Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4L Review
The Canon 5D Mark IV takes beautiful pictures, but it feels like a relic. For the same money, you can get a much better, more modern mirrorless camera.
Overview
The Canon 5D Mark IV is a classic DSLR workhorse. It's got that 30.4MP full-frame sensor and a solid 61-point autofocus system that pros have trusted for years. This kit comes with the EF 24-105mm f/4L lens, which is a great all-around zoom for everything from portraits to travel.
But let's be real, this is an older design. It's a chunky DSLR in a world that's gone mirrorless. The tech inside is proven, but it's not exactly cutting-edge anymore. It's like buying a reliable, well-loved car model from a few years back.
Performance
The image quality is still fantastic. That sensor lands in the 71st percentile, so your photos will have tons of detail and great color. The autofocus is a star, sitting in the 93rd percentile. It's fast and accurate, especially for stills. Where it shows its age is in video and handling. The 4K video is fine, but it's not a standout feature. And the burst rate of 7fps is decent, but not amazing for serious sports. The lack of in-body stabilization hurts, especially paired with a lens that only has f/4.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 30.4MP full-frame sensor delivers excellent, detailed images. 95th
- The 61-point autofocus system is incredibly fast and reliable. 91th
- The EF 24-105mm f/4L lens is a versatile, sharp all-in-one zoom. 88th
- Build quality feels solid and it's weather-sealed for tough conditions. 85th
Cons
- It's heavy and bulky compared to modern mirrorless cameras.
- No in-body image stabilization, which is a big miss today.
- The rear display is fixed and not a touchscreen, which feels dated.
- Video features are basic and lag behind the competition.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | 36 x 24 mm CMOS |
| Megapixels | 31.7 |
| ISO Range | 100 |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 61 |
| AF Type | Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 7 |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 4K |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3.2 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | No |
| EVF Resolution | 1620000 |
Build
| Weight | 0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| USB | USB-3.2 |
| HDMI | Full HD recording only, uncompressed YCbCr 4:2:2, 8-bit, sound o |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
Value & Pricing
At $3199, this is a tough sell. You're paying a premium for a DSLR platform that Canon itself is moving away from. The image quality and lens are great, but you're missing out on all the modern conveniences of mirrorless, like eye-tracking AF, a great electronic viewfinder, and compact size. This price puts you right in the range of newer, more capable cameras.
vs Competition
Stack it up against its own family first. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a mirrorless beast. It's lighter, has insane autofocus and stabilization, shoots faster, and has way better video, all for a similar price. The Sony A7 IV is another killer alternative with a better sensor and more features. Even the Fujifilm X-T5 offers a more modern, fun shooting experience for less money. The 5D Mark IV only wins if you're deeply invested in Canon EF glass and refuse to use an adapter.
| Spec | Canon Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4L | Nikon Z9 Nikon Z 9 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body | Sony Alpha 7 Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera with 28-70mm | Canon EOS R6 Canon EOS R6 Mark II Body | OM System OM-1 OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera | Pentax K-3 Sony a7 V Mirrorless Camera with 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | DSLR | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | 31.7MP | 45.7MP Full Frame | 33MP Full Frame | 24.2MP Full Frame | 22.9MP Micro Four Thirds | 33MP APS-C |
| AF Points | 61 | - | 759 | 1000 | 1053 | 759 |
| Burst FPS | 7 | 30 | 10 | 40 | 120 | 30 |
| Video | 4K | 8K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| IBIS | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 800 | 1338 | 658 | 590 | 62 | 590 |
Verdict
Buy this only if you're a dedicated Canon DSLR user with a bag full of EF lenses and you need a second body. For anyone else, especially someone new to full-frame or looking to upgrade, the money is better spent on a modern mirrorless camera like the Canon R6 Mark II or a Sony A7 IV. This is a legend, but its time has passed.