Canon's new 5D Mark IV DSLR shoots glorious 4K video
Nikon may have pioneered DSLR video recording with its D90, but it was Canon's 5D Mark II, released in 2008, which really gave amateur filmmakers the power to shoot high-quality full HD video with TV and movie-worthy production values.
Canon's new 5D Mark IV succeeds the Mark III with more of everything. But most importantly, it records 4K video, something mirrorless cameras like Panasonic's GH4 have had for years and Sony's Alpha-series cameras now come standard with.
The 30.4-megapixel, weather-sealed, full frame camera is a worthy upgrade for any serious photographer.
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For videographers and filmmakers, the ability to record in 4,096 x 2,160 resolution at 30p or 24p and capture 8.8-megapixel 4K still images from the footage has been long overdue.
Video is such a core part of a DSLR now that simply tossing in 4K wouldn't have been enough. So Canon also added HDR (High Dynamic Range) video recording to prevent blown out highlights, built-in timelapse, HD recording at 120 fps, and a 3.2-inch touchscreen with 1.6 million-dot resolution (and yes, it's fully functional everywhere unlike the one on the EOS 1DX Mark II which only lets you use it for autofocusing).
More remarkable is dual-pixel RAW support. In this mode, shooters can capture RAW files and then adjust the depth of field in post, Lytro-style.
Other features plucked from the 1DX Mark include the Digic 6+ image processor, 61-point autofocus system with 41 cross points and EOS ITR intelligent tracking.
Native ISO spans 100-32000 and the camera can shoot continuously at seven frames per second. The super fast dual-pixel CMOS autofocusing technology is also the same one from the EOS 80D.
Also in keeping with the times, the camera's got built-in Wi-Fi, GPS and NFC. Pop the side slot open and you'll find the same 5D Mark III battery (awesome), two memory card slots (Compact Flash and SD card), microphone jack, headphone jack and USB 3.0 port.
Are you drooling right now at the sheer performance? Good, because it's time to talk pricing and how big of a dent it'll make in your wallet.
The 5D Mark IV comes out in early September and will cost $3,500 for the body only. Canon's also going to sell the camera with an EF24-70mm f/4L lens for $4,400 (early September) and with an EF24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens for $4,600 (late October).
If you've been on the fence for a new Canon full frame camera, it's time to pull the trigger. It could be another four years before we see the 5D Mark V.
Topics Cameras
Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.
