5 Things to Know Before You Buy a Canon 5D Mark IV in 2021
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Canon 5D Mark IV
The Canon 5D Mark IV came out in 2016 as a great option for professional photographers, especially considering its incredibly high price.
But, since it’s 2021, a lot of other cameras have dropped and the Canon 5D Mark IV price has gone significantly down.
Now, we did a complete Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review that you can read, but we figured this needed to be updated for 2021.
Keep reading to find out if this Canon EOS 5D Mark camera is right for you this year, and to figure out what odd specs you can expect to find when first shooting with it.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV IS a Fantastic Hybrid DSLR
The Canon 5D Mark IV is a hybrid DSLR, which means it’s smaller than a traditional DSLR because it doesn’t feature a mechanical mirror.
This is beneficial because Canon was able to add a much larger, 30MP sensor into this camera with the extra space.
I’m going to speak about the sensor a bit later on more in-depth, but suffice it to say that this 30MP sensor means you can use this camera as the perfect all-around camera, for either stills or video. For recording the audio, you can carry a pocket-friendly Rode Wireless GO II microphone with you.
The Canon HD video in the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is super-sampled and comes at 180Mbps. In fact, the Canon HD video looks a lot better than 4K in other, similar cameras.
Canon Mark IV Features 4K, But It’s Disappointing 4K
It’s definitely a good thing that this Canon EOS 5D Mark camera comes with such incredible HD video, because its 4K video is rather disappointing.
It uses rolling shutter to capture its 4K video and this is a huge negative for people wanting to use the camera for action video, or really any video with a lot of movement.
Another downside to the 4K video on this camera is that it uses Motion JPEG, which isn’t the most flexible codec and it also burns through 500Mbps.
Essentially, there’s really no reason to purchase this camera for its 4K video. Although, keep in mind that the Canon 5D Mark IV video performance when shooting in HD more than makes up for this flaw.
Canon 5D MK IV HAS Got a Full Frame Sensor
Canon is obviously known for its HD look, but the Canon 5D Mark IV pairs this look with a bigger sensor to ensure you get cinematic depth of field with every shot.
In essence, you can shoot with a tight lens without losing the wide look thanks to the full frame sensor.
Full frame sensors are also known for producing better bokeh, better low light shooting, and less noise.
This is incredibly true of the Canon 5D Mark IV, which adds improved dynamic range and color depth, thanks once again to its sensor.
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It’s Going to Last Forever
If you take a look at the Canon 5D Mark IV specs, then you can see that its shutter is rated for 150,000 actuations. This isn’t as impressive as some other cameras, and I think a lot of people write the camera off because of it.
According to ShutterCheck, which is a website dedicated to tracking the shutter life of popular cameras, there are plenty of Canon cameras which are currently in the 215,000-285,000 range, and a handful that have already surpassed the 500,000 mark.
Shutter life expectancy aside, the Canon 5D Mark IV features incredibly impressive weather-sealing, as seen in this video by ImagingResource.
Most modern Canons are known for their sturdy build, and this one is no different. It’s typically referred to as a “workhorse” because you can throw it around and expect it to continue performing for years to come.
It’s Screen Is Fixed
Although this Canon camera is nearly perfect in almost every regard, the one thing I don’t appreciate about its body is that it features a fixed screen.
The screen is 3.2” and features 1.62m-dots, so it's a phenomenal screen, but I really appreciate using my cameras with an articulating screen for some forms of photography.
As an example, I rarely shoot video without using an articulating screen because most DSLRs are not built for video that allows you to use the viewfinder while shooting.
Additionally, you aren’t going to be able to frame at odd angles with this camera, unless you yourself are at an odd angle and, while I’m no stranger to embarrassing myself in public for the perfect shot, sometimes it is dangerous or unrealistic to believe you can lay down on the ground to get exactly what you’re looking for.
The fixed screen, paired with the poor 4K video, makes me question if Canon really had videographers in mind when creating this camera, despite the fact that it has some of the best HD video around.
For more info on all of these points and more, check out the above video by Tech Through The Lens who created a video discussing the ways he uses his Canon 5D Mark IV in 2021.
And, if you’re interested in purchasing a Canon 5D Mark IV, or you want to start shopping around for one once the photography industry picks back up, you can look for used ones from MPB starting at $2,050.
MPB is my go-to choice for used gear because they take the time to grade each camera before listing it for sale.
That inspection process allows MPB to give you a clear picture of what condition the camera is in, that way there are no surprises when you get your new-to-you camera in the mail.
MPB also has a huge selection of cameras, lenses, and other gear, and that selection is constantly changing. You never know what kind of great deal you can find!
Head over to MPB and see for yourself. Whether you want a Canon 5D Mark IV or something else, chances are you’ll find what you want!
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Nikon D780 Review
Nikon D780
Nobody will stop talking about the Nikon D780 that just dropped. And not just because it’s an incredible DSLR, but because many believe it could be Nikon’s last shot at creating an incredible DSLR before permanently moving on to mirrorless cameras.
Whether you think the Nikon D780 is a revival of an old camera for the sake of reminiscing, or a camera that is aiming to reinvigorate DSLRs permanently, here is our complete Nikon D780 review. We have also done extensive Nikon D750 review here.
Nikon D780 Specs
The Nikon D780, despite Nikon rumors, has brought no brand-new technology to DSLRs.
But, it does feature something for just about everyone from a fast AF system to 4K video to faster burst mode.
Nikon D780 Specs include:
- 24.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 273-point AF system
- ISO range of 100-51,200
- 4K video capabilities at 30/25/24p
- 3.2” 2359K-dot tilting touchscreen
- 12fps burst mode
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 1.85 lbs
Recommended Photography Reading
- National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Great Photography
- Photography: The Definitive Visual History
- Read This if You Want to Take Great Photographs
Nikon D780 Body & Design
For a more hands-on look at this camera, check out this video by digiDirect.
The Nikon D780 is a 1.8 lb monster of a DSLR. It’s made of soft curves, instead of angles, which is familiar for those of us used to shooting with Nikon DSLRs.
While its size may seem like a detriment at first, I found it comforting. It is just large enough to feature a comfortable grip, splayed controls, and a large rear screen.
Additionally, the larger body means photographers can use larger full frame zoom lenses comfortably with the Nikon D780.
I do have a few complaints about the build of the Nikon D780, though. Learn more about Nikon D5 camera on our website PhotographyTalk.com.
My biggest beef is the four-way D-pad on the rear of the body. It should be bigger. The lock lever meant to stop you adjusting the AF point selection on accident also switches too easily.
Nikon D780 Build & Handling
Everyone’s favorite YouTube photographer, Jared Polin, is back with a review of the Nikon D780. It’s helpful to see this camera in action.
My favorite upgrade to the handling of the Nikon D780 is that the tilting screen is touch-sensitive. Nikon also got rid of the onboard flash and provided us with a dedicated AF-ON button.
The ergonomics are essentially the same as the Nikon D750. The Nikon D780 has an estimated battery life of 2,260 shots, which means you should never really need to use the external battery charger that comes with the camera (but they’re going to give it to you anyways).
Nikon D780 Video Performance
The most impressive changes to the Nikon D780 are all in the video department, and you can see just how beautiful the uncropped 4K video is in this video by ePhotoSlovakia.
You can shoot 4K video in 24, 25 or 30p with no crop.
The AF system works really well while shooting video, as does the face detection. You can shoot slow-motion if you’d like in 1080/120p. The Nikon D780 also comes with headphone and mic ports for external accessories.
For a great comparison of the Nikon D780 with other competitors in the field, the video above by The Slanted Lens is for you.
Nikon D780 Price
The Nikon D780 price on Amazon is currently $2,300, which is admittedly out of many people’s price range.
However, as the days roll on, used Nikon D780s are going to start being for sale on used gear sites like MPB.
While there aren’t any available as of the publishing of this article, there very well may be some available for you by the time you’re reading this. You can check here to check out their inventory of used D780s.
If you want to upgrade to a new D780, why not sell your old one on MPB?
MPB offers more than fair prices for your used gear, and even sends you a box to ship it to them for free.
Alternatively, you can trade in your old camera and use the credit towards buying new-to-you gear on MPB.
I’ve bought and sold used cameras and lenses with MPB for years, and I’ve never had a problem or issue - you won’t either!
Save some money, buy used, and invest your savings in even more awesome gear!