Canon 5DMk IV

Every 4 or so years,  Canon INC release an upgrade to one of there top end models. This Canon 5D MK IV is a long-awaited upgrade to the incredible all-rounder of a camera, the Canon 5D Mk III. The 5 D III has been my go-to camera body a month after it became commercially available in SOUTH AFRICA. I also have followed the string of these full-frame tools from the 5D MK I and MK II. I was most happy when Canon South Africa made one available for two trips I had planned. The first in the Chobe & Kalizo and the second, the desolate and harsh Kalahari.

My personal aim was to use the camera in as many varying conditions to see just how it can slot into the range of the last 3 bodies and how the new technology will affect my professional work needs of the future. 

Click on image for the FULL list of product specifications from Canon Europe

So the first few things that I would like to share without too much genre specific commentary  …

• The most amazing part is the new total pixels of 31.7 MP, so much can be done with cropping without a loss for those who just don’t have enough of reach with there lens.
• The 7 frames a second and 21 Image buffer (with CF Card in a test ) was pretty spectacular for when the action was so intense, the repeated burst was needed. I often don’t shoot too many bursts but this was a good feature to use if needed.
• The megapixel count when using images for print enables you to keep detail without having to upsize the files with the third-party software. File size and quality is phenomenal, to say the least.
• Results with a wide range of lens options helped me see that the sensor design will benefit more the newer age glass due to better technology and transfer of light. (only for those that really want to pixel peep)
• The physical layout, buttons and build quality are substantial like my 5D MK III and also the new 7D MK II. It makes the switching between various bodies in the field very quickly and streamlined.
• An additional feature for me was the option of 17 Custom Functions with 46 settings along with the cool touchscreen!
• The battery for this DSLR is the same as a number of other models and means when I travel I only need to take one charger when travelling into the bush when space and weight on flights is limited. I can also have spare batteries which are interchangeable between models
• Inclusion of the now standard 61 Point / max of 41 cross-type AF points inc 5 dual cross type at f/2.8 and 61 points / 21 cross-type AF points at f/8 was really really impressive.
• The use of converters (Canon 1.4 x with a Canon 100-400 F4-F5.6 and the 2.0x on a 600 F4 MK II ) was pretty impressive and the biggest plus was that you had use of a number of focus points , NOT only the centre at F8.
• The focus system has a finer feel to it and I had no issues with the 6 Case system and making it work the same as the other new canon models I had experienced
• ISO results showed at least a 2 stop increase in quality benefits from the MK III at very high iso
• The bulb mode allows you to set a specific exposure time in camera and no need for any external plug in devices. So I can now set 5, 20, 60 or even 120 minute exposures , trip the shutter and let the magic develop
• The built in GPS is a neat feature but only for a select application in my opinion will there be a benefit 
• The last “big” gear feature is the video capability to shoot 4K. I am sure this will work well in my future endeavours with capturing motion pictures when out in the field

14 April 2017 – Firmware Notice: EOS 5D Mark IV: Firmware Version 1.0.4

Link for update : FIRMWARE 

So this is just a short and brief overview and I will share some of the images that I was fortunate to capture while testing the camera in the extremes of the South African outdoors. Please direct all questions and opinion to me as soon as you may have them.

Peace and Light – AA