CANON EOS 5D MARK IV
£2869/$2699 For pro-spec performance and high-end handling, it’s the most attractive full-frame DSLR in Canon’s range
Classified as a professional grade camera, the EOS 5D Mark IV has a 30.4MP image sensor that generates higher-resolution images than the bulky EOS-1D X Mk III, and much cleaner high-iso quality than the obsolete 50.6MP 5DS and 5DS R. Many find it a perfect compromise.
Naturally, the 5D Mark IV is bigger than its mirrorless EOS R counterpart, and 230g heavier, but it packs in some useful extras. For viewfinder-based shooting, the 61-point autofocus system is highly competent at tracking fast and erratically moving objects. A control lever on the back panel (lacking in the EOS R) is great for shifting the active autofocus area around. Crucially, the 5D Mark IV also has dual memory card slots, so you can create instant backups.
Dual Pixel AF enables excellent autofocus performance in both cameras but the 5D Mark IV lacks the EOS R’s eye-detection mode. Naturally, you can only use Live View in the DSLR with the rear screen rather than the viewfinder. There’s a problem here in that the screen has no vari-angle or tilt, so the EOS R wins for shooting stills from tricky angles and for shooting movies. Talking of which, both can use Dual Pixel AF in 4K capture.
Performance
For action sports and wildlife, the 5D Mark IV gives a better hit rate than the EOS R, but loses out to next-gen R system cameras with deep-learned AI subject recognition and tracking. For outright image quality, there’s practically nothing to choose between them, despite the DSLR’S image processor being two generations older.