Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Canon EOS 5D Mark III: Specs and Features Compared and Reviewed
The Newly Launched Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Packs Powerful Features and New Technologies
Canon had just released their new semi-professional level DSLR camera, the EOS 5D Mark IV. Introduced back in 2012, the predecessor of Mark IV has dominated much of the professionals' and enthusiasts' photography fields. With new features and technologies, here are the key differences between the two iterations.
Sensors and Processor
While the Mark III has a 22.3-megapixel sensor (a small upgrade from the 21.1-megapixel count offered by the Mark II), the Mark IV offers a 31.7-megapixel sensor that can produce 30.4-megapixel output images. Canon said that the full-frame sensor now includes a low-pass filter to prevent aliasing artifacts and details from affecting the overall image.
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The dynamic range is also said to have been improved with a wider exposure latitude. The highest native ISO has now been bumped to ISO 32,000. The minimum native ISO of 100 remains unchanged though, and both have expanded ISO range of ISO 50 to 102,400.
The Mark IV also adopts the new DIGIC 6+ processor. It offers an enhanced noise reduction engine as compared to Mark III's DIGIC 5+. For metering, the Mark IV sports a 150 RGB+IR sensor that uses 225 zones for analysis.
Dual Pixel Raw
First to be seen in any EOS camera is the Dual Pixel Raw format. The two photodiodes integrated in individual pixels allow for the readjustment of focal points in post-processing. This also allows to readjust highlights and reduce ghosting in the image.
Auto-Focus Systems
The Dual-Pixel CMOS AF has been present in almost all current EOS cameras. This technology utilizes phase detection so subjects can be focused more smoothly during stills and video, which is especially useful for tracking moving subjects.
An improved 61-point AF system with 21 cross-type points is also present. It now covers a wider area and remain effective at f/8 (still depending on the lens). Detection range has also been broadened to -3EV for Mark IV, and up to -4EV in live view.
Video Recording
Going on par with recent releases, the Mark IV now comes with video recording in 4096 x 2160, or 4K, resolution of up to 30fps. HDMI outputting is also available for footage with 4:2:2 chroma subsampling. The new camera also allows for 8.8-megapixel JPEG stills to be extracted from the 4K video recordings. It also comes with a new HDR movie mode.
LCD and Touch Controls
The Mark IV gains a new 1.62 million-dot LCD from the Mark III's 1.04 million. The same 3.2-inch LCD returns, but with new LCD color tone technology that allows for adjustment, and touch controls that made the ranks from lower-end EOS models.
Additional Features and Technologies
The 7fps burst rate of the 5D Mark IV boasts an output of 21 Raw images. It also maintains autoexposure and autofocus throughout the burst. Three new silent modes have also been added for more stealth photography. The Mark IV also gains Wi-Fi and NFC connections, making it controllable through other devices via the Canon Camera Connect app.
A GPS sensor is also present for automatically geo-tagging photos. This feature plus an enhanced weather sealing make the Mark IV ideal for travel photography. On top of all the new features, the new 5D iteration is slightly smaller and lighter than the Mark III.
