Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera (Body Only) Review
A full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR body with a 30.4 megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 6+ processor, 4K video recording and Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus.
| Brand | Canon |
|---|---|
| Model | EOS 5D Mark IV |
| Sensor | 30.4MP full-frame CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC 6+ |
| Continuous shooting | Up to 7.0 fps |
| ISO range | 100 to 32000 (expandable to 50 to 102400) |
| Best for | Photographers and content creators wanting a full-frame DSLR with 4K video and fast, reliable autofocus in the EF mount system |
Product Overview
Canon builds the EOS 5D Mark IV around a 30.4 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, positioned for versatile shooting across a range of lighting conditions. The DIGIC 6+ processor supports continuous shooting at up to 7.0 fps, with an ISO range of 100 to 32000 that can be expanded to 50 to 102400.
Video capability includes 4K Motion JPEG recording at 30 or 24 frames per second, with additional Full HD recording up to 60 fps and HD recording up to 120 fps for slow motion footage.
Score Breakdown
This verdict is based on the manufacturer's stated specifications, the current Amazon listing and its product images, the confirmed materials and design, real buyer ratings, and our research into the product category. Scores are consistent editorial judgments, not laboratory measurements, and we did not receive a paid sample.
Key Features
Versatile image quality across a range of lighting conditions.
Supports up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting.
4K Motion JPEG at 30 or 24 fps, plus Full HD and HD slow motion options.
Responsive autofocus during video and live view shooting.
Direct autofocus area selection from the screen.
Wireless file transfer and mobile sharing via the Canon Camera Connect app.
Design and Build Quality
The body measures 4.6 inches tall, 3 inches deep and 5.9 inches wide, and weighs about 2.73 pounds body only, in a black finish. It uses Canon's EF lens mount, meaning any EF mount lens can be attached, though no lens is included in this listing.
A full touchscreen LCD interface is included, which the listing states allows selection of the autofocus area directly from the screen during live view or video shooting.
Performance in Everyday Use
Dual Pixel CMOS AF is built in for autofocus during video or live view shooting, which Canon positions as responsive and smooth compared with older contrast based autofocus systems.
Built-in Wi-Fi allows wireless file viewing and transfer, including exchanging data with other Wi-Fi compatible Canon cameras, and the Canon Camera Connect app can transfer files to a mobile device for browsing and sharing.
How It Performs: The Evidence
| Decision factor | What we found | Evidence and measurement | Score | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor resolution | 30.4MP full-frame CMOS | Listing states the camera features a 30.4 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting | 8.9 | Sensor resolution and size are the primary drivers of image quality on a DSLR |
| Continuous shooting speed | Up to 7.0 fps | Listing states the DIGIC 6+ processor allows up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting | 8.5 | Burst shooting speed matters for action, sports and wildlife photography |
| ISO range | 100 to 32000, expandable to 50 to 102400 | Listing states an ISO range of 100-32000, expandable up to 50-102400 | 8.4 | A wide ISO range affects low light shooting flexibility |
| Video capability | 4K Motion JPEG, Full HD to 60fps, HD to 120fps | Listing states 4K Motion JPEG video at 30 or 24 fps, Full HD up to 60 fps and HD up to 120 fps | 8.3 | Multiple frame rate options support both standard video and slow motion capture |
| Autofocus system | Dual Pixel CMOS AF, touchscreen | Listing states Dual Pixel CMOS AF gives responsive and smooth autofocus with touchscreen AF area selection | 8.7 | Autofocus responsiveness is critical for both video and live view still shooting |
| Wireless connectivity | Built-in Wi-Fi | Listing states built-in Wi-Fi enables file viewing, transfer and sharing via the Canon Camera Connect app | 8.0 | Built-in Wi-Fi speeds up moving images off the camera for sharing or backup |
Who Should Buy It
- Photographers wanting a full-frame EF mount DSLR body
- Content creators needing 4K video with reliable autofocus
- Buyers who already own EF mount lenses
- Shooters wanting built-in Wi-Fi for fast file sharing
- Buyers wanting a mirrorless body with the latest RF mount lens lineup rather than Canon's EF mount DSLR system
- Sold as body only, so an EF mount lens must be purchased separately to shoot with it
- 4K video is recorded in Motion JPEG format, a larger file format than more modern compressed codecs
- Uses Canon's EF mount DSLR system rather than the newer RF mount mirrorless lineup
- At about 2.73 pounds body only, this is heavier than a comparable mirrorless body before adding a lens
Full Specifications
How It Compares
| Feature | Canon | Typical option | Higher-tier option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 30.4MP full-frame CMOS | Smaller crop sensor | Lower resolution full-frame sensor |
| Continuous shooting | Up to 7.0 fps | Slower continuous shooting speed | Similar continuous shooting speed |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel CMOS AF | Contrast based autofocus only | Dual Pixel CMOS AF |
| Video | 4K Motion JPEG, Full HD to 60fps | Full HD video only, no 4K | 4K video, different codec |
| Lens mount | EF mount DSLR system | Fixed lens, no interchangeable mount | RF mount mirrorless system |
Alternatives Worth a Look
This is a full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR body with a 30.4 megapixel sensor, a DIGIC 6+ processor, up to 7.0 fps shooting, 4K video and Dual Pixel CMOS AF. It suits photographers and content creators wanting a capable EF mount full-frame body, with the main consideration being that this body only listing requires a separate lens purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this listing include a lens?
No, this is a body only listing in the EF mount.
What is the sensor resolution?
30.4 megapixels, full-frame, per the listing.
Can this camera shoot 4K video?
Yes, 4K Motion JPEG video at 30 or 24 fps, per the listing.
How fast can it shoot continuously?
Up to 7.0 fps, per the listing.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
Yes, built-in Wi-Fi for file transfer and sharing, per the listing.
What autofocus system does it use?
Dual Pixel CMOS AF with a touchscreen interface, per the listing.