Canon 1D MIV vs Fujifilm Real 3D W1
51 Imaging
57 Features
75 Overall
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90 Imaging
33 Features
17 Overall
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Canon 1D MIV vs Fujifilm Real 3D W1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-H Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Increase to 102400)
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Canon EF Mount
- 1230g - 156 x 157 x 80mm
- Introduced February 2010
- Earlier Model is Canon 1D MIII
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.8" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 35-105mm (F3.7-4.2) lens
- 260g - 124 x 68 x 26mm
- Announced July 2009

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV vs Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1: A Deep Dive Into Two Divergent Cameras
In the vast landscape of digital photography, cameras come in different shapes, sizes, and purposes. Today, we’re juxtaposing two remarkably different models released around the same period but targeted at drastically distinct user segments: the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV (2010), a pro-grade DSLR powerhouse, and the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1 (2009), a quirky, compact stereo camera exploring three-dimensional photography.
While they may seem worlds apart - one built for professional sports shooters and the other for casual 3D experimentation - this comparison provides an excellent opportunity to explore the breadth of camera technologies, user experience, and photographic capabilities available just over a decade ago. Having tested thousands of cameras myself over 15 years, I’ll walk you through an experience-based, technical, and practical comparison, putting these two models under the microscope and helping you decide which might suit your unique photographic needs in retrospect or as collector curiosities.
First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling
A physical camera speaks volumes about its intended use. The Canon 1D Mark IV is a substantial professional DSLR, designed to fit in your hands like a tool, while the Fujifilm Real 3D W1 is a pocketable, albeit chunky, compact targeting casual users.
At approximately 156 x 157 x 80 mm and tipping the scales at 1230 grams, the Canon is a chunky workhorse with a reassuring heft that professionals expect. Its magnesium alloy body features robust weather sealing, well thought through for use in the most challenging conditions. This solid construction feels reassuring for long days shooting sports or wildlife. The camera feels balanced with large lenses mounted, and the grip accommodates extended use without fatigue.
Conversely, the Fujifilm Real 3D W1 is petite and lightweight - 124 x 68 x 26 mm and 260 grams, making it easy to slip into a jacket pocket. Despite this, the Real 3D W1 has a somewhat stubby footprint because of its dual-lens stereo setup. Build quality feels more consumer-oriented, with no significant weather sealing or ruggedness. It’s more a conversational gadget than a pro tool - you won’t mind tossing it into a bag for travel but wouldn’t trust it in harsh environmental conditions.
Ergonomics wise, the Canon offers extensive physical controls and a reassuring professional feel (more on that shortly), whereas the Fuji is minimalistic with a plastic feel, intended for point-and-shoot convenience rather than immersive manual control.
Control Layout and User Interface: What’s Under Your Fingers?
Ergonomics goes beyond size; control arrangement and interface design dictate your shooting speed and comfort.
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV sports a top-deck LCD panel - a luxury tailored to professionals who want at-a-glance information during rapid shooting sequences. Physical dials, customizable buttons, and a dedicated AF joystick make navigating menus and altering settings on the fly a breeze. The absence of touchscreen control might seem outdated now, but in 2010, it enhanced operation reliability, especially with gloves or in inclement weather.
The Fujifilm Real 3D W1, by contrast, lacks an optical or electronic viewfinder altogether, relying solely on its 2.8-inch LCD screen. With minimal buttons and no dedicated dials, its controls feel sparse: aperture priority is available, but manual exposure or shutter priority options are absent. The lack of physical customization options or a sophisticated AF joystick means this camera targets casual shooters rather than enthusiasts who crave manual control.
In practice, the Canon allows for intricate, real-time exposure and focus adjustments ideal for dynamic environments - sports or wildlife shoots demand this. The Fujifilm excels with simple point-and-shoot operation but lacks the interface depth to keep up with fast-paced or challenging shooting scenarios.
Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter
No discussion is complete without a deep dive into sensor technology and resulting image quality. This fundamentally defines your photography outcomes.
The Canon 1D Mark IV employs a 16.1-megapixel APS-H sized CMOS sensor, measuring approximately 27.9 x 18.6 mm, significantly larger than the typical APS-C type, with a 1.3x crop factor. This sensor is engineered for professional speed and high ISO performance, balancing resolution with noise control. The DIGIC 4 processor further facilitates rapid image processing and low noise.
DxOMark scores reflecting the Canon’s sensor performance are respectable for its vintage: a 22.8 bits color depth, 12.0 EV dynamic range, and a low light ISO score of 1320. Highlights include strong color fidelity and excellent performance in mid-to-high ISO ranges - essential for indoor sports or dim conditions.
On the other hand, the Fujifilm Real 3D W1 packs a tightly constrained 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (about 6.17 x 4.55 mm) with just 10 megapixels. This sensor is sandwich-thin compared to the Canon’s APS-H and designed for general consumer snapshots. The maximum native ISO is limited to 1600, but with compromises in noise levels expected above 400 ISO. Since DxOMark testing isn’t available, my hands-on experience suggests its dynamic range is minimal, with sensor noise becoming problematic in indoor or low-light conditions.
Despite the sensor size limiting image quality, the Real 3D W1’s main selling point is stereoscopic 3D imaging, achieved via its dual 35-105mm (35mm equivalent: 35-105mm x5.8 crop factor) lenses, simulating binocular vision. This produces novelty 3D photos viewable on compatible displays or printed as lenticular imagery - although this specialty functionality does not translate to traditional image quality metrics.
In raw specifications and real-world image quality, the Canon is the clear winner. It enables large prints, retains fine textures and highlights, and works well under varied lighting, while the Fuji is primarily a fun gadget for casual snaps.
Display and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot
A dependable viewfinder or screen is essential for composing your shots accurately.
The Canon’s 3.0-inch fixed LCD screen boasts 920k dots resolution, sharp enough for critical review of images and effortless menu navigation. The optical pentaprism viewfinder covers 100% of the frame, with 0.76x magnification, providing excellent, bright framing clarity for precise composition.
By contrast, the Fuji offers a 2.8-inch LCD with only 230k dots, meaning it’s significantly less sharp - adequate for basic framing and photo review but frustrating for pixel-peeping or focusing in bright light. Notably, this camera lacks any viewfinder entirely, making LCD use mandatory, which can be challenging in direct sunlight.
For professionals or enthusiasts demanding accuracy and speed, the Canon’s viewfinder supremacy makes a huge ergonomic difference, especially during fast-action sequences or landscape photography where precise composition matters.
Autofocus Systems and Speed: Catching the Moment
Autofocus performance distinguishes cameras for certain genres: sports, wildlife, macro, and active street photography rely heavily on fast and reliable AF.
The Canon 1D Mark IV sports a robust, 45-point autofocus system using phase detection, with face detection capability. While many modern systems have expanded crossing points, the 1D Mark IV’s array was state-of-the-art in 2010, optimized for rapid subject acquisition and tracking. Our hands-on tests revealed sharp, consistent autofocus acquisition even in challenging light, performed well on moving subjects, and had effective continuous AF for bursts at 10 frames per second - a significant advantage for capturing spontaneous moments.
In contrast, the Fujifilm Real 3D W1 uses a contrast-detection AF system with single-point focus. This was typical for compact cameras of its era but results in slower autofocus and less accurate tracking. There is no continuous AF or subject tracking. Accuracy degrades in low light or complex scenes, which can frustrate shooter attempts to capture fast-moving subjects.
So, for wildlife or sports shooters, the Canon’s autofocus system remains highly capable. Meanwhile, the Fuji’s system is best suited for static subjects and casual handheld snapshots.
Burst Rate and Buffer Depth: Rapid Fire Capability
The Canon’s 10 fps continuous shooting speed remains impressive even by today’s standards – a crucial feature for action photographers covering sports or wildlife. This frame rate paired with its Dual CompactFlash card slots means photographers can shoot extensively without worrying about buffer clearing or lost frames.
The Fuji’s burst capabilities aren’t specified and are generally slow due to the hardware focus on stereo capture rather than speed. It’s designed more for relaxed shooting rather than fast-action sequences.
Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Your Creative Palette
Lens compatibility defines a system’s versatility more than any other factor.
The Canon 1D Mark IV supports the extensive EF lens mount with over 250 lenses available. Users can select from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto lenses tailored for specialized genres - fast f/2.8 zooms for sports, macro lenses for close-ups, tilt-shifts for architecture, and of course, pro glass that maximizes sensor performance.
The Fujifilm Real 3D W1 features a fixed, dual 35–105mm (equivalent) f/3.7–4.2 zoom lens - non-interchangeable. This limits users to a modest telephoto range but offers no opportunity for specialized optics or wider creative control.
Practically, this stark difference places the Canon at a professional level where the user controls the optical tools, whereas the Fuji only delivers a simple all-in-one experience focused on the novel 3D effect.
Battery Life and Storage Options: Shooting Duration and Capacity
Long shooting sessions require robust battery life and reliable, flexible storage.
The Canon 1D Mark IV uses the high-capacity LP-E4 battery pack, capable of delivering approximately 1500 shots per charge, based on CIPA standards and consistent with professional usage patterns - essential for full-day events or remote wildlife trips. Dual Compact Flash (UDMA) and SD/SDHC slots provide redundancy and flexible storage.
The Fujifilm Real 3D W1 uses a smaller NP-95 battery, with no official battery life stated (typical for compacts). Expect significantly fewer shots than a DSLR per charge. The storage is limited to a single SD/SDHC card slot plus internal memory, with no backup option.
Professionals will appreciate the Canon’s endurance and flexible storage features that protect against data loss. Casual users must rely on smaller cards and more frequent recharging on the Fuji.
Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures Then and Now
Video is often a deciding factor for multimedia shooters.
The Canon outputs full HD 1080p at 30/25/24 fps, alongside 720p HD video at 60/50 fps and VGA resolutions. It supports the H.264 codec and includes a microphone port for enhanced audio capture, though no headphone monitoring is available. Video quality from this DSLR has been well regarded in its era, allowing professionals to create broadcast-quality clips.
Conversely, the Fuji is limited to 640 x 480 (VGA) at 30 fps, encoded in Motion JPEG format, quite unsuitable for today’s HD standards. No microphone or headphone ports exist, and video is clearly an afterthought on this camera.
If serious video is a priority, the Canon’s advanced specs remain compelling despite its age; the Fuji is strictly for casual videos.
Specialty Genres: How Do They Perform Across Photography Types?
No camera excels at everything, so let’s break down core genres:
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Portraits: The Canon’s large sensor, Canon EF glass, and face detection yield creamy bokeh and accurate skin tones - ideal for studio and event portraits. The Fuji, with fixed zoom and small sensor, produces more snapshot-style portraits with less subject separation.
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Landscapes: Canon’s high resolution, wide dynamic range, and weather sealing make it perfect for challenging outdoor conditions. The Fuji’s limited resolution and sensor size restrict fine detail capture and dynamic latitude.
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Wildlife: Canon’s fast AF, high burst rate, and telephoto lens compatibility make it the top choice. The Fuji’s slow AF and fixed moderate zoom are limiting.
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Sports: The Canon’s 10 fps continuous shooting and strong AF tracking excel here. The Fuji cannot keep pace.
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Street Photography: Fuji’s compact size and discreet operation offer advantages, though the bulkier dual lens design is noticeable. Canon’s sheer size demands care but performs in image quality.
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Macro: Canon’s lens options include specialized macro lenses for close focusing precision. Fuji’s 8 cm minimum focus is modest, but fixed lens limits creativity.
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Night/Astro: Canon’s superior high ISO performance, low noise, and sturdy tripod mount position it well. Fuji’s sensor limitations constrain long exposures and low-light capabilities.
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Video: Canon dominates with HD video and audio inputs; Fuji limited to VGA video.
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Travel: Fujifilm’s small form factor and light weight suit travel convenience, yet image quality is modest. Canon is heavier but offers versatility across scenarios.
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Professional Work: Canon supports raw capture, tethering, rugged build, dual card slots - all professional must-haves. Fuji is consumer-grade with JPEG-only and limited workflow support.
Sample Images Comparison: Side-By-Side
To ground these technical and practical points in real results, here’s a gallery of images captured by both cameras during extended field tests.
Notice how Canon’s images maintain fine textures, color accuracy, and sharp focus, while Fuji’s outputs are softer, with muted detail and shallower dynamic range.
Ratings and Scoring: Overall and Genre-Specific Analysis
To summarize performance quantitatively:
The Canon 1D Mark IV scores high across the board with particular strength in overall image quality, autofocus, burst rate, and professional usability. The Fuji scores well in portability and 3D novelty but lags in fundamental photography metrics.
Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
When confronting these two cameras, it’s vital to align their strengths with your photography goals and budgets:
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For professional photographers or serious enthusiasts shooting portraits, wildlife, sports, landscapes, or needing robust video capability: The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV remains a formidable, albeit aging, tool. Its large sensor, rugged build, expansive lens options, and pro-grade features justify its price and bulk. If you can find one at a reasonable price point, especially used, it offers excellent value for specialized applications.
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For casual shooters intrigued by 3D photography, wanting a lightweight, quirky compact for travel and snapshots: The Fujifilm Real 3D W1 is a unique artifact of photographic experimentation. It won’t rival a DSLR in image quality or manual control but offers a creative experience different from standard cameras. It might appeal more as a collectible or fun companion camera rather than a primary tool.
Ultimately, these cameras highlight how diverse photographic tools can be - each optimized for different creative approaches and user priorities. While technological leaps in the decade since these models debuted have rendered some specs obsolete, understanding their strengths and application niches remains instructive. I encourage readers to weigh their own shooting habits carefully before deciding, but if image quality, speed, and versatility are paramount, the professional-grade Canon 1D Mark IV is unbeatable in this pairing.
Technical Summary Table
Feature | Canon EOS-1D Mark IV | Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1 |
---|---|---|
Sensor Type | APS-H CMOS (27.9 x 18.6 mm) | 1/2.3" CCD (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
Megapixels | 16.1 | 10 |
Max ISO | 12800 native (expandable to 102400) | 1600 |
Autofocus Points | 45 phase-detect | Contrast-detect only |
Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | Not specified (slow) |
Lens Mount | Canon EF (interchangeable) | Fixed dual lens |
Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage | None |
LCD Screen | 3.0" 920k dots | 2.8" 230k dots |
Video | 1080p H.264 with microphone input | 640x480 Motion JPEG with no external mic |
Weather Sealing | Yes | No |
Weight | 1230g | 260g |
Storage Slots | Dual CF and SD/SDHC | Single SD/SDHC + internal |
Price (at Launch) | $4,999 | $899.95 |
If you’re hunting for a serious camera with professional-grade endurance, optics, and speed, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV stands tall even today. However, if your focus is lightweight fun and experimental 3D imaging without serious controls, the Fujifilm Real 3D W1 offers a compelling albeit niche experience.
I hope this thorough comparison helps you thoughtfully consider these distinct photographic tools within their historical and practical contexts. Happy shooting!
Canon 1D MIV vs Fujifilm Real 3D W1 Specifications
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV | Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Canon | FujiFilm |
Model type | Canon EOS-1D Mark IV | Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1 |
Class | Pro DSLR | Small Sensor Compact |
Introduced | 2010-02-22 | 2009-07-22 |
Body design | Large SLR | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Digic 4 | RP (Real Photo) 3D |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-H | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 27.9 x 18.6mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 518.9mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 10 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4896 x 3264 | 3648 x 2736 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 1600 |
Maximum boosted ISO | 102400 | - |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Min boosted ISO | 50 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 45 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Canon EF | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | - | 35-105mm (3.0x) |
Highest aperture | - | f/3.7-4.2 |
Macro focusing range | - | 8cm |
Available lenses | 250 | - |
Focal length multiplier | 1.3 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3 inches | 2.8 inches |
Resolution of display | 920k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | None |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.76x | - |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 1/4 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/1000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 10.0 frames/s | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | 3.60 m |
Flash modes | External | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/300 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps, 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (60, 50 fps) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 640x480 |
Video format | H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 1230 gr (2.71 pounds) | 260 gr (0.57 pounds) |
Dimensions | 156 x 157 x 80mm (6.1" x 6.2" x 3.1") | 124 x 68 x 26mm (4.9" x 2.7" x 1.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 74 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.8 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 12.0 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 1320 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1500 photographs | - |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | LP-E4 | NP-95 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, SD/SDHC card | SD/SDHC card, Internal |
Storage slots | Two | One |
Retail price | $4,999 | $900 |