I'll admit that I generally prefer writing about entry-level cameras, since the idea is to bring more people into the world of photography. But today I'll make an exception and explore one of the most important representatives of the so-called 'high end': the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, a true beast that replaces the EOS 5D Mark III after four years. Canon decided to optimize some of the most critical points with the Mark IV, including an increase in sensor resolution and, as expected, the inclusion of 4K recording.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker
Camera manufacturers must manage their release cycles carefully. Too many models together lead to a similar, saturated offering, while a deep separation between cameras can push users to explore new options. Canon leaned slightly toward the second case with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Announced in August 2016, the Mark IV arrived on the market four years and five months after the debut of the Mark III. Don't get me wrong: the Mark III remains a beast despite its age, with wonderful support, and if I remember correctly, Kung Fury was made with that camera... but it was time for an update, and so it was.
Looking closely at the specifications, the first thing we notice is a considerable jump in sensor resolution. Technically it remains in the full frame format (36 x 24 mm, equivalent to the classic '35 mm'), but the Mark IV goes from 22.3 to 30.4 effective megapixels, with a maximum of 6720 x 4480. Several colleague sites agree that the Mark IV's new sensor offers superior dynamic range and color depth results, and we must agree with that statement. Canon updated the image processor to the DIGIC 6+ (an optimized version of the chip used by the EOS 750D), and the ISO sensitivity stretches a bit more, with values between 100 and 32,000, plus a Boost in both directions of 50–102,400. Overall, results are very positive up to ISO 12,800, and from there, it's all about experimenting or evaluating conditions before shooting.
Shutter speed remains unchanged at 1/8,000 - 30s, as do the autofocus points (61, with 41 of them cross-type), the viewfinder (pentaprism with 100% coverage), and dual storage support, with slots for CompactFlash (Type 1, UDMA 7) and SD (the Mark IV includes UHS-I compatibility). The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV gains one frame per second in burst mode, reaching 7 FPS, and adopts a 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD with 1.62 million dots, but Canon decided to keep it fixed to the body (the tilting format is very convenient; however, it would be a mistake not to value the continuity of its design). Another aspect worth mentioning is its Dual Pixel technology, essentially a dual-capture system to optimize bokeh or focus in post-processing, as long as we use the official software Canon Digital Photo Professional, or a direct equivalent.
To close this section, I'd like to dedicate a few words to the video modes on the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. While the Mark III cannot go beyond 1080p30, the Mark IV enters the 4K club with a 4Kp30 mode that has two details: on one hand, it's 4K DCI, which translates to a maximum resolution of 4,096 x 2,160 pixels, and on the other, it uses Motion JPEG compression. We can also record 1080p60 under H.264, or 720p if you want content at 120 frames per second. As I mentioned earlier, the Mark III was used in the Kung Fury project (alongside a Sony FS700 camera), and if a 2012 DSLR managed to do that marvel, imagine what you could create with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Obviously, the hardest point to digest is its price: you'll pay an average of 3,700 euros for the body alone, but in the end, it's worth every cent.
Accessories for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
When it comes to compatible accessories, we can't cut too many corners here. The Mark IV is a monster, and its battle companions must be up to the task. Fortunately, we have a good selection at our disposal.
Video
Film projects are an ideal environment for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, and that means you'll need to work with a good number of lenses. The first thing that comes to mind is buying them separately; however, there's another option. Samyang offers a special VDSLR kit (product code "VDSLR2Canon,GloxyMovieMaker") that includes a 14mm wide-angle, a 35mm standard lens, and an 85mm telephoto that, with some adjustments, you can reassign to other tasks, such as product photography.
Sound
Unless you want to experiment with silent video or believe the built-in receiver is sufficient for your interviews (which I doubt), you'll need a good wireless microphone compatible with your Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. That's where these two Boya models come in. The BY-WM6 delivers a standard transmitter, receiver, and microphone configuration, with a maximum range of 100 meters and eight hours of battery life. If we step up a notch, we find the BY-WM8, which includes a second transmitter. Both models support 48 UHF channels and are very easy to connect. (Product code: "0713142714,0713378682")
Tripods and Supports
Regardless of the ISO sensitivity improvements, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV follows the same general rules as other cameras, and its manual recommends using a tripod both in low-light environments and when making different micro-adjustments. The Mark IV body weighs 800 grams without batteries, so it poses no problem for the Gloxy GX-T6662A tripod, which supports a maximum of 10 kilograms. On the ball head side, it's better to go safe and get something like the Triopo B-2 support, made of magnesium and aluminum alloy, with a maximum load of 8 kilograms. Our last suggestion in this section is the Clampod Takeway T1, highly recommended for irregular surfaces and very heavy setups (max 40 kg).
Lighting
Whether it's audio or video, the truth is simple: without decent lighting, you won't have either. The good news is that something as simple as a Sevenoak SK-LED54B LED torch can get you out of a jam. It's a grid of 54 high-intensity LED lights, with a color temperature of 5600K, two secondary filters, and a very lightweight design. On the other hand, if a shot demands pure power, I think we shouldn't look beyond the Rotolight NEO 2. 192 LEDs in total, 85% brighter than the previous model, very accessible controls on the back, adjustable color temperature, three diffuser filters, and a magenta filter. Expensive, but one of the best. (Product code: "0713016369,0714591609") As they say, "Plenty to spare, never lacking."
Lenses
No matter how much we love seeing the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV as an ideal tool for film and interview projects, it would be disrespectful to deny its photographic potential. The Samyang kit we recommended earlier can definitely be used for regular shots, but if your priority is nature and wide interiors, it's hard to stay away from Irix's lenses. Its two models, Blackstone and Firefly, are available in 11mm and 15mm; the Blackstone is prepared to better withstand harsh weather, and right now they have a fabulous discount. (Product code: "0713043559,0713043555")
Flash for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Now, not everything is video with this camera. With all its virtues and a 30.4-megapixel sensor, it also takes stunning photos. And using a cheap flash on a high-end camera would be a mortal sin. So, to take full advantage of its possibilities, the best option is to add a premium choice like the Flash GX-F1000C from Gloxy. It has wireless control, master-slave mode, eight flash output levels, high-speed sync at 1/8000s, and stroboscopic mode, among other things. A good price for the best features.
We've reached the end. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is one of those cameras we could describe as a 'spaceship.' That doesn't mean it's the most powerful and complete on the market, but we're convinced that any professional and semi-professional can work with it without hiccups. If you've just started taking photos, think of the Mark IV as a future goal. With a bit of effort and the natural drop in price, it will surely end up in your hands. Good luck!
