Canon EOS5D Mark IV DSLR Body Black Review

The Canon 5D Mark IV is a classic DSLR that feels like a time capsule. It's got a fantastic sensor and pro-grade autofocus, but it's stuck in the past in almost every other way. The one thing to know? This is a stills photography workhorse, and if you're buying it for anything else, you're making a mistake.

The autofocus is the star here, landing in the 93rd percentile and feeling lightning-fast and confident for sports and wildlife. That 7fps burst is solid, too. What surprised me was how bad the video performance is, ranking in the bottom third. The 4K is cropped and lacks modern features, and the lack of in-body stabilization makes handheld footage a shaky mess.

At $2599, it's a tough sell. You're paying a premium for a DSLR in a mirrorless world. The value is only there if you're deeply invested in Canon EF glass and refuse to adapt.

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the obvious upgrade. It's a mirrorless camera with far better video, in-body stabilization, a faster burst, and a similar price. If you want a modern hybrid, the Sony Alpha 7 V is a better all-rounder. The 5D Mark IV only wins if you need that specific DSLR optical viewfinder feel and already own a pile of EF lenses.

I can't recommend buying this new in 2024. It's a legendary camera for stills photographers who never shoot video, but for everyone else, the money is better spent on a modern mirrorless body. Rent it if you're nostalgic, but don't buy it.