Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Black 2016
The 30.4MP full-frame sensor and DIGIC 6+ processor deliver sharp stills with a 61-point AF system and 7fps burst, while DCI 4K video at 30fps enables 8.8MP frame grabs. Its 3.2-inch touchscreen and included f/4L lens offer a versatile, high-quality starting point for a full-frame DSLR system. This camera suits stills-focused photographers and entry-level video shooters needing robust image quality, not vloggers requiring stabilization or weather sealing.
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Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The 5D Mark IV has a 4.7-star rating from 862 owners, putting social proof in the 94th percentile. But the vlogging score of 31.3 and the lack of in-body stabilization at the 34th percentile show its age. At $1,999, it's a solid stills camera for EF lens owners, not a smart buy for newcomers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 4.7-star rating from 862 owners puts social proof in the 94th percentile 94th
- 30.4MP full-frame sensor still delivers excellent stills 94th
- 61-point AF system with Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth live view focus 90th
- EF mount opens up decades of affordable used glass 81st
- Build quality ranks in the 86th percentile
Cons
- Vlogging score of 31.3 out of 100 is rough
- No in-body stabilization, 34th percentile
- 4K video uses a heavy crop and Motion JPEG codec
- Battery life sits at the 46th percentile
- Fixed touchscreen display limits shooting angles
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q3 2026100/100
Buyers in Q3 2026 praised the 5D Mark IV as a durable, professional DSLR with excellent image quality and ergonomics, preferring it over mirrorless for its optical viewfinder and lower cost.
- Optical viewfinder and direct eye-to-subject connection valued over mirrorless screens.
- Robust build quality, weather sealing, and durability for heavy field use.
- Excellent image quality, resolution, dynamic range, and lens aberration correction.
- Lower cost and compatibility with existing lenses/accessories compared to mirrorless.
- Q2 202680/100
Buyers praise the Mark IV as a reliable workhorse with solid construction and ergonomics, though one had a disastrous experience in Vietnam.
- Solid construction, full frame, EF lens system, and intuitive controls.
- Reliable workhorse; users buy additional bodies as backups.
- One user reported a disastrous experience shooting street photos in Vietnam.
- Some users prefer Mark IV over newer mirrorless models due to ergonomics and banding concerns.
- Q1 202695/100
Buyers praise the 5D Mark IV's built-in GPS, value, and reliability for landscape and travel photography, calling it a great camera.
- Built-in GPS is a key feature for landscape and travel photography.
- Excellent value compared to pricier mirrorless alternatives.
- Great as a second body for quick lens switching in the field.
- High overall satisfaction with 87% 5-star ratings.
- Q2 2024100/100
Buyers in Q2 2024 praised the camera as a top-tier upgrade, ideal for professional use and highly recommended.
- Best camera ever, no substitute after years of use.
- Great upgrade from previous model, highly recommended.
- Enjoyable experience during professional shoots.
- Q2 2023100/100
Buyers in Q2 2023 praised the Canon 5D Mark IV as a top DSLR, highlighting stunning image quality with L-series lenses, comfortable handling, and excellent value from a bundled deal.
- Stunning image quality when paired with L-series lenses.
- Comfortable feel and easy-to-use controls.
- Excellent value with bundled accessories and lower price.
- Great upgrade from 6D Mark II or other DSLRs.
- Q1 202383/100
Buyers praise the camera's durability and image quality, but note issues with focus, color accuracy, and battery drain after water damage.
- Great camera for underwater and general photography, with robust build.
- Water damage caused battery drain and power issues over time.
- Some users report focus and color balance inaccuracies.
- Reliable workhorse with satisfying results for years.
- Q2 202295/100
Buyers in Q2 2022 praised the camera as a favorite, highly recommending it for daily professional use despite minor weight and paint wear issues.
- Camera is a favorite among professionals, highly recommended.
- Camera is heavy, but functional quality remains excellent.
- Black paint wore off bottom within first year, no functional impact.
- Q1 202295/100
Buyers love this camera for its sharpness, low-light performance, and solid build. A few note loud autofocus noise in video and wish for dual SD slots.
- Excellent image quality, sharpness, and color reproduction.
- Great low-light performance and reliable, sturdy build.
- Loud autofocus clicking picked up by microphones in video.
- Only one SD card slot; users use adapters as workaround.
- Q4 202182/100
Buyers praised the camera's quality and versatility for professional and amateur use, but noted issues with bundled accessories and complex controls.
- Excellent image quality and performance for various uses.
- Bundled accessories like tripod and flash bracket were flimsy or incompatible.
- Complex focusing system and control changes from older models.
- Lack of flip-out screen noted but not a deal breaker.
- Q3 2021100/100
All reviews in Q3 2021 are 5-star, praising the camera's quality, features, and ease of use. Buyers are upgrading from crop sensors and enjoying the full-frame experience.
- Excellent image quality and engineering, a masterpiece for enthusiasts.
- Easy to use with great versatility, suitable for both amateurs and pros.
- Significant upgrade from crop sensor cameras like EOS 60D.
- Fast autofocus and useful features like live view histogram.
- Q2 202192/100
Buyers in Q2 2021 were overwhelmingly positive about the camera's quality and performance, though some noted slow shipping and poor communication from Adorama.
- Camera quality and performance praised as best ever, with excellent low-light recovery.
- Bundle value appreciated, but suggestions to replace software with extra batteries or CF card.
- Shipping delays and lack of communication from Adorama frustrated some buyers.
- USB card reader lacks CF slot, a minor detraction from otherwise good bundle.
- Q1 2021100/100
All reviews are 5-star. Buyers praise picture quality, autofocus, and build. Many upgraded from older models and find it a joy to use professionally.
- Excellent picture quality and autofocus, especially for professional use.
- Great upgrade from previous Canon models (Mark II, Mark III).
- Camera is a joy to use, with intuitive controls and menus.
- Good value for those with existing EF lenses, delaying mirrorless upgrade.
- Q4 202073/100
Buyers praised the 5D Mark IV's color, resolution, and autofocus, but some reported focusing defects and mixed feelings about upgrading from other models.
- Excellent color rendering, resolution, and autofocus performance for sports and bird photography.
- Focusing problems reported, with one user missing focus more often than not after repair.
- Some users preferred crop sensor models like 7D Mark II for nature photography over the 5D Mark IV.
- Great value and durability, with many recommending Canon for professional use.
- Q3 2020100/100
Buyers praised the 5D Mark IV as versatile, excellent in low light, and a great investment for high-quality images.
- Versatile camera suitable for events, portraits, and time-lapse.
- Excellent low-light performance and image quality.
- Great investment with long-term productivity.
- Smooth purchasing experience from Canon Store and Adorama.
Based on 105 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
The 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor is the heart of this thing, and it's still solid. Sensor quality lands at the 61st percentile, which translates to above average but not chart-topping. You get an ISO range of 100-32000, expandable to 50-102400, and the DIGIC 6+ processor keeps things moving at 7fps mechanical. That burst rate is about average for our database at the 63rd percentile. Fine for weddings and portraits, less exciting for sports or wildlife.
Video is where the 5D Mark IV shows its age. You get 4K at 30 or 24fps in Motion JPEG, Full HD up to 60fps, and HD up to 120fps. The 4K crop factor is a known annoyance, and the lack of in-body stabilization means handheld video is a chore. The stabilization score of 34th percentile is one of the weakest areas here. Dual Pixel CMOS AF helps with smooth focus pulls in live view, but the overall video score of 67th percentile tells you this isn't a video-first camera anymore. The fixed touchscreen display doesn't help either, sitting at the 60th percentile.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 30.4 MP |
| ISO Range | 100 |
| Processor | DIGIC 6+ |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 61 |
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 61 (41 Cross-Type) |
| Eye AF | No |
| Animal AF | No |
| Subject Detection | No |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 7 |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 30 |
| 1080p FPS | 60 |
| 10-bit | No |
| Log Profile | Yes |
| RAW Video | No |
| Codec | MOV/MP4 |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3.2" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | No |
| EVF Resolution | 1.62 M dots |
Build
| Weather Sealed | No |
| Weight | 0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| USB | Micro-USB 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 |
| HDMI | Mini-HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
vs Competition
Stacked against the Sony a7R V, the 5D Mark IV gets embarrassed on autofocus and video. The a7R V's subject detection and stabilization are in another league, and the 5D's 61-point AF system at the 71st percentile can't keep up. The Nikon Z9 is even further ahead, though it costs significantly more. The Fujifilm X-H2S offers faster burst shooting and better video specs in a smaller body. The Panasonic Lumix S5 II brings in-body stabilization and superior video features at a competitive price. The OM System OM-1 is lighter and faster for wildlife. The 5D Mark IV's one advantage is the optical viewfinder and the sheer volume of cheap EF glass out there. That's not nothing, but it's a narrow edge.
| Spec | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | Fujifilm X-H2 | Nikon Z Z9 | Sony Cinema Line FX30 | Panasonic Lumix G G9 II | OM System OM-1 Mark II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | DSLR | mirrorless | mirrorless | cinema | mirrorless | mirrorless |
| Sensor | 30.4MP full-frame | 40.2MP aps-c | 45.7MP full-frame | 26MP aps-c | 25.2MP micro-four-thirds | 20.4MP micro-four-thirds |
| AF Points | 61 | 425 | 493 | 759 | 779 | 1053 |
| Burst FPS | 7 | 15 | 30 | 120 | 75 | 120 |
| Video | 4K @30fps | 8K @60fps | 8K @120fps | 4K @120fps | 4K @120fps | 4K @60fps |
| IBIS | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 800 | 579 | 1160 | 646 | 575 | 511 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | EVF | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof | Affordability | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | 74 | 81.3 | 78.8 | 66.7 | 94.4 | 65.6 | 47 | 63.6 | 50.1 | 90 | 94.3 | 29.6 | 35.9 |
| Fujifilm X-H2 Compare | 92.3 | 96.9 | 94.5 | 82.2 | 95.4 | 98.9 | 97.8 | 87.6 | 83.2 | 96.1 | 94.3 | 24 | 96 |
| Nikon Z Z9 Compare | 93.5 | 92 | 99.4 | 95.4 | 98.7 | 70.8 | 98 | 87.6 | 98.4 | 96.1 | 94.3 | 8.7 | 89.1 |
| Sony Cinema Line FX30 Compare | 97 | 87.7 | 95.6 | 99.6 | 92.2 | 95.4 | 96.7 | 87.6 | 83.2 | 96.1 | 79.3 | 17 | 89.1 |
| Panasonic Lumix G G9 II Compare | 98 | 91.7 | 94.4 | 96.2 | 97.6 | 63.8 | 91.9 | 87.6 | 94.4 | 96.1 | 89.6 | 22 | 89.1 |
| OM System OM-1 Mark II Compare | 98.8 | 99.8 | 91.4 | 99.6 | 85.1 | 51.6 | 96 | 87.6 | 83.2 | 96.1 | 89.6 | 17.6 | 99.6 |
Price
Value & Pricing
At $1,999 for the body only, the 5D Mark IV is a tough value proposition in 2024. You're paying a premium for a DSLR when mirrorless options at similar prices offer better autofocus, in-body stabilization, and video features. The build quality is genuinely excellent at the 86th percentile, and the EF mount means you can grab used lenses for cheap. But the battery life at the 46th percentile and the lack of stabilization at the 34th percentile mean you're making real compromises. If you already own EF glass, this makes more sense. If you're starting from scratch, that $1,999 goes further elsewhere.
Read more
Overview
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV sits in a weird spot in 2024. It's a 30.4MP full-frame DSLR with a 4.7-star rating from 862 owners, and that social proof lands in the 94th percentile of our database. People who bought this thing really like it. But the spec sheet tells a more complicated story when you stack it against modern mirrorless rivals. The video score of 52.1 out of 100 is fine, not great, and the vlogging score of 31.3 is a real weak spot.
At $1,999 for the body only, you're paying for a proven workhorse with an optical viewfinder and the EF mount's massive lens library. The 61-point AF system and Dual Pixel CMOS AF were genuinely impressive when this launched. Now they're middle of the pack at best. The AF score sits at the 71st percentile, which is respectable but nowhere near what a Sony a7R V or Nikon Z9 delivers. This is a camera for people who know exactly what they're getting into.
Common Questions
Q: Is the 5D Mark IV still worth buying in 2024?
It depends on your lens situation. The 30.4MP sensor and build quality at the 86th percentile are still solid, and the EF mount means cheap used glass. But the AF system at the 71st percentile and the lack of stabilization at the 34th percentile mean you're paying $1,999 for a camera that trails modern mirrorless options in most areas.
Q: How good is the 4K video on the 5D Mark IV?
It's usable but dated. You get 4K at 30 or 24fps in Motion JPEG, Full HD up to 60fps, and HD up to 120fps. The 4K mode uses a crop factor, and the overall video score of 52.1 out of 100 reflects that. Dual Pixel CMOS AF helps with focus, but the lack of in-body stabilization makes handheld shooting tricky.
Q: Is the 5D Mark IV good for beginners?
Not really. The beginner score of 51.1 out of 100 is about average, but the fixed touchscreen, 1240g weight, and DSLR optical viewfinder make it less forgiving than modern mirrorless cameras. A beginner would get more out of a lighter camera with better autofocus and stabilization.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you shoot video or vlog. The vlogging score of 31.3 is one of the weakest in our database, and the lack of in-body stabilization at the 34th percentile makes handheld footage a pain. Also skip it if you want a lightweight setup, 1240g is a brick by modern standards. And if you don't already own EF glass, the $1,999 price tag is hard to justify when mirrorless options offer better autofocus, stabilization, and video for similar money.
Verdict
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a camera that earned its reputation, and the 94th percentile social proof score backs that up. Owners love it. But the data shows a camera that's been passed by. The 30.4MP sensor is still capable, the build quality is excellent, and the EF mount ecosystem is a genuine asset. The problem is everything else. No stabilization, mediocre battery life, a fixed screen, and 4K video with a crop factor make this a hard sell at $1,999 when mirrorless rivals offer more for the same money. If you're deep in the Canon EF system and want a reliable stills camera, it's a reasonable buy. If you're buying your first serious camera, look elsewhere.
Usage Scores
- Overall68.6
- Video71.6
- Travel44.1
- Youtube62.1
- Beginner73.1
- Vlogging41.3
- Streaming62.8
- Photography64.9
- Wedding Events57.7
- Sports Wildlife56.3
- Product Photography69.1
