47 Fantastic Questions about the Canon 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera

Last week's exciting and long-anticipated announcement of the Canon 5D Mark IV DSLR camera has created a lot of buzz in the photography world. It has also generated a lot of questions from those considering using the camera. Here are some of the top questions the B&H experts have fielded on Facebook, Twitter,YouTube, Explora, and on our eCommerce site.

1. I didn't notice but does the video feature still not have auto focusing capability.
   As with the Canon 7D Mark II, auto-focus is maintained while shooting video. Be sure that "Movie Servo AF" is enabled. - Mark S

2. C-Log? Dynamic Range?
   The 5D IV does not have C-Log. As for dynamic range, this isn't a specification typically provided by DSLR manufacturers. We will need to wait for the camera to be released and third-party testing. - Christina S

3. Is the dynamic range increased? How does it compare to the Nikon D810?
   We are certain that we will see an improvement in dynamic range performance compared to the camera’s predecessors, but Canon has not released the specs for the dynamic range, nor have we been able to field-test the camera yet. - Christina S

4. Would this work for wedding photos?
   The 5D IV would be an excellent option for weddings. With the improved AF system, higher resolution sensor, increased frame rate, and great low light performance, this would be a great wedding camera for Canon shooters. - Christina S

5. Release date?
   Will begin shipping Thu, Sep 8

6. What does it output through hdmi?
   The 5D IV will output full HD 4:2:0 8-bit. - Christina S

7. Will WideDR or Canon Log eventually make its way to the Mark IV via firmware?
   Unfortunately, it would be impossible to say what Canon might do with a future firmware update. - Christina S

8. As a landscape photographer I have been using and loving the 5DSR. Will there be a 5dmk4 without the low pass filter? Then it would directly compete with the Nikon D810 and the Sonys.
   I doubt that the 5D IV will be released in a version without the optical low pass filter. Canon would most likely have announced such an option at the same time. - Christina S

9. Does it have the view finder light blocker built in or is it still the rubber piece on the strap?
   The light blocker will still be the rubber piece on the strap for the 5D Mark IV. - Heather

10. I would like to know if the 5D Mark IV can FTP transfer over Wi-Fi. Also... if the 7D Mark II will be able to do it with the W-E1 adapter?
    It is our understanding that by using the 5D Mark IV's Wif-Fi or the 7D Mark II with the W-E1 adapter, you can transfer to the internet. Use EOS Utility software on a computer to set up that function. We apparently misunderstood your question. The camera does have FTP transfer capabilities.  - Dennis

11. Just wondering if 5D4 has metering with focal point?
    We have discovered AF point-linked spot metering is not provided on the 5D Mark IV. - Heather

12. When 120 fps at full hd or 4k??
    The 5D Mark IV is only capable of shooting 120 FPS at 720p. It unfortunately cannot shoot 120 FPS at 4K or full HD. - Heather

13. Can you explain the dual-pixel?
    Dual Pixel's first job is seamless auto focus in Live View. Video shooters will be very happy. Dual Pixel Raw in photo will allow post focus adjustment. - Dennis

14. Looks like it uses the same battery LP-E6N (?). How is battery life impacted when using new features (eg, GPS, Dual-pixel raw, etc.) What are the shutter counts on single charge?
    The 5D IV uses an update on the LP-E6 (LP-E6N). Canon gives the following information for battery life:
    Camera Body Only
    Viewfinder shooting LP-E6N At 73°F/23°C: 900 At 32°F/0°C 850
    Live View Shooting LP-E6N At 73°F/23°C: 300 At 32°F/0°C 280
    Though, they don't mention if this is with or without GPS enabled. I would think this likely would be t GPS off (GPS will drain battery life, and should be turned off if not needed). - Christina S

15. Can you save/load camera settings (to allow configuring multiple 5d4 bodies exactly the same)?
    The Canon 5DIV has 3 Custom Shooting modes on its dial (like the 5D III), so up to 3 different custom settings could be saved and easily switched between on the dial. Though, I don't believe that these settings can be saved on a card to be loaded onto another 5D IV. To the best of my knowledge, this is still a feature limited to certain 1D series cameras. - Christina S

16. How filmmaker friendly is it? Zebras? Focus Peaking? False Color? Flat Color profile? Choice of Export Codecs? >29min Recording limit?
    There are no zebra or focus peaking capability, or false color. Flat color profile does not appear to be an option. You can export in 500Mbps MJPEG, however this can be transcoded to ProRes or other formats. There is a 29-minute recording limit unless you record directly to an external recorder. - Heather

17. Is the 5D Mark IV the same physical form factor as the Mark3 (so it fits in Ikelite Mark3 dive housing)?
    The 5D IV does have a different form factor than the 5D III, so it's highly unlikely that it will be compatible with the 5D III housings. - Christina S

18. Does it include a (software) intervalometer (either in the camera or via Wi-Fi connection - eg, set bulb mode to 60 minutes, without having to stand there holding down the shutter button for an hour)?
    While the 5DIV can do in camera time lapse, it does not appear as though you could set specific exposure times for Bulb exposures. This does not look to be a feature with the Canon remote apps either. For this, you would need an external intervalometer. Though, if you already have an intervalometer for a Canon camera with the 3-pin connection, you could use it with the 5D IV. - Christina S

19. Can you do focus stacking (in camera or via WiFi app)?
    You can shoot in Dual Pixel RAW to micro adjust focus post-shot using Canon's software. - Heather

20. Thanks for your reply, but focus stacking (taking many shots <1mm a part, and reassembling the slices for complete DOF in post) is completely different than dual pixel raw (a light field-like tech allowing a little refocusing in post).
    Sorry to misunderstand you. Beyond the micro adjustment ability, there is no in-camera focus stacking capability.  - Heather

21. Thanks Heather. And there's no focus stacking in their "Canon Camera Connect" iPhone App either, correct?
    That is correct. - Heather

22. Video compared to Sony or Lumix?
    The 5D Mark IV has full frame full HD video at true 24 and 30 FPS, 120 FPS at 720p, as well as 4K shooting (with 1.74x crop). The video quality will be excellent. - Heather

23. What is the Dynamic Range? Are file 10bit, 12bit, 14bit?
    While we don’t know the dynamic range spec, we do know that the files are 14-bit, the same as the current Canon pro DSLR cameras. - Heather

24. With Dual Pixel Raw, they keep saying you can focus shift "slightly" - can you quantify that please?

    • Has Adobe indicated support for dual pixel raw (eg, Lightroom & Photoshop)?
    • Given the tiny photosite size does the dual pixel raw help at all with diffraction limitations? Specifically with extreme macro

    
    Unfortunately, we cannot really quantify how much the focus could be adjusted with DPRAW, but to reiterate that this will only allow for a slight adjustment. It won't be anywhere the amount you could get with a Lytro camera. You might checkout the Canon UK site: they have some great information about DPRAW along with some sample photos. I don't know if/when Adobe might support these files. It typically takes a couple months for Adobe to offer support for regular RAW files. It's anyone's guess for the DPRAW files. Canon does have some in camera options for counteracting diffraction for JPEGs. Though, I don't know how much DPRAW might assist with diffraction. - Christina S

25. Video recording time limit?
    The 5D IV has a max clip length of 29min 59sec. - Christina S

26. Does 5D4 allow 16X zoom in during Live View? Can you use touchscreen focus when zoomed in to 16X?
    The image on the LCD can be zoomed in 5X or 10X to assist with manual focus. - Christina S

27. when shooting 4k does the smaller image fill the lcd and viewfinder
    When shooting 4K, what was being captured would fill up the entire LCD. - Christina S

28. will the Wi-Fi capability with the Canon 5D mk4 allow for wireless tethering?
    Using Canon's EOS Remote app, you could shoot tethered wirelessly with your phone. - Christina S

29. what is the distance range for Wi-Fi?
    Canon doesn't state this, but the WFT-E7's range is roughly 492', and its range is supposedly 10X that of the built-in Wi-Fi.

30. Is there a reason why the CF card was not upgraded? It's more MegaPixels, so it's logical to have a faster CF card ??
    We honestly don’t have an answer for you on this. Based on the increased resolution and frame rates over the Mark III, we would have liked to have seen an upgrade in this region as well, but there isn’t one to be had. - Christina S

31. Will the battery and battery grip for Canon 5D III work on a Canon 5D IV?
    The Canon 5D IV can use the LP-E6, though it uses a different battery grip: the BG-E20. - Christina S

32. Pros and Cons 1.7x crop factor at 4k?
    Pro: pulling on a pixel per pixel basis (no pixel binning/line skipping). Possible con: you get more telephoto angles of view

33. when shooting video, does the Mark IV auto focus as the subject is moving? I believe the 80D and 7D MkII have this technology.
    The 5D IV does have continuous automatic AF and AF tracking during video. - Christina S

34. will there still be a write limit on the SD card like the 5DM3?
    There will be a max video clip of roughly 29min 59sec. - Christina S

35. Can you zoom in to check focus during recording video? What is record time limit?
    The image can be magnified 5X or 10X to help w/manual focus, though this isn't possible while recording. 29:59 record limit - Christina S

36. So do or do not need external intervalometer? Can you do >30" exposures in camera?
    To set specific times for bulb exposures, you would likely need an intervalometer. - Christina S

37. Camera have focus peaking?
    The 5D IV does not have focus peaking. - Christina S

38. Can the Mark iv take SDXC UHS-II cards? They are currently the fastest cards on the market in the SD sphere.
    This camera uses UHS-I cards. - Heather

39. What accessories do I need to activate the GPS functionality and the Wifi functionality
    No accessories needed. Both functions are built-in. Information on how to use the functions are here. http://www.canon-europe.com/apps/canon-camera-connect/ - Dennis

40. Should I use a CF card that write at "up to 150MB/s Write Speed" or a SD card that write at " Max. Write Speed: 90 MB/s " ?
    For the price, the quality, and the maximum recording time. I'd like to use one card for photo storage and the other one for video.
    
    Canon says the camera supports UDMA 7 Compact Flash and SD, SDHC and SDXC UHS-I cards. Get cards that have that specification and you will be fine. - Dennis

41. Does the 5D Mark IV have the built in levelling system (as in the 5D Mark III)?
    Yes, the 5D Mark IV has an electronic level. - Heather

42. Will this allow you to pull focus with the touchscreen while you are shooting video, like the 70d does?
    Yes, you can pull focus with the LCD touch screen during video recording on the 5D Mark IV. - Heather

43. Does this camera have zebras or any type of exposure aid yet?
    No zebra or false color with this camera. All that is available is a histogram. - Dennis

44. Can I use the canon LP-E6 batteries and charger instead of the LP-E6N batteries and charger
    Canon changed the battery inside enough to warrant the name change. However, both OEM batteries are completely interchangeable. You risk no damage to your camera, OEM batteries or OEM charger. - Dennis

45. What is it's time lapse capability? Frame rates? Length, or number of shots? I can't find that info anywhere, but they mentioned it in the video.
    As with any time lapse timer, you set the number of shots, the interval between those shots, and the duration of the shooting. Here is complete information from Canon. http://bit.ly/2bMVPCm - Dennis

46. While shooting video, is there any kind of auto-focus mode that tracks your subject, like a traditional video camera?
    Yes indeed there is! The inclusion of Canon's outstanding Dual Pixel Auto Focus allows, for the first time in a Canon full frame camera, continuous Live View auto focus during video. I have used it and it works better than promised. And yes, it focuses just like a traditional video camera but this time, the image looks so much better. - Dennis

47. How do we turn off the Wi-Fi and GPS? Everything else is great and I would like it.
    Page 79 and page 227 of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera's instruction manual (and pages 11-13 of the Canon 5D Mark IV Wi-Fi Function Basic Instruction Manual) states that under the Camera Settings section in the menu is the GPS and Wi-Fi/NFC settings, both which can be set to "Disable" to turn the settings off. "Disable" is selected by default; you must go into the menu and turn these options on to "Enable" if you wish to use them. - Manzell L.

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