Description
Product Description The EOS 5D Mark IV camera builds on the powerful legacy of the 5D series, offering amazing refinements in image quality, performance and versatility. Canon’s commitment to imaging excellence is the soul of the EOS 5D Mark IV. Wedding and portrait photographers, nature and landscape shooters, as well as creative videographers will appreciate the brilliance and power that the EOS 5D Mark IV delivers. From the Manufacturer See LegendaryThe EOS 5D Mark IV camera builds on the powerful legacy of the 5D series, offering amazing refinements in image quality, performance and versatility. Canon’s commitment to imaging excellence is the soul of the EOS 5D Mark IV. Wedding and portrait photographers, nature and landscape shooters, as well as creative videographers will appreciate the brilliance and power that the EOS 5D Mark IV delivers. Superb image quality is achieved with Canon’s all-new 30.4 Megapixel full-frame sensor, and highly-detailed 4K video is captured with ease. Focus accuracy has been improved with a refined 61-point AF system and Canon’s revolutionary Dual Pixel CMOS AF for quick, smooth AF for both video and Live View shooting. Fast operation is enhanced with Canon’s DIGIC 6+ Image Processor, which provides continuous shooting at up to 7.0 fps*. Built-in Wi-Fi**, GPS*** and an easy-to-navigate touch-panel LCD allow the camera to become an extension of you. When quality matters, the EOS 5D Mark IV helps deliver results to inspire even the most discerning imagemaker. * Continuous shooting speed may vary depending on the shutter speed, the aperture, the lens being used, the battery charge and various camera settings. ** Compatible with iOS versions 8.0/8.1/8.2/8.3/8.4/9.0/9.1/9.2/9.3, Android™Â smartphone and tablet versions 4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1/6.0. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app. *** In certain countries and regions, the use of GPS may be restricted. Therefore be sure to use GPS in accordance with the laws and regulations of your country or region. Be particularly careful when traveling outside your home country. As a signal is received from GPS satellites, take sufficient measures when using in locations where the use of electronics is regulated. New 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range 100–32000; expandable up to 50–102400 (equivalent ISO).30.4 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS SensorThe EOS 5D Mark IV camera boasts a full-frame, high-speed CMOS sensor that’s ideal for a broad range of applications with its remarkable high-resolution abilities. Measuring approximately 36.0mm x 24.0mm, the same size and ratio as a 35mm film frame, it records 30.4 effective Megapixels at normal ISOs of up to 32000. It also captures incredible still and 4K video clips suitable for significant post-processing, retouching and cropping. Versatile in virtually all kinds of light and any shooting situation from print and wedding to full-bleed magazine spreads and other commercial or fine art use, the EOS 5D Mark IV consistently produces high-resolution 4K video and image files that are easily compatible with any number of diverse workflows.ISO 100–32000 (expandable to 50–102400)Featuring an ISO range of 100–32000 (expandable to 50–102400), the EOS 5D Mark IV camera is incredibly well-suited for low-light photography. Its sensor has an improved S/N ratio plus an improved noise-processing algorithm to help deliver high-level light sensitivity along with its high resolution, with virtually no compromise in image quality. Whether working in a dimly lit auditorium, trying to capture the action at night, photographing at the fastest possible shutter speed or simply suppressing camera shake blur, the EOS 5D Mark IV has an extended ISO range that contributes to its ability to excel in nearly every situation it faces. 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in-camera still frame grab* of 4K 8.8-Megapixel images; multiple video options include Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p.The EOS 5D Mark IV is a remarkably capable video camera. Thanks to its impressive CMOS sensor and its high-speed DIGIC 6+ Image Processor, it can transition from taking still photographs to shooting videos in a near instant, capturing Digital Cinema (DCI) standard 4K (Motion JPEG) videos of 4096 x 2160 pixels at up to 30 or 24 fps. Adding to its versatility, it also supports the 4K broadcasting standard of 3840 x 2160 pixels with slight trimming on the left and right sides. Featuring advanced Live View operation and brilliantly responsive Dual Pixel CMOS AF, the EOS 5D Mark IV has a touch panel display with focus points that can easily be selected during operation, and quickly confirmed by selecting and saving an 8.8-Megapixel image with in-camera 4K still frame grab*. Along with capturing beautiful 4K videos, the EOS 5D Mark IV is equally able to shoot Full HD video at up to 60p plus HD at frame rates as high as 120p, ideal for smooth slow-motion video. It also supports both MOV and MP4 formats for a variety of applications right out of the camera. Video Recording Size and FormatNTSC Video Recording Size Frame Rate Video Recording Method/ Compression Method MOV 4K 4096 x 2160 29.97 fps Motion JPEG 24.00 fps 23.98 fps Full HD 1920 x 1080 59.94 fps ALL-I IPB 29.97 fps ALL-I IPB 24.00 fps ALL-I IPB 23.98 fps ALL-I IPB HD 1280 x 720 119.9 fps ALL-I MP4 Full HD 1920 x 1080 59.94 fps IPB 29.97 fps IPB IPB (Light) 24.00 fps IPB 23.98 fps IPB * Saving a still image from a single movie frame may not result in the same image quality as a normal still image. Superb Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or Live View shooting; LCD monitor has full touch-screen interface, including selection of AF area.Dual Pixel CMOS AFAdding to its powerful and portable design, the EOS 5D Mark IV camera utilizes Canon’s smooth, fast and intelligent Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Featuring two photodiodes per pixel and each pixel capable of phase-difference detection autofocus, the CMOS sensor can deliver fast and accurate AF throughout approximately 80% of the image plane. Able to detect shifts in movement at the pixel level, Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables continuous automatic AF and AF tracking that enhances overall camera operation for sharp still images and smooth, accurate focus transitions in movies. Working with the EOS 5D Mark IV’s 3.2″ touch panel LCD screen, Dual Pixel CMOS AF lets photographers select focus points throughout the frame with the touch of a finger, and confirm focus by zooming in on the image or enlarging stills grabbed from video recordings.3.2″ Touch Panel LCDThe EOS 5D Mark IV camera features a 1.62 million dot, low-reflection 3.2-inch Clear View LCD II monitor for bright, sharp display in a wide variety of shooting situations. The LCD’s touch panel surface facilitates fast, intuitive operation, including AF frame switching, menu and setting changes plus image magnification during Live View shooting and movie shooting. Still photographs can also be captured quickly with the touch panel’s shutter release function. A customizable Quick Control screen adds flexibility and convenience for specific users’ preferences. Image review and playback are also enhanced with the EOS 5D Mark IV camera’s Clear View LCD II Monitor. Not only does the EOS 5D Mark IV’s LCD provide a high-precision image for composition and playback, but it also remains visible even when the photographer is wearing polarized sunglasses! In numerous situations in the studio and in the field, the EOS 5D Mark IV’s LCD panel is an ideal complement to its amazing TTL viewfinder. Excellent performance – up to 7.0 fps** continuous shooting speed with high-performance DIGIC 6+ Image Processor for improved speed and excellent image quality.Up to 7.0 fps** Continuous ShootingThe EOS 5D Mark IV camera is designed to keep up with the action. Its remarkable shutter, advanced AF and exposure and image processing systems help ensure virtually instantaneous response and performance at up to 7.0 fps**, even at full resolution. Whether searching for a joyous expression on a bride’s face or capturing an athlete in action, the EOS 5D Mark IV doesn’t let file size compromise the speed of capture even when bracketing exposures of a complex lighting situation, helping photographers and moviemakers attain consistently high performance in many situations. ** Continuous shooting speed may vary depending on the shutter speed, the aperture, the lens being used, the battery charge and various camera settings.DIGIC 6+ Image ProcessorThe powerful DIGIC 6+ Image Processor increases the EOS 5D Mark IV camera’s in-camera capabilities, enabling fast operation across the board and helping to ensure that high-quality still image and 4K video recording is achieved no matter the shooting environment. It has a noise-processing algorithm that helps reduce noise at high ISO settings, and features a Digital Lens Optimizer that can automatically apply a variety of aberration and diffraction corrections as well as other corrective measures specific to the lens in use. The EOS 5D Mark IV’s power to perform numerous operations with ease is made possible in large part thanks to the amazing DIGIC 6+ Image Processor. 61 AF points with expanded vertical coverage with 41 cross-points, and AF possible at all 61 AF points with many lens + extender combinations effective at f/8.To complement its stellar CMOS sensor and powerful processing abilities, the EOS 5D Mark IV camera incorporates a 61-point High Density Reticular AF II system. It features up to 41 cross-type points and an extensive AF area that extends well into the top and bottom of the peripheral frame. It also has a wide subject tracking area that enhances the AF system with consistent focus tracking to capture the action at hand and includes Canon’s AI Servo AF III, which remembers the AF path and helps refine precision shot-to-shot. Low-light performance is phenomenal – the AF system’s low-intensity limit is EV -3 at the center AF point and all 61 AF points are compatible down to f/8 for excellent low-light performance, even with lens extenders attached. To help ensure that AF points and other shooting information are visible at a glance, the EOS 5D Mark IV also features Canon’s Intelligent Viewfinder II for a bright, customizable view. Whether choosing individual AF points manually or using one of the camera’s automatic AF selection modes, the EOS 5D Mark IV’s AF system is a significant part of its overall excellence. 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor helps provide precise exposure metering, helps detect flickering lights and allows for enhanced scene recognition and face detection capabilities.To help deliver nearly fool-proof performance, the EOS 5D Mark IV camera employs a powerful and instant subject and light analysis system. The iSA Intelligent Scene Analysis system uses its own RGB+IR light sensor with an approximately 150,000-pixel resolution to provide the camera with immense image analysis in an instant, making necessary corrections along the way. The sensor enables Canon’s anti-flicker function, which detects the frequency and phase of a light source’s flicker (such as a fluorescent light) and captures images near the point of peak brightness when the subject is most likely to be well-illuminated. The EOS 5D Mark IV also incorporates Canon’s Intelligent Tracking and Recognition system (iTR AF) that detects and tracks subjects, automatically switching the AF point to optimize tracking. Using tracking algorithms tailored to recognize faces and colors, this system not only helps to quickly and automatically select the ideal capture settings, but also serves as a brilliant foundation to the EOS 5D Mark IV’s AF system. Dual Pixel RAW***, in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer during JPEG shooting and Diffraction Correction technologies.The EOS 5D Mark IV camera is equipped with a number of advanced features designed to combat image degradation from lens aberration, focus and other characteristics that can adversely affect the quality of the final image. The EOS 5D Mark IV’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system enables capture of Dual Pixel Raw (DPRAW) files***. Images shot as DPRAWs have additional adjustment possibilities when processed with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional image processing software, which enables pixel-level adjustment and refinement for still photographs and includes Image Micro-adjustment to help maximize sharpness in detail areas, Bokeh Shift for more pleasing soft focus areas and Ghosting Reduction to help reduce aberrations and flare. The EOS 5D Mark IV camera is also equipped with a number of in-camera optical correction functions previously available only using Digital Photo Professional. It comes preloaded with aberration data particular to specific lenses, helping to eliminate the need to register lens data on previously released lenses and correcting images with virtually no delay in-camera. The EOS 5D Mark IV not only fixes peripheral brightness and chromatic aberration, but also features distortion correction and diffraction correction. Distortion correction helps resolve barrel and pincushion distortions, while diffraction correction helps to eliminate the blurring effects from diffraction that can be created when capturing an image at a small aperture. The EOS 5D Mark IV’s in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer works with the camera’s DIGIC 6+ Image Processor to help ensure these corrections can be made with virtually no effect on operational speed, even when shooting numerous successions of JPEG images, speeding up the photographer’s workflow and delivering gorgeous images right from the camera. *** When lens diaphragm setting is fully open, adjustment volume and compensation effect are emphasized. Sufficient adjustment volume and compensation effect may not be achieved, depending on lens in use and shooting conditions. Adjustment volume and compensation effect vary depending on camera position (landscape or portrait). Built-in Wi-Fi^ and NFC^^ connectivity provide easy sharing to compatible smart devices, select social media sites and the Canon Connect Station CS100 device.Built-in Wi-Fi TechnologyFor a useful and quick workflow in a variety of locations, the EOS 5D Mark IV camera’s built-in Wi-Fi^ feature can help streamline camera operations across the board. Using the free Canon Camera Connect app^ on a compatible iOS or Androidâ„¢ device, the EOS 5D Mark IV can easily be set up to shoot remotely from a distance, even in Live View mode, with complete control of settings such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus and shutter release. Image review and transfer are similarly fast and easy without ever having to take the camera out of its bag. Full DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatibility means easy sharing between the EOS 5D Mark IV and other DLNA products, such as HDTVs and compatible smartphones. Still images can even be transferred between two wireless-enabled Canon cameras over a Local Area Network (LAN). Images and video can also be uploaded instantly to CANON iMAGE GATEWAY for easy sharing on social networking sites, and photos can even be printed on a wireless PictBridge-certified printer without the need for a PC. For more robust Wi-Fi connections, the EOS 5D Mark IV is also compatible with Canon’s optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7, which supports 2.4GHz/5GHz frequency bands, multiple camera sync and can extend the EOS 5D Mark IV’s operating range up to 10 times that of the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi. ^ Compatible with iOS versions 8.0/8.1/8.2/8.3/8.4/9.0/9.1/9.2/9.3, Androidâ„¢smartphone and tablet versions 4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1/6.0. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app. One-time registration is required on CANON iMAGE GATEWAY online photo album.Built-in NFC TechnologyBuilt-in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology helps provide the EOS 5D Mark IV camera with a virtually seamless connection to compatible Androidâ„¢ devices^^. Simply tap to connect and transfer images and videos. It’s also compatible with the Canon Connect Station CS100 device, which makes it simple for photographers and moviemakers to view and organize all their photos and videos from one connected device. ^^ Compatible with Androidâ„¢ smartphone and tablet versions 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1/6.0. Built-in GPS^^^ provides geotag information including auto time syncing with Universal Time Code (UTC) via satellites.For news photographers capturing hundreds or even thousands of images while moving around throughout the day, landscape photographers on location and even photographers on vacation, GPS has become an indispensable part of a daily workflow. The EOS 5D Mark IV camera’s built-in GPS helps photographers and filmmakers both tag their images with critical location data, and also adjust the time and timestamp on the camera automatically. Featuring both built-in GPS^^^ and Wi-Fi^ technology, the EOS 5D Mark IV can use GPS and WFT (Wireless File Transfer) together, making it easy to upload numerous images and movies both quickly and from increasingly distant locales. Compatible with American GPS satellites, Russian GLONASS satellites and Japanese quasi-zenith satellites Michibiki, the EOS 5D Mark IV’s GPS information stays reliably accurate in many locations. ^^^ In certain countries and regions, the use of GPS may be restricted. Therefore be sure to use GPS in accordance with the laws and regulations of your country or region. Be particularly careful when traveling outside your home country. As a signal is received from GPS satellites, take sufficient measures when using in locations where the use of electronics is regulated. ^ Compatible with iOS versions 8.0/8.1/8.2/8.3/8.4/9.0/9.1/9.2/9.3, Androidâ„¢ smartphone and tablet versions 4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1/6.0. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.
Noah Gallagher –
I have a MKIII and a 6D are showing signs of age. With over a million clicks between them, it was time for an upgrade. I had planned to hold out for a decent mirrorless offering, but that seems far away, and I’d probably want to wait for another generation while Canon works out the kinks in their existing lineup, so the 3 year old MKIV was an ideal choice. As intriguing as the EOS R is (and it really is), I like a camera that can take a beating and the R seemed to me a bit fragile in comparison. The camera has, thus far, lived up to expectations. It is a huge jump in resolution and dynamic range from the mkiii. The focus points are far more sensitive and reliable, the touch screen is as responsive as an iPhone, and live view subject tracking is outstanding. Is this camera as good as the cheaper Sony offering(s) in terms of dynamic range and features? Definitely not. But I’m pretty sure it could withstand a tumble or two, and I can’t say the same for its competitors. My MKIII is cracked in two places and has been for two years. My 6D has rolled down a cliff a few times, and it was my go-to for landscapes and low-light until I received my MKIV.
I can’t say enough about the focus. Servo is accurate enough to keep it on.
I’m finding that images shot at ISO as high as 12,800 are clean enough to post online, and images at 6400 are equivalent to those shot at 1250 on the mkiii and 2000 on the 6D.
I must also mention the ergonomics of this camera. Canon achieved ergonomic perfection with the 5D and an additional customizable nub on the back brings additional functionality that feels perfectly intuitive and natural.
Is its tech on par with its peers? Not at all. But this camera is the most versatile and reliable option for the price.
Nota Bene: Beware offers with free accessories and/or priced below $2500. These are gray market, and do not come with warranty or service from Canon. Spend a bit more and avoid trouble in the future.
VK –
Well, at least it was when I bought it and I still think it is. It has a lot of great features and plus it is full frame.
C. Roos –
I upgraded from a Mark II that I used like a rented mule. I had a couple of "must haves" for the upgrade. First, I needed a more sophisticated autofocus system. The Mark IV delivers in speed and accuracy, and it’s easily customizable with both the switches and touchscreen. I also wanted more dynamic range, and at least they got into the Sony ball park. I would complain about it still being behind the Nikon D810, but it delivers enough to get the job done and it makes up for it in low light / high iso performance. It also makes up for it, in a an overall sense, when paired with good glass – something that too often gets missed by the spec sheet nazis. From a performance perspective I am very happy, and from a usability perspective I’m also very happy. The touch screen, along with the generally sensible Canon menus and switchology work for me. It has everything I want in a camera, and does everything well, so overall I’m very pleased. It’s a good solid piece of equipment that really delivers when paired with a good lens.
Update: Went from just wanting an upgrade and being overall happy to absolutely loving it. 30 mp is a good bump up in terms of resolution without being monstrous (they are still big files), but the best thing is that good hand held shooting is still possible (this thing rocks with the Canon 100-400 Mk II). The touch screen is amazingly useful and quick – wouldn’t want to be without it now. The dynamic range is where it needs to be, the autofocus is fantastic, and the high iso performance is exceptional. The customization options (including the touchscreen) have made this into an amazing piece of equipment for me. I almost got lured down the Sony / Metabones adapter road, but I’m glad I didn’t. The whole little camera / big lens idea doesn’t make sense, and why give up any features or performance? I can use my canon glass and speedlights and do everything I need to do without compromising anything.
SWG – Columbus, Ohio –
I have been a Canon EOS shooter for over 20 years now – dating back to the film days. Their digital line has impressed me over the years throughout product evolution. As an owner of every EOS 5D model since the original, this model is just as impressive as with each generational upgrade. I bought a 5DS for architectural photography, which it delivers impressive image resolution; but for weddings the 5DS was overkill. As an upgrade to my 5DMIII, I needed something that could perform without resolution overkill. The answer is the 5DMIV!
First off, resolution is just right. 30MP is just what I needed for wedding and portrait photography. 50MP is too much and 22 MP is no longer competitive. Albeit I have gotten great image enlargements out of my 22MP cameras. The ability to crop further is enticing to me!
The touch screen is an amazing upgrade! It makes surfing through menu functions so much faster and easier. Having the additional information within the viewfinder; such as shooting modes – is a hit! The burst rate is much better on this model than before. With a good CF card that has a 80MB/s data rate, one can ensure they aren’t missing that perfect shot.
Overall – wonderful camera. I cannot say how much I am impressed in one review. I hope to update my review once I have experienced the product a little further – perhaps once wedding season fires up again!
If your asking if it is a better upgrade (Or worth the $$$) over getting a new Mark 3; don’t question it – it is worth the extra money!
Pierre de Klerk –
There is nothing to dislike. The AF menu is awesome
Abysal –
I have been waiting for a camera that performs well in low light and one that can also achieve good dynamic range. Having already invested into the canon system over the last several years, meant I would not switch to Sony or Nikon, even though they both have good performing cameras. My main shooter has been a 7D Mark II for the past couple of years.
Pros:
– Great low light performance. For me, easily acceptable images up to ISO 16000. Even ISO 25600, but it gets muddy.
– Dynamic range is very improved over my 7D Mark II & newer 760D; I can really boost those shadows several stops without added noise.
– 30MP sensor shows a lot of detail.
– Touch screen is awesome! I find my self missing it when I switch to the 7D Mark II.
– Focus speed is fast, but to be honest the 7D Mark II focus seems just as fast.
– Area focus zones, zone switch button, and general design carried over from the 7D Mark II – awesome!
– Focus point lights up in red.
– Exposure meter in manual mode at the bottom of the view finder, where it should be! 7D Mark II has this on the right side of the view finder.
– More customization of button functions, allows quick switch from One Shot to Servo
– GPS works, and works well, can leave on without battery drain. 7D Mark II took several min for it to begin logging.
– Over all build and sealing seems as good as the 7D Mark II.
– 1080p video @ 60p looks great! Does not overheat when shooting 4K.
– Takes same cards & batteries as the 7D Mark II.
Cons:
– Focus points are not far enough out, my 7D Mark II has a better distribution. I found I do more focus and re-compose with the 5D Mark IV.
– Lack of articulating screen. I think this could of been added while still maintaining the tank build of the camera.
– 4K video MJPEG codec – it has some benefits, but honestly the file size is too big to work with quickly. Sony Vegas chokes, but will work.
– No HDMI 4K out.
– Some lenses need peripheral illumination correction turned off for jpeg. Since it’s a global setting, I just left it off. I shoot raw anyway.
– Battery life seems to be on average around 500-600 shots, I thought it should be closer to 800.
Overall I’m very pleased with the camera. I love the canon controls & design, as well as the auto ISO setup compared to Nikon. I’m not heavy into video, but I plan on mostly shooting 1080p, and I’ll leave the 4K to my lx-100, so the lack of better 4K capabilities is only a minor annoyance. My old 550D would overheat when shooting 1080p, and the Sony cameras also overheat on 4K, so far the 5D Mark IV has been working reliably. On the stills side, the camera performs great, the sensor provides sharp images with very nice details, even though there is a low pass AA filter – good glass helps; like the 85mm f1.8 from Tamron 🙂
Jill Clardy –
After using my 5D Mark III for over 5 years with stellar results whether it be for weddings, families, infants, or travel photography, I decided that I was ready for the next upgrade. Since I am retired, and take several extended trips each year, my primary motivation to upgrade was the inclusion of GPS tracking. I would get home from a trip with thousands of images, then as I started to edit and tag them I would wonder, “were we in Honfleur, or Lyons, or Paris that day?” Of course, I could figure it out from the exif date tags, but being able to see exactly where I was standing is fantastic!
I gave the camera a real workout on a 3-week Panama Canal cruise in which we visited 8 countries and had many excursions. Just the trail of GPS tags on my Lightroom map as we crossed the Panama Canal showing our progress throughout the long day in which I took >600 images makes it all worthwhile for me. The GPS mode does eat up battery life quickly, and I might need 2 batteries for a days’ worth of shooting, whereas with it turned off, I could get by with just 1 battery. To me, that is a small price to pay; however when I’m not travelling, for instance for local portrait photography, I leave it turned off.
Other significant improvements include the high ISO performance. I frequently shoot in AV mode, and rarely give a thought to high the ISO is going on the Mark IV. Even at very high ISO’s I know I’m going to get a usable image.
The touch sensitive screen is a great enhancement. Using the quick menu I can change settings on the fly and not even worry about missing a shot. Be aware that while you have the touchscreen turned on, it is really easy to bump a control and end up with an unwanted setting. Somehow I accidentally changed the quality from RAW to Large JPG and ended up with days’ worth of images for which I had no RAW… I’m sure that won’t happen again!
There are many other enhancements, both small and large; but what I like about this upgrade is that it is already a very familiar camera to me. Virtually all of the controls are in the same position, and the camera body is nearly identical. In fact, if I have the 2 cameras sitting on a shelf in front of me, I actually have to pick it up and turn it around to read the front label to be sure I have the right one.
kkrome25 –
I bought this camera knowing that this might be the last few DSLR cameras that Canon will ever make. DSLR’s have some advantages over mirrorless. The sensor is protected by the mirror from dust and contact with whatever is outside when you remove or change lenses. With DSLR’s, you can see through the lens without turning on the power. True, DSLR’s are bulkier and heavier than the newest Canon mirrorless, but some pros prefer the beefier construction. I love the picture quality and the professional-level quality EF lenses that are available in every shop, warehouse, auction place, and even thriftstores. One of the reasons why I chose Canon was because their flange distance was shorter than Nikon’s, and Canon wasn’t stringing us along like what Nikon was doing before full-frame sensors became commonplace. I did not like cropped sensors. Canon made available a camera with a full-sized 24×36 sensor and if I remember correctly it was my EOS 5D Mark II. But getting back to the 5D Mark IV, it’s a professional-level camera. The only thing I do not like is the LCD monitor. I wish they had used the fold-out and flippable monitor that the 6D mark II has. The monitor on the 5D Mark IV is exposed. It does not angle up or down. It stays put. I can live with that, but i wish i did not have to. So what I did was put a glass screen protector on it. Done. This camera is a joy to work with. Ergonomics is perfect and I have small hands. Large handed people do not complain with this camera. You can shoot with just your right hand if the lens on it is light enough. So I think I’ve told you the reasons why I chose this camera. It might be the last few of its kind and then the Canon mirrorless cameras will take over.
CalBear '01 –
I’m writing this review as a hobbyist rather than professional photographer (that is, that sells photographs for a living). My first 5D was the Mark II, and I’ve used the Mark III for over 3 years myself, and instead of going through all the nitty-gritty of the Mark IV which you find elsewhere, I’m going to speak to mostly to the differences I’ve found in my day-to-day experiences and whether it’s worth the upgrade for the hobbyist.
First off, coming from the Mark III, the IV on the outside is very much similar, and you could mistake them at a glance. The differences include a slightly rougher cap on top of the new Mark IV body (where the Canon brand label sits) whereas the Mark III had the same material extended from the body over the cap. Perhaps it’s a new material housing to play more nicely with the GPS/Wi-Fi? There’s also new switch to toggle face detection in Live View mode in the back. The mode switch dial is also the newer Canon styles that bumps up a bit rather than the more flatter design of the Mark III. Otherwise, for those coming from the Mark III, you can feel right at home picking up the Mark IV for the first time.
In terms of shooting, I personally find the viewfinder to be brighter on the Mark IV than on the Mark III. This could just be my units and maybe a bit of dust on the Mark III, but using the same lenses, I find the Mark IV viewfinder a joy to use, much like the Mark III’s, and even a shade brighter! The new Dual Pixel AF works as advertised, and is much faster than the Mark III at face detection and toggling between different subjects – a big improvement here. The back review LCD is also a touchscreen now, which allows for your standard panning of shots as well as pinch-and-zoom. Although many shooters will still opt for the familiar mechanical buttons, as a hobbyist that shares the camera for others to shoot as well as reviews them on the spot with many moms with Android/iPhones, it’s so much easier now to have them use the touchscreen to flip from photo to photo, and to zoom in and out to see themselves and whether the shot is worth keeping 😉
In terms of photo quality, the highlight is the improved dynamic range of the new 30MP sensor. Although improved from the Mark II to the Mark III, I see a marked improvement for the Mark IV. Pushing exposure on underexposed shots with the same ISO produces less banding on the same shots with the Mark III. Although Canon is still behind Nikon in this area, I’m happy to see improvements in this area. Auto-focus at lower light levels at the center point is also improved, so that helps with getting those low light shots as well. As for overall crispness and quality of the shots (which of course, depends very much on the lens itself), I found photos were very similar on the Mark IV, which is not in anyway a let down given I thought the Mark III was overall excellent in terms of stills quality.
Also as a hobbyist with a simple Lightroom workflow, I still have Lightroom 5. With Adobe’s latest Camera Raw 9.7, Adobe now supports the Mark IV, but you’ll need the newest Lightroom 6 or Lightroom CC, which is another cost to add to your upgrade tally if you don’t already have those versions and plan to use Lightroom. Also, although Adobe will enable editing of the new Dual Pixel RAW format in Lightroom, it looks like, at least for now (as of late September 2016), it doesn’t support any making micro-adjustments in focus that can be done in DPP. I find that it’s useful when shooting with fast primes like the Canon 50 f/1.2L where small adjustments can help you hit focus.
Overall, another superb iteration of the Canon 5D line that hits many of the upgrade checkboxes, most particular in the area of dynamic range. I’ll update my review as I’ve gotten more behind-the-lens time with the Mark IV, and in particular, video shooting. So, is the upgrade worth it for Mark III owners? I would say for those of you shooting in more low light settings, the upgrades could make the additional cost worth it for you. However, for many others, given that photo quality improvement from the Mark III is not revolutionary, I would say it may not be at the current MSRP for Mark III owners; maybe wait for the next Black Friday sale to bring the price down a bit. Also, having used the Mark II as well myself, for those Mark II owners itching for the next big thing, with two generations of technology under its belt, the Mark IV is a worthy upgrade that you don’t have to worry looking back on!
Frank S. Ryan –
I bought this camera after over a decade using my trusty Canon 5D Mark II’s… three of them, to be precise. Sure, mirrorless is all the rage but I like my lenses and truth be told, my skills have not surpassed the capability of the Mark II. But I didn’t want to wait so long that I couldn’t buy a Mark IV brand new, so the time felt right.
I haven’t shot the newest Canon mirrorless and no doubt, I would be impressed. But now I’m wondering how much I might be impressed because just the feel of the Mark IV in my hand is seriously an unexpected and delightful surprise! It’s so comfortable to hold and I don’t know what they did to make it that way! Like a glove… a custom glove built to my hand’s specification. So impressed.
Then the shutter actuation sounds and feels different too! I haven’t even gotten to the pictures it takes but the sound and feel of this thing are amazing.
Of course the pictures are fantastic! My lenses work. My flashes work. My CF cards work, all around, this is a monster camera so much so… yeah, I’ll get another one. I hate changing lenses so once my new lens is delivered, I’ll go get another Mark IV.
Yes, expensive for an older technology camera body… but so, so worth it. 🥂