Canon 5D Mark IV Announcement

Today Canon officially unveiled its update to the popular Canon 5D line, with the much anticipated EOS 5D Mark IV. The new Canon 5D Mark IV comes with a 30.4 MP CMOS sensor (native ISO range of 100-32,000) with on-sensor Dual Pixel AF that allows for phase-detection AF when shooting video and continuous focusing when shooting stills in live view mode. The camera got a few upgrades for shooting video – it now can shoot 4K video (1.64x crop) at up to 30 fps (Motion JPEG format), 1080p at up to 60 fps and 720p at up to 120 fps. One of the biggest improvements is in the AF system: the 5D Mark IV gains the same 61-point AF system as the 1D X Mark II, with 41 cross points, larger AF coverage and better sensitivity (up to -3 EV in low light and -4 EV in live view). Although Canon utilized the current DIGIC 6+ Image Processor, it is still able to yield 7 fps continuous shooting speed, which is quite impressive, considering the resolution of the camera.

In terms of image quality and specifically dynamic range (which has been quite disappointing on its predecessor), we should expect big improvements in that area, as Canon clearly put much more emphasis on improving dynamic range (DR) this time around. It is hard to say whether Canon will be able to match Sony’s latest generation sensors in noise and DR performance, but as long as it is close enough, it might already be worth the upgrade for many Canon shooters out there. In addition, the 5D Mark IV will feature a large 3.2″ touchscreen LCD, similar to what we have seen on the top-of-the-line Nikon D5. Unfortunately, the screen is not of a tilting type, which is a rather major drawback for any digital camera nowadays. Canon bundled the 5D Mark IV with both WiFi and GPS, which is a smart choice, as those are also two highly desired features. Manufacturers should not expect photographers to carry a separate GPS unit for location tracking or to use those expensive hotshoe GPS units with dangling cables (Nikon, please take note!), when a GPS chip can be easily included. Lastly, Canon improved the weather sealing features of the camera, making the 5D Mark IV even more desirable and suitable than the 5D Mark III for extreme shooting environments.

Overall, based on the provided specifications and features, the camera looks very solid. At $ 3,499 for the body-only version and $ 4,399 with the 24-70mm f/4L IS USM, it is not cheap by any means, but those who have been patiently waiting to upgrade their Canon DSLRs might want to move up to the 5D Mark IV, especially if it delivers improved noise, dynamic range and AF performance.

In addition to the 5D Mark IV, Canon has also announced two lens updates, the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM and the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM.

Official Canon Announcement

Here is the official Canon announcement on the 5D Mark IV:

Developed for Professional Wedding, Portrait, and Nature/Wildlife Photographers as well as Filmmakers, the EOS 5D Mark IV Delivers Excellent Image Quality and 4K Video Recording

MELVILLE, N.Y., August 25, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce the EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera, the next generation of the popular and versatile 5D series of Canon professional DSLR cameras. Building on this legendary legacy, the EOS 5D Mark IV propels the series forward with a fusion of features and enhancements targeted to please even the most discerning creative eyes. The camera’s 30.4 megapixel 35mm Full Frame Canon CMOS sensor offers stunning image quality while the DIGIC 6+ Image Processor delivers 4K 30P video and up to and seven frames per second (fps) continuous shooting. To make video shooting even easier, the camera also features Canon’s propriety Dual Pixel CMOS AF, even when shooting 4K to help ensure sharp focus and subject tracking.

In addition, Canon is also introducing two new L-series EF lenses – the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens and EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Standard Zoom Lens– offering fantastic edge-to-edge sharpness across the imaging plane, as well as improved durability and performance.

“Canon’s EOS 5D series of DSLR cameras has a history of being at the forefront of still and video innovation. And today, we add to this family of cameras the EOS 5D Mark IV – the first in our 5D series to offer 4K video and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “In developing this new DSLR camera, we listened to the requests of current EOS users to create for them a modern, versatile camera designed to help them create and share beautiful still and video imagery.”

“Outdoor photographers will really appreciate the new EOS 5D Mark IV, as it offers more resolution, better detail in the shadows, and improved speeds in autofocus and frame rate,” reported acclaimed nature photographer and Canon Explorer of Light George Lepp. “With the fabulous resolution of 4K video and the ability to make beautiful prints from a frame of that video as an added bonus, this camera sets a new mid-range standard for nature photography.”

EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera Specifications:

New 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range 100–32,000; expandable up to 50–102,400.

4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in-camera still frame grab of 4K 8.8-Megapixel images; multiple video options include Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p.

Superb Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or Live View shooting; LCD monitor has full touch-screen interface, including selection of AF area.

Excellent performance — up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting speed with high performance DIGIC 6+ Image Processor for improved speed and excellent image quality.

61 AF points with expanded vertical coverage with 41 cross-points, and AF possible at all 61 AF points with many lens + extender combinations effective at f/8.

150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor helps provide precise exposure metering, helps detect flickering lights and allows for enhanced scene recognition and face detection capabilities.

Dual Pixel RAW, in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer during JPEG shooting and Diffraction Correction technologies.

Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity provide easy sharing to compatible smart devices, select social media sites and the Canon Connect Station CS100 device.

Built-in GPS provides geotag information including auto time syncing with Universal Time Code (UTC) via satellites.

“I have owned every camera in the 5D line, so the new EOS 5D Mark IV feels like an old friend in my hands, only better” exclaimed renowned wedding photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Clay Blackmore. “It has everything a professional photographer needs to create outstanding, quality images every time. Between its ability with still images and video capture, it is the complete package and—in my opinion—the best wedding camera on the planet.”

“When working with macro beauty photography, I need fast and precise autofocus. With each breath of the subject I need to be able to check the exact placement of focus, whether on the tips of the eyelashes, the pupils or other detail of her face. The EOS 5D Mark IV gave me exactly the speed and precision required to capture the detail and stunning color that is a signature of my beauty work,” remarked celebrated fashion and beauty photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Lindsay Adler. “I’m always looking for ways to create visuals that help me stand out from the competition. Cinemagraphs, also known as ‘living images,’ allow me to combine still frames and video to create captivating images. Because of the EOS 5D Mark IV’s 4K and slow motion capabilities, I now have the ability to create high quality and visually compelling cinemagraphs without having to invest in an expensive cinema camera!”

The Next Generation of EOS 5D Cameras
In addition to the new Full Frame sensor, the new EOS 5D Mark IV includes a 61-point High-Density Reticular AF II system, similar to the one found in the flagship EOS-1D X Mark II, with all AF points selectable by the user (and up to 41 cross-type points depending on the lens in use). The AF system, improved over previous Canon 5D series models, includes expanded coverage across the frame that supports AF at maximum apertures up to f/8 with all 61 points for high-precision autofocus even when using EF super-telephoto lenses with an EF extender. Standard ISO range for the EOS 5D Mark IV is ISO 100-32,000 and is expandable to 50-102,400.

The EOS 5D Mark IV also introduces a new 150,000 pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with enhanced precision and performance compared to its predecessor, improving upon facial recognition and tracking as well as nature and sports scenes with fast-moving action. AF sensitivity in low light is EV-3 and EV-4 when in Live View mode. The EOS Scene Detection System can detect and compensate for flickering light sources that are often used in gymnasiums and swimming pools. When enabled, this anti-flicker system automatically adjusts shutter release timing to help reduce disparities in exposure and color especially during continuous burst shooting.

Following the groundbreaking video recording capabilities introduced in the EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 5D Mark III, the EOS 5D Mark IV takes the next leap forward offering DCI 4K video recording. Adding to the versatility of capturing 4K video, is Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF. This proven autofocus system allows for continuous focus tracking of subjects, and can be customized by the user for optimal performance. Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology not only enhances 4K video recording, but also helps create crisp focus for 4K Frame Grab extraction of 8.8 megapixel still JPEG images, all done in camera.

Mobile Connectivity
For the first time in an EOS 5D series DSLR camera, the EOS 5D Mark IV features built-in Wi-Fi and Near-Field Communication (NFC) providing for the easy transfer of images and MP4 movies to compatible mobile devices, as well remote shooting when using the Canon Camera Connect App2. The EOS 5D Mark IV also includes a built-in GPS receiver with compass for precise geo-tagged information of latitude, longitude, and elevation. This is especially valuable to wildlife photographers and photojournalists who need to track their locations, as well as providing sports and wedding photographers the ability to sync a multiple-camera setup with extreme accuracy and precision. The camera’s built-in GPS can also be used to sync the camera’s time to the atomic clock, an invaluable feature when multiple photographers are covering the same event.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR is currently scheduled to be available in early September 2016 for an estimated retail price of $ 3,499.00 for the body only. It will also be sold as part of body-and-lens kits with the EF24-70mm f/4L lens ($ 4,399.00, scheduled to be available early September) and the EF24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens ($ 4599.00, scheduled to be available late October).

For an exclusive, hands-on preview, the camera will be available at the customer support centers shown below. Visitors can experience the camera firsthand while Canon technical experts demonstrate new product features, answer questions, and spotlight the benefits of Canon products and service.