Canon has finally announced that there will indeed be a fourth generation of its EOS 5D camera line with the EOS 5D Mark IV. As the most popular DSLR camera series with both professional and enthusiast photographers, it promises to be a blend of new and exciting features and new advanced technology. So here’s what you need to know about this DSLR in 10 clear and precise differences between it and its direct predecessor.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark III: DIGIC 6+ processor
The previous model used the DIGIC 5+ processor; however, with its next model, Canon has opted for a new and improved chip, the DIGIC 6+. As goes without saying, it will offer improved performance compared to its predecessor, but Canon is pointing towards improvements in noise reduction and much faster readout speeds from the sensor, which means faster burst shooting than was possible with the EOS 5D Mark III.
New sensor
The EOS 5D Mark III did not provide much in the way of improvement where image resolution was concerned when compared to the Mark II at 21.1-megapixels and 22.3-megapixels.
However, the latest model improves upon this with a 31.7-megapixel sensor which can put out images at a remarkable 30.4-megapixels. To get this remarkable result, Canon suggests that the sensor is of a new, yet-unseen design, but it is still a sensor which spreads its pixels over a full-frame surface area.
4K video
As is all the rage at the moment, Canon has included 4K video recording in the EOS EOS 5D Mark IV. However, compared to other video technologies, 4K video recording is rather behind the times at 4096 x 2160 pixels and a choice of 30, 25, and 24fps.
However, the camera does offer 4K shooting at 120fps when recording in full HD, with 4.2.2 chroma subsampling in 4K and 4.2.0 subsampling when a user chooses to record in one of the HD options. Plus, there is an option to output video through an HDMI cable, although this is only for 4.2.2 chroma subsampling.
Expanded sensitivity
The new sensor on the Mark IV has a fractionally better native ISO than the previous model. It is now capable of reaching ISO 32,000 compared to ISO 25,000 on the Mark III, but the base ISO of 100 has not been changed, and with the expanded settings, nothing has changed. They are both equivalent to ISO 50-102,400.
Dual Pixel RAW format
One feature that has been used before on the EOS line of DSLRs is Dual Pixel RAW. At first glance, this seems to work in the same way as the tech seen in Panasonic cameras. What this means is that it enables the photographer to select a different point in the images after they have been taken.
This technology works by taking two images from slightly different angles, which is made possible because of two photodiodes in each pixel. Canon says that this tech allows a user to make two further adjustments, the first being the ability to shift focus highlights horizontally. The other adjustment is the ability to reduce ghosting effects like flare.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF
Dual Pixel CMOS AF is considered to be almost standard across the EOS DSLR range. It provides a way for the user to use phase-detect AF when a mirror has been flipped up. It enables a smoother change for autofocus by pressing the touchscreen. This feature was not incorporated into the EOS 5D Mark III, but its appearance on other models did indicate that it could make its way onto this new camera.
Stills from video
Like many other 4K models of DSLR cameras, the EOS 5D Mark IV enables the user to take JPEG frames from 4K video. Capturing video in 4K means that these still images will have a resolution of 8.8 megapixels, which is a slight improvement compared to images extracted from cameras using lower resolution UHD 4K footage.
Burst shooting
Although competent at burst shooting, the EOS 5D camera line was not designed specifically for this purpose. However, the Mark IV has been given a boost and can now burst shoot at a rate of 7fps, and it can maintain both autoexposure and autofocus throughout the burst.
According to Canon, with the right memory card installed, it is possible to capture up to 21 raw images at 7fps, compared to the 18 captured at 6fs with the Mark III.
Touch control
Touch controls were once seen as something that belonged on less advanced cameras. However, they have now found their way onto the E0S 5D Mark IV, and touchscreen functionality has finally come of age in high-end Canon DSLRs. This feature offers focus-point selection and allows a user to control menus and conduct image reviews, plus other usually manual tasks.
New silent modes
The EOS 5D Mark III gave users the option to choose both silent shooting in single and continuous shooting modes. This new model provides even more options, as now there are three: silent high, silent low and silent single. Canon says the three modes are going to be useful when shooting fast-paced news or animals.
So those are what we think are the most important changes on the E0S 5D Mark IV are when directly compared to the EOS 5D Mark III. This list could be much longer as the next-generation Canon DSLR offers many new features.
