CANON EOS 5D MK IV
£2789/$2499
For performance and versatility, this is the best DSLR in Canon’s current range, even if its price has crept up
Classified as a ‘professional’ grade camera, the 5D Mk IV has a 30.4Mp image sensor that generates higherresolution images than the bulky 20.2Mp EOS-1D X Mk II, and much cleaner high-iso quality than the 50.6Mp 5DS and 5DS R.
The 5D Mk IV is bigger than its mirrorless EOS R little brother, and 230g heavier, but its viewfinder shooting, the 61-point autofocus system is competent at tracking fast and erratically moving objects. A control lever on the back panel is great for shifting the active AF area around the frame. Crucially, the 5D Mk IV also has dual memory card slots, so you can create instant backups as you shoot.
Dual Pixel AF enables excellent autofocus performance in both cameras although the 5D Mk IV lacks the EOS R’s additional eye-detection mode. Naturally, you can only use Live View mode in the DSLR with the rear screen. There’s a problem here in that the rear screen has no vari-angle or tilt facility, so the EOS R wins out for shooting stills from tricky angles, and for shooting movies. Speaking of movies, both cameras can utilize Dual Pixel AF in 4K capture.
Performance
For action sports and wildlife, where you need to track fast, erratic action, the 5D Mk IV will generally give you a better hit rate than the EOS R. For outright image quality, there’s practically nothing to choose between the two cameras, despite the 5D Mk IV’S image processor being two generations older. The 5D Mark IV price has crept up since corona making it more desirable than ever.