On 25 August 2016, Canon announced the EOS 5D Mark IV, its latest DSLR with a 35mm full-frame sensor and the successor to the EOS 5D Mark III which had gone on sale in 2012. We take a closer look at this new camera. (Reported by: Makoto Suzuki (Digital Camera Watch))

 

The successor to the best-selling EOS 5D Mark III

The EOS 5D line, which started with the 2005 release of the EOS 5D and is positioned to consist of full-frame cameras at an attainable price, holds a central presence in Canon’s DSLR camera lineup. This latest edition is poised to succeed the EOS 5D Mark III, and, together with the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R which were released in 2015 as high image resolution derivations of the EOS 5D Mark III, brings the total number of cameras in the line-up to 3.

The lens kit includes the EF24-105mm f/4L IS II USM, a standard zoom lens which also happens to be a brand new incarnation of the EF24-104mm f/4L IS USM lens—updated for the first time in 11 years—that was included with the first generation EOS 5D. It is poised to provide improved robustness, reliability and flawless depictions, even when paired with the latest ultra-high pixel count cameras.

 

 

 

 

30.4-megapixel image resolution; is compatible with Dual Pixel CMOS AF and with 4K 30p movie shooting

The imaging sensor is a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor with approximately 30.4 effective megapixels. It is the first in the EOS 5D line to be compatible with Dual Pixel CMOS AF. With that, features such as speedy Live View AF shooting through image surface phase difference detection AF, as well as the DPRAW (Dual Pixel RAW) format which corrects visual image quality, are now available for use. The ISO speed range is ISO 100 – 32000 (expanded ISO up to 102400).

Movie recording is available at 4K 25p/30p, Full HD 50p/60p and HD 100p/120p, and it is also possible to record HDR movies in Full HD (capture at 50p/60p, recording at 25p/30p). The 4K Frame Grab feature, which allows the extraction of individual frames as 8.8-megapixel still images from 4K movies, has also been included. The feature that allows the capture of still images during movie recording has been discontinued in order to allow greater development of the movie shooting functions.

The standard used for 4K recording is the versatile 17:9 (DCI 4K) standard. It is worth noting that movies shot in this format can be used for commercial cinematography. 4K movies are recorded via the dot-by-dot cropping of a 4096 x 2160-pixel area on the CMOS sensor. During movie shooting, Movie Servo AF via Dual Pixel CMOS AF can be carried out, and subject tracking settings are customisable.

 

 

 

 

Image processing and high continuous shooting performance on par with the EOS-1D X Mark II.

This model has improved image processing capabilities with DIGIC 6+ like the EOS-1D X Mark II. Besides reducing low luminance noise during high ISO speed shooting, diffraction correction and the Digital Lens Optimizer (DLO), both previously only available in Digital Photo Professional for PCs, are now accessible in-camera. Both functions are also included with the EOS-1D X Mark II, but the differentiating factor of the DLO on the EOS 5D Mark IV is that it can be used when shooting in JPEG format in addition to RAW image post-processing.

The continuous shooting speed of about 7 frames per second (fps) is faster than the approximate 6 fps of the EOS 5D Mark III, and the specifications for this model improve upon that of the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS 7D Mark II. The mechanism for the enhanced mirror movement is driven by the motor and cam gear used first by the high resolution EOS 5DS Series. These minimise deflection by the secondary mirror, realizing an enhanced frame-per-second speed, and also shortens the viewfinder blackout time.

The mirror box

 

The AF and AE sensors in this model are identical to the EOS-1D X Mark II’s. In comparison to the EOS 5D Mark III, the area of AF points has been extended vertically. All AF points are f/8-compatible; for example, AF shooting is possible even when shooting at a maximum aperture of f/8 with an EF600mm f/4L IS II USM mounted with a 2x extender. This model also comes with an anti-flicker shooting mode, which reduces inconsistencies in exposures caused by flickering lighting.

 

Enhanced Live View feature and Servo AF continuous shooting

This is the first model in the EOS 5D series with a touchscreen rear monitor, enabling Dual Pixel CMOS AF to be carried out using touchscreen operations.

 

Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables smooth AF operation during image plane phase detection AF without the unnatural focusing in and out, even during Live View shooting and movie recording where the phase-difference detection AF of a DSLR cannot be used as the mirror is up. Also, the high level of flexibility that comes with the ability to autofocus with 80% of the picture area in horizontal and vertical directions is a plus for still life photography.

For more about the Dual Pixel CMOS AF, read the following article:
[Part 2] Live View of EOS 70D to become the other “viewfinder” – Unveiling the Dual Pixel CMOS AF –

 

Users can carry out autofocusing while using magnified view in Live View. This will perhaps highlight the convenience of AF to users who use manual focus (MF) during Live View shooting. To do so, in Live View use the touchscreen to move the AF frame and magnify the view. Microadjust the position of the frame by using the Multi-Controller on the rear of the camera body. Press the shutter button down halfway to autofocus.

Servo AF Continuous Shooting with a shooting speed priority of 4.3 fps and tracking priority of 3 fps is possible when shooting continuously while focusing on the moving subject with Live View. Exposure is enabled with mechanical first curtain while the mirror is maintained in the upward position.

The lower light limit for autofocusing is EV-3 during viewfinder shooting and EV-4 during Live View shooting.

 

Image Microadjustment with "Dual Pixel RAW"

Three functions are also making their debut on the EOS 5D Mark IV—Image Microadjustment, Bokeh Shift, and Ghosting Reduction. These functions utilize the Dual Pixel information captured by the image sensor, and may be used during post-processing with DDP.

Image Microadjustment enables micro-level adjustments of the image based on the physical depth of the subject. It is effective, for instance, during portrait photography, with images with a low apparent resolution.

Bokeh Shift is a function that repositions foreground bokeh horizontally by making fine adjustments to the camera’s viewpoint. This will also change the background bokeh accordingly. It becomes possible to salvage shots by moving any foreground bokeh which was unintentionally captured on the subject.

Ghosting Reduction can be used by selecting the area you want to adjust. It is apparently effective for shooting under artificial lighting and during backlit conditions. The underlying assumption is that there are situations where ghosting and flare in an image can be reduced.

To use any of these functions, you will need to shoot your images in a special version of RAW format, called "DPRAW", which contains the Dual Pixel information.

 

Equipped with built-in GPS and Wi-Fi functionality

GPS and Wi-Fi modules are built into the top of the body's viewfinder section. These modules are fitted in the slanting part to the left and right of the top of the pentaprism.

 

This is the first camera in the 5D series to feature a GPS functionality. Geotag information is received by the built-in GPS and is embedded in the EXIF data of the images shot. Besides the United States' GPS satellites, the camera can also receive signals from Russia's GLONASS satellites and Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite Michibiki. You can select a mode which reduces the battery power consumed, by only receiving GPS signals when the camera is turned on. It is also possible to use a GPS logging function which logs geotag information in intervals.

Wi-Fi/NFC functionality is also a first for the 5D series. It enables you to connect remotely to the camera using the Camera Connect app for smartphones, and the EOS Utility software for computers. Though it is possible to transfer files using just the camera, to serve the purpose, it is still compatible with the Wireless File Transmitter (sold separately).

The camera's viewfinder has a magnification of approximately 0.71 and a coverage of approximately 100%, at approximately 21 mm eyepoint. The focusing screen is a fixed (non-interchangeable) type. Its Intelligent Viewfinder II, which substantially displays more visual information, such as an electronic level and currently active camera settings, is also used on the EOS 7D Mark II and the EOS-1D X Mark II.

 

Equipped with a touchscreen LCD monitor

The camera's LCD monitor is a 3.2-inch TFT screen with approximately 1,620,000 dots, and a new touch-panel ability. With improved strength and reduced reflective characteristics, this new rear monitor features colour tone adjustment (4 levels: Warm – Cool) as well.

The conventional Clear View LCD employed an anti-reflection coating on both surfaces of the LCD panel's protective cover, as well as on the top surface of the LCD panel itself. With the new Clear View II LCD, photoelastic material has been sandwiched between the LCD panel and the protective cover, and the top surface is coated with an anti-smudge and anti-reflection coating. This apparently enables you to view the monitor even when wearing polarized sunglasses.

Though the layout of the menu screen is carried over from previous EOS models, with this camera touch operations are supported. Another distinct feature is the high customizability of the Quick Control screen, which can be used during shooting, where you can edit the layout and reposition shooting functions to your preference.

 

 

New buttons on a lighter body

A new “AF Area Selection Button” has been added, and is positioned between the stick-type multi-controller and wheel-type Quick Control Dial on the rear of the camera. Button operations are customisable.

Where recording media is concerned, the camera has a CF card slot and an SD card slot. There is no CFast slot.

External dimensions: approx. 150.7 × 116. 4 × 75.9mm (W × H × D). Weight: (including battery, CF card and SD memory card) approx. 890g. (Body only) approx. 800g

 

The materials used in making all parts were reviewed in the making of the EOS 5D Mark IV, resulting in a body that, at approx. 800g (body only), is more lightweight than its 860g predecessor but which also maintains its body integrity and durability.

 

 

Compatible batteries are Battery Pack LP-E6N/LP-E6. These are the same models used on the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 5DS/R, and may also be used on the EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 6D, EOS 7D Mark II, EOS 80D and EOS 70D.

Where battery life is concerned, up to 900 shots are possible during viewfinder shooting. During Live View shooting, approximately 300 shots are possible. (Both at 23°C).

The camera may also be used with the dedicated Battery Grip BG-E20 (sold separately). This may be plugged directly into the battery compartment of the camera, and can hold two battery packs (either LP-E6N or LP-E6). With the inclusion of a screw hub for a video tripod on the grip, consideration for videography needs is also apparent.

Battery Grip BG-E20 (sold separately)

 

Receive the latest updates on photography news, tips and tricks by signing up with us!