Canon Eos 5d Mark Iv Vs Eos R: The Differences You Need To Know Before You Buy

In the realm of professional photography, the Canon EOS 5D series and the EOS R system stand as two of the most formidable contenders. The EOS 5D Mark IV, a DSLR stalwart, and the EOS R, a mirrorless marvel, both offer exceptional image quality, advanced features, and a robust lens selection. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the depths of these two photography powerhouses, weighing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Eras

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV exudes a classic DSLR charm, featuring a solid magnesium alloy body that can withstand the rigors of professional use. Its familiar button layout and intuitive controls provide a seamless shooting experience, making it a favorite among seasoned photographers.

In contrast, the Canon EOS R embraces a modern, minimalist design. Its compact and lightweight body is crafted from a combination of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate, making it a more portable option for travel and street photography. The EOS R’s sleek and streamlined design also features a fully articulating touchscreen LCD, offering versatile shooting angles and intuitive touch control.

Image Quality: Megapixels and Dynamic Range

Both the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the EOS R boast impressive image quality, thanks to their high-resolution sensors. The EOS 5D Mark IV packs a 30.4-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, delivering sharp and detailed images with excellent color reproduction. Its wide dynamic range allows for capturing both highlight and shadow details, making it ideal for landscape and portrait photography.

The EOS R, on the other hand, features a slightly higher resolution 30.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. While the difference in megapixels is negligible, the EOS R benefits from Canon’s latest image processing engine, the DIGIC X. This powerful processor enables improved noise reduction, resulting in cleaner images, especially at higher ISO settings. Additionally, the EOS R’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system provides exceptional low-light autofocus performance, making it a compelling choice for astrophotography and low-light shooting.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the EOS R both offer lightning-fast autofocus systems, ensuring you never miss a shot. The EOS 5D Mark IV employs a 61-point autofocus system, with 41 cross-type points, providing accurate focusing in various lighting conditions. Its continuous shooting speed of 7 frames per second (fps) makes it suitable for capturing fast-paced action.

The EOS R takes autofocus to the next level with its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, featuring 5,655 manually selectable AF points covering almost the entire frame. This advanced autofocus system delivers incredibly fast and precise focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions. The EOS R also boasts an impressive continuous shooting speed of up to 8 fps with the mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter, making it ideal for capturing fleeting moments and sports photography.

Video Capabilities: Cinematic Expression

Both the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the EOS R offer impressive video capabilities, catering to the needs of videographers and filmmakers. The EOS 5D Mark IV can record 4K video at 30 fps and Full HD video at up to 60 fps, with support for Canon Log and Dual Pixel AF. Its sturdy build and weather-sealed body make it a reliable choice for outdoor and challenging shooting conditions.

The EOS R takes video performance a step further, offering 4K video recording at up to 60 fps and Full HD video at up to 120 fps. It also introduces Canon’s revolutionary Eye AF and Animal AF features, ensuring precise focus on subjects’ eyes, even when they are in motion. Additionally, the EOS R’s 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling and support for external recording via HDMI make it a compelling option for professional videographers seeking high-quality video output.

Lens Selection: A World of Possibilities

Canon’s extensive lens ecosystem is a significant advantage for both the EOS 5D Mark IV and the EOS R. With a wide range of EF and RF lenses available, photographers can choose from a vast selection of primes, zooms, and specialty lenses to suit their specific needs. The EOS 5D Mark IV is compatible with Canon’s extensive collection of EF lenses, while the EOS R offers access to both EF lenses via an adapter and the new RF lens lineup.

The RF lens lineup is designed specifically for mirrorless cameras, featuring faster autofocus, improved optical performance, and a more compact size. With the EOS R, photographers have access to a growing range of RF lenses, including ultra-wide-angle, telephoto, and macro lenses, providing unparalleled flexibility and creative possibilities.

Price and Value: Weighing the Investment

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the EOS R fall into different price ranges, reflecting their respective features and capabilities. The EOS 5D Mark IV is typically more affordable, making it a compelling option for photographers on a budget or those who prefer the traditional DSLR form factor.

The EOS R, on the other hand, commands a higher price tag due to its advanced features, mirrorless design, and the inclusion of the RF lens mount. However, for photographers seeking the latest technology, exceptional image quality, and cutting-edge video capabilities, the EOS R offers exceptional value for its price.

The Verdict: A Choice of Evolution or Revolution

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the EOS R represent two distinct approaches to photography, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The EOS 5D Mark IV is a refined DSLR, offering a familiar shooting experience, solid build quality, and excellent image quality. It is a dependable workhorse for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The EOS R, on the other hand, is a mirrorless marvel, pushing the boundaries of photography with its advanced autofocus system, exceptional video capabilities, and compact design. It is a compelling choice for photographers seeking the latest technology and the flexibility of the RF lens mount.

Ultimately, the decision between the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the EOS R depends on your individual needs, budget, and shooting style. If you value traditional DSLR ergonomics, affordability, and a vast lens selection, the EOS 5D Mark IV is an excellent choice. If you seek cutting-edge technology, mirrorless convenience, and exceptional video performance, the EOS R is the way to go.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Q: Which camera has better image quality, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the EOS R?

A: Both cameras offer excellent image quality, with the EOS R having a slight edge due to its newer image processing engine and Dual Pixel CMOS AF system.

2. Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the EOS R?

A: The EOS R has an advantage in low-light conditions thanks to its improved noise reduction and Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which provides precise autofocus even in dimly lit environments.

3. Q: Which camera is better for video recording, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the EOS R?

A: The EOS R offers superior video capabilities, including 4K video at up to 60 fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling, and Eye AF and Animal AF features.

4. Q: Which camera has a more extensive lens selection, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the EOS R?

A: The EOS 5D Mark IV has access to Canon’s vast EF lens collection, while the EOS R offers both EF and RF lenses. The RF lens lineup is designed specifically for mirrorless cameras and features faster autofocus and improved optical performance.

5. Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the EOS R?

A: The EOS R’s faster autofocus, improved low-light performance, and compact design make it a compelling choice for wildlife photography.