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Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D5500

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and the Nikon D5500 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2009 and January 2015. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-H (1D Mark IV) and an APS-C (D5500) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 16 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 1D Mark IV
versus
Nikon D5500
Canon 1D Mark IV   Nikon D5500
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
16 MP – APS-H sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 102,400) ISO 100-25,600
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
1500 shots per battery charge820 shots per battery charge
156 x 157 x 80 mm, 1230 g 124 x 97 x 70 mm, 470 g
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Check 1D Mark IV offers at
ebay.com
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Check D5500 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and the Nikon D5500? 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.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D Mark IV and the Nikon D5500 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D5500 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the 1D Mark IV is only available in black.

Size Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D5500
Compare 1D Mark IV versus D5500 top
Comparison 1D Mark IV or D5500 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D5500 is considerably smaller (51 percent) than the Canon 1D Mark IV. Moreover, the D5500 is substantially lighter (62 percent) than the 1D Mark IV. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 1D Mark IV is splash and dust resistant, while the D5500 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (1D Mark IV) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D5500).

Concerning battery life, the 1D Mark IV gets 1500 shots out of its Canon LP-E4 battery, while the D5500 can take 820 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL14a 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. In order to provide similar functionality for the D5500, there are third party battery grips available as optional accessories (see here on ebay).

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M5 116 mm 89 mm 61 mm 427 g 295 n Sep 2016 979ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 Y Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 60D 145 mm 106 mm 79 mm 755 g 1100 Y Aug 2010 1,399ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 7D 148 mm 111 mm 74 mm 860 g 800 Y Sep 2009 1,699ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 50D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 800 Y Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1215 g 1200 Y Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 n Aug 2016 499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D3300 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 430 g 700 n Jan 2014 499ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
17.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The D5500 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 82 percent) than the 1D Mark IV, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1D Mark IV features an APS-H sensor and the Nikon D5500 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D5500 is 29 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.3 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 1D Mark IV and Nikon D5500 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the D5500 offers a higher resolution of 24 megapixels, compared with 16 MP of the 1D Mark IV. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 5.70μm for the 1D Mark IV). However, it should be noted that the D5500 is much more recent (by 5 years and 2 months) than the 1D Mark IV, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D5500 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D5500 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D5500 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 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 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 D5500 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

1D Mark IV versus D5500 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the D5500 has a markedly higher DXO score than the 1D Mark IV (overall score 10 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 1.3 bits higher color depth, 2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image 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 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
2.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
4.
 
Canon M5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.4126277
5.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
6.
 
Canon 60D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.581366
7.
 
Canon 7D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.785466
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
9.
 
Canon 50D APS-C 15.1 4752 3168none21.811.469663
10.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
11.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II Full Frame 16.6 4992 3328none23.311.3148074
12.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
13.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
14.
 
Nikon D3300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.8138582
15.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
16.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
17.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the D5500 provides a faster frame rate than the 1D Mark IV. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 1D Mark IV and the D5500 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinder in the 1D Mark IV offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D5500 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the 1D Mark IV has a higher magnification (0.58x vs 0.57x), 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 D5500 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image 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 IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon M52360 n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 60Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel n 1/8000s 5.3/s Y n
7.
 
Canon 7Doptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
9.
 
Canon 50Doptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 6.3/s Y n
10.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
11.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D3400optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D3300optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
16.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
17.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One feature that is present on the 1D Mark IV, but is missing on the D5500 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 D5500 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 Nikon D5500 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 D5500 uses SDXC cards. The 1D Mark IV features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D5500 only has one slot. The D5500 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the 1D Mark IV cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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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 D5500 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image 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 IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
4.
 
Canon M5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
5.
 
Canon 1D XYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon 60DYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon 7DYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon 50DY- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIY- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
13.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
14.
 
Nikon D3300Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
16.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
17.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
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It is notable that the D5500 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 D5500) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 1D Mark IV and the D5500 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D5500 was replaced by the Nikon D5600, while the 1D Mark IV does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the 1D Mark IV and D5500 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1D Mark IV Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D5500 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 1D Mark IV or the Nikon D5500 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Advantages of the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.58x vs 0.57x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1500 versus 820) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in October 2009).

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D5500:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 16MP), which boosts linear resolution by 23%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (10 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2 EV of extra DR).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
  • 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 (1037k 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.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x97mm vs 156x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 760g or 62 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (82 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 2 months of technical progress since the 1D Mark IV launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D5500 is the clear winner of the contest (19 : 12 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

1D Mark IV 12:19 D5500

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1D Mark IV and the Nikon D5500 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 1D Mark IV or the D5500. 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 why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M54/5+4/582/1004/54/5 Sep 2016 979ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 60D5/5+..79/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2010 1,399ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 7D5/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 1,699ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 50D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II......+ +.... Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D33003/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 499ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
17.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check 1D Mark IV offers at
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Check D5500 offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D5500

    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 Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 1D Mark IV Nikon D5500
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date October 2009 January 2015
    Launch Price USD 4,999 USD 899
    Sensor Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Nikon D5500
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-H Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 27.9 x 18.6 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 518.94 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 33.5 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.3x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4896 x 3264 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.70 μm 3.91 μm
    Pixel Density 3.08 MP/cm2 6.55 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor DIGIC IV EXPEED 4
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 74 84
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.8 24.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.0 14.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1320 1438
    Screen Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Nikon D5500
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.58x 0.57x
    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 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Nikon D5500
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy300 000 actuations100 000 actuations
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDHC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Nikon D5500
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Body Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Nikon D5500
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Canon LP-E4 Nikon EN-EL14a
    Battery Life (CIPA)1500 shots per charge820 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 156 x 157 x 80 mm
    (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
    124 x 97 x 70 mm
    (4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 1230 g (43.4 oz) 470 g (16.6 oz)
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