Photography News | Issue 38 | absolutephoto.com
Camera test 46
CanonEOS 5DMark IV Once Canon lands on a winning formula, something it manages with impressive frequency, it tends to exploit it to the max. So, cue fanfare and ticker tape, and say a big hello to the latest generation of the EOS 5D dynasty, the Mark IV
Specs
Price £3599 body only Sensor 30.4 megapixels 14-bit CMOS with OLP filter, DIGIC 6+ processor Sensor format 35mm full-frame 6720x4480 pixels. Shoots Raw, M-Raw, S-Raw and Dual Pixel Raw ISO range 100-32,000, expandable to 50-102,400 Shutter range 30secs to 1/8000sec, plus B Drivemodes Up to 7fps continuous high with AE/AF tracking, 4.3fps in live view with AF tracking Metering system Evaluative 252 multi-zone, centre-weighted, spot, partial using a 150,000 pixel RGB+IR sensor and EOS Intelligent Subject Analysis system Exposuremodes PASM Exposure compensation +/-5EV in 0.3 and 0.5EV steps Monitor Fixed 3.2in TFT LCD touchscreen with 1620k dots Focusing One-shot, AI focus, AI servo AF. Contrast detect (sensor) and phase detect. Multi-area, single zone, face detection and touch- screen AF. Selectable points 61, 15, 9 or cross type only Focus points 61 AF points, 41 cross type at f/2.8. Number of cross type depends on the lens Video 4096x2160 (29.97p, 24p, 23.98p), 1920x1080 and 1280x720. 8.8-megapixel stills can be grabbed from 4K video Connectivity Wi-Fi, Dynamic NFC, USB 3.0, HDMI, microphone and headphone ports, built-in GPS Storagemedia
Words by Will Cheung
The
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made up of two photo diodes sitting side by side and shooting Dual Pixel Rawmeans capturing twice asmuch data as standard Raws so file sizes are around 60MB each as opposed to 30MB. This extra data can be exploited further during processing through Canon’s DPP software. Small image corrections are possible without needing to shoot on a tripod and there’s no restriction on subject matter. The technology doesn’t benefit image quality unlike, for example, the high resolution shot mode onOlympus OM-D cameras or the Pentax K-1. It sounds intriguing and rather than get technical here, see the panel on the following page. The EOS 5D Mark IV’s autofocus system uses 61 points and these have been positioned to give a wider operating area within the frame. Of the 61 points, 41 are cross point at f/2.8 and 21 at f/8, although the number of these depends on the lens. The AF system benefits from the Dual Pixel CMOS sensor and uses the image data from both diodes to detect contrast differences to give an even more effective AF response especially in low light – Canon claims accurate AF down to -3EV, and -4EV in live view. For dealing with moving subjects the Mark IV has six customisable Case Studies where tracking sensitivity, acceleration/ deceleration and AF point auto
a full-frame DSLR when it came out and each successive generation has continued to push the bar higher. Looking at the impressive specification of the EOS 5D Mark IV, nothing is going to change, and better still, all this innovation comes in a form that users of any of the previous EOS 5Ds can pick up and feel at home with. With so many headline features it’s difficult knowing where to begin. Let’s start with the bad news: the price. Its body price is £3599, making the EOS 5D Mark IV the second most expensive Canon DSLR, with only the EOS-1D X Mark II above. The price tag alsomakes this camera less appealing if you need out-and- out resolution with the EOS 5DS duo offering considerably more pixels for less cash. In terms of resolution the EOS 5D Mark IV’s new sensor has 30.4 megapixels so not in the same league as theEOS5DS/Rat 50.6megapixels, but plenty for most critical users. The sensor is claimed to be able to cope with a wide dynamic range and has a native ISO range from 100 to 32,000 with expansion down to 50 and up to 102,400. The EOS 5D Mark IV features one new technology that no other camera in the range currently has and that is Dual Pixel Raw. The camera’s 30 million pixels are all groundbreaking
The Mark IV’s control layout is very similar to its predecessor’s so existing 5D users will quickly find their bearings
CF and SD/SDHC/SDXC Dimensions (wxhxd) 151x116x76mm Weight 890g (body only) Contact canon.co.uk
switching can be modified to suit the subject. While the Mark IV is not the ideal action camera, with a continuous shooting rate of 7fps and SD and CF media (not CFast 2.0 or XQD cards), the sensitivity and tracking ability of the AF system is impressive and close to that of the flagship EOS-1D XMark II. The Mark IV’s control layout is very similar to its predecessor’s so existing 5D users will quickly find their bearings. Of course there have been changes to the body, although some of these are more seals to enhance the camera’s resistance to dust and water so are not evident on the surface. There is one additional control associated with the AF system. On the back, next to the focus joystick is an AF area selection button that lets you rapidly scroll the various focusing zone options. You can choose which options are available during scrolling. Also if you prefer, this control, along with most buttons, can be reassigned – in this
case to perform five other functions. Generally, there is plenty of user customisation potential but not as much as other cameras. The depth- of-field button has the most options with 14 functions plus off. The rear 3.2in monitor is fixed, has a resolution of 1620k dots and has touch-screen functionality. This canbe turnedoff and there is anextra sensitive setting too. It’s great to use with excellent responsiveness. The only downside was that it’s slightly more awkward when the camera was mounted low on a tripod but that’s a downside of a fixed screen. Generally, though, camera handling is very good so no annoying niggles or omissions. Canon hit upon a winning formula some time ago with the large rear command dial a master stroke that has become ever present on higher end DSLRs. There have been refinements including touch- screen operation and additional controls but the fundamentals are well established.
Above The EOS 5DMark IVmenu is quick to navigate despite the great many options – the touch- screen facility definitely speeded things up.
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