Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Review, Is Mark IV Still worth in 2020?
Hey Folks, Welcome back. You must be knowing about the Canon EOS R, and you might have heard about the astounding specs of the Canon EOS R5. But actually I’m still using the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV as my primary DSLR camera and today I’m going to tell you some reasons behind that, and why I’m still using the Canon 5D Mark IV for all of my creative work, and why it is still a serious competitor amongst the modern multitude of camera systems. I have been using Canon 5D Mark IV since January 2018 and all these years later I am still using it a regular basis.
Body Quality of Canon 5D Mark IV
The first one I would say, it is a tank of a camera, it’s robust and reliable. I have taken my 5D Mark IV all around the world, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and around Europe, which means it gets thrown around quite a lot in the overhead compartment of a train or in a flight, car trunks and it keeps ongoing.
I have used Canon 5D to film events for the whole day and night, and I have never had issues with it, like overheating or internal errors. It is also weather-sealed, I have used it out in the rain more than a few occasions without any worries that it would get damaged. I have also used my Canon 5D Mark IV for many other different projects for corporate video, wedding films shoot, for short films promotional videos, and also for green-screen work. I have used Mark IV a lot whenever I have gone out traveling on holiday. Trust me guys, this camera is so versatile and I feel it’s like the Swiss Army knife of content creation.
Full Frame Camera
The other thing which I really like about the Canon 5D Mark IV is that it is a full-frame camera so it’s got that large sensor and it also works really well in the low light condition. The high ISO allows you to shoot over the 1600 ISO threshold without getting too much grain. I love crop frame cameras, but I have heard a lot of people saying that you don’t need that. Full-frame photos and videos are fine on an aps-c sensor and that is true for the most part, but you would really notice the difference in picture quality and noise for both photos and videos when you switch to a full-frame camera.
4K Video
You have the 4k filming option in Canon 5D Mark IV at 24 frames per second. Initially, I was not much interested in 5D Mark IV because of the crop factor of 1.7 for essentially turning my 24-105 MM kit lens into a 42-183 MM lens. But now, I have completely changed my opinion after using it especially when I’m shooting indoors or in a studio talking to the camera.
I like having that extra quality and having 4K is only about having a higher resolution, it’s also about having more information about capturing more color information, more shadow details, and having more lights. Transforming from HD to 4k is a little bit like going from a cropped frame camera to a full, but it is certainly a great option to have available on a camera of this age.
Canon Lenses
Canon offers such a large catalogue of choice when it comes to the lenses, for all occasions scenarios and budgets it has a massive selection of zoom and prime lenses, and that works very well with the 5D Mark IV. I am particularly partial to the L series of Canon lenses and as newer versions get released, you do see a reduction in prices for older models.
Slow Motion Video
The 50 and 60 frames per second allow you to interpret the footage at 24 frames per second in the post-production, to get great slow-motion footage. There are many modern cameras that can film at higher frame rates, but still don’t discount the 50 frames per second in 1920 by 1080 yet. This combination makes it a great option for b-roll pieces for establishing shots for cinematic montages, and in some instances makes it possible to go handheld, so that you don’t need any stabilization kit.
Canon Log
Canon log essentially extends the dynamic range of your camera by allowing you to retain details in dark shadows as well as bright highlights. You don’t get this option with the camera by default, you need to pay at a recommended Canon store to get this installed, but in my opinion this is a game-changer. It’ll really take your camera to the next level for shooting. I use C-log in short films and in wedding video productions and that added dynamic range really allows you much more room, when it comes to color grading in video productions.
Focus
Canon 5D Mark IV comes with the DPAF or Tap focus capability, that means now you don’t need to worry about your object being out of focus or getting that soft focus. You can just tap on the LCD screen to get focus on your subject. Snap a photo or record some video footage, this is a real game-changer. It has the focused tracking, which means you can mount this camera on a gimbal-like DJI Ronin S, and you can tap on your subject to get it in focus, and then you can move quite freely around your subject keeping them in perfect focus point.
Canon 5D Mark IV-Incredible Photo Quality
The photo quality is incredible, of course the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a camera built for professional photography. Over the last few years I’ve done a lot of photography, and also keep collaborating with other photographers around. Having the Canon 5D Mark IV really aids me as an amateur photographer to take some great pictures.
The RAW CR2 files are perfect to edit in Lightroom or in Photoshop. If you pair it with the right lenses and you have good lighting available, the Canon 5D Mark IV allows you as an amateur to take amazing photos.
Wi-Fi Connection
This is super useful for taking selfies and a group photo, for downloading pictures and videos on your mobile for social media. It’s a great workaround for one of the downsides of the Canon 5D Mark IV which is that it does not have a flip-out screen, so you can’t see whether you’re in focus on the screen when filming yourself for videos or for vlogs.
But now by using the Wi-Fi on your Smart Phone, this option allows you to ensure that you are in focus, and also another added benefit here is that the dual pixel autofocus and the tracking work in this mode and it’s awesome.
Microphone Input
The external microphone input and being able to display sound recording levels are really a great option for vloggers, so they can rely on Canon 5D Mark IV a lot for different video shoots. Another great option with the 5D Mark IV Is that, you can manually adjust the sound levels to avoid peaking on your voice.
Two Card Slots in Canon 5D Mark IV
The dual card slots which prove that this 5D Mark IV is built to be used by professional photographers who want to ensure that they have those priceless memories backed up as they keep shooting non-stop, and also for videographers ensuring that they have that extra space now.
Old Technology
When you look at the technology the Canon 5D Mark IV is quite old and also the limitations can be quite evident, if you compare it with the newer camera bodies. but at the same time you can’t deny something and that is, it is robust it has proven itself in the test of time. Mark IV is really a multitasking camera for both photography and filmmaking.
I don’t have doubt that it’ll continue to serve a purpose for a legion of the photographers and also the filmmakers in the years to come and also eagerly waiting to see what Canon offers coming years in the way of their newest mirrorless cameras. The new technology that they will release, will best the 5d Mark IV in all areas but will they have the same legacy as Canon 5D Mark IV only time will tell.
So, guys, those are my thoughts on using the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in this new decade, but I’m also interested in knowing about your thoughts and experiences with the beast of a camera, make sure that you let me know your thoughts below in the comments section.
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