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Canon 1D MIV vs Fujifilm Real 3D W1

Portability
51
Imaging
57
Features
75
Overall
64
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV front
 
Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1 front
Portability
90
Imaging
33
Features
17
Overall
26

Canon 1D MIV vs Fujifilm Real 3D W1 Key Specs

Canon 1D MIV
(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
Fujifilm Real 3D W1
(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
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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.

Canon 1D MIV vs Fujifilm Real 3D W1 size comparison

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.

Canon 1D MIV vs Fujifilm Real 3D W1 top view buttons comparison

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.

Canon 1D MIV vs Fujifilm Real 3D W1 sensor size comparison

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.

Canon 1D MIV vs Fujifilm Real 3D W1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Sports: The Canon’s 10 fps continuous shooting and strong AF tracking excel here. The Fuji cannot keep pace.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Video: Canon dominates with HD video and audio inputs; Fuji limited to VGA video.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • 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.

  • 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

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon 1D MIV and Fujifilm Real 3D W1
 Canon EOS-1D Mark IVFujifilm 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