mm | 80 mm | 1230 g | 1500 | Y | Oct 2009 | EUR 4 699 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Nikon Zf | 144 mm | 103 mm | 49 mm | 710 g | 380 | Y | Sep 2023 | EUR 2 499 | amazon.com | |
| 3. | Canon 1D Mark III | 156 mm | 157 mm | 80 mm | 1155 g | 2200 | Y | Feb 2007 | EUR 4 309 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Canon 1Ds Mark II | 156 mm | 158 mm | 80 mm | 1215 g | 1200 | Y | Sep 2004 | EUR 7 999 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Canon 1D X | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1551 g | 1120 | Y | Oct 2011 | EUR 6 299 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Canon 1D X Mark II | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1530 g | 1210 | Y | Feb 2016 | EUR 6 299 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Canon 5D Mark II | 152 mm | 114 mm | 75 mm | 850 g | 850 | Y | Sep 2008 | EUR 3 299 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Canon 7D | 148 mm | 111 mm | 74 mm | 860 g | 800 | Y | Sep 2009 | EUR 1 499 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Canon 50D | 146 mm | 108 mm | 74 mm | 822 g | 800 | Y | Aug 2008 | EUR 1 099 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Canon 60D | 145 mm | 106 mm | 79 mm | 755 g | 1100 | Y | Aug 2010 | EUR 1 149 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Nikon D3S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1240 g | 4200 | Y | Oct 2009 | EUR 4 999 | ebay.com | |
| 12. | Nikon D4 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1340 g | 2600 | Y | Jan 2012 | EUR 5 999 | ebay.com | |
| 13. | Nikon Z5 | 134 mm | 101 mm | 67 mm | 675 g | 470 | Y | Jul 2020 | EUR 1 549 | ebay.com | |
| 14. | Nikon Z5 II | 134 mm | 101 mm | 72 mm | 700 g | 330 | Y | Apr 2025 | EUR 1 899 | amazon.com | |
| 15. | Nikon Z6 | 134 mm | 101 mm | 67 mm | 675 g | 310 | Y | Aug 2018 | EUR 2 449 | ebay.com | |
| 16. | Nikon Z6 II | 134 mm | 101 mm | 70 mm | 705 g | 410 | Y | Oct 2020 | EUR 2 199 | amazon.com | |
| 17. | Nikon Z6 III | 139 mm | 102 mm | 74 mm | 670 g | 380 | Y | Jun 2024 | EUR 2 999 | amazon.com | |
| Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The Zf was launched at a markedly lower price (by 60 percent) than the 1D Mark IV, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1D Mark IV features an APS-H sensor and the Nikon Zf a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Zf is 65 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.3 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 24.3MP, the Zf offers a higher resolution than the 1D Mark IV (16MP), but the Zf nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 5.70μm for the 1D Mark IV) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Zf is a much more recent model (by 13 years and 11 months) than the 1D Mark IV, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.
The resolution advantage of the Nikon Zf implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Zf for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.2 x 20.1 inches or 76.8 x 51.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 40.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 1D Mark IV are 24.5 x 16.3 inches or 62.2 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.7 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.3 x 10.9 inches or 41.5 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Zf has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.
Unlike the 1D Mark IV, the Zf has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (96MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Zf are ISO 100 to ISO 64000, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.
In terms of underlying technology, the 1D Mark IV is build around a CMOS sensor, while the Zf uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Canon 1D Mark IV | APS-H | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 22.8 | 12.0 | 1320 | 74 | |
| 2. | Nikon Zf | Full Frame | 24.3 | 6048 | 4024 | 4K/60p | 25.4 | 14.7 | 3243 | 96 | |
| 3. | Canon 1D Mark III | APS-H | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | none | 22.7 | 11.7 | 1078 | 71 | |
| 4. | Canon 1Ds Mark II | Full Frame | 16.6 | 4992 | 3328 | none | 23.3 | 11.3 | 1480 | 74 | |
| 5. | Canon 1D X | Full Frame | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 11.8 | 2786 | 82 | |
| 6. | Canon 1D X Mark II | Full Frame | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/60p | 24.1 | 13.5 | 3207 | 88 | |
| 7. | Canon 5D Mark II | Full Frame | 21.0 | 5616 | 3744 | 1080/30p | 23.7 | 11.9 | 1815 | 79 | |
| 8. | Canon 7D | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.0 | 11.7 | 854 | 66 | |
| 9. | Canon 50D | APS-C | 15.1 | 4752 | 3168 | none | 21.8 | 11.4 | 696 | 63 | |
| 10. | Canon 60D | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.2 | 11.5 | 813 | 66 | |
| 11. | Nikon D3S | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | 720/24p | 23.5 | 12.0 | 3253 | 82 | |
| 12. | Nikon D4 | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 13.1 | 2965 | 89 | |
| 13. | Nikon Z5 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 4K/30p | 25.3 | 14.3 | 2929 | 95 | |
| 14. | Nikon Z5 II | Full Frame | 24.4 | 6048 | 4032 | 4K/60p | 25.4 | 14.8 | 3398 | 97 | |
| 15. | Nikon Z6 | Full Frame | 24.3 | 6048 | 4024 | 4K/30p | 25.3 | 14.3 | 3299 | 95 | |
| 16. | Nikon Z6 II | Full Frame | 24.3 | 6048 | 4024 | 4K/60p | 25.0 | 14.4 | 3303 | 94 | |
| 17. | Nikon Z6 III | Full Frame | 24.3 | 6048 | 4024 | 6K/60p | 25.4 | 14.8 | 3318 | 97 | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Zf provides a better video resolution than the 1D Mark IV. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Zf has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the 1D Mark IV has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the Zf has a higher magnification than the one of the 1D Mark IV (0.80x vs 0.58x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 1D Mark IV and Nikon Zf along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Canon 1D Mark IV | optical | Y | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | n | |
| 2. | Nikon Zf | 3690 | n | 3.2 / 2100 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | Y | |
| 3. | Canon 1D Mark III | optical | Y | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | n | |
| 4. | Canon 1Ds Mark II | optical | Y | 2.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | n | n | |
| 5. | Canon 1D X | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
| 6. | Canon 1D X Mark II | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1620 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 16.0/s | n | n | |
| 7. | Canon 5D Mark II | optical | Y | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.9/s | n | n | |
| 8. | Canon 7D | optical | Y | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.0/s | Y | n | |
| 9. | Canon 50D | optical | Y | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.3/s | Y | n | |
| 10. | Canon 60D | optical | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | swivel | n | 1/8000s | 5.3/s | Y | n | |
| 11. | Nikon D3S | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
| 12. | Nikon D4 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
| 13. | Nikon Z5 | 3690 | n | 3.2 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 4.5/s | n | Y | |
| 14. | Nikon Z5 II | 3690 | n | 3.2 / 2100 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | Y | |
| 15. | Nikon Z6 | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | Y | |
| 16. | Nikon Z6 II | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | Y | |
| 17. | Nikon Z6 III | 5760 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | Y | |
| Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. | |||||||||||
One feature that is present on the 1D Mark IV, but is missing on the Zf is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.
The Zf has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the 1D Mark IV does not have a selfie-screen.The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Zf is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).
The Nikon Zf has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
The 1D Mark IV writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDHC cards, while the Zf uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. The Zf supports UHS-II cards on its first slot and UHS-I on its second one, while the 1D Mark IV cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and Nikon Zf and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Canon 1D Mark IV | Y | stereo / - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 2. | Nikon Zf | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
| 3. | Canon 1D Mark III | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 4. | Canon 1Ds Mark II | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 5. | Canon 1D X | Y | mono / - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 6. | Canon 1D X Mark II | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
| 7. | Canon 5D Mark II | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 8. | Canon 7D | Y | mono / - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 9. | Canon 50D | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 10. | Canon 60D | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 11. | Nikon D3S | Y | stereo / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 12. | Nikon D4 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 13. | Nikon Z5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
| 14. | Nikon Z5 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
| 15. | Nikon Z6 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
| 16. | Nikon Z6 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
| 17. | Nikon Z6 III | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y |
It is notable that the Zf offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 1D Mark IV does not provide wifi capability.
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 1D Mark IV (unlike the Zf) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
The Zf is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the 1D Mark IV has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the 1D Mark IV from Canon. Further information on the features and operation of the 1D Mark IV and Zf can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1D Mark IV Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Zf Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 1D Mark IV or the Nikon Zf – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV:
- Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
- Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
- More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1500 versus 380) on a single battery charge.
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in October 2009).

Arguments in favor of the Nikon Zf:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (24.3 vs 16MP), which boosts linear resolution by 23%.
- High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
- Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
- Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
- More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
- Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
- Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/30p).
- Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
- Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
- More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
- Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.58x).
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 920k dots).
- More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
- Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
- More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- More compact: Is smaller (144x103mm vs 156x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 520g or 42 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
- Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
- Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
- More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
- Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II and UHS-I) SDXC cards.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (60 percent cheaper at launch).
- More modern: Reflects 13 years and 11 months of technical progress since the 1D Mark IV launch.
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Zf is the clear winner of the contest (30 : 6 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1D Mark IV and the Nikon Zf place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 1D Mark IV or the Zf. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.
Expert reviews
This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

| Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Canon 1D Mark IV | 5/5 | .. | .. | 89/100 | .. | .. | Oct 2009 | EUR 4 699 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Nikon Zf | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 90/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Sep 2023 | EUR 2 499 | amazon.com | |
| 3. | Canon 1D Mark III | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Feb 2007 | EUR 4 309 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Canon 1Ds Mark II | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Sep 2004 | EUR 7 999 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Canon 1D X | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2011 | EUR 6 299 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Canon 1D X Mark II | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2016 | EUR 6 299 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Canon 5D Mark II | 4/5 | 91/100 | .. | 79/100 | 4/5 | .. | Sep 2008 | EUR 3 299 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Canon 7D | 5/5 | + + | .. | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2009 | EUR 1 499 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Canon 50D | .. | + + | .. | + + | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2008 | EUR 1 099 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Canon 60D | 5/5 | + | .. | 79/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2010 | EUR 1 149 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Nikon D3S | 5/5 | .. | .. | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2009 | EUR 4 999 | ebay.com | |
| 12. | Nikon D4 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | EUR 5 999 | ebay.com | |
| 13. | Nikon Z5 | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jul 2020 | EUR 1 549 | ebay.com | |
| 14. | Nikon Z5 II | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Apr 2025 | EUR 1 899 | amazon.com | |
| 15. | Nikon Z6 | 5/5 | .. | 5/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2018 | EUR 2 449 | ebay.com | |
| 16. | Nikon Z6 II | 4.5/5 | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2020 | EUR 2 199 | amazon.com | |
| 17. | Nikon Z6 III | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Jun 2024 | EUR 2 999 | amazon.com | |
| Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||||
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Check 1D Mark IV offers at
ebay.com

Check Zf price at
amazon.com
Other camera comparisons
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Specifications: Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon Zf
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.
| Camera Model | Canon 1D Mark IV | Nikon Zf |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Mirrorless system camera |
| Camera Lens | Canon EF mount lenses | Nikon Z mount lenses |
| Launch Date | October 2009 | September 2023 |
| Launch Price | USD 4,999 | USD 1,999 |
| Sensor Specs | Canon 1D Mark IV | Nikon Zf |
| Sensor Technology | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
| Sensor Format | APS-H Sensor | Full Frame Sensor |
| Sensor Size | 27.9 x 18.6 mm | 35.9 x 23.9 mm |
| Sensor Area | 518.94 mm2 | 858.01 mm2 |
| Sensor Diagonal | 33.5 mm | 43.1 mm |
| Crop Factor | 1.3x | 1.0x |
| Sensor Resolution | 16 Megapixels | 24.3 Megapixels |
| Image Resolution | 4896 x 3264 pixels | 6048 x 4024 pixels |
| Pixel Pitch | 5.70 μm | 5.94 μm |
| Pixel Density | 3.08 MP/cm2 | 2.84 MP/cm2 |
| Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
| Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | 4K/60p Video |
| ISO Setting | 100 - 12,800 ISO | 100 - 64,000 ISO |
| ISO Boost | 50 - 102,400 ISO | 50 - 204,800 ISO |
| Image Processor | DIGIC IV | EXPEED 7 |
| DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 74 | .. |
| DXO Color Depth (bits) | 22.8 | .. |
| DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 12.0 | .. |
| DXO Low Light (ISO) | 1320 | .. |
| Screen Specs | Canon 1D Mark IV | Nikon Zf |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder |
| Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.58x | 0.80x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3690k dots | |
| Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | no Top Display |
| LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
| Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 3.2inch |
| LCD Resolution | 920k dots | 2100k dots |
| LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Swivel screen |
| Touch Input | no Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
| Shooting Specs | Canon 1D Mark IV | Nikon Zf |
| Focus System | Phase-detect AF | On-Sensor Phase-detect |
| Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | Focus Peaking |
| Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
| Continuous Shooting | 10 shutter flaps/s | 14 shutter flaps/s |
| Shutter Life Expectancy | 300 000 actuations | 200 000 actuations |
| Electronic Shutter | no E-Shutter | up to 1/8000s |
| Time-Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | Intervalometer built-in |
| Image Stabilization | Lens stabilization only | In-body stabilization |
| Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | no On-Board Flash |
| Storage Medium | CF or SDHC cards | SDXC cards |
| Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Dual card slots |
| UHS card support | no | Single UHS-II |
| Connectivity Specs | Canon 1D Mark IV | Nikon Zf |
| External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
| Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | no PC Sync |
| USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 3.2 |
| HDMI Port | mini HDMI | micro HDMI |
| Microphone Port | External MIC port | External MIC port |
| Headphone Socket | no Headphone port | Headphone port |
| Wifi Support | no Wifi | Wifi built-in |
| Bluetooth Support | no Bluetooth | Bluetooth built-in |
| Body Specs | Canon 1D Mark IV | Nikon Zf |
| Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body |
| Battery Type | Canon LP-E4 | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 1500 shots per charge | 380 shots per charge |
| In-Camera Charging | no USB charging | USB charging |
| Body Dimensions |
156 x 157 x 80 mm (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in) |
144 x 103 x 49 mm (5.7 x 4.1 x 1.9 in) |
| Camera Weight | 1230 g (43.4 oz) | 710 g (25.0 oz) |

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