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Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D90

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and the Nikon D90 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2009 and August 2008. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-H (1D Mark IV) and an APS-C (D90) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 16 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 12.2 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 D90
Canon 1D Mark IV   Nikon D90
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
16 MP – APS-H sensor 12.2 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video 720/24p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 102,400) ISO 200-3,200 (200 - 6,400)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second 4.5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
1500 shots per battery charge850 shots per battery charge
156 x 157 x 80 mm, 1230 g 132 x 103 x 77 mm, 703 g
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Check 1D Mark IV offers at
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Check D90 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and the Nikon D90? 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

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D Mark IV and the Nikon D90. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D90
Compare 1D Mark IV versus D90 top
Comparison 1D Mark IV or D90 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D90 is considerably smaller (44 percent) than the Canon 1D Mark IV. Moreover, the D90 is substantially lighter (43 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 D90 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 (D90).

Concerning battery life, the 1D Mark IV gets 1500 shots out of its Canon LP-E4 battery, while the D90 can take 850 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL3e 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 D90, Nikon provides the MB-D80 vertical grip as an optional accessory (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
  empty 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 i Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D90 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 703 g 850 i Aug 2008 US$ 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1535 g 1200 i Jan 2004 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 i Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1215 g 1200 i Sep 2004 US$ 7 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 i Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 i Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 i Sep 2008 US$ 3 499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 7D 148 mm 111 mm 74 mm 860 g 800 i Sep 2009 US$ 1 699ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 40D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 750 i Aug 2007 US$ 1 299ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 60D 145 mm 106 mm 79 mm 755 g 1100 i Aug 2010 US$ 1 399ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 i Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 i Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D80 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 668 g 600 i Aug 2006 US$ 999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 i Jul 2009 US$ 1 799ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 i Apr 2009 US$ 749ebay.com
17.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 i Sep 2010 US$ 1 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The D90 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 74 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 generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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 D90 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D90 is 28 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 D90 sensor measures

With 16MP, the 1D Mark IV offers a higher resolution than the D90 (12.2MP), but the 1D Mark IV nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.70μm versus 5.53μm for the D90) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the 1D Mark IV is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 1 month) than the D90, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 1D Mark IV implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 1D Mark IV for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.5 x 16.3 inches or 62.2 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.7 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.3 x 10.9 inches or 41.5 x 27.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D90 are 21.4 x 14.2 inches or 54.5 x 36.2 cm for good quality, 17.2 x 11.4 inches or 43.6 x 28.9 cm for very good quality, and 14.3 x 9.5 inches or 36.3 x 24.1 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 D90 are ISO 200 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 200-6400.

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 D90 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. 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
  empty 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 D90 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.597773
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II APS-H 8.2 3504 2336i22.311.1100366
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592i22.711.7107871
5.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II Full Frame 16.6 4992 3328i23.311.3148074
6.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
7.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
9.
 
Canon 7D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.785466
10.
 
Canon 40D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592i22.111.370364
11.
 
Canon 60D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.581366
12.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
13.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
14.
 
Nikon D80 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592i22.111.252461
15.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
16.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
17.
 
Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.9116780
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the 1D Mark IV provides a higher video resolution than the D90. It can shoot video footage at 1080/30p, while the Nikon is limited to 720/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 1D Mark IV and the D90 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 D90 (96%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. On the other hand, the viewfinder of the D90 has a higher magnification (0.63x vs 0.58x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 1D Mark IV, the Nikon D90, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty 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 i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
2.
 
Nikon D90optical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/4000s 4.5/s i i
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIoptical i2.0 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 8.3/s i i
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
5.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIoptical i2.0 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 4.0/s i i
6.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical i3.2 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
7.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical i3.2 / 1620 fixed i 1/8000s 16.0/s i i
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 3.9/s i i
9.
 
Canon 7Doptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 8.0/s i i
10.
 
Canon 40Doptical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 6.5/s i i
11.
 
Canon 60Doptical i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/8000s 5.3/s i i
12.
 
Nikon D3Soptical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
13.
 
Nikon D4optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
14.
 
Nikon D80optical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
15.
 
Nikon D300Soptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 7.0/s i i
16.
 
Nikon D5000optical i2.7 / 230 full-flex i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
17.
 
Nikon D7000optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 6.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty 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
  empty Camera
Model

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D90 has one, while the 1D Mark IV does not. While the built-in flash of the D90 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The 1D Mark IV writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDHC cards, while the D90 uses SDHC cards. The 1D Mark IV features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D90 only has one slot.

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 D90 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty 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 IVistereo / iiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Nikon D90imono / monoiimini2.0iii
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIii / iiii1.1iii
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIii / iiii2.0iii
5.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIii / iiii2.0iii
6.
 
Canon 1D Ximono / iiimini2.0iii
7.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIimono / monoiimini3.0iii
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIimono / monoiimini2.0iii
9.
 
Canon 7Dimono / iiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Canon 40Dii / iiii2.0iii
11.
 
Canon 60Dimono / monoiimini2.0iii
12.
 
Nikon D3Sistereo / iiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Nikon D4imono / monoiimicro2.0iii
14.
 
Nikon D80ii / iiii2.0iii
15.
 
Nikon D300Sistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
16.
 
Nikon D5000imono / monoiimini2.0iii
17.
 
Nikon D7000imono / monoiimini2.0iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the 1D Mark IV has a microphone port, which is missing on the D90. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 1D Mark IV (unlike the D90) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 1D Mark IV and the D90 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D90 was replaced by the Nikon D7000, while the 1D Mark IV does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the 1D Mark IV and D90 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1D Mark IV Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D90 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 1D Mark IV and the Nikon D90? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (16 vs 12.2MP) with a 14% higher linear resolution.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/30p vs 720/24p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 96%).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 4.5 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 850) 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 modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 1 month after the D90).

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D90:

  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.63x vs 0.58x).
  • More compact: Is smaller (132x103mm vs 156x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 527g or 43 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (74 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in August 2008).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the 1D Mark IV is the clear winner of the match-up (13 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding 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.

1D Mark IV 13:06 D90

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1D Mark IV and the Nikon D90 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 1D Mark IV and the D90 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D90..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Aug 2008 US$ 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II......+ +.... Jan 2004 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II......+ +.... Sep 2004 US$ 7 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 US$ 3 499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 7D5/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 US$ 1 699ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 40D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 1 299ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 60D5/5+..79/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2010 US$ 1 399ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D80..+..+ +o4.5/5 Aug 2006 US$ 999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 US$ 1 799ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 US$ 749ebay.com
17.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 US$ 1 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

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 D90 offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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  • Canon SX50
  • Canon SX60
  • Canon SX70
  • Canon SX400
  • Canon SX410
  • Canon SX420
  • Canon SX430
  • Canon SX500
  • Canon SX510
  • Canon SX520
  • Canon SX530
  • Canon SX540
  • Canon SX600
  • Canon SX610
  • Canon SX620
  • Canon SX700
  • Canon SX710
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  • Canon SX730
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  • Canon Rebel
  • Canon T1i
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  • Canon XSi
  • Canon XT
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  • Contax N Digital
  • Epson R-D1
  • Fujifilm GFX 50R
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100
  • Fujifilm GFX 100 II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100RF
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S II
  • Fujifilm X-A1
  • Fujifilm X-A2
  • Fujifilm X-A3
  • Fujifilm X-A5
  • Fujifilm X-A7
  • Fujifilm X-A10
  • Fujifilm X-E1
  • Fujifilm X-E2
  • Fujifilm X-E2S
  • Fujifilm X-E3
  • Fujifilm X-E4
  • Fujifilm X-E5
  • Fujifilm X-H1
  • Fujifilm X-H2
  • Fujifilm X-H2S
  • Fujifilm X-M1
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  • Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • Fujifilm X-S10
  • Fujifilm X-S20
  • Fujifilm X-T1
  • Fujifilm X-T2
  • Fujifilm X-T3
  • Fujifilm X-T4
  • Fujifilm X-T5
  • Fujifilm X-T10
  • Fujifilm X-T20
  • Fujifilm X-T30
  • Fujifilm X-T30 II
  • Fujifilm X-T50
  • Fujifilm X-T100
  • Fujifilm X-T200
  • Fujifilm X10
  • Fujifilm X20
  • Fujifilm X30
  • Fujifilm X70
  • Fujifilm X100
  • Fujifilm X100S
  • Fujifilm X100T
  • Fujifilm X100F
  • Fujifilm X100V
  • Fujifilm X100VI
  • Fujifilm XF10
  • Fujifilm XQ1
  • Fujifilm XQ2
  • Fujifilm XP120
  • Fujifilm XP130
  • Fujifilm XP140
  • Hasselblad X1D
  • Hasselblad X1D II
  • Hasselblad X2D 100C
  • Kodak AZ901
  • Kodak S-1
  • Leica C-LUX
  • Leica CL
  • Leica D-LUX Typ 109
  • Leica D-LUX 5
  • Leica D-LUX 6
  • Leica D-LUX 7
  • Leica D-LUX 8
  • Leica Digilux 3
  • Leica M Typ 240
  • Leica M-E Typ 240
  • Leica M Typ 262
  • Leica M8
  • Leica M9
  • Leica M10
  • Leica M10-P
  • Leica M10-R
  • Leica M11
  • Leica Q Typ 116
  • Leica Q2
  • Leica Q3
  • Leica S1
  • Leica S2
  • Leica S3
  • Leica S Typ 006
  • Leica S-E Typ 006
  • Leica S Typ 007
  • Leica SL
  • Leica SL2
  • Leica SL2-S
  • Leica SL3
  • Leica SL3-S
  • Leica T
  • Leica TL
  • Leica TL2
  • Leica V-LUX 1
  • Leica V-LUX 2
  • Leica V-LUX 3
  • Leica V-LUX 4
  • Leica V-LUX Typ 114
  • Leica V-LUX 5
  • Leica X1
  • Leica X2
  • Leica X Vario
  • Leica X Typ 113
  • Leica X-U Typ 113
  • Leitz Ur-Leica
  • Nikon 1 J4
  • Nikon 1 J5
  • Nikon 1 V1
  • Nikon 1 V2
  • Nikon 1 V3
  • Nikon Coolpix A
  • Nikon A1000
  • Nikon B500
  • Nikon B600
  • Nikon B700
  • Nikon D1
  • Nikon D1H
  • Nikon D1X
  • Nikon D2H
  • Nikon D2X
  • Nikon D2Xs
  • Nikon D3
  • Nikon D3S
  • Nikon D3X
  • Nikon D4
  • Nikon D4S
  • Nikon D5
  • Nikon D6
  • Nikon D40
  • Nikon D40X
  • Nikon D50
  • Nikon D60
  • Nikon D70
  • Nikon D70s
  • Nikon D80
  • Nikon D90
  • Nikon D100
  • Nikon D200
  • Nikon D300
  • Nikon D300S
  • Nikon D500
  • Nikon D600
  • Nikon D610
  • Nikon D700
  • Nikon D750
  • Nikon D780
  • Nikon D800
  • Nikon D800E
  • Nikon D810
  • Nikon D850
  • Nikon D3000
  • Nikon D3100
  • Nikon D3200
  • Nikon D3300
  • Nikon D3400
  • Nikon D3500
  • Nikon D5000
  • Nikon D5100
  • Nikon D5200
  • Nikon D5300
  • Nikon D5500
  • Nikon D5600
  • Nikon D7000
  • Nikon D7100
  • Nikon D7200
  • Nikon D7500
  • Nikon Df
  • Nikon L840
  • Nikon P900
  • Nikon P950
  • Nikon P1000
  • Nikon P1100
  • Nikon P7800
  • Nikon W150
  • Nikon W300
  • Nikon Z5
  • Nikon Z5 II
  • Nikon Z6
  • Nikon Z6 II
  • Nikon Z6 III
  • Nikon Z7
  • Nikon Z7 II
  • Nikon Z8
  • Nikon Z9
  • Nikon Z30
  • Nikon Z50
  • Nikon Z50 II
  • Nikon Zf
  • Nikon Z fc
  • Olympus E-1
  • Olympus E-3
  • Olympus E-5
  • Olympus E-30
  • Olympus E-300
  • Olympus E-330
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  • Olympus E-450
  • Olympus E-500
  • Olympus E-510
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  • Olympus E-600
  • Olympus E-620
  • Olympus E-M1
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  • Olympus E-M1 III
  • Olympus E-M1X
  • Olympus E-M5
  • Olympus E-M5 II
  • Olympus E-M5 III
  • Olympus E-M10
  • Olympus E-M10 II
  • Olympus E-M10 III
  • Olympus E-M10 IV
  • Olympus E-P1
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  • Olympus E-P3
  • Olympus E-P5
  • Olympus E-P7
  • Olympus E-PL1
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  • Olympus E-PL3
  • Olympus E-PL5
  • Olympus E-PL6
  • Olympus E-PL7
  • Olympus E-PL8
  • Olympus E-PL9
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  • Olympus E-PM1
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  • Olympus PEN-F
  • Olympus Stylus 1
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  • Olympus TG-4
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  • Olympus XZ-1
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  • OM System OM-1
  • OM System OM-1 II
  • OM System OM-3
  • OM System OM-5
  • OM System OM-5 II
  • OM System TG-7
  • Panasonic FZ80
  • Panasonic FZ80D
  • Panasonic FZ100
  • Panasonic FZ150
  • Panasonic FZ200
  • Panasonic FZ300
  • Panasonic FZ1000
  • Panasonic FZ1000 II
  • Panasonic FZ2500
  • Panasonic G1
  • Panasonic G2
  • Panasonic G3
  • Panasonic G5
  • Panasonic G6
  • Panasonic G7
  • Panasonic G9
  • Panasonic G9 II
  • Panasonic G10
  • Panasonic G85
  • Panasonic G97
  • Panasonic G95
  • Panasonic G100
  • Panasonic GF1
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  • Panasonic GF3
  • Panasonic GF5
  • Panasonic GF6
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  • Panasonic GH1
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  • Panasonic GH3
  • Panasonic GH4
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  • Panasonic GH5s
  • Panasonic GH6
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  • Panasonic GM1
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  • Panasonic GX1
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  • Panasonic GX8
  • Panasonic GX9
  • Panasonic GX85
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  • Panasonic L1
  • Panasonic L10
  • Panasonic LF1
  • Panasonic LX5
  • Panasonic LX7
  • Panasonic LX10
  • Panasonic LX100
  • Panasonic LX100 II
  • Panasonic S1
  • Panasonic S1 II
  • Panasonic S1H
  • Panasonic S1R
  • Panasonic S1R II
  • Panasonic S5
  • Panasonic S5 II
  • Panasonic S9
  • Panasonic TS7
  • Panasonic ZS70
  • Panasonic ZS80
  • Panasonic ZS100
  • Panasonic ZS200
  • Pentax 645D
  • Pentax 645Z
  • Pentax K-1
  • Pentax K-1 II
  • Pentax K-3
  • Pentax K-3 II
  • Pentax K-3 III
  • Pentax K-5
  • Pentax K-5 II
  • Pentax K-30
  • Pentax K-50
  • Pentax K-70
  • Pentax K-500
  • Pentax KP
  • Pentax K-S1
  • Pentax K-S2
  • Pentax MX-1
  • Pentax Q
  • Pentax WG-8
  • Pentax WG-90
  • Pentax WG-1000
  • Ricoh GR
  • Ricoh GR II
  • Ricoh GR III
  • Ricoh GR IIIx
  • Ricoh WG-6
  • Ricoh WG-60
  • Samsung NX1
  • Samsung NX30
  • Samsung NX500
  • Sigma fp
  • Sigma fp L
  • Sony A1
  • Sony A1 II
  • Sony A7
  • Sony A7 II
  • Sony A7 III
  • Sony A7 IV
  • Sony A7C
  • Sony A7C II
  • Sony A7C R
  • Sony A7R
  • Sony A7R II
  • Sony A7R III
  • Sony A7R IIIA
  • Sony A7R IV
  • Sony A7R IVA
  • Sony A7R V
  • Sony A7S
  • Sony A7S II
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  • Sony A9
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  • Sony A9 III
  • Sony A58
  • Sony A68
  • Sony A77
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  • Sony A99
  • Sony A99 II
  • Sony A850
  • Sony A900
  • Sony A3000
  • Sony A5000
  • Sony A5100
  • Sony A6000
  • Sony A6100
  • Sony A6300
  • Sony A6400
  • Sony A6500
  • Sony A6600
  • Sony A6700
  • Sony H200
  • Sony H300
  • Sony H400
  • Sony HX80
  • Sony HX90V
  • Sony HX95
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  • Sony HX350
  • Sony HX400V
  • Sony NEX-3
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  • Sony NEX-5
  • Sony NEX-5N
  • Sony NEX-5R
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  • Sony NEX-6
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  • Sony NEX-C3
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  • Sony RX0
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  • Sony RX1
  • Sony RX1R
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  • Sony RX10
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  • Sony RX10 III
  • Sony RX10 IV
  • Sony RX100
  • Sony RX100 II
  • Sony RX100 III
  • Sony RX100 IV
  • Sony RX100 V
  • Sony RX100 VI
  • Sony RX100 VII
  • Sony WX800
  • Sony ZV-1
  • Sony ZV-1 II
  • Sony ZV-1F
  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony ZV-E10
  • Sony ZV-E10 II
  • YI M1
  • Zeiss ZX1
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Specifications: Canon 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D90

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 D90
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
Launch Date October 2009 August 2008
Launch Price USD 4,999 USD 1,299
Sensor Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Nikon D90
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format APS-H Sensor APS-C Sensor
Sensor Size 27.9 x 18.6 mm 23.6 x 15.8 mm
Sensor Area 518.94 mm2 372.88 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 33.5 mm 28.4 mm
Crop Factor 1.3x 1.5x
Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
Image Resolution 4896 x 3264 pixels 4288 x 2848 pixels
Pixel Pitch 5.70 μm 5.53 μm
Pixel Density 3.08 MP/cm2 3.28 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 720/24p Video
ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 200 - 3,200 ISO
ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
Image Processor DIGIC IV EXPEED
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 74 73
DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.8 22.7
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.0 12.5
DXO Low Light (ISO) 1320 977
Screen Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Nikon D90
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 96%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.58x 0.63x
Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 920k dots 920k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
Shooting Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Nikon D90
Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 4.5 shutter flaps/s
Shutter Life Expectancy300 000 actuations100 000 actuations
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
Storage Medium CF or SDHC cards SDHC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
UHS card support no no
Connectivity Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Nikon D90
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 no MIC socket
Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
Body Specs Canon 1D Mark IV Nikon D90
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
Battery Type Canon LP-E4 Nikon EN-EL3e
Battery Life (CIPA)1500 shots per charge850 shots per charge
Body Dimensions 156 x 157 x 80 mm
(6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
132 x 103 x 77 mm
(5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in)
Camera Weight 1230 g (43.4 oz) 703 g (24.8 oz)
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