Hector1970 said:
The 5D3 is probably better value for money
Understatement of the century.
Cameras can only make (generally) small advancements over time with current tech at this point, i.e. the days of 'it's 2 full stops better at high ISO' are clearly over. So the value proposition of a new rig is 'what glaring deficiencies in the last model have been corrected' or 'what new features were added that are gamechangers'.
From the 5D2 to 5D3, you got a world class AF upgrade (#1 reason to choose the 5D3 over the 5D2), two card slots, some fluffy in-camera HDR / dual exposure modes, some thoughtful video stuff (headphone jack) and a
slightly better sensor (high ISO was better, but not dramatically so). +1 fps, larger buffer, etc. as well. But by any measure other than sensor quality, it was a comprehensive upgrade.
But the reason people jumped out of their seats for it was you could get a near 1D level AF experience at a 5D price point. It was, to many forms of photography, a flagship camera south of $7000. That was its biggest selling point, and it sold well.
Now from the 5D3 to 5D4, the problem lies in the fact that the 5D3 had only one clear 'weakness' (I giggle that people can't get good results with that sensor, but yes, it is outperformed by competitors in testing). So the 5D4 has less problems to fix than with the glaring AF deficiencies of the 5D2. So the 5D4 improvement/gamechanger is the sensor this time (and, for some, 4K) -- more resolution and on-chip ADC for more latitude with your files. If you shoot through the viewfinder, DPAF doesn't do anything for you. So the rest of the value proposition comes in predictable though important upgrades (VF layout, Wifi, GPS, anti-flicker mode, touch screen) or clever but lesser things (touch screen AF point selection, DP RAW).
Also consider that the FF lineup is much more crowded now, so it's harder for the 5D4 to justify its existence in the light of quality of the 6D brand (which has many folks waiting-and-seeing for what the 6D2 brings to the table before buying a 5D4) and great resolving power of the 5DS rigs.
So I think the 5D4 was one key feature away from being a blockbuster. Either give it the processing bandwidth of a 5DS and give it 9 fps or so, or give it a tilty-flippy screen. Both of those unlock some sexy 'new' into the brand in a way that (I think) would have a lot more people getting in on day one rather than waiting for what the 6D2 might bring.
- A
