Oh good grief! I am normally a Nikon man, but I could be persuaded over to the dark side (Canon) by their latest offering, a professional spec Digital SLR with HD video recording, an APS-H sized16.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, and enormous ISO range. Just in time for PhotoPlus, the EOS MarkIV gives you full 1080p HD recording, a redesigned 45-point AF system, burst shooting at up to 10 fps, and dual DIGIC IV processors.

You are actually able to choose from several different resolution options and frame rates when shooting video: 24, 25 or 30 fps for full definition 1080 pixels and either 50 or 60 fps in 720 pixel resolution. The ISO range is from 100 to an almost-unbelievable 102,400, which should mean shooting in almost total darkness.

Having learned from the sports photography experiences, Canon has also upgraded their auto focus system and the new system offers a 45-point manually selectable system with 39 cross type, high precision AF points. Plus the camera is fitted with a new AI Servo II AF mode and a new set of algorithms. Canon has always focused on sports and this model is no different.

Canon also announced a new wireless transmitter, the WFT-E2 II A that will offer IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet for file uploading plus the ability to link and fire as many as 10 cameras simultaneously.

The body is mag-alloy and is dust and weather resistant and is completely compatible with more than 50 EF lenses. The three-inch Clearview II LCD monitor offers a 160-degree viewing angle, 920k dot VGA with multi coating which is also brightness-adjustable for playback in bright light.

This is the most technically advanced Canon DSLR to date, and if I was a sports nut -0 which I am not, I would certainly be tempted by this beastie. Price for the body only is estimated to be around $5,000 and the release is scheduled for December – Just in time for Christmas co-incidentally. And – as usual – the staggering array of accessories released almost overwhelms the camera itself, although it is good to see that you can use standard SDHC memory cards.

The rest of the Canon DSLR Camera range is equally impressive and Canon have certainly come a long way in the last few years. Take a look behind the goal posts of almost any serious sporting event, and you will almost certainly be looking at a forest of Canon lenses.