Canon 5D Mark IV Review
Canon fans had to wait more than four years for the successor of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, now the long awaited EOS 5D Mark IV is finally here! In addition to a significant technological boost, which was to be expected due to the large time difference, the price is now also breaking through the 4,000 euro barrier. As a reminder, the EOS 5D Mark II, the cheapest model in the series, cost just over 2,000 euros. The dual-pixel CMOS sensor now resolves 30 megapixels and allows 4K video recording. The autofocus has also become more powerful. In addition, there is a touch screen for the first time in the Canon graphics class.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a 30.4 megapixel dual-pixel CMOS full-frame sensor that also allows 4K video recording. [Photo: Canon]
- Pros
- High resolution
- Very good image quality
- Splash water protection
- USB 3.0, GPS, WLAN, NFC
- Large viewfinder
- Touchscreen
- Good battery life
- Ultra-HD incl. Frame-Grabbing
- Cons
- Relatively little news for photographers
- Noise according to ISO 3.200
Canon had over four years to further develop the EOS 5D Mark III. What came out of the Mark IV is something to be proud of. The new full-frame dual-pixel CMOS sensor resolves 30.4 megapixels. The continuous shooting speed reaches seven frames per second with a maximum of 21 consecutive raw shots. In JPEG, on the other hand, the number of images is not limited at high continuous shooting rates. Also new is the fact that the Digital Lens Optimizer can now also be used for JPEG images, thanks to the powerful image processor Digic 6+. This allows image errors of the lenses to be minimized.
The sensitivity range extends from ISO 100 to 32,000, extended even from ISO 50 to 102,400. New is the possibility to store the dual pixels in the raw data format. The two partial pixels offer a slightly different viewing angle and thus allow a minimal shift in focus. Alternatively, the bokeh can be relocated. The horizontal shift of the unsharpness area allows optimum adaptation to the focused areas. It is also possible to reduce ghost images, for example to minimize lens reflections.
The autofocus module also offers a high technical level. It has 61 measuring points which are distributed over the image surface in a net-like manner to enable better tracking of the subject. 41 of the sensors are cross sensors that react to both horizontal and vertical contrast edges. Even at moonlight of -3 LW the autofocus still works. Similarly, the autofocus still works with F8 low-light converter lens combinations, and now with all 61 measuring points. However, if you use the dual-pixel autofocus in Live View, the autofocus even focuses at -4 LW. The touch screen is also new, but it’s still fixed, so the screen can’t be moved. With a diagonal of 8.1 centimeters and a resolution of 1.6 million pixels, the monitor offers a very high resolution.
For the first time in Canon’s professional class, the EOS 5D Mark IV offers a touch screen. It measures 8.1 centimeters diagonally and resolves fine 1.6 million pixels. [Photo: Canon]
Of course, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV offers a clear LC display. The housing is made of a robust magnesium alloy and is protected against dust and splash water. [Photo: Canon]
The memory card slot of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV accepts both a CompactFlash and an SD card. Of course, fast models are to be preferred in order to be able to take advantage of the high serial frame rate of 7 frames per second, especially in JPEG. [Photo: Canon]
The classic reflex viewfinder works with a pentaprism and offers a 100% field of view at 0.71x magnification. New in the 5D Mark IV is the 4K video function with a maximum of 4,096 x 2,160 pixels resolution (17:9) at either 30, 25 or 24 frames per second. Even single images with a resolution of 8.8 megapixels can be extracted from it. The high bit rate of 500 Mbps as well as the storage with H.264 compression should provide a high image quality. In Full HD (1,920×1,080) up to 60 frames per second are possible, in HD (1,280×720) even 120 frames per second. However, the built-in microphone only works in mono, and the external microphone connector must be used for stereo sound. The HDMI output, on the other hand, operates at maximum Full HD resolution, while external video recording is possible thanks to status indicators that can be blanked out.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is also a good choice when it comes to connectivity: both GPS and WLAN are built in. The DSLR can be remote controlled via smartphone or transmits images in this way. Nevertheless, there is still the professional WLAN adapter WFT-E7B, which offers a much larger range of functions, such as networking several cameras. The body of the EOS 5D Mark IV is still made of a robust magnesium alloy and is protected against dust and water splashes.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: Functionalities

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: Dual Pixel RAW Explained


Rarely has a DSLR like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV been so longed for and had to live up to such high expectations. After all, the predecessor model marks probably the most important full-format DSLR for EOS photographers – and the manufacturer. Four long years of ambitious Canon photographers have waited for this moment. Now the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is there and has to assert itself in test and practice. And face the critical questions and requirements: Does the successor bring enough new things to justify a rise? Has the image quality improved significantly? And will the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV trigger a similar hype as the Mark III in its time? The answer is yes.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: Refreshingly well known
Is it really the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV? The sturdy and edgeless magnesium housing, the large 3.2-inch high-resolution touchscreen on the back, the bright optical viewfinder and the numerous direct keys – all of which are strikingly reminiscent of the predecessor model. At first glance, the two models actually look like twins. If it weren’t for the small name tag on the front, most would hardly notice the difference. The connections for cable remote releases and flash sync cables have changed places, a USB 3.0 port now slumbers under the rubber cover and a small button on the back determines the AF field size. That’s basically it with the changes. Bad? Not at all: experts of the EOS series get along immediately. Having to bother with a new key layout or having to familiarize yourself with a changed menu layout is not possible here. In this case it means: touch, switch on, get started. Fine.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: Moderate Pixel Increase
But if you take the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in your hand for the first time, you will notice one of the numerous micro-adjustments – starting with the weight. With 885 grams in the ready state, the DSLR weighs surprisingly little. Nevertheless, the manufacturer has not saved any money: the 35 mm sensor has a resolution of around 30 megapixels, about eight megapixels higher than that of the predecessor model. Looking at the 42 megapixels in the Sony Alpha 7R II, this sounds like a rather moderate increase. But the image size has enough potential to crop the subject tighter, but still produce large format prints.
In addition, image noise is kept within limits: Despite the increased resolution, interference pixels do not show up until ISO 3,200 at the earliest. Up to this light sensitivity, the high edge sharpness of 2,061 line pairs per image height at ISO min as well as the high level of detail are astonishing. However, from ISO 6.400 the image quality decreases exponentially. We’ve seen better days of this. However, for such a resolution bolide the performance is altogether ok.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: Everything Better with Dual Pixel RAW?
Another important innovation is also slumbering on the image sensor: dual-pixel technology. The EOS 5D Mark IV uses these for contrast autofocus measurement, which in practice results in pleasantly fast focusing in Live View mode. On the other hand for the first time also for photos. “Dual Pixel RAW” is Canon’s name for this function, which allows you to rearrange the focus. If you have ever focused on the eyelash instead of the iris in your model, you can now correct this in the post-processing. Canon provides the necessary software. A suitable plug-in for Lightroom is also in the works at Adobe. But admittedly, in practice we have rarely used this feature. An eye recognition, on the other hand, would have been more welcome. In addition, the sharpness shift is limited to a few millimeters, but the RAW file size increases noticeably. The 5D Mark IV is therefore not a light field camera à la Lytro. But let’s leave the church in the village. After all, Dual Pixel RAW is making its debut here, and we are confident that this feature will improve significantly in the coming years.
Speaking of improved: Canon has given the EOS 5D Mark IV a much improved video mode. True 4K resolution at 30 frames per second delivers razor-sharp images. Ambitious photographers will also find suitable connections for microphone and headphones as well as an external 4K output via HDMI. A further highlight: HDR video, which gets burnt out lights better under control. HDR and 4K motion pictures, however, require a fast and large SD or CF card – with an emphasis on “large”. Because the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV records 4K video exclusively in the outdated Motion JPEG format. The reason for this could lie in the photo extraction: Similar to the expensive professional model EOS 1D X Mark II, individual 4K frames can be saved as JPEGs of around eight megapixels. However, the EOS 5D Mark IV does without a pre-burst mode or a series shot with de facto 30 frames per second as with current Panasonic DSLMs.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: WLAN, GPS, NFC and an illuminated display are among the most important extras.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: Fast despite 30 megapixels
Instead, it offers a regular series shot at seven frames per second. That doesn’t sound like much at first. But in relation to the resolution it is still a lot. Especially in JPEG format when the camera has an unlimited series length. With lossless compressed RAWs, on the other hand, it starts stuttering after only 22 shots. JPEGs are therefore recommended for sports and concert photos, for example. And don’t worry: both white balance and exposure metering work noticeably more precisely and convince with solid results. This saves time-consuming post-processing.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: Connections for flash systems and USB 3.0 decorate the left side.
Bottom line
- Advantages
- High resolution
- Very good image quality
- Splash water protection
- USB 3.0, GPS, WLAN, NFC
- Large viewfinder
- Touchscreen
- Good battery life
- Ultra-HD incl. Frame-Grabbing
- Drawbacks
- Relatively little news for photographers
- Noise according to ISO 3.200
Fact sheet
Test data for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
GPS: | yes |
NFC: | yes |
WLAN: | yes |
Trigger delay with manual focus: | 0,07 s |
Lightning: | no |
Video: | yes |
Display: Selfie possible: | no |
Connector for external microphone: | yes, 3.5 mm |
ISO maximum: | 102.400 |
ISO minimum: | 50 |
Storage media: | SDXC |
Exposure metering: | approx. 150,000 pixels RGB+IR measurement sensor; 252 zone measurement system. EOS iTS (Intelligent Subject Analysis System) |
Battery: | LP-E6N |
Dimensions: | 151 x 116 x 76 mm |
Visual Noise at ISO 400: | 0.86 VN (0.9 VN1, 0.5 VN3) |
Visual Noise at ISO 800: | 0.86 VN (0.9 VN1, 0.5 VN3) |
Noise (Visual Noise) at ISO min: | 0.67 VN (0.7 VN1, 0.4 VN3) |
Serial shot RAW: | 7.0 images/s |
Battery price: | 65 € |
Shortest flash sync: | 1/200 s |
Lens mount: | Canon EF |
Visual Noise at ISO 1600: | 1.05 VN (1.1 VN1, 0.6 VN3) |
Visual Noise at ISO 3200: | 1.52 VN (1.6 VN1, 0.8 VN3) |
Visual Noise at ISO 6400: | 1.62 VN (1.7 VN1, 0.9 VN3) |
Serial image JPEG: | 7.0 images/s |
Switch-on time: | 0,4 s |
Seeker: | Prism |
Test date: | 07.09.2016 |
Note speed: | 1.7 |
Note video quality: | 1.5 |
Sensor size: | 36.0 x 24.0 millimeters |
Sensor type: | CMOS |
Trigger delay with autofocus in low light: | 0,33 s |
Housing: Protection against dust and splash water: | yes |
Spirit level: | yes |
Camera class: | DSLR |
Display: Size: | 3,2 inch |
Pictures with flash: | 1.520 photos |
Product: | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV |
Trigger delay with autofocus in daylight: | 0,32 s |
Live View shutter release delay with daylight autofocus: | 0,49 s |
Housing material: | Magnesium alloy |
Flash control: | no |
Pictures without flash: | 1.920 photos |
Note image quality: | 2.2 |
Second display: | yes |
Maximum resolution: | 6.720 x 4,480 pixels |
Remote release: | yes |
Note Equipment / Handling: | 1.2 |
Accuracy of detail at ISO 400: | 89.3 percent |
Accuracy of detail at ISO 800: | 88.3 percent |
Accuracy of detail at ISO min: | 85.2 percent |
Live-View: Pictures with flash: | 300 photos |
Sensor cleaning: | yes |
Accuracy of detail at ISO 1600: | 85.9 percent |
Accuracy of detail at ISO 3200: | 89.1 percent |
Accuracy of detail at ISO 6400: | 84.4 percent |
Effective pixels: | 30.1 megapixels |
Live View: Images without flash: | 600 photos |
Other: | 0 |
Continuous advance RAW: | 19 pictures in a row |
Video: Resolution: | 3.840 x 2.160 Pixel |
Maximum shutter speed: | 30 s |
Minimum shutter speed: | 1/8.000 s |
Expert assessment: Noise and detail at ISO 400: | very good |
Expert assessment: Noise and detail accuracy at ISO min: | very good |
Continuous advance JPEG: | – |
Display: Touch screen video: | yes |
White balance (sets): | 1 |
Display: Resolution: | 1.620,000 subpixels |
Display swivels: | – |
Expert assessment: Noise and detail at ISO 3200: | well |
Expert assessment: Noise and detail at ISO 6400: | satisfactorily |
Resolution at ISO 400: | 2.028 Line pairs |
Resolution at ISO 800: | 2.029 Line pairs |
Resolution at ISO min: | 2.061 Line pairs |
Display: Touchscreen: | yes |
Resolution at ISO 1600: | 1.982 line pairs |
Resolution at ISO 3200: | 1.885 Line pairs |
Resolution at ISO 6400: | 1.805 Line pairs |
White balance: Kelvin values Adjustable: | yes |
Image stabilizer in the body: | no |
Battery life Video recording: | 134 min |
Test objective speed: | Canon EF 2.8/24-70 |
Test lens image quality: | Canon EF 2.5/50 |
Viewfinder field of view: | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification: | 0,71 times |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Datasheet
Electronics |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sensor | CMOS sensor 35mm 36.0 x 24.0 mm (crop factor 1.0 )31.7 megapixels (physical) and 30.4 megapixels (effective) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pixel pitch | 5.3 µm | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Photo resolution |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Picture formats | JPG, RAW | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Colour depth | 42 bits (14 bits per color channel) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Metadata | Exif (version 2.21), DCF standard, IPTC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Video resolution |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum recording time | 29 min 59 sec | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Video format |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Audio format (video) | PCM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lens |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lens mount |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Focusing |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Autofocus mode | Phase comparison autofocus with 61 sensors, 41 cross sensors and 20 line sensors, autofocus working range -3 EV to 18 EV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Autofocus Functions | Single autofocus, Continuous autofocus, Tracking autofocus, Manual, AFL function, Focus magnifier (10x) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Focus control | Depth of field control, dimming button | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Viewfinder and Monitor |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reflex viewfinder | Single lens reflex viewfinder (prism viewfinder) (100 % image coverage), 21 mm eye relief with 0.71 x magnification, diopter compensation (-3.0 to +1.0 dpt), replaceable focusing screens, grille can be inserted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Monitor | 3.2″ (8.1 cm) TFT LCD monitor with 1,620,000 pixels, viewing angle 170°, anti-reflective, brightness adjustable, colour adjustable, with touchscreen | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Info display | additional info display (top) with illumination | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exposure |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exposure metering | Center-weighted integral measurement, matrix/multi-field measurement over 252 fields, spot measurement (measurement over 1 % or 6 % of the image field, AF-AE coupling) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exposure times | 1/8,000 to 30 s (Auto )1/8,000 to 30 s (Manual) Bulb Function |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exposure control | Fully automatic, Program automatic, Aperture automatic, Time automatic, Manual | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bracketing function | Exposure bracketing function with maximum 7 shots, step size from 1/3 to 1/2 EV, HDR function | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exposure compensation | -5.0 to +5.0 EV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sensitivity to light | ISO 100 to ISO 32.000 (automatic )ISO 50 to ISO 102.400 (manual) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remote access | Remote release, Cable release, Infrared release | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Motives | 0 further motif programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Picture effects | Landscape, Monochrome, Neutral, Portrait, 4 more image effects | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
White balance | Auto, Cloudy, Sun, White balance bracketing, Fine tuning, Shadow, Flash, Fluorescent lamp, Incandescent lamp, Kelvin input, Manual 1 memory locations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Color space | Adobe RGB, sRGB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Continuous shooting | Continuous shooting function max. 7.0 fps at highest resolution and max. 21 stored photos, 7 fps to memory card full at JPEG | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Self-timer | Self-timer at intervals of 2 s, special features: or 10 s (optional) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Timer | Timer/Interval Recording | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shooting functions | AEL function, AFL function, live histogram | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flashgun |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flash | no built-in flash availableFlash shoe : Canon, standard centre contactFlash connection socket : Canon system cable, F plug |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flash range | Flash sync time 1/200 s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flash functions | Flash Off, Slow Sync, Flash On Second Shutter Curtain, Flash Exposure Compensation from -3.0 EV to +3.0 EV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equipment |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Image stabilizer | no optical image stabilizer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Memory |
CF (Type I)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
second memory card slot |
SD (SDHC, SDXC, UHS I)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GPS function | Internal GPS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Microphone | Mono | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power supply | Power supply connection | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power supply | 1 x Canon LP-E6N (lithium ion (Li-Ion), 7.2 V, 1,865 mAh )900 images |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playback Functions | Crop images, rotate images, protect images, highlight / shadow warning, playback histogram, playback magnifier with 10.0x magnification, image index, slide show function, zoom out | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Voice memo | Voice memo (PCM format) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Face recognition | Face recognition | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Picture parameters | Noise suppression | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special functions | Electronic water level, Grid can be faded in, Orientation sensor, Live View | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ports | Data interfaces: USBUSB type :USB 3.0 SuperSpeedWLAN : available (type: B, G, N) NFC: available |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AV connectors | AV output: HDMI output Mini (Type C )Audio input: yes (3.5 mm jack (stereo, 3-pole)) Audio output: yes (3.5 mm jack (stereo, 3-pole) ) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Supported direct printing methods | Canon Direct Print, PictBridge | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tripod socket | 1/4″ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Case | Splash guard | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Features and Miscellaneous | built-in low-pass filterDIGIC-6+ signal processing processor Simultaneous JPEG and RAW recording possibleExposure meter Working range 0-20 EV (ISO 100) 5 Cross-shaped AF metering pointsIndividual autofocus tuning in the +/-20 range for up to 40 lensesPTP support Adjustable image parameters17 2 via HDMI flash bracketing :2 (8 bit) only via WLAN |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Size and weight |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dimensions W x H x D | 151 x 116 x 76 mm | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 950 g (ready for operation) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
included accessories | Canon Eg Eyecup Miscellaneous AccessoriesCanon IFC-150U II USB CableCanon LC-E6 Charger for Special BatteriesCanon LP-E6N Special Battery USB Connection Cable , Strap, Digital Solutions Disk |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
optional accessory | Canon AC-E6N AC adapterCanon ACK-E6 AC adapterCanon BG-E20 Battery handleCanon CBC-E6 Charger for special batteriesCanon DM-E1 (Microphone) Canon DR-E6 Battery compartment Adapter cableCanon WFT-E7B (WiFi adapter) Canon Angle viewfinder C (Angle viewfinder) Eyecup EgEye correction lenses of the Eg seriesInfrared remote control |