Current 5D IV owners - Would you buy it again today?

[Kunisawa]

If you had to buy a new camera today, would you still buy the 5D IV? Why/Why not?

 

[yodermk]

Exactly. Canon glass kicks so much butt that for many people it would be foolish to switch systems for that reason alone.

AFAIK there is nothing close to the likes of the 11-24 or MP-E 65, and probably several others.

 

[yodermk]

If you had to buy a new camera today, would you still buy the 5D IV? Why/Why not?

I own the 5D4 already, but given the choice i would buy the 6Dmkii instead. I love the fold out screen my 80D has, and i do miss it when i use my 5D4.

I'd also save a bit of money so its win win for me

Wow. You'd take a lawnmower to the features and IQ of the camera to save a little over $1k?

IMHO that might be reasonable when the 6DII gets to the $1400 level ...

 

[T Hunter]

Last week I bought my second 5D4 to use as a backup, so that probably answers it. It might be useful to say why...

I was looking at getting the 6D2, 5DSR or 5D4 as a backup. Had the 6D2 not had image quality deficiencies relative to the 5D4, I would have gone with that to same cost and for the flippy screen. Came very close to getting the 5DSR. Tested one out from Canon. But my backup needs to shoot fast and in low light. If I'd been trying to expand my capacities, I certainly would have diversified with the 5DSR.

It really wasn't a consideration for me to go with the Nikon D850 or a Sony. My lens collection is more important than the body I shoot. Will say that the D850 appears to beat the pants off the 5D4, as is evidenced by the few and lame objections to that statement you see from my Canon brethren. It's all good. More pressure on Canon the better.

People still don't quite understand that the IQ you get with the 5D4 is better than the tests show, as the files are much more malleable in post production than those from previous cameras. I own a 1DX, and I almost always favor the 5D4 for low light. That says a lot. Had Canon not nerfed the 5D4 with a 7 frames per second frame rate, I'd sell the 1 series. Still might. Would be interested in the 7D3, depending on what ADC does with that sensor. It would be nice to get rid of the overly large 1 series in favor of a 5-series-type body for fast frame rate.

Current 5D4 and 7D2 owner. Since getting the 5D4 I rarely use my 7D2. I was thinking about selling the crop and getting another FF just so I don't have to switch lenses. Another 5D4 crossed my mind but it would just be for landscape, etc. I thought about the other bodies as well.

I may hold out for the 7D3 as well. The sensor should at least be as good as the 80D if not better.

What is wrong with the 6D2 IQ?

 

[MarshallG]

It still does everything it did when I bought it in March, so why shouldn't I?

Most of the DPReview people who obsess over ultra high pixel count and dynamic range aren't photographers, they're engineers who obsess over the specs of the gear. There are very few situations where the added benefits of the Nikon D850 will produce better photographs than the Canon. There are many, many features in the camera that work together to produce the photo. The DR feature is something you use when your lighting or exposure is poor. Yes, it's nice, but nothing I obsess over.

I bought the 5D with a plan of keeping it three to four years. It's plenty of camera for me.

 

[TigTillinghast]

What is wrong with the 6D2 IQ?

Not too too much. The image quality isn't as good as most of us expected. The original 6D had a better sensor than the 5D3 in significant ways. We expected the 6D2 to have at least as good a sensor as the 5D4, but that didn't happen. The dynamic range didn't improve from the 5-year-old sensor of the original 6D, making it inferior to the 5 series, and it has fewer pixels, and it doesn't show all the benefits of the analog-to-digital-converter (ADC) that showed up with the 5D4 sensor.

For an entry level full frame camera, it is perfectly competent, but for my use as a backup camera with same image quality, it made another 5D4 look like a better decision, especially because I bought a used one for $2400 rather than a 6D2 for $2000.

 

[PWPhotography]

Not a current owner but I had planned to acquire a 5D IV for a while and would already purchase it if there is task needed now. Just happened could not take trips this year, and have already used A7-series in last several years for non-action/non-wildlife related trips so not really need it. But then A9 released that changed my perception completely that mirrorless was not suitable for action, sport and wildlife photos. Instead I bought A9 just one week's ago (traded-in A7 II) so I will not purchase any DSLRs from now on. After getting so used to advantages of mirrorless, EVF and now also with much needed speed and AF, I could not return to DSLRs and don't want to buy a camera mainly dedicated for specific tasks. 5D IV is a great camera, nothing wrong, just I have chosen mirrorless format and now it finally can meet all my requirements. It's a bit tough and costly to gradually sell my Canon lenses and acquire FE counterparts.

Good luck for 5D IV owners and enjoy your fine cameras. I still have good memory of all my previous 5D-series cameras and tons of photos generated from them - 5D, 5D II and 5D III. I still could have a chance to rent a 5D IV for my next Africa safari if I have not sold 500L/4.0 IS then.

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55485085@N04/albums
http://pwphotography.zenfolio.com

 

[Alexsfo]

I've had 5div for a few months and I would have no other choice but to still buy one today. There is nothing else currenty on the market that is as versatile for hybrid photo/video use. For stills only, I was perfecty happy with the original 6d.

I have used Sony A7rii and I was never happy with its output, I could never get pleasing portraits, jpeg and raw files as interpeted in LR had subpar, unprofessional rendering and even after significant color correction, the skin tonality could not even match 6d jpegs. It was perfectly fine for landscape use. I learned recently that one must use Capture One to process Sony files but I was not interested in that. On top of that, the AF selection process in the absence of touchscreen or even a joystick on a7rii is the worst I've seen on any camera and it was always a pain to use for video. Having said that, I still consider A7rii to be 5div's main competitor for hybrid use. Sony has very nice IBIS in 4k video, eye detect AF, 4k recording without crop, much nicer internal mic, some good lenses (albeit expensive) such as 24-70 G 2.8 and tons of good primes including more budget ones.

The beautiful and unique thing about 5div is that it simplifies workflow by allowing batch conversion of both raw and mjpeg video files. It simply save TONS of time and it makes it pleasure to use. There is almost never any need for color correction, the colors are insanely good and quite a leap from already good 6d output. The new AWB-W is crazy good! Video color with standard and neutral picture profiles is phenomenal! Video DPAF is currently peerless - no video continous AF can currently compete with Canon's technology, not even the highest end camcorders. IMO, DPAF and color science is Canon's saving grace : the two features that are truly meaningful vs. pages of cool specs.

I would say that 5div is an expensive option for hybrid use. One must invest in good video monopods, tripods, video heads because most lenses don't have good video IS and no IBIS. On top of that, 5div has VERY poor built-in mic, you must use high quality external mic with 20db boost like Rode Pro and monitor levels. Sony A7rii and even RX100V internal mics are super clear and noise free at close distances - different universe and the gain is low noise so no need for expensive external mics either. Also, don't forget that you would need invest in expensive memory cards for 5div for 4k shooting and likely upgrade your PC hardware for processing of those.

So yes, as of today, I would still buy 5div but keep an eye on Sony developments. If they add a fully functional touchscreen like 5div and make improvements to color science with respect to skin rendering including better AWB then a product like A7rii can become instantly interesting to me. This is because IBIS is immensely useful for video, the system has very good lenses I like, no crop in 4k, eye AF, storage and budget friendly XAVC codec, excellent built-in mic, tilting screen (articulating would be an improvement). No other manufacturers seem to be serious about competing. Nikon 850 is a joke with its obsolete LiveView and horrid CDAF system - it has zero appeal for hybrid use.

I am now on the lookout for the new Tamron 24-70 g2 lens with VC hoping to mitigate the absence of IBIS on 5div.

 

[amd]

Yes.

Not looking into dumping all my lenses, or getting into a completely new system at this point. I guess the lenses serve as a pretty good vendor lock in at this moment.

If Canon would have released a FF ML that beats or matches the MK4 in features and speed, the answer would look different. Then I would have kept my MK3 and added that FF ML.

While I do like watching other tech companies evolving (Nikon, Sony, Fuji ...), I usually decide what's best for me, without jealousy or remorse.

If we would compare the situation with cars, I have very little brand loyalty. I usually get an Audi or a BMW, depending who has the nicer model at that moment for the more attractive price.

 

[PWPhotography]

Yes.

Not looking into dumping all my lenses, or getting into a completely new system at this point. I guess the lenses serve as a pretty good vendor lock in at this moment.

If Canon would have released a FF ML that beats or matches the MK4 in features and speed, the answer would look different. Then I would have kept my MK3 and added that FF ML.

While I do like watching other tech companies evolving (Nikon, Sony, Fuji ...), I usually decide what's best for me, without jealousy or remorse.

If we would compare the situation with cars, I have very little brand loyalty. I usually get an Audi or a BMW, depending who has the nicer model at that moment for the more attractive price.

Since years ago I have leased cars instead and I changed cars and brands in every three years, absolutely no brand loyalty :-D Hope cameras one day will also offer lease option from manufacturers directly so in every few years always using the latest cameras ;-)

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55485085@N04/albums
http://pwphotography.zenfolio.com

 

[T Hunter]

What is wrong with the 6D2 IQ?

Not too too much. The image quality isn't as good as most of us expected. The original 6D had a better sensor than the 5D3 in significant ways. We expected the 6D2 to have at least as good a sensor as the 5D4, but that didn't happen. The dynamic range didn't improve from the 5-year-old sensor of the original 6D, making it inferior to the 5 series, and it has fewer pixels, and it doesn't show all the benefits of the analog-to-digital-converter (ADC) that showed up with the 5D4 sensor.

For an entry level full frame camera, it is perfectly competent, but for my use as a backup camera with same image quality, it made another 5D4 look like a better decision, especially because I bought a used one for $2400 rather than a 6D2 for $2000.

Thanks for the reply

 

[amd]

Yes.

Not looking into dumping all my lenses, or getting into a completely new system at this point. I guess the lenses serve as a pretty good vendor lock in at this moment.

If Canon would have released a FF ML that beats or matches the MK4 in features and speed, the answer would look different. Then I would have kept my MK3 and added that FF ML.

While I do like watching other tech companies evolving (Nikon, Sony, Fuji ...), I usually decide what's best for me, without jealousy or remorse.

If we would compare the situation with cars, I have very little brand loyalty. I usually get an Audi or a BMW, depending who has the nicer model at that moment for the more attractive price.

Since years ago I have leased cars instead and I changed cars and brands in every three years, absolutely no brand loyalty :-D Hope cameras one day will also offer lease option from manufacturers directly so in every few years always using the latest cameras ;-)

 

[FtMyersTraveler]

Yup. Took it on my Alaska trip and it worked flawlessly.

 

[JerryriggedTECH]

Yes.

Not looking into dumping all my lenses, or getting into a completely new system at this point. I guess the lenses serve as a pretty good vendor lock in at this moment.

If Canon would have released a FF ML that beats or matches the MK4 in features and speed, the answer would look different. Then I would have kept my MK3 and added that FF ML.

While I do like watching other tech companies evolving (Nikon, Sony, Fuji ...), I usually decide what's best for me, without jealousy or remorse.

If we would compare the situation with cars, I have very little brand loyalty. I usually get an Audi or a BMW, depending who has the nicer model at that moment for the more attractive price.

My philosophy on cars is similar to my philosophy on cameras. Specifically, it doesn't matter how many features, or how much horsepower, luxury, etc a model has if it is broken down on the side of the road. Number one priority for me always is reliability... and my Toyota's are consistently reliable. That is the main reason I keep coming back to them. Now it happens that they have fairly decent features, comfort and performance. Similar with the 5D4. There are some cameras that have superior specs in certain areas, but the 5D series of cameras are battle tested and have a history of reliability. That is vital to me. Helps that they also have solid image quality, features, ergonomics, etc.

 

[freakmax]

No, and I just switched to Sony A9.

The AF accuracy & precision are real fantastic.

I am not going back to DSLR again. There are too many AF problems.

 

[grammieb14]

I have never had any problems with af on 5Dlll or lV. Have you used these cameras and have you had af problems with them?

 

[glokenpop]

Lenses

Dual Pixels

although if I didn't do dance photography prob not I'd probable go Fuji X system.

 

[Graham Meale]

Yes. Thank you for asking.

--
www.grahammeale.info

 

[HSHN]

As a former 6D and now Fuji user, I keep asking a similar question to myself;

Do you still want to buy 5D 4 after seeing D850?

- If we assume all other things equal, D850 probably beats the hell out of 5D4.

- With similar or same prices D850 is offering a lot more than 5D4. Class leading DR, Higher MP count, class leading AF system etc etc.

-When it comes to glass, Canon may have the edge but not by a great margin imo.

So as a person has no investment in both brands, I should clearly go with Nikon but there is still something that keeps me considering to buy 5D4.

It should be an easy choice under these circumstances but it is somehow not.

 

[MarshallG]

So as a person has no investment in both brands, I should clearly go with Nikon but there is still something that keeps me considering to buy 5D4.

It should be an easy choice under these circumstances but it is somehow not.

Nikon lenses cost more than Canon, so only a naïve purchaser thinks the D850 costs less. It doesn't; it costs much more in total.

Besides that, if you're free to shop, try out both cameras and try to acquaint yourself with their controls, such as aperture/ISO/shutter/focus point selection. I know Canon's 600EX Flash is fantastic, and it's rear-panel wireless flash control is great. So there are some Canon advantages.

Still, the D850 seems like the better choice. It can serve as a Canon 7D Mark II, a 5D Mark IV, and a 5Ds. Three cameras in one.

 

[Jonathan Brady]

Still, the D850 seems like the better choice. It can serve as a Canon 7D Mark II, a 5D Mark IV, and a 5Ds. Three cameras in one.

Except the image quality is better than all of them!