If you're considering investing in a professional-grade DSLR camera, you've probably heard about the Canon 5D Mark IV. It’s one of Canon’s flagship models that has garnered an almost legendary status among photographers, videographers, and content creators since its release in 2016. But, here we are in 2024, with mirrorless cameras dominating the conversation—so, is the Canon 5D Mark IV still worth buying today? In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this camera in the modern market, from performance to features and whether it’s the right investment for you.

The Canon 5D Mark IV: An Overview

First things first, let’s get into the basics. Released in August 2016, the Canon 5D Mark IV is a full-frame DSLR that built upon the success of its predecessor, the Canon 5D Mark III. Packed with a 30.4-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, and the advanced DIGIC 6+ image processor, this camera instantly became a favourite for professionals. It's well-known for its exceptional image quality, robust build, and versatility in various photography niches—be it portrait, landscape, or sports.

But, as mirrorless technology advanced rapidly, the spotlight shifted to Canon's own EOS R-series and other mirrorless options from competitors like Sony. So, why would anyone still consider buying the Canon 5D Mark IV in 2024?

Build and Ergonomics: Old-School, but Gold-School

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Canon 5D Mark IV is its solid build. It’s made for professionals who might find themselves shooting in challenging environments. The magnesium alloy body is weather-sealed, giving it resistance to dust and moisture. You’ll appreciate this if you find yourself frequently shooting in unpredictable weather or rough conditions. In a world where lightweight mirrorless cameras are stealing the show, the 5D Mark IV’s heft might feel reassuringly rugged rather than cumbersome.

The ergonomics are, simply put, exceptional. The deep grip, tactile buttons, and intuitive layout make it a pleasure to handle, even for extended periods. If you’ve used Canon cameras before, particularly their DSLRs, you’ll find the transition to the 5D Mark IV to be seamless. It feels like an extension of your hand, which is invaluable when you’re focusing on capturing that perfect shot without fiddling with the settings.

Image Quality: Still Top of Its Game?

Here’s where the Canon 5D Mark IV truly shines. Despite being nearly eight years old, its 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor still produces incredible images. The colours are vibrant, the dynamic range is excellent, and the level of detail is superb. Whether you’re photographing a wedding or capturing stunning landscapes, this camera holds its own against even newer models.

In low light, the Canon 5D Mark IV performs admirably. The native ISO range of 100-32,000 (expandable to 50-102,400) allows for clean images even in dim conditions, with minimal noise. It's an excellent choice for night-time photography or indoor shoots where lighting isn't always ideal.

What about autofocus? The 61-point AF system, including 41 cross-type points, is quick, responsive, and accurate. For photographers who rely on fast-moving subjects, such as wildlife or sports photographers, the 5D Mark IV does not disappoint. Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus technology, a key feature of this camera, offers continuous focus in live view and video mode, making it great for both photography and videography.

Versatile Lens Compatibility

If you’re someone who already has a collection of Canon EF lenses, this camera becomes even more appealing. Canon’s EF lens lineup is vast, giving you a lens for every possible scenario—from ultra-wide angles to telephotos. While Canon's mirrorless R-series cameras require RF lenses (or adapters for EF lenses), the 5D Mark IV is natively compatible with EF lenses, so there’s no need for adapters. That means you get access to one of the most extensive and mature lens ecosystems in the photography world, which could be a major deciding factor if you’ve already invested in glass.

Video Capabilities: 4K in 2024, Still Relevant?

In a world where 6K, 8K, and even 12K video are being touted as the future, can the Canon 5D Mark IV’s 4K recording still hold up? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.

The Canon 5D Mark IV offers DCI 4K recording at 24/30 fps, with a bit rate of 500Mbps. While this might not be as jaw-dropping as some of the newer models, it’s more than enough for most professional videographers, especially those focusing on YouTube content, corporate videos, or wedding videography. The video quality is excellent, and the Dual Pixel autofocus ensures smooth, reliable focus transitions.

However, the biggest drawback is the significant crop factor of 1.74x when shooting in 4K, which limits your field of view. For wide-angle videography, this can be frustrating. But for most uses, especially if you’re shooting interviews, product demos, or close-ups, it’s not a deal-breaker. Plus, if you’re content with Full HD (1080p), you get a full-frame readout with no crop and a silky-smooth 60fps.

In terms of colour grading, the Canon 5D Mark IV’s video files are quite flexible. The camera supports Canon Log (C-Log) with an upgrade, which allows for greater dynamic range and flexibility in post-production.

The DSLR vs Mirrorless Debate: Where Does the 5D Mark IV Fit?

By 2024, the debate between DSLR and mirrorless cameras seems to have settled somewhat. Mirrorless systems have a clear edge in several areas: they’re lighter, offer electronic viewfinders with real-time previews, and often have faster burst rates. But does that make DSLRs obsolete? Absolutely not.

The Canon 5D Mark IV still has a place in the hearts of many professional photographers. There’s something about the optical viewfinder, which gives a direct, unmediated view of the scene, that many photographers prefer over electronic screens. The battery life of DSLRs is another major advantage. You can expect to get significantly more shots on a single charge compared to mirrorless cameras, which can be a huge plus on extended shoots or travel assignments.

For those who value robustness, battery efficiency, and an optical viewfinder, the Canon 5D Mark IV remains a solid choice.

Who Should Buy the Canon 5D Mark IV in 2024?

If you’re a professional photographer, especially one who already owns EF lenses, the Canon 5D Mark IV is still a fantastic investment. It delivers incredible image quality, reliable performance, and a durable build. If you primarily shoot stills and don’t feel the need to upgrade to a mirrorless system, the 5D Mark IV is a workhorse that will serve you well for years to come.

For videographers, the answer is a little more nuanced. While the 4K video quality is good, the crop factor might be a deal breaker for certain types of work, particularly if you need wide-angle shots. However, if you’re focusing on Full HD recording, corporate videos, or more static shoots, the 5D Mark IV still offers plenty of value.

If you’re an enthusiast or hobbyist looking for a high-quality DSLR, the Canon 5D Mark IV is an excellent option—though it might be overkill depending on your needs. If you're primarily a landscape photographer, portrait enthusiast, or someone who loves to experiment with different genres, this camera will provide you with room to grow and create.

Price-wise, the Canon 5D Mark IV still sits at a premium. It’s not the most affordable option, especially when compared to some newer mirrorless models. However, if you’re committed to a full-frame DSLR system and have the budget, you’ll find that the 5D Mark IV delivers excellent value for money when you consider its overall performance and image quality.

Is the Canon 5D Mark IV Worth It in 2024? what we think

While the photography world may have largely shifted towards mirrorless systems, the Canon 5D Mark IV still has plenty to offer in 2024. Its solid build, exceptional image quality, and reliable performance make it a worthy contender for professional photographers who prefer the feel and robustness of a DSLR. While it may not be the best option for cutting-edge video work, it’s more than capable for most uses.

In a nutshell, if you’re after a tried-and-true camera that delivers outstanding stills and a versatile shooting experience, the Canon 5D Mark IV is certainly worth considering, even in the rapidly evolving camera landscape of 2024. It's a camera that has stood the test of time—and for good reason.

This blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue providing valuable content. we only recommend products and brands that we trust and believe will benefit my readers. Thank you for your support!