The Canon 5D Mark IV is an upgrade to Canon’s flagship 5D Mark III. Key features include:
30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor
DIGIC 6+ image processor
DCI 4K capture at 29.97 fps
Improved Dual-Pixel autofocus system
What’s New. The 5D series is basically like a relic from an Indiana Jones movie around here, and the Mark IV is essentially the Holy Grail. It brings a new sensor, new processor, new-to-the-series Dual-Pixel autofocus and Dual-Pixel RAW adjustments, 4K video capture, and a touchscreen interface to control it all.
30.4MP Sensor. The 5D Mark IV offers an unmatched balance between resolution and sensitivity. The 30.4MP is a bump up from Mark III’s 22.3MP, while the 5D4’s DIGIC 6+ processor allows for an expanded native ISO range of 100-32,000.
Improved Autofocus. The improved autofocus system’s 61 phase-detect points, 41 of which are cross type, offer a wider array of autofocus coverage down to f/8. The 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor allows for better exposure and tracking performance.
Dual-Pixel Autofocus. The 5D Mark IV also incorporates Dual-Pixel autofocus, as seen in the Cinema EOS line of cameras and the 1DX Mark II. This system uses phase detection for continuous autofocus and tracking with user-adjustable sensitivity and speed settings. Video shooters can even use the touchscreen rear LCD to rack focus. Oh yeah, and there’s continuous focusing in live view for still shooters!
Dual-Pixel RAW. By capturing information from each of the two “pixels” that make up the sensor’s Dual-Pixel photosites, you can correct microfocus issues, shift bokeh, and reduce ghosting after image capture. Please note that this is limited to use with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional 4.5 software, which isn’t included with the rental due to copyright regulations. However, you should be able to source it yourself fine and dandy via Canon’s website.
4K Video. The Mark IV brings 4K to the 5D line for the first time. It can record DCI 4K at 29.97, 25, 24, and 23.98 fps in Motion JPEG file format (4:2:2, 8-bit). It can record 1080HD at up to 60 fps, and 720HD can go all the way up to 120 fps. External HDMI output is limited to 1080HD uncompressed 8-bit. Audio in and out is available through standard 3.5mm mini jacks.
Refined Ergonomics. The biggest addition to the camera body is the 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD monitor that allows you to pull focus in video mode and make quick adjustments in the camera’s menu system. Other additions include a dedicated autofocus mode selection button and a built-in intervalometer. It has a tank-like magnesium-alloy build and weather sealing to keep out the elements and dust.
This is a most interesting camera. In some ways it’s a compromise camera. The resolution is a clear upgrade over the 5D III, but not nearly what you get with a 5Ds. The frame rate is better than th...
This is a most interesting camera. In some ways it’s a compromise camera. The resolution is a clear upgrade over the 5D III, but not nearly what you get with a 5Ds. The frame rate is better than the high resolution cameras, but not as fast as the ‘pro-level’ sports cameras. It has amazingly improved video autofocus and theoretical 4k video, but the 4K video output is nearly useless and really 1080HD is the useful limit with this camera. Since its release a few months ago, people have, as they always do, complained about what the 5D IV isn’t.
But this is a camera with some very real, very useful improvements; way more than just extra megapixels. The phase detection autofocus system is improved, and the Live View autofocus (and video AF) is amazingly better and more powerful. Despite higher resolution, low-light performance and noise level are improved over the 5DIII. The dual-pixel feature is limited to Canon’s post-processing software for the moment, but it’s a very useful set of tweaks and should be available in most raw converters soon. The touchscreen LCD is really quite useful, as is its built-in Wi-Fi. The reduced shutter noise and vibration is noticeable; especially if you shoot weddings or quiet events you’ll love it.
The bottom line is for a photographer you can pick up this camera, pretend it’s just your old 5D III, and get better performance from the first moment with almost no learning curve. If you spend a little time learning its new features and using them, you’ll find it is an immense improvement as a photographer’s camera. If you shoot a little video, especially if you limit yourself to 1080 HD, you’ll find it’s better than the 5D III, especially with regards to focusing. If you want to shoot 4k video, though, then this isn’t the droid you’re looking for. You’ll want a big-boy video camera for that.
