In a technologial ecosystem that is always outdoing itself, the Canon 5d Mark IV is the definition of “workhorse”. This high-end full-frame DSLR camera has been utilized on countess productions of almost every type. The camera combines high level specification with user friendly form factor and Canon’s proprietary color science and easy-to-use menu interface. Substantially upgraded from the 5DIII, Mark IV includes a higher-resolution sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus, 4K video capture, an upgraded AF system, a touchscreen, improved weather-sealing, built-in Wi-Fi/NFC, an interval timer and GPS. All this adds up to a camera that fits into Canon's product line nicely as the all-around full-frame option.

It is built around a new 30.4MP CMOS sensor and uses the Digic 6+ processor. The AF system is from the flagship 1D X Mark II and contains 61 AF points (41 of which are cross-type) with up to 24% expanded vertical coverage compared with the system in the Mark III. The center point is sensitive to -3EV in One Shot (AF-S) mode (in Live View the sensor is sensitive to -4EV with a fast lens).

Photo: Rishi Sanyal

Canon 5D Mark IV Key Specifications

  • 30.4MP CMOS full-frame sensor with Dual Pixel AF

  • DCI 4K 30/24p video using Motion JPEG + 4K Frame Grab

  • 61-point AF system with 41 cross-type sensors (center point sensitive to -3 EV)

  • Dual Pixel AF (sensitive to -4EV) for continuous Servo AF in stills (first for a full-frame Canon camera) and video

  • ISO 100-32000 (expandable to 102400)

  • 7 fps continuous shooting

  • Dual Pixel Raw (image microadjustment, bokeh shift, ghosting reduction)

  • 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor

  • 1.62M-dot 3.2" full-time touchscreen

  • Wi-Fi w/ NFC + GPS

  • Built-in bulb timer interval timers

  • Improved weather-sealing

Is the Canon 5DIV still a good buy today?

When compared to the successor RF model as well as some new mirrorless units from rivals Sony and so on we can certainly see the age in the 5DIV, but it still holds its own in the stills world, although the severely cropped video mode may dissuade film makers of today from utilizing it for video.

When coupled with Canon’s Luxe ‘L’ series lenses the 5DIV really shines. Perfect for model shoots, run-and-gun docs and photography.