Canon’s EOS 5D series is one of the most recognizable and choice of camera for enthusiasts and professionals the world over. Extending the legacy of this successful family, the new EOS 5D Mark IV integrates substantial upgrades from its predecessor, making it the most versatile and connected 5D series product yet. The new full-frame workhorse was officially introduced in Malaysia recently, together with a full day seminar for photographers, enthusiasts and members of the media. The seminar featured Michael Ori, professional photographer and commercial filmmaker from the US; renowned local professional photographers Andrew Koh and Zung “Ninja Photographer.”
The EOS 5D series needs little introduction. Since its launch in 2005 as an affordable 35mm full-frame camera, it was followed by the highly-acclaimed 5D Mark II. The Mark II was the first ever EOS camera capable of video capture. While it continued to leave mouths agape with its high quality still image captures, the Mark II was superseded by the Mark III, which quickly stamped its mark as a film-making tool. It singlehandedly spearheaded the DSLR film-making trend, attributed to its exceptional imaging performance and versatility.
Familiar, but so much better
With the Mark IV, Canon has kept the great look-ands-feel of the Mark III, while giving it a substantial boost under the hood. Just like its predecessor, it’s built for durability with enhanced dust-and-water resistance.
All the goodness is centered around the new 35mm 30.4MP CMOS full-frame sensor with Dual Pixel AF. It’s backed by the powerful DIGIC 6+ image processor that allows for processing and optimizing JPEG files in-camera.
An important new feature is Dual Pixel RAW (DPRAW) – allowing you to make precise adjustments to images after a photo is taken. This can be done via DPP.
While not marketed as a sports camera, the Mark IV delivers a commendable 7fps of continuous shooting. It comes with a 61-point all points selectable reticular AF system with 41-point cross type AF adopted from the flagship EOS 1D-X Mark II.
The Mark IV tracks moving objects like a boss, thanks to the EOS iTR AF (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Auto Focus) and 150,000 piels RGB+IR metering sensor. EOS iTR AF uses face recognition and colour tracking algorithms to accurately track moving objects across all 61 AF points.
The great thing is that it can focus down to a low intensity limit of EV-4 during live view mode. Even in extremely challenging lighting conditions, focusing performance is consistent.
4K or bust
In terms of video, the Mark IV takes things to the next level. It now shoots DCI 4K movies, just like the flagship EOS 1-D X Mark II.
Shoot 4K @ 30fps (4096 x 2160, 17:9 ratio for cinema screens) or Full HD @ 60p, or Full HD @ 120p. Shoot in MOV format for movie productions, or MP4 format for a wide range of usage scenarios including social media. With a built-in 4K frame grab feature, you can capture an 8.8MP JPEG still that is good enough for A3-sized prints.
The Dual Pixel CMOS AF on the new Mark IV allows you to tap focus on the 3.2-inch touch screen LCD. Additionally, Movie Servo AF lets you automatically track a subject.
Another handy feature is HDR movie function that ensures your videos are properly exposed even in the harsh contrast environments.
Also, there’s a Time-lapse feature built-in.
On the downside, the 5D series still lacks focus peaking, zebras and C-log capabilities for more serious movie-making. You’ll need to head over to the XC- and XF-series video cameras for that.
In the connectivity department, the Mark IV features built-in Wi-Fi, and NFC. Easily transfer your videos and stills to external devices via FTP or FTPS; the Camera Connect app or upload them directly to social media networks. The Camera Connect app installed on your smartphone also allows you to activate remote shooting.
Finally, the in-built GPS helps record location data of images into EXIF data.
For storage, the camera supports CF and SD cards.
New lenses and accessories
Canon has released the new EF24-105mm f/4L IS II USM kit lens that integrates the latest L series enhancements to match the higher rendering power of the new 5D Mark IV.
Not forgetting the much-anticipated ultra-wide EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens.
A couple of new DSLR accessories to complement the new camera includes:
- Slim Battery Grip BG-E20
- Wi-Fi Adapter W-E1 for EOS 7D Mark II and EOS 5DS/5DSr cameras
- ERC-E5S/E5M/E5L and Protecting Cloth PC-E1 for protection against rain
Canon 5D Mark IV Key Specifications
- New 30.4MP CMOS full-frame sensor with Dual Pixel AF
- DCI 4K 30/24p video using Motion JPEG + 4K Frame Grab
- 61-point AF system with 41 cross-type sensors (center point sensitive to -3 EV)
- Dual Pixel AF (sensitive to -4EV) for continuous Servo AF in stills (first for a full-frame Canon camera) and video
- ISO 100-32000 (expandable to 102400)
- 7 fps continuous shooting
- Dual Pixel Raw (image microadjustment, bokeh shift, ghosting reduction)
- 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor
- 1.62M-dot 3.2″ full-time touchscreen
- Wi-Fi w/ NFC + GPS
- Built-in bulb timer interval timers
- Improved weather-sealing
Pricing and availability
- EOS 5D Mark IV (body only) – MYR15,299 – available September onwards
- EOS 5D Mark IV + EF24-70L IS – MYR18,399 – available September onwards
- EOS 5D Mark IV + EF24-105L IS II – MYR19,399 – available from mid-Nov onwards
- EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM – MYR10,199 – available from mid-Nov onwards
- EF24-105 f/4.0L IS II USM – MYR5,669 – available from mid-Nov onwards
- Battery Grip BG-E20 – MYR1,269 – available from mid-Oct onwards
Professional Back Pack RL PB-02 – MYR799 – available from mid-Oct onwards
Pricing and stock availability of Wi-Fi Adapter, Rain Cover & Protecting Cloth will be announced later.
For more information about the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, visit www.canon.com.my
