The original EOS 5D brought full-frame photography to the masses, and the Mark II unleashed Full HD video capture for the first time on a DSLR. The Mark III didn’t have quite the landmark features of its predecessors, but its improved AF system made it one of the full DSLRs of recent times, loved by enthusiasts and professionals alike. Canon’s 5D series of cameras has a long history.
8 used from C $2,094.51
Even though the range has shifted slightly since then, the introduction of a new generation of the 5D is a significant event. This is because the 50.6MP 5DS has been released for those who desire even more pixels.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Features
It was only a slight increase in resolution from the 5D Mark II, so it’s nice to see a noticeable jump to 30.4MP here. The 22.3MP sensor in the 5D Mark III was starting to look a little dated compared to some of the competition. It was only a minor bump-up in resolution from the 5D Mark II.
The files still come out at 6720 x 4480 pixels, which means that if you want to print at 300dpi, the native size is slightly under A2 at 56.9 x 37.9cm (22.4 x 14.9 inches), while those who are searching for even more pixels have the option of using the 50.6MP 5DS.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Build Quality
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a startling similarity to the preceding Canon EOS 5D Mark III (as well as the Canon EOS 5DS and EOS 5DSr), and there is a straightforward explanation for why this is the case. In a nutshell, Canon does not want current users of the 5D to have to, as they say, “re-learn” the new camera, and as a result, the company strives to make the transfer as simple and uncomplicated as it is humanly feasible.
The body has undergone a significant number of modifications and improvements. The hand grip has been extended to provide a more gratifying grasp when you pick up the camera. Additionally, the pentaprism now stands somewhat taller to accommodate the GPS unit. Both of these changes were made to improve the user experience.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Autofocus
The autofocus performance does not fall short of what you would anticipate from a camera that shares a nearly identical autofocus configuration with Canon’s flagship 1D X Mark II (although Canon is careful to point out that the systems aren’t entirely similar because they use some different internal components in each camera).
The metering system of the 5D Mark IV is connected to the autofocus system, and the latter helps to identify and track not only colored objects but also faces, which enables the camera to do facial recognition. The autofocus tracking worked quite well in the conditions we put it through, successfully latching on to and following the subject we had selected.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Performance
Canon’s 252-zone RGB+IR metering system with Intelligent Scene Analysis is included in the 5D Mark IV. This system is similar to the one found in the 5DS but distinct from the one in the 1D X Mark II. This newer system is much more beneficial than the older iFCL system in the 5D Mark III.
However, compared to Mark III, it better assesses the entire scene to deliver a well-balanced exposure. High-contrast scenarios are the only ones that throw up issues, which is to be expected. The system gives more weight to the active AF point when determining how much to give the exposure.
There are also no unwelcome surprises to be found in the white balance system of the 5D Mark IV because the system performs exceptionally well. White priority Auto settings provide neutral photos even when working with tungsten lighting, but the Ambience priority Auto settings tend to keep some warmth in the image. White priority is one of the two options available in the Auto settings menu.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Image Quality
It should not be surprising to learn that the results from the new 30.4-megapixel sensor reveal excellent clarity levels. These levels of information are not relatively as high as those displayed by the astonishing files produced by the 5DS, but they are still imposing indeed. You should have no trouble making prints with a high level of rich detail at the Super A3 size, while prints at the A2 size and beyond are a realistic prospect – not to mention the option to crop photographs very closely if necessary.
There is a concern that the results would reveal more noise due to the increase in resolution compared to the 5D Mark III. This concern is especially prevalent in the more sensitive regions of the dynamic range. However, we are delighted to report that high ISO performance is excellent.
Even at ISO2000, the results are highly excellent; there are some indicators of luminance noise, but it looks pretty organic, and there is no evidence of chroma (color) noise. The results at ISO800 still appear free of noise in our sample photographs, and even at ISO2000, the results are impressive.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Specs
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6720 x 4480 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 30 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 32 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) |
| Sensor size notes | sRaw suppoorted in all aspect ratio. Size between 5 and 7.5 megapixel. |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Digic 6+ |
| Color space | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-32000 (expands to 50-102400) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 50 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 102400 |
| White balance presets | 6 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v.2.3)Raw (Canon CRW, 14-bit) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 61 |
| Lens mount | Canon EF |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3.2″ |
| Screen dots | 1,620,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.71× |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManualBulbScene Intelligent Auto |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe or flash sync port) |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/200 sec |
| Drive modes | Single shootingContinuous hi/loSilent single shootingSilent continuous2/10 sec self-timer / remote control |
| Continuous drive | 7.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpotPartial |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 4096 x 2160 (29.97p, 24p, 23.98p), 1920 x 1080 (59.94p, 29.97p, 24p, 23.98p), 1280 x 720 (119.9p) |
| Format | MPEG-4, Motion JPEG |
| Videography notes | 8.8MP stills can be grabbed from 4K video; camera supports ALL-I, IPB and IPB Light compression. |
| Microphone | Mono |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | CompactFlash + SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I enabled) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (mini-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + NFC |
| Remote control | Yes (wired, wireless, or smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | LP-E6N lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 900 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 890 g (1.96 lb / 31.39 oz) |
| Dimensions | 151 x 116 x 76 mm (5.94 x 4.57 x 2.99″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Verdict
8 used from C $2,094.51
If you have the budget, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is undoubtedly one of the most all-around and comprehensive single-lens reflex cameras we’ve come across. It is well suited for various subjects, including landscapes, sports, and animals, and it will perform very well in any given circumstance.
