Introduction
The Canon 5D Mark III and the Mark IV are both full-frame sensor cameras, while the first one has a 22.3MP sensors, the other features a 30.4MP sensor. As it is a new model compared to the Mark III, it has made a significant jump in resolution.
There are many reasons you can choose these cameras for, as they are good for day-to-day shooting due to their compact size, while they’re also great for professionals and photography enthusiasts who want to take their photo shooting experience to a whole new level.
Leaving the specifications aside, these cameras both have some impressive features which are practical and provide you with a wide array of preferences so you can take your photography to a whole other level.
A brief explanation, for the first model, the Canon 5D Mark III is a stunning full-frame, with high-resolution image capturing, along with the most innovative technology such as the 61-point high-density reticular AF and the 100-25,600 ISO range which can also be expanded to 50-51200. Thus, seeing all of these features, the Canon 5D Mark III is the ideal choice for shooting weddings out in the field or in the studio, while it is also perfect for still photography.
Okay, but let’s not leave out the Canon 5D Mark IV.
We’ve said it before, and we’re going to say it again, this camera builds upon the powerful legacy of the 5D series, as it is a popular option due to its reputation that it has gained over the years, offering amazing refinements in image quality. Personally, I would recommend this camera for people who intend to use it for weddings, portrait photographers, nature and landscape shooters, but that’s not all, it is also perfect for creative videographers.
Because they are very similar to one another, these cameras both stand at nearly the same price range. But as it is with most people, the price is not what makes a product good, but the features and the performance that it offers within. Some people may find the Canon D5 Mark III to be the ideal option, while some people, in this case, we find the Canon 5D Mark IV to be more premium.
Nonetheless, during this review, we will explain everything you need to know, including specifications, how they perform, and what are their differences.
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Head To Head Comparison
Canon 5D Mark III
To start off, let’s just point out that even though this is not the newest model in the 5D line, it’s still one of the best options out of all.
When this camera came out first, it had a relatively high-cost, however, it’s current price definitely brings more value for money than it ever did. As we mentioned, this camera is great for professional photographers, hobbyists, while for beginner photographers, not that much. I mean, this camera would be great for beginners of course, but it’s not really meant for them as it has some advanced features that entry-level cameras don’t.
Now, to start pointing out the differences, we have the 22.3MP sensor, while when it comes to the Canon 5D Mark IV, it has a lot more, so this is a starting area where the new model outperforms the Mark III. The Canon 5D Mark III has only one processor, while if you combine it with the eight-channel readout, you will get a continuous shooting speed of 6fps.
When it comes to sensitivity, it may be set in the range of ISO100-25,600, but that’s not all because it can also be expanded to H2 ISO 102,400. The iFCL metering system is also great, while some new users who have never used a Canon camera before, it may be hard to get used to it since it reacts in a similar way to center-weighted metering, while it also puts greater emphasis on the subject under the active AF point.
But of course, in some situations, this may be counted as an advantage, but when it comes to exceptionally dark or light main subjects, the results may not be that satisfying as it would be on the Canon 5D Mark IV.
For those who didn’t know, the Canon 5D Mark III was the first DSLR to introduce HDR recording, basically, the Mark III is capable of recording and merging three shots to produce a high-dynamic-range image.
Video capture is one of the selling points of this camera, with the introduction of a live view/switch on the rear, this camera speeds up movie activation.
Since we started mentioning specific things like the switch on the rear, let’s also point out that the camera has a headphone socket for monitoring stereo audio, so there’s something that can be rarely found in other cameras of this price range, and for those who’ve used the Canon EOS-1D X, they’ll be happy to know that this stereo audio monitoring can be adjusted exactly like they would adjust it in the Canon EOS-1D X.
Before we end, let’s also point out something about the camera’s aesthetics, for instance, this particular camera is great in wet weather conditions, due to the magnesium alloy and polycarbonate construction, while it is also dust and weather-sealed. Apart from that, there’s also a finger grip that is covered in a textured rubber-like coating that enables it to stay safe in the user’s hand, while the contour on the front and the rear will make it comfortable to hold.
Overall, for hobbyists and professional photographers, this camera would be perfect, but if you’re struggling with which camera you should choose between the Mark III and Mark IV, then let’s see what the newer model is capable of.
Canon 5D Mark III Sample Images:
Similar Comparison: Canon 6D vs Canon 5D Mark III
Canon 5D Mark IV
As we mentioned some facts in the first review, the Canon 5D Mark IV is definitely better than the Canon 5D Mark III in some aspects, but not necessarily because it depends on what you use the camera for.
To start off, the Canon 5D Mark IV has a 30.4MP sensor which is a huge improved compared to the Mark III’s 22.3MP sensor. The optical viewfinder is larger which can accommodate the Wi-Fi and GPS unit, and the grip is deeper which helps with making the camera feel more secure in the hand. As for the button layout, well, it’s almost identical, however, there is though a new extension on the rear which lets you scroll the dial to change a setting, while the switch is held in place.
The biggest improvement here is the sensitive touchscreen, while this is not something new in Canon’s lineup, but this is the first time the touchscreen is sensitive and has great capabilities, which makes it useful, integrating well into how a photographer actually likes to work.
When it comes to autofocus, the Canon 5D Mark IV is a solid performer, while autofocusing is also improved in Live View compared to the Mark III. You can also make the screen to focus with precision and speed without having to wait for the camera to find the subject and get its act together, for example, this can be really useful when you’re shooting macro and still-life subjects.
Now, some people want to shoot through the viewfinder, while we brought this up because here too, there have been some improvements. Compared to the Mark III, the Mark IV has a much wider AF coverage across the whole frame.
Other than that, because of the cameras’ good tracking abilities, you can now keep up with moving subjects, and as the camera can shoot at 7fps, it doesn’t mean that tracking will be perfect, but it will be significant. Since we mentioned almost every feature, let’s not forget the focus acquisition which is pretty speedy, and it snaps sharply into focus in brilliant light, while it only takes a tad longer in lower light conditions.
Additionally, the ISO range is 100-32,200 and expandable to up to 50-102,400, which means that if you find yourself in a pinch and you need to get the shot, then you won’t need to worry because the resulting image won’t be a blurry mess.
Now, when it comes to video recording, Canon was the first of its kind to feature Full HD video recording, however, nowadays, it has progressed to 4K, and the video produced by the Mark IV is just remarkable. It produces clean moving pictures, while it also refocuses in order for you to shoot smoothly and accurately.
All and all, we would recommend this camera for weddings, portrait photographers, nature and landscape shooters just as we mentioned in the beginning, so if you find yourself in one of these categories, then don’t hesitate to purchase this camera because you will never regret your decision. As for the guideline to the topic, the Mark IV is definitely better than the Mark III, not only in performance but also in body and construction.
Canon 5D Mark IV Sample Images:
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Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 5D Mark IV Feature Comparison
| Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 5D Mark IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Type | Full-Frame DSLR | Full-Frame DSLR |
| Megapixels | 22.3 | 30.4 |
| ISO Range | 102,400 | 100-32,200(50-102,400) |
| Flip-Out Screen | No | No |
| Microphone | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Video Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor Size | CMOS | CMOS |
Similar Comparison: Nikon D750 vs Canon 5D Mark IV
Conclusion
Both these cameras are great for what they were made for, for example, the Canon 5D Mark III would be the ideal choice for still photography, and for day-to-day shooting, but yet again, for more sophisticated and advanced features, I would go for the Canon 5D Mark IV.
Starting from MP advantage to sensitive touchscreen capabilities, more versatility, and features, the Canon 5D Mark IV definitely outperforms the Mark III in many fields.
They are both similarly priced, which isn’t a coincidence but because they both are nearly equal to one another, except in some fields that we mentioned above. As for their build quality, the Mark IV hasn’t changed much from the Mark III, in fact, it remains nearly the same with a few exceptions.
All and all, if you ever decide to purchase one of these cameras, make sure you know exactly what you’ll use the camera for, and that way, you can choose between them more easily as we have stated specifically which one is for what better.
We hope this article was helpful to you, and if you have any questions regarding this topic, make sure you contact me, and I’ll try to get back to you as soon as possible.
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Photographer & Writer
I specialize in landscape, street and portrait photography and I have been featured in various galleries and publications. I believe that photography is a way to tell stories!
Photographer & Writer
I specialize in landscape, street and portrait photography and I have been featured in various galleries and publications. I believe that photography is a way to tell stories!
