Canon’s full frame workhorse just got a pretty significant upgrade with both a new sensor and processor inside the EOS 5D Mark IV, but even that is being overshadowed by the possibility of making slight focus adjustments to RAW files.
The camera’s new Dual Pixel Raw mode allows for small focus adjustments in post — not the extreme adjustments of the Lytro camera, but the possibility of fixing shots that were just out of focus. The feature works by capturing both the RAW image and parallax information. The downside? That nearly doubles the file size of the photo.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is built around a 30 megapixel full frame sensor, up from the Mark III’s 22.3. That’s paired with the latest DIGIC 6+ processor and together those two features allow the DSLR to record 4K video. That’s a good move for Canon after many consumers felt their video tech remained stagnant for too long as other’s caught up and even surpassed Canon’s reputation for solid video quality. The tech specs, however, don’t yet list a maximum recording time for that quality level.
The camera also boasts a redesigned autofocus system with Dual Pixel AF, giving it a -4EV performance rating in low lighting. The dual system also leads to a faster, more accurate autofocus in video compared to the older model.
On the outside, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV remains largely unchanged, keeping the solid build on controls of earlier versions, though the weather-sealing has been improved.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is set to be released in September 2016 with a $3,499 list price. The 4K and dual pixel technology are impressive, and the camera looks to be an excellent option in a variety of different shooting scenarios. The camera competes with Nikon’s D810, which offers a better battery life and more megapixels but without the 4K or dual pixel RAW and slightly lower autofocus points and even a slower burst speed. The 5D Mark IV includes a much anticipated set of features and could even make a run for the best professional DSLR this year.
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