Canon 5D MIV Review

Name: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Brand: Canon

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Main Features

30MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 32000( expands to 50-102400)

3.2" Fixed Type Screen

Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder

7.0 fps continuous shooting

4K (DCI) - 4096 x 2160 video

Built-in Wireless

Built-in GPS

890g. 151 x 116 x 76 mm

Weather Sealed Body

Replaced Canon 5D MIII

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Canon 5D MIV Overview

Launched in August 2016 , Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a 30.0MP Advanced DSLR camera with a Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, weather sealed body and Canon EF lens mount. Canon replaced the older 5D MIII with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Canon 5D MIII

Canon 5D MIV Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Lens Mount and Lenses
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Canon 5D MIV is the latest member of Canon's 5D series of cameras. Canon's EOS 5D cameras are probably the best selling Full Frame DSLR cameras of all time in overall, very popular amongst Professional photographers and serious amateurs, even though their sales decreasing in recent years due to rising mirrorless FF cameras like Sony A, Nikon Z and Canon's own R series. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

Canon 5D Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Canon 5D MIV	2016	30.0MP - Full frame	7.0 fps	151 x 116 x 76mm	890g
Canon 5DS Compare	2015	51.0MP - Full frame	5.0 fps	152 x 116 x 76mm	930g
Canon 5DS R Compare	2015	51.0MP - Full frame	5.0 fps	152 x 116 x 76mm	930g
Canon 5D MIII Compare	2012	22.0MP - Full frame	6.0 fps	152 x 116 x 76mm	950g
Canon 5D MII Compare	2009	21.0MP - Full frame	4.0 fps	152 x 114 x 75mm	850g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
Canon 5D MIV vs 5DS vs 5DS R vs 5D MIII vs 5D MII

Alternative Model names found for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS 5D Mark 4, 5D M4, 5D MarkIV, 5 D Mark IV, 5D 4 and 5D MIV.

Canon 5D MIV PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Canon 5D MIV review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

NFC Connectivity

4K (DCI) Video

Touch Screen

Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Face Detection Focusing

30.0MP - High Resolution Sensor

32.000 Max ISO

61 Focus Points

Large 3.2" Screen

1.620k dots LCD Resolution

1/8000s High Shutter Speed

Autofocus at f8 using 61 focus points

7.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter

Long Battery Life (900 shots)

External Microphone Port

External Headphone Port

Environmental Sealing

Timelapse Recording

0.71x magnification - Large Viewfinder

Good Low Light ISO - 2995

41 Cross Type Focus Points

2 Storage Slots

Top LCD Display

Flash Sync Port

AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)

4K Photo (8MP photos)

Dual-axis Electronic Level

Remote control with a smartphone

EV -3 Focus Sensitivity

Compatible with fast UHS-I cards

Webcam Functionality

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CONs

No Image Stabilization

No Articulating Screen

Heavy Body: 890g

1.74x crop on 4K Videos

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Canon 5D MIV Physical Specs

Canon 5D MIV weighs 890 g (1.96 lb / 31.39 oz) and has external dimensions of 151 x 116 x 76 mm (5.94 x 4.57 x 2.99″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 773g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 76mm, it also has an average thickness.

Weight Comparison

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Canon 5D MIV

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Thickness Comparison

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Canon 5D MIV

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Here is the front and top view image of Canon 5D MIV with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Canon 5D MIV Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon 5D MIV, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Canon 5D MIV Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Now let's compare Canon 5D MIV size with the camera that it replaced: Canon 5D MIII.

Comparison image of Canon 5D MIV and Canon 5D MIII Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon 5D MIV with its main competitors:

Canon 5D MIV Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs 5D MIV	Thickness	vs 5D MIV
Canon 6D MII Compare	765g	125g lighter	75mm	1mm thinner
Canon R6 Compare	680g	210g lighter	88mm	12mm thicker
Canon 5D MIII Compare	950g	60g heavier	76mm	equal thickness
Sony A7 III Compare	650g	240g lighter	74mm	2mm thinner
Canon 90D Compare	701g	189g lighter	77mm	1mm thicker
Canon R5 Compare	738g	152g lighter	88mm	12mm thicker
Canon R Compare	660g	230g lighter	84mm	8mm thicker
Nikon D850 Compare	1015g	125g heavier	79mm	3mm thicker

Weather Sealing

Canon 5D MIV has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Canon 5D MIV will serve you well. If you attach one of these Canon 5D MIV weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

Canon 5D MIV Sensor and Photography Features

Canon 5D MIV has a 30.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 6+ processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6720 x 4480 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. 5D MIV has a native ISO range of 100 - 32000 which can be boosted to 50-102400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Canon 5D MIV is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sigma fp L with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon 5D MIV vs Sigma fp L or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

Canon 5D MIV DxOMark Sensor Scores

DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Canon 5D MIV sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 91 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Canon 5D MIV here.

Let's look at how the size of the Canon 5D MIV's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Canon 5D MIV Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Canon 5D MIV Lens Mount and Lenses

Canon 5D MIV has a Canon EF lens mount and currently there are 250 native lenses available for this mount. EF mount has the widest and most complete native lens offerings in the DSLR world which helps Canon to protect its place as the number 1 choice amongst professional photographers all over the world.

Canon 5D MIV doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 76 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization.

There are also 83 lenses with weather sealing for 5D MIV that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

Here are some of the most popular Canon 5D MIV Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Canon EF Mount Lenses for Canon 5D MIV

Model	Focal Length on 5D MIV	Coverage	Weight	Focusing	Street Price
Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II	50mm	35mm FF	130gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM	24-105mm	35mm FF	670gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM	50mm	35mm FF	159gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM	70-300mm	35mm FF	630gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 15mm f2.8 Fisheye	15mm	35mm FF	330gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM	50mm	35mm FF	290gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 40mm f2.8 STM	40mm	35mm FF	130gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM	70-200mm	35mm FF	1490gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo

Check our Canon 5D MIV Lenses page for more detailed lens search.

Canon 5D MIV LCD and Viewfinder

Canon 5D MIV has a Fixed Type 3.20" LCD screen with a resolution of 1,620k dots. The Canon 5D MIV's 3.2" screen is larger than average and its resolution is up to the class standarts.

LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

Unfortunately Canon EOS 5D Mark IV doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best DSLR Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.

5D MIV has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 100% and a magnification ratio of 0.71x. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

Canon 5D MIV Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Canon 5D MIV features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n + NFC) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. With its NFC feature, 5D MIV can communicate with devices such as smartphones which are also equipped with this technology by simply touching each other.One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our 5D MIV. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

You can connect 5D MIV to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) port.

Canon 5D MIV Battery

Canon 5D MIV is powered by LP-E6 battery which provides a battery life of 900 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 948 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

Battery Life Comparison in Advanced DSLR Cameras

Canon 5D MIV

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Nikon D780 with its 2260shots is the model with longest battery life among Advanced DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Canon 5D MIV vs Nikon D780 or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

Canon 5D MIV Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Canon 6D MII Compare	1920 x 1080	1200shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canon R6 Compare	None	360shots	Yes	Yes	No
Canon 5D MIII Compare	1920 x 1080	950shots	No	No	No
Sony A7 III Compare	3840 x 2160	610shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canon 90D Compare	3840 x 2160	1300shots	Yes	Yes	No
Canon R5 Compare	None	320shots	Yes	Yes	No
Canon R Compare	3840 x 2160	370shots	Yes	Yes	No
Nikon D850 Compare	3840 x 2160	1840shots	Yes	Yes	Yes

Canon 5D MIV Video Features

With Canon 5D MIV, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 29.97p, 24p, 23.98p fps and save in MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG formats. This means that Canon 5D MIV provides 4K (Ultra-HD) video. Except some rare 6K and 8K video recording cameras, 4K is the common standard in consumer video world.
It is also a big step up from its predecessor Canon 5D MIII which has a max video resolution of 1920 x 1080 only. If you are thinking of upgrading your 5D MIII and shoot a lot of video, this is a big factor to consider in favor of 5D MIV.

One important factor that you need to take into consideration while shooting video at max resolution of 4K (DCI) with Canon 5D MIV is that there is a crop factor of 1.74x which can make it difficult to achieve wide-angle clips.

5D MIV has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Canon 5D MIV also has a port for an external microphone and a headphone port for connecting external headphones which make Canon 5D MIV a very suitable camera high quality videography.

4K Photo Mode

Utilizing its 4K Video recording abilities in a creative way, Canon 5D MIV sports a 4K Photo Mode where you can capture 8 MP photos from 4K videos. Using a software such as Adobe Lightroom on your PC or in-camera function, you can review the 4K video frame by frame and extract the image that you like the most.

Canon 5D MIV Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Canon 5D MIV can shoot continuously at max speed of 7.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

Flash

Unfortunately 5D MIV doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

Focusing

Canon 5D MIV features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 61 focus points and 41 of these sensors are of Cross-type. Cross-type sensors locks focus faster and more accurate compared to single type sensors.

Canon 5D MIV also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

What type of Photography is Canon 5D MIV Good for?

In this section, we review and score Canon 5D MIV in 5 different photography areas.

Canon 5D MIV for Portrait Photography

Canon 5D MIV has a score of 67 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 30.0MP
Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Good Ergonomics&Handling
No Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Canon 5D MIV for Portrait Photography

Canon 5D MIV for Street Photography

Canon 5D MIV has a score of 65 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing

Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
Large Body

Read the details of how we scored Canon 5D MIV for Street Photography

Canon 5D MIV for Sports Photography

Canon 5D MIV has a score of 87 for Sports Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
41 Cross Type Focus sensors
61 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 900 shots

Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Anti Flicker feature
No Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Canon 5D MIV for Sports Photography

Canon 5D MIV for Daily Photography

Canon 5D MIV has a score of 75 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Environmental Sealings
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Large Body

890g
Body Thickness 76mm

Read the details of how we scored Canon 5D MIV for Daily Photography

Canon 5D MIV for Landscape Photography

Canon 5D MIV has a score of 53 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.

Live-view
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor

Very High Resolution Sensor: 30.0MP
Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Canon 5D MIV for Landscape Photography

Canon 5D MIV Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Canon 5D MIV compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Canon 5D MIV alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Canon 5D MIV

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon 5D MIV amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Canon 5D MIV Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Canon 5D MIV with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Canon 5D MIV's price range.

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Canon 5D MIV Conclusion and Scores

Currently, Canon 5D MIV has an Overall Score of 80/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is ranked #12 out of 208 in DSLR cameras (Top 20 DSLR), and ranked #52 out of 1230 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

#52 out of 1230 in All Cameras
#12 out of 208 in DSLR Cameras
#10 out of 93 in Advanced DSLR Cameras.
#39 out of 88 in Full frame Sensor Cameras.
#2 out of 23 in Canon12 Lens Mount Cameras

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Frequently Asked Questions about Canon 5D MIV

Does the Canon 5D MIV have Image Stabilization?
Does the Canon 5D MIV have RAW support?
Does the Canon 5D MIV have Weather Sealing?
Does the Canon 5D MIV have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Canon 5D MIV?
What is the Sensor Size of Canon 5D MIV?
is the Canon 5D MIV a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Canon 5D MIV have Touch Screen?
Does the Canon 5D MIV have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon 5D MIV?
What is the Weight of Canon 5D MIV?
What are the Dimensions of Canon 5D MIV?

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Canon
Model	Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Announced	2016-08-25
Body Type	Mid-size SLR
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Canon EF
Number of Lenses	250
Focal Length Multiplier	1x
Macro Focus Range	n/a
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Size	3.2"
Screen Resolution	1,620k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.71x
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	30s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/8000s
Continuous Shooting	7.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	no built-in flash
Max Flash Sync	1/200s
Flash Modes	no built-in flash
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	91
DxO Color Depth	24.8
DxO Dynamic Range	13.6
DxO Low Light ISO	2995
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Sensor
Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	Full frame
Sensor Dimensions	36 x 24 mm
Sensor Area	864.00mm²
Sensor Resolution	30 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	6720 x 4480
Max Native ISO	32,000
Max Boosted ISO	102400
Min Native ISO	100
Min Boosted ISO	50
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	61
Number of Cross Focus Points	41
Video Features
Video Resolutions	4096 x 2160 (29.97p, 24p, 23.98p), 1920 x 1080 (59.94p, 29.97p, 24p, 23.98p), 1280 x 720 (119.9p)
Max Video Resolution	4096 x 2160
Video Formats	MPEG-4, Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	890g
Physical Dimensions	151 x 116 x 76mm
Battery Life	900 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	LP-E6
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	Built-in
Storage Type	CompactFlash + SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I enabled)
Storage Slots	2