Review: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV specs

In 2016, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV continued the legendary 5D DSLR series with a 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, an upgraded 61-point autofocus system, improved weather sealing and a 150K-pixel RGB metering sensor. In terms of image resolution, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV falls between the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Canon EOS 5DS. If you don't need the huge 50.6-megapixel resolution of the 5DS, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a fantastic choice as a high-spec, flexible and durable DSLR.

The autofocus system in the Mark IV was inherited from Canon’s Canon EOS 1DX Mark II flagship DSLR camera. The 61-point autofocus system offers 41 cross-type points, including 5 dual cross-type points at f/2.8 and 21 cross-type points at f/8, with up to 24% expanded vertical coverage compared to the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. These cross-type autofocus points analyse both vertical and horizontal lines and are thus more accurate in establishing autofocus than vertical-only autofocus points.

The 5D Mark IV can continuously focus in Live View mode during stills capture, you can quickly choose and track your subject by tapping it on the rear touchscreen in ‘Face Detect+Tracking’ mode and it has the Dual Pixel RAW option. Dual Pixel RAW records two 30-megapixel images. One from each left-looking and right-looking photodiode at each pixel. Dual Pixel RAW results in an image file twice as large but allows for image micro-adjustment, bokeh shift and ghosting reduction in Canon’s DPP software. Effectively, you have more control over large-resolution images, and the editing of them, to help achieve maximum sharpness.

The 5D Mark IV’s full-frame sensor added more pixel power than that seen in its EOS 5D Mark III predecessor, which had a 22.3-megapixel sensor, thus delivering images with more detail and clarity than before. This improved sensor helps to deliver low noise, even in bright highlights and dark shadows and gives the camera a broader dynamic range with the freedom to crop in on images caught with fine resolution. The camera also includes a ‘Fine Detail’ Picture Style, which prioritises gradation of tones and helps to emphasise fine detail via three adjustable sharpening parameters.  

On the rear of the camera, you’ll find a large 3.2-inch [8.13cm], Clear View II LCD monitor, which has a resolution of 1620K dots and 100% coverage. Swift touchscreen operation allows you to control menu functions, Quick Control settings, playback operations and magnified display. A Dual Axis Electronic Level on the LCD is also a highly useful tool for those seeking level horizons in landscapes.

The top continuous shooting speed of seven frames-per-second means the camera will also appeal to those seeking to capture action, and the DIGIC 6+ processor facilitates super-fast image processing. But the Mark IV isn't all about speed—the fine detail image quality will broaden this camera’s appeal to landscape, portrait, wildlife and sports photographers alike.

The 5D Mark IV’s standard ISO range is 100-32,000, but additional expandable settings mean that photographers can shoot at up to ISO 102,400. That 102,400 value means the Mark IV operates at light levels for those shooting at night or in extreme low light. There will be a trade-off in terms of noise in images at very high ISO levels, but image quality is highly acceptable up to ISO 32,000.

If you don't need the massive 50.6-megapixel capabilities of the EOS 5DS, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is an attractive full-frame model with image quality that will satisfy the needs of almost any photographer.