Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Review

Above a tablecloth adorned with vibrant floral arrangements, taper candles in glass sleeves, bohemian touches, mismatched basket pendant lights, and foliage were suspended.

The couple threw an after-party in the Main Palapa to surprise their guests, dancing the night away beneath a quirky chandelier made of flower baskets and disco balls.

Everything was beyond ideal, but if I had to pick one thing, it would be the ceremony because it was so adorable and moving.

I decided to use my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV to capture the entire event for such a comprehensive package.

We gazed out toward the water during the beautiful ceremony when I spotted dolphins, whales, and a rainbow.

It was such a wonderful and strange time.

Although it was a small wedding with close friends and family, I took beautiful shots and showcased Costa Careyes at its finest.

I thought, why not tell my followers which camera I found best for such a wedding? Come, let’s find out the details.

Overview:

Launched in August 2016, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a 30.0MP Advanced DSLR camera with a Full frame size of 36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor, a weather-sealed body, and a Canon EF lens mount.

The Mark IV is made to appeal to the same broad spectrum of amateurs and professionals as the Canon EOS 5D series, which is perhaps one of the most recognizable camera lines of the digital age.

Canon 5D Mark IV Key Specifications:

Type: DSLR
Sensor: 36 x 24 mm CMOS
Megapixels: 30.4
Lens mount: EF
Screen: 8.1 cm LCD touchscreen
Continuous shooting speed: 7fps
Viewfinder: Pentaprism
User level: Enthusiast/Professional
Seven fps continuous shooting
ISO 100-32000 (expandable to 102400)
Dual Pixel AF (sensitive to -4EV)
1.62M-dot 3.2″ full-time touchscreen
Improved weather-sealing
Dual Pixel Raw (Micro adjustment, bokeh shift)
150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor
Wi-Fi w/ NFC + GPS
Built-in bulb timer interval timers
61-point AF system
41 cross-type sensors
30.4MP CMOS full-frame sensor

Design:

The 8.1 cm LCD touchscreen of the 5D Mark IV, comparable to the 1D Mark II, is incredibly sensitive and snappy, unlike its predecessors.

Regarding playback, the touchscreen is especially helpful because I can squeeze with my fingers to zoom in to ensure my shots are in focus.

Even though the handgrip and thumb rest on the Canon 5D Mark IV body are more profound than those on the EOS 5D Mark III, the difference is scarcely evident in practice.

Although the weather sealing has improved marginally, it still falls short of the 1D X Mark II’s thorough weather sealing.

I loved that the layout of the buttons is very similar to that of the Mark III.

The only significant difference is that the AF joystick has a textured finish (much like the EOS-1D X Mark II).

A new push button on the back of the body is designed to switch autofocus points when the device is still held to my eye and control the autofocus area by default, but it can be customized to your preferences.

At that point, I can customize 10 of the function buttons if I am one of the people who enjoy having my buttons.

Approachable design:

Compared to its earlier iterations, the EOS 5D MK IV feels quite familiar and should be simple for anybody who has previously bought a 5D camera.

The camera is also user-friendly for those purchasing their first 5D or Canon DSLR.

The thumb rest and grip are the same as in the prior edition.

It has a decent feel in the hands and is rather sleek.

Viewfinder with LCD:

Let me tell you all that it has a 3.20-inch Fixed-type LCD screen of the Canon 5D MIV, which features a 1,620k-dot resolution.

The 3.20″ screen of the Canon 5D MIV is more significant than typical and has a solution that meets class standards.

Because the LCD is a touch screen, I can use my fingers to adjust the settings and choose the focus point.

Unfortunately, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV screen is not selfie-friendly.

Check out this list of the Best DSLR Cameras with a selfie-friendly LCD screen if this feature is crucial to my shooting style.

Because the 5D MIV has an optical (pentaprism) viewfinder built-in, shooting in bright sunshine at weddings and other conditions when it can be challenging to see, the LCD monitor is more straightforward.

The viewfinder features 100% coverage and a 0.71x magnification ratio.

To accurately frame my photos and reduce the need for post-image cropping, 100% coverage ensures that what I see in the viewfinder when shooting corresponds perfectly to what I will receive in my image.

Anti-flicker Function:

The anti-flicker function of the EOS 5D Mark IV camera detects the frequency and phase of a light source’s flicker and takes pictures close to the point of peak brightness when the object or person is most likely to be adequately lit.

This feature is handy when taking pictures under fluorescent lights.

Autofocus:

This camera has unsurpassed autofocus.

The flagship 1D X series, designed for action sports photography, has the same module.

Numerous autofocus points enable it to be razor-sharp 99% of the time. Suppose I know what you’re doing.

Additionally, the video’s continuous focus was a welcome feature.

Since I am terrible at pulling focus, many of the films I shot on it used continuous video autofocus.

Movable Screen:

The main one is the absence of it, in my opinion. Although having an adjustable screen would be good, having no live view (like with my first DSLR) is far worse.

Connectivity:

Tethering is essential to me since I often work with a team.

Fortunately, Capture One can quickly receive photographs from the USB 3.0 interface.

THIS IS IMPORTANT since I experienced some speed difficulties with the Mark II.

Other connectivity options don’t matter to me.

When I needed to publish anything to an Instagram story rapidly, I used the Wi-Fi capability.

I never needed to utilize NFC and thought the GPS was unnecessary.

With external displays, the HDMI connector was proper, and the microphone jack also made it easier for me to obtain clearer audio.

The PC sync port is a little out of date.

However, I previously used it with a crappy flash configuration in which I combined several shoots.

DIGIC 6+ Image Processor:

The EOS 5D Mark IV camera’s in-camera capabilities are enhanced by the powerful DIGIC 6+ Image Processor, allowing for quick overall operation and assisting in achieving high-quality still images and 4K video recording regardless of the shooting situation.

It boasts a noise-processing technology that helps decrease noise at high ISO settings.

It features a Digital Lens Optimizer that can automatically apply several aberrations, diffraction corrections, and other corrective measures unique to the lens.

The excellent DIGIC 6+ Image Processor is mainly responsible for the EOS 5D Mark IV’s ability to carry out various tasks quickly.

Full-Frame 30.4 MP Sensor:

I observed that the full-frame, high-speed CMOS sensor technology in the EOS 5D Mark IV camera produces excellent still images and 4K video clips that can withstand extensive editing, retouching, and cropping.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF features added by this excellent sensor allow the camera to focus quickly and precisely while filming in live view.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF also improves overall camera performance for clear, still shots and fluid, accurate focus transitions in movies by enabling continuous automatic AF and AF tracking at the pixel level in more locations and lighting scenarios.

Shutter Speed:

It refers to how quickly the camera shutter closes.

A slower shutter speed provides the photographer with more prolonged exposure, whereas a faster shutter speed results in a shorter direction, the quantity of light the camera captures.

The Canon 5D MIV has a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

It makes me shoot continuously at the wedding, capturing giggles and touches of laughter at a maximum rate of 7.0 fps.

Absence of Video Features:

The lack of video features is another deterrent.

On the 5D Mark II, I can still clearly recall having focus peaking and maintaining decent focus.

I would do more video work if focus peaking existed since it is so convenient.

It has been in process for a while; that’s what I learned, but I’m eager to see a Magic Lantern release for the 5D Mark IV.

Colors:

For my art, color reproduction is crucial.

Even while I pay special attention to skin tones, I prefer that all other colors be faithful to their hues.

It has undergone substantial cosmetic treatment and performs a beautiful job of maintaining techniques and providing color depth (24.8 bit).

Even in the oddest circumstances, I can have plenty of detail because of the 13.6 EVF dynamic range.

Higher ISO makes it worse, but I’ve found that everything taken up to ISO 6400 is pretty reliable and suitable for medium-sized prints and most digital.

The portraits I had to take at ISO 6400 turned out well.

I consider anything beyond ISO 6400 to be unusable.

There are contradictions. I can think of the best use for this camera at a high ISO for black-and-white press photography.

A general suggestion would be to choose B&W when my ISO is increased.

150,000-pixel metering sensor:

The ISA (Intelligent Scene Analysis) technology in the EOS 5D Mark IV camera uses a specialized light sensor with a resolution of over 150,000 pixels to establish and maintain optimum exposure, particularly in variable light sources with moving objects.

It offers the camera an immediate and thorough picture analysis.

Canon’s Intelligent Tracking and Recognition feature (iTR AF), which identifies and tracks my subjects and automatically switches the AF point to improve subject tracking, is also incorporated into the EOS 5D Mark IV.

Built-in Bluetooth Capability:

Bluetooth lets me connect the camera to compatible smart devices using the free Canon Camera Connect app.

While enabling remote camera operation, this low-energy wireless connection helps save battery life.

Additionally, it allows me to geotag what I have taken to know precisely where I took the picture by sending continually updated GPS position data from my phone.

Built-in Wi-Fi Capability:

Connect to Wi-Fi quickly and efficiently to enable wireless features like file viewing and transfer and to share information with other Wi-Fi-compatible Canon cameras.

I may also transfer files to my mobile device using the Canon Camera Connect app to browse and share them on social media.

By just tapping the NFC symbol on the camera, I can connect straight to NFC-compliant Android smartphones.

Dependable Weatherproofing:

It offers decent weather sealing that is adequate for most casual weather scenarios.

However, I might consider bringing it just in case I plan to film in a downpour.

Some people find it frustrating because the camera still doesn’t have a built-in flash.

However, if I own an earlier model, an external flash is probably already in my possession.

Flash:

Sadly, the 5D MIV lacks a built-in flash, although it does include a flash shoe for attaching external flashes.

Battery:

According to CIPA standards, the LP-E6 battery used in the Canon 5D MIV has a flurry of 900 shots.

Although its battery is approximately average for its class, DSLR-type cameras typically have a battery life of 948 images, so getting extra batteries for extended picture excursions is still a good idea.

Pricing and Accessibility:

Since September 2016, the Canon EOS 5D MK IV has been available.

It is available at most shops at a suggested retail price of about $2,700.

Following, I have tried to mention the photography styles that are best for this camera:

Portrait Photography:

The bride and groom’s portrait photographs are my favorite aspect of wedding photography.

The memories that they will always display on their walls.

I appreciate how the big sensors provide my wedding portrait photos with a beautiful background blur and a greater depth of field.

I will have additional cropping options and the option to print my portrait shots larger and with more detail, thanks to the Canon 5D MIV’s 30.0MP sensor.

I enjoy its viewfinder since it is closer to the body during a portrait picture, allowing me to hold the camera and steadily reduce camera shaking.

As I mentioned, it was an outdoor event, so it was helpful when reading LCDs that may be difficult in bright sunshine.

Because it was designed for my hands, the handling was fantastic.

In my opinion, it seems to lack image stabilization.

From capturing the couple’s portraits to their wedding outfits, portraits were an excellent task entirely done up to mark.

Daily Photography:

I have always had this Canon EOS 5D Mark camera since I was so enamored.

I don’t mind wearing it constantly because it’s not too heavy for me as a professional photographer.

It might be severe for those new to this field.

It makes it possible for me to keep up my everyday photography pastime.

Even though most photographers focus on one or two specific photography genres, experimenting with other shooting approaches might provide unexpected results.

It has good environmental sealing. A weatherproof camera is a massive benefit that I love to carry with me everywhere.

I won’t need to worry about it as much.

Features that make this camera worth buying:

Touchscreen for precise zooming and smooth playback:

Compared to other cameras, the camera is relatively quiet, which is excellent for individuals who worry about being as soft as possible.

The touchscreen enables more precise zooming and more pleasant playing.

One of its drawbacks is the inability to capture 4K footage on an external recorder.

It only supports Full HD. It might be a significant challenge if I have used to record my video project using an external recorder.

The camera has Canon’s Dual Pixel RAW technology, which enables quick modifications after the focus is locked, enhancing the bokeh and other aspects of the autofocus.

Make audio memos on still images:

I love that this camera can record voice memos on still photos with a software update.

Anyone photographing events who has to make a note for later will find this handy.

“For example, a wedding photographer like me can use this to record the names of family members, while a photojournalist might use it to identify political personalities who aren’t immediately apparent.

It is much simpler to tag my information if I have a voice recording of who it is.

” Additionally, adding a voice tag facilitates the indexing and cataloging of picture assets on archival storage.

For easy access, use custom menus:

It’s excellent news that I can design my own set of menus for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, whether I am shooting stills or video alone or with a bigger group at a wedding like my friends.

I might wish to lock the camera in picture studios so that only specific parameters, like the time and date, are programmable.

It protects against unintentional errors when the gadget is passed around in a group.

Even while working alone, it’s set up based on my many jobs, such as a street menu, a portrait menu, or a landscape menu.

I can use this to group my frequently used menu items for easier access.

So, the customizable menu system is excellent, whether I want to shut off specific options or rearrange them to make them more accessible and speed up my productivity.

Utilize two automated white balance settings to capture accurate colors:

Even though a camera’s automatic white balance usually performs a fantastic job of analyzing the environment and removing any paint.

It is cast to generate realistic colors; there are instances when photographers wish to keep some of the natural ambient hues to maintain authenticity in a picture.

It might be the deep blue of a gloomy location or the orange glow of the street lights.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has ambient-priority and white-priority automated white-balancing settings.

If you’re a vacation photographer, the ambient auto-white balance may be crucial to maintaining the atmosphere of a specific location.

Canon understands that users desire both white balance modes, unlike other camera makers who favor one.

Effortless Use:

I had no problem getting to know it when it initially came.

From the 5D Mark II, the transition was quite simple.

Luckily, most buttons remained in their original positions.

I was glad to see the off/off switch next to the mode dial.

I was incredibly enthusiastic about the feature that allowed me to personalize it.

I can choose between AI-Servo and ISO settings using the AF-on button, conveniently located next to the shutter.

Although it seems pointless, I adore the touchscreen.

It made me more effective and enabled me to adjust quickly to new environments.

Never needing to open the instructions is, in my opinion, a hallmark of quality equipment.

That is the case with the 5D Mark IV.

What is the best Canon DSLR camera?

If you ask me this question, my answer would always be Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

I found it to be the best Canon DSLR for a professional photographer.

As a professional photographer, I advise everyone who wants to excel in their industry to get a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

The greatest Canon DSLR for commercial photography is this one.

Conclusion:

For experienced photographers, this is an excellent choice due to the camera’s exceptional performance.

However, if you’re used to taking images freehand, capturing pictures outside of a studio session might be challenging owing to the absence of image stabilization.

Photographers who shoot in studios, whether doing fashion, cuisine, or portrait photography, should use the EOS 5D Mark IV. I used it for a wedding shoot, and it was marvelous.

The Mark IV performs superbly in a studio and outdoors and is fantastic, particularly at that cost.

Sharon Advik

I am a Professional and Certified Digital Photographer born in the USA. I have been in this field of photography for 22 years, and in these years, I have used many photography lenses and Cameras, which I want to share here on this website about my experience. The idea for Bestoflens.com is to provide honest information about different Lenses and Camera products in the format of a “Best lenses for AYZ” list. I want this website to be the last destination for people to pick the best Cameras and lenses to fit their needs. You can find our unbiased reviews here on Bestoflens.