Photography 101: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Review

Stephen F. Dennstedt

A real-world mini-review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV full-frame DSLR. I bought my Canon EOS 5D Mark II brand new in 2009 when I switched from film to digital technology. Back then the Mark II was a game changer.

Since early 2012 I’ve been trekking the world full-time (365 days a year) with just my rucksack and Pelican camera case—my home and my office constant companions. I took a pass on the Mark II’s successor the Mark III.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR – Battery Grip & EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Zoom Lens

When the Mark IV was finally released it was not particularly well received by many Canon shooters. Most of the negative comments revolved around its video capabilities. It does shoot 4K but with an older codec that most video shooters don’t like. Problem solved for me because I don’t shoot video—I am strictly a still photographer. And the improvements I was looking for, over the Mark II, were all available. I’m not going to do a rundown on the technical specs because that information is readily available to you on YouTube or through a Google search.

South Shore Winter Seascape – Reykjavik, Iceland

Let it be said that I absolutely loved my Mark II and it was the first digital pro-level camera I ever owned (my pro-level film cameras included the Nikon F, Leica M3 and Rolleiflex TLR). As good as it was, however, it did have some shortcomings in the field. The improved Mark III remedied some of those shortcomings but it wasn’t convenient for me, at the time, to upgrade my platform. I was no longer in the USA and I was still trying to recover from financial ruin that resulted from the 2007 economic meltdown. I’m a long way from rich but I had recovered sufficiently to upgrade my kit in early 2017.

Saint Peter’s Church – Dublin, Ireland

As a professional photographer my wish-list for the ageing Mark II included: higher resolution (only 21.1 MP), a better AF system (only 9 focus points was limiting), dual card slots (for backup), a faster continuous shooting rate (3 fps was very limiting for wildlife photography), improved auto ISO in manual mode and better weather-sealing. My wishes have all been fulfilled with the Mark IV: 30.4 MP, the same AF system found in the flagship 1Dx Mark II (61 point AF), dual card slots, 7 fps (twice that of the Mark II), total auto ISO in manual mode and 1Dx Mark II weather-sealing.

Rock of Cashel – County Tipperary, Ireland

Many professional Canon shooters are recanting on their initial criticisms of this camera and buying this platform in droves (and singing its praises). YouTube and Google are great but they both suffer from the bandwagon approach when it comes to product reviews. Also, come to find out, some reviewers have never actually used the equipment in question. The 5D Mark IV isn’t perfect but it’s just about as perfect as I need a pro-level camera body to be and I think many Canon shooters are coming to the same realisation. The gear pundits tell us that the latest & greatest camera is the Nikon D850.

Perito Moreno Glacier – Southern Patagonia, Argentina

Others will say it’s the Sony Alpha A9 II but both of those cameras have their problems too. It’s easy to get carried away with the technical specifications of new camera offerings. My unsolicited advice is to stick with the camera platform you’re invested in be it Canon, Nikon or Sony. To keep switching back & forth from one platform to another (searching for the Holy Grail) is both foolish and financially irresponsible in my opinion. Invest in continued education, invest in gaining real-world experience, invest in quality lenses—you will be better served in the long run.

Great Blue Turaco – San Diego Zoo, CA, United States

I can absolutely guarantee you that I could shoot images with all three of those cameras (Canon 5D Mark IV, Nikon D850 and Sony Alpha A9 II) and place them all side-by-side and you couldn’t tell me which image was shot with what camera. Even pixel peeping you couldn’t tell me. The real-world difference in image quality between the three is negligible—for professionals things like dual card slots (for redundancy and safety), battery life and weather-sealing are more important. We need equipment that is robust, reliable and useable in all shooting environments.

Toco Toucan – San Diego Zoo, CA, United States

Brand loyalty is great but don’t be stupid or arrogant about it. Have a camera that craps out on you during a wedding or commercial (paid) photo assignment and you will know what I’m talking about. Experience a memory card crashing (unbeknownst to you) in a single slot camera (with no backup) and you face the unnerving task of breaking the news to the bride or a paid commercial client. Have batteries die on you mid-stream causing you to miss the money-shot and you will curse the day you were born. Reliable and robust platforms trump features every time for professionals.

Roseate Spoonbill – Celestun, Yucatan, Mexico

If you’re a Canon shooter (shooting mostly stills) I think the 5D Mark IV is a dream come true. It pretty much matches the flagship 1Dx Mark II ($6,000 US) in toughness and features at almost half the price ($3,500 US). The 1Dx Mark II is primarily a sports and photojournalism camera whereas the 5D Mark IV is an all-around professional camera for the generalist (it does it all). I also use the Canon EOS 7D Mark II as a wildlife shooter with its 1.6x FOV advantage and 10 fps but if I could keep only one camera it would be the 5D Mark IV hands down—no question whatsoever.

Catholic Church – Acanceh, Yucatan, Mexico

Combine this camera body with some pro-quality L-Glass and there’s nothing you can’t photograph as a professional or serious amateur. When I was refreshing my photography kit in the USA I debated between the 5D Mark IV and the 1Dx Mark II and quickly decided the 5D Mark IV was the better choice (for me). It had all the robustness of the 1Dx Mark II with most of its features and at 30.4 MP it had more resolution (great high ISO low-light performance with terrific dynamic range). I’ve had it for almost a year now and couldn’t be happier with my choice. Video shooters might have a different perspective.

Field Notes: When I upgraded my photography kit in early 2017 (during my visit back to the USA) I gifted my workhorse Canon EOS 5D Mark II full-frame DSLR to my son. I had it completely serviced and refurbished and it looked good as new. For 5½ years it saw heavy action throughout Latin America (Mexico, Cuba, Central & South America). Jungles, rainforests, beaches, mountains and deserts were no obstacle. Even with its limitations it is still fully capable of getting great images. Remember—it’s the photographer and not the equipment. SFD