Review: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV by TDP

[bsbeamer]

As a failure, it's off to a great start. 8)

The only stat that's meaningful for Canon - how many of these bodies are they selling. Looking at the available sales reports, it looks like it's selling well and quite popular.

B&H is finally stocking for regular orders and is currently the "bestseller" DSLR (however skewed that may be) over deeply discounted Rebel T5 bundles, 5D Mark III, Nikon D7100, and Nikon D810.

 

[romanr74]

if canon is happy everyone is happy

 

[StudentOfLight]

It makes sense for Bryan to keep his 5Ds-R as that is used to take full frame test chart images. Makes no sense to use a lower res body for such a task...

 

[ahsanford]

It makes sense for Bryan to keep his 5Ds-R as that is used to take full frame test chart images. Makes no sense to use a lower res body for such a task...

No one is arguing he'd get rid of it. The question is: if he's not going to use both the 5D4 and 5DS R for non-studio work and he's just going to have one all-purpose non-studio rig, what would it be?

With him, knowing he's very fond of resolution and doesn't shoot video much, my guess is the 5DS R will get chosen more often. I could be wrong.

- A

 

[AvTvM]

of course 5d4 is no immediate failure for canon. and for die hard mirrorslappers, especially 5d2 users, it may be a worthwhile upgrade. for non-pro enthusiasts i do not see compelling reasons to "upgrade" from 5d3 to 5d4. minimal improvements overall. nothing for smart buyets. rather wait for a killer ff milc.

 

[LordofTackle]

rather wait for a killer ff milc.

well...that may take a while ;D
or one needs to go to sony

 

[ahsanford]

of course 5d4 is no immediate failure for canon. and for die hard mirrorslappers, especially 5d2 users, it may be a worthwhile upgrade. for non-pro enthusiasts i do not see compelling reasons to "upgrade" from 5d3 to 5d4. minimal improvements overall. nothing for smart buyets. rather wait for a killer ff milc.

I personally am not upgrading my 5D3, so I (distantly) hear you, AvTvM.

But a clearly better sensor + 8 more MP + DPAF + 4K + anti-flicker + the 1DX II AF setup + 1DX-like dedicated metering hardware + AF through the VF to -3 EV + WiFi + *** + 1 fps = a very good value proposition for potential upgraders.

I still am a little butthurt that Canon apparently nerfed the 5D4 frame rate by sticking to one DIGIC chip (when the 7D2 and 5DS -- two very different rigs -- both got two chips), but in the end, that position is petty on my part. In truth, I don't think I was going to upgrade this cycle anyway. I love my 5D3, and though I do run into its DR and high ISO limits often, that pales in comparison to the number of knuckleheaded decisions I make with it. Therefore, I need to develop as a photographer far more than I need a new rig.

...and the money I save will buy new lenses. ;D

- A

 

[Sharlin]

5D IV? Here comes review #31, short and concise.

Not much progress over 1949 apparatus of a certain Mr. Jenö Dulovits. Many fatal flaws still not corrected. Including but not limited to the following:
* flapping mirror causing unwanted noise, vibrations and possibly even oil splatters ... detrimental to image quality
* mechanical shutter causing unwanted noise and vibrations ... detrimental to image quality
* much bulkier, heavy, cludgy than necessary ... detrimental to health of users' locomotory system and willingness to carry device around so it is at hand when actually needed
* more conspicuos than necessary ... detrimental to capturing living subjects unnoticed and behaving naturally rather than grinning and posing or taking cover
* way more expensive than necessary just to capture some photons, detrimental to financial well-being of owners
;D

And to think about it, much earlier than 1949 an apparatus was already invented that has none of those fatal flaws. No flapping mirrors, no noisy vibrating shutters, available even in matchbox sizes, not conspicuous at all - most people don't even realize it's a camera! And of course, specifically designed to solely catch some photons, without costly extra features like 4K video or Dual Pixel AF or a lens.

 

[rrcphoto]

of course 5d4 is no immediate failure for canon. and for die hard mirrorslappers, especially 5d2 users, it may be a worthwhile upgrade. for non-pro enthusiasts i do not see compelling reasons to "upgrade" from 5d3 to 5d4. minimal improvements overall. nothing for smart buyets. rather wait for a killer ff milc.

I personally am not upgrading my 5D3, so I (distantly) hear you, AvTvM.

But a clearly better sensor + 8 more MP + DPAF + 4K + anti-flicker + the 1DX II AF setup + 1DX-like dedicated metering hardware + AF through the VF to -3 EV + WiFi + *** + 1 fps = a very good value proposition for potential upgraders.

I still am a little butthurt that Canon apparently nerfed the 5D4 frame rate by sticking to one DIGIC chip (when the 7D2 and 5DS -- two very different rigs -- both got two chips), but in the end, that position is petty on my part. In truth, I don't think I was going to upgrade this cycle anyway. I love my 5D3, and though I do run into its DR and high ISO limits often, that pales in comparison to the number of knuckleheaded decisions I make with it. Therefore, I need to develop as a photographer far more than I need a new rig.

...and the money I save will buy new lenses. ;D

- A

to be fair, canon would have had to put THREE DiGiC's in the 5D Mark IV - it has two already. One for iTR / AF.

 

[applecider]

I emailed Brian to ask if was going to keep the 5d4. Hopefully he'll use it for his image comparisons.

 

[ahsanford]

I emailed Brian to ask if was going to keep the 5d4. Hopefully he'll use it for his image comparisons.

Wonder no more. He just hit me back.

My question:

"With the 5D4 at only +2 fps over the 5DS rigs and at a comparable high ISO performance (once you downsample), if you are a stills only shooter, why *wouldn't* you choose the 5DS over the 5D4 as your everyday all-purpose rig? (Follow up: desert island scenario, one camera for all purposes: choose!)"

His answer:

"That is a question that I'm sure many are asking. It is also one I was asking myself. At this point, with a 1D X II available to handle fast action scenarios, I plan to stay with the 5Ds R bodies for everything else. If I didn't have a 1D X II, the decision would be harder."

- A

 

[unfocused]

Many fatal flaws still not corrected.

fa·tal ˈfādl/ adjective
2. leading to failure or disaster

As a failure, it's off to a great start. 8)

In fairness (although I frequently reference Amazon best sellers) I avoid the listing during the first month or so after a new camera has been released because I have noticed that pent-up demand tends to skew the results. Still, your point is well made.

Just for some perspective, and a reminder about how out-of-touch we forum dwellers are, I checked their best sellers in all cameras and photo. Thirteen of the top 20 slots were occupied by Fuji, but guess what? It's not their high end cameras, its their INSTAX Mini cameras and film. Five different colors occupy five of the top 10 spots and number 11 is purple. Seven slots in the top 20 are filled by film for the camera.

I would never have guessed. I guess retro is in. AvTvM should be very pleased, after all, they are mirrorless cameras. (no interchangeable lens though)

 

[eguzowski]

this is not a review it's a PR Aditorial !

A review would also talk about the cons. downfalls etc...campare to it's competition.

I own a 5D3, 70D, 80D, tons of canon L glass and Sigma Art glass, 4 speedlites etc etc...

Canon is going to be dead to me soon...The 5D4 is a failure as it did not keep up with it's competitors or hit the sweet spot for the vast majority of pros that buy this type of camera...Event Photographers and Videographers. (Weddings!) The Raw files are to big, the low light ISO and AF not good enough. The Dynamic range not on Par with Nikon. The Video (4k 17:9 with a 1.7 crop factor with a crazy codec that makes monster files?), No 4K HDMI out?, No articulating screen? What event photographer needs 30MP RAW...whom wants to process 3000 raw file wedding photos per a wedding? What videographer wants to crop 4k 17:9 to 16:9, switch to crop factor wider lenses, and then process hours of 4k crazy large files because of the codec? (I owned a c100 and sold it within months because the 70D and 80D were much more documentary friendly with touch screen AF and auto ISO).

Ive shot for National Geographic, The NY Times, AP, I'm at Martha Stewarts house tomorrow, etc etc etc.....

Hello Sony knock knock

 

[rocketsurgeon]

I think we’ve seen about 30 reviews of the EOS 5D Mark IV, and I have yet to find anyone that has any serious complaints or issues with the new DSLR.

Clearly, you haven't been reading your own forums. If you did, you'd know that the 5DIV is a failure.

Stop being so negative! The CANON EOS 5D Mark IV is not a failure!

 

[sanj]

The focus point expansion comparison shows it is a JOKE!!!

Also not talk about increased DR. Hmmmm.

 

[unfocused]

...Canon is going to be dead to me soon...Ive shot for National Geographic...

Hello Sony knock knock

Three posts. Three times saying you are leaving for Sony. Three times telling the world how you got a picture in National Geographic.

We are very happy for you. Please enjoy your Sony.

 

[Alex_M]

It seems like you might be affected by SAD... I suggest for you to postpone divestment out of Canon system until, at least summer season is here. it sounds like you have invested quite a lot.. 8)

this is not a review it's a PR Aditorial !

I own a 5D3, 70D, 80D, tons of canon L glass and Sigma Art glass, 4 speedlites etc etc...

Canon is going to be dead to me soon...

Ive shot for National Geographic, The NY Times, AP, I'm at Martha Stewarts house tomorrow, etc etc etc.....

Hello Sony knock knock

 

[noms78]

I currently use a 5d3 and I'm not upgrading to 5d4 because:

- 30mp is not enough megapixels (need 36-40). you wont notice a difference in image detail (e.g. RAW converted JPGs) at resolutions south of 3840x2560.
- 4k video is soft (but 1080p is sharper than 5d3)
- the colours may not as accurate as the mk3 (yellow cast to outdoor shots) - this needs confirmation by myself as nobody in the forums seems to have both cameras to test this theory
- DPP4.5 bugs (I use DPP 3.15 with my 5d3 raws)

I'm not upgrading to 5ds/5dsr because:

- 50mp is too much
- the successor to the 5ds/r will be released in 2-3 years.

 

[StudentOfLight]

It makes sense for Bryan to keep his 5Ds-R as that is used to take full frame test chart images. Makes no sense to use a lower res body for such a task...

No one is arguing he'd get rid of it. The question is: if he's not going to use both the 5D4 and 5DS R for non-studio work and he's just going to have one all-purpose non-studio rig, what would it be?

With him, knowing he's very fond of resolution and doesn't shoot video much, my guess is the 5DS R will get chosen more often. I could be wrong.

- A

Horses for courses.

Given he has the 1D-X Mark-II that would be the choice for action, where the 5DsR would be a bit slow (fps) and unresponsive (in terms of rendering image reviews)

If he didn't have the 1D-X Mark-II I'm guessing that the 5D-IV would be a regular choice for sports/events shooting.

 

[tron]

of course 5d4 is no immediate failure for canon. and for die hard mirrorslappers, especially 5d2 users, it may be a worthwhile upgrade. for non-pro enthusiasts i do not see compelling reasons to "upgrade" from 5d3 to 5d4. minimal improvements overall. nothing for smart buyets. rather wait for a killer ff milc.

I personally am not upgrading my 5D3, so I (distantly) hear you, AvTvM.

But a clearly better sensor + 8 more MP + DPAF + 4K + anti-flicker + the 1DX II AF setup + 1DX-like dedicated metering hardware + AF through the VF to -3 EV + WiFi + *** + 1 fps = a very good value proposition for potential upgraders.

I still am a little butthurt that Canon apparently nerfed the 5D4 frame rate by sticking to one DIGIC chip (when the 7D2 and 5DS -- two very different rigs -- both got two chips), but in the end, that position is petty on my part. In truth, I don't think I was going to upgrade this cycle anyway. I love my 5D3, and though I do run into its DR and high ISO limits often, that pales in comparison to the number of knuckleheaded decisions I make with it. Therefore, I need to develop as a photographer far more than I need a new rig.

...and the money I save will buy new lenses. ;D

- A

I have 2 5D3 cameras that I like too. I run into DR limits in a specific type of shot a few times a year and I revert to using ML's dual iso feature. Also I would like some improvement in high iso. I like the silent mode a lot. If Iwasn't afraid of the softness reported (and the need to sharpen alot to compensate) I would upgrade. Now I have second thoughts...