Canon 5D Mark IV
Canon 5D Mark IV Review: The Landscape Photographer’s Workhorse
Standing in horizontal sleet atop Kinder Scout, desperately trying to capture the last light of a winter’s day whilst my previous camera’s autofocus hunted uselessly in the murk, I knew my Canon 60D had finally reached its limits. The Canon 5D Mark IV has completely transformed my approach to challenging landscape photography, delivering the dynamic range, resolution, and low-light performance that turns previously impossible shots into captured memories—all whilst packed securely in my Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III for extended Peak District expeditions.
After three years of testing across Yorkshire Dales wild camping trips, Lake District winter photography sessions, and countless dawn shoots where every technical advantage matters, I can confidently say this camera has earned its place as the foundation of my complete photography system.
- Shoot captivating stills wherever you are, day or night. 30.4-megapixel resolution delivers extraordinary detail
- Dual memory card slots allow you to shoot for longer or back up your work without the need to switch cards
- Flip through menu functions and settings easily. Control your camera with a 1,620,000-dot 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD
Why I Chose the 5D Mark IV
I upgraded from the 60D after years of learning photography on that trusty workhorse, but finally hitting the wall during a frustrating morning at Malham Cove where the crop sensor’s limitations and poor dynamic range forced me to choose between blown highlights or blocked shadows—a compromise that landscape photography shouldn’t require. The Mark IV promised not just the dynamic range improvements that I desperately needed, but the full-frame sensor that would finally unlock the potential of my growing lens collection.
The clincher was finding a barely-used example for £1,300 when new ones were still commanding £2,500+ (January 2025). Because let’s be honest—spending full retail on a camera body means explaining to my wife why I need another lens budget, and that conversation never ends well. Sometimes patience pays off, and catching this camera at the right price made it an absolute no-brainer purchase.
I later sent the camera back to Canon to have C-Log added—their £99 upgrade that unlocks professional video capabilities for more cinematic footage. I’ve also invested in PolarPro’s Variable ND filters including the Peter McKinnon Edition II for achieving that cinematic film look, though I’ll admit I’m still mastering the video side of things. The learning curve is steep, but the results show real promise when I get it right. For filter organisation, I picked up the MindShift Gear Filter Hive which perfectly organises my complete Lee Filters Deluxe Kit—keeping everything protected and easily accessible during shoots.
What Makes It Brilliant
- Shoot captivating stills wherever you are, day or night. 30.4-megapixel resolution delivers extraordinary detail
- Dual memory card slots allow you to shoot for longer or back up your work without the need to switch cards
- Flip through menu functions and settings easily. Control your camera with a 1,620,000-dot 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD
Outstanding Dynamic Range: The 14+ stops of dynamic range transform challenging lighting situations. During golden hour shoots at Pen-y-ghent, I can capture detail in both bright sky and dark foreground without blending multiple exposures. This single improvement has revolutionised my workflow by eliminating the need for complex HDR techniques.
30.4MP Resolution Sweet Spot: The resolution increase from 22MP provides noticeable improvements for large prints and cropping flexibility without the massive file sizes that bog down editing workflows. When combined with my Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L USM II lens, the detail capture enables aggressive cropping whilst maintaining print quality.
Exceptional Low-Light Autofocus: The improved autofocus system performs reliably even in challenging dawn and dusk conditions common to British mountain photography. Essential during golden hour shoots when precise focus becomes critical for sharp landscape images, particularly when using my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM II for distant subjects.
Dual Pixel Live View: The touchscreen autofocus performs brilliantly for precise focus placement, particularly when using my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM II for distant subjects. Tap-to-focus eliminates the back-and-forth of viewfinder focus point selection during critical moments.
Professional Build Quality: Weather sealing handles typical British mountain conditions without concern. The camera has survived countless exposures to Peak District drizzle whilst wearing my Rab Cinder Downpour Jacket during extended shooting sessions in challenging weather. The rock-solid construction and comprehensive weather sealing have made me absolutely fearless about using it in all conditions—from driving rain on Pennine moorland to snow storms across Yorkshire’s highest peaks. I no longer worry about sudden weather changes ruining expensive equipment, which means I can focus entirely on capturing the shot rather than protecting the camera.
Real-World Performance
Yorkshire Dales Winter Photography: Extended expeditions around the Three Peaks demonstrated the camera’s reliability in harsh conditions. The improved autofocus performed excellently even when wearing my Rab Baltoro Gloves, whilst the enhanced weather sealing provided confidence during unpredictable weather changes common to Yorkshire moorland.
Peak District Dawn Sessions: Multiple pre-dawn hikes across Kinder Scout and Bleaklow showcased the low-light capabilities when combined with my Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L USM lens. The camera consistently achieved focus in conditions that left my previous Mark III hunting, whilst the dynamic range captured sunrise scenes that previously required exposure blending.
Lake District Wild Camping: Multi-day photography expeditions demonstrated excellent battery life and durability when combined with my complete camping system including the MSR Access 2 tent and Rab Mythic 600 sleeping bag. The weather sealing handled typical Lake District conditions whilst the touchscreen remained responsive even when wearing lightweight gloves.
Integration with Complete Photography System
The 5D Mark IV forms the heart of my complete landscape photography setup. The weather sealing complements my Rab layering system during challenging conditions, whilst the improved ergonomics work perfectly with my established lens collection. The camera balances brilliantly when mounted on my Benro Tortoise TTOR35C tripod, providing the stability needed for my Lee Filters system during long exposures.
For extended expeditions, the camera fits perfectly into my Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III’s camera compartment alongside my complete lens collection and Lee Filters kit. The improved battery life means reliable performance throughout day-long shoots without requiring additional power management systems.
When wearing my Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex boots during technical approaches, the camera’s reduced weight compared to previous generations becomes appreciated during demanding scrambles across gritstone edges where every gram matters for balance and endurance.
Where It Shows Limitations
- Shoot captivating stills wherever you are, day or night. 30.4-megapixel resolution delivers extraordinary detail
- Dual memory card slots allow you to shoot for longer or back up your work without the need to switch cards
- Flip through menu functions and settings easily. Control your camera with a 1,620,000-dot 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD
4K Video Codec: The Motion JPEG codec creates enormous file sizes that quickly fill memory cards and strain computer processing. While video quality looks excellent, the practical limitations make it unsuitable for extended video work without significant storage planning. Filming in 4K eats through memory cards at such an alarming rate that you need to pick your moments carefully—a 10-minute clip can easily consume 40GB, meaning spontaneous video capture becomes a luxury you can’t afford on extended expeditions.
No Image Stabilisation: Unlike modern mirrorless alternatives, camera shake remains a concern during handheld shooting. This limitation becomes particularly noticeable when using longer focal lengths or slower shutter speeds where the lack of in-body stabilisation requires careful technique.
Touch Screen Responsiveness: While functional, the touchscreen feels less responsive than modern smartphones or newer mirrorless cameras. The interface works adequately but lacks the intuitive fluidity that enhances user experience during fast-paced shooting situations.
Battery Life in Cold: Winter photography sessions require careful battery management as performance degrades noticeably in sub-zero conditions. Carrying spare batteries inside my Rab Mythic Ultra Down Jacket becomes essential during extended cold weather expeditions.
Alternative Options Worth Considering
Canon EOS R5: The mirrorless evolution offering 45MP resolution with in-body stabilisation at around £3,500. Superior specs in every measurable way but comes with significant price premium and requires adapting existing EF lenses. Better choice for those prioritising cutting-edge technology over value retention.
- High resolution and speed: 45 megapixels with up to 20 frames per second and 8K RAW video with up to 30 pictures, 4K at …
- INTELLIGENT AUTOFOCUS AND IMAGE STABILIZER – Features deep learning with eye, faces and body recognition, even on animal…
- MORE HIGHLIGHTS – Dual Pixel CMOS AF II I 100 – 51.200, EVF with 5.76 million pixels, 8.01 cm rotation and swivel displa…
Nikon D850: Direct DSLR competitor providing 45.7MP resolution with excellent dynamic range at around £2,200. Superior resolution and comparable image quality but requires completely different lens system. Better choice for those without existing Canon lens investment or willing to switch systems entirely.
- 45.7 megapixels of extraordinary resolution, outstanding dynamic range and virtually no risk of moiré
- Up to 9 fps1 continuous shooting at full resolution with full AF performance
- 8K6 and 4K time-lapse movies with new levels of sharpness and detail. File system : DCF 2.0, Exif 2.31, PictBridge
Sony A7R IV: Mirrorless alternative offering 61MP resolution with excellent dynamic range at around £2,800. Impressive specifications and compact size but significantly different ergonomics and lens system requirements. Better choice for those prioritising maximum resolution and don’t mind adapting to new handling characteristics.
- BREATHTAKING IMAGE QUALITY: The 33 MP full frame Exmor R back-illuminated sensor paired with new Bionz XR processing pow…
- BEST AUTOFOCUS PERFORMANCE YET: Equipped with the latest Real-time Tracking and Eye AF technology (human/animal/bird) fo…
- UNIQUE SHOOTING EXPERIENCE: With a refined design, the Alpha 7 IV includes a fast and clear 3.69M dots electronic viewfi…
The Economics of Professional Photography
At current used prices of £1,300-1,500 (January 2025), the 5D Mark IV represents excellent value for serious landscape photographers. The image quality improvements justify the investment when measured against the cost of missing crucial shots due to technical limitations. The robust build quality suggests decades of reliable service that amortises the initial expense across thousands of successful captures.
The camera’s professional specifications enable confident bidding on commercial photography work where image quality directly impacts earning potential. For enthusiasts, the improved dynamic range and resolution transform challenging shooting situations from exercises in compromise into opportunities for exceptional results.
Long-Term Ownership Experience
After three years of intensive use across demanding British mountain conditions, the 5D Mark IV continues performing flawlessly. The shutter mechanism shows no signs of wear despite thousands of actuations, whilst the weather sealing maintains effectiveness after countless exposures to typical Peak District conditions.
Beyond landscape work, this camera has become my go-to for wedding photography, where its flawless results and professional reliability prove absolutely essential. The superior dynamic range handles challenging church lighting and outdoor ceremonies with equal confidence, whilst the touchscreen autofocus enables discreet focus adjustments during intimate moments. The dual pixel autofocus particularly excels during ceremonies, quietly locking onto subjects without the hunting that can disrupt special moments.
The camera’s ergonomics feel natural after extended use, with control placement that enables intuitive operation even when wearing winter gloves. The menu system, whilst not revolutionary, provides logical organisation that supports efficient workflow during time-sensitive shooting situations.
Battery life remains consistent after years of use, though cold weather performance requires the backup strategy mentioned earlier. The robust construction suggests continued reliable operation for many years of regular use.
The Bottom Line
The Canon 5D Mark IV delivers professional-grade landscape photography capabilities at a price point that rewards patience and careful shopping. The dynamic range improvements alone justify the upgrade from earlier crop sensor models, whilst the resolution increase provides tangible benefits for print quality and cropping flexibility.
After three years of intensive use across challenging British mountain conditions, I can confidently recommend this camera to serious landscape photographers who value proven reliability over cutting-edge specifications. The combination of image quality, build quality, and current pricing creates compelling value for photographers prioritising results over technology bragging rights.
That said, I’ll be honest—as we speak, I’m very tempted to move over to the Sony system. The Sony A7R V is looking like an incredibly compelling landscape camera with its 61MP sensor, superior dynamic range, and in-body stabilisation that would eliminate the camera shake issues I mentioned earlier. The mirrorless advantages are becoming harder to ignore, especially when you factor in the smaller size and weight for extended mountain expeditions.
Yes, newer mirrorless alternatives offer superior specifications and modern conveniences. Yes, the 4K video implementation feels dated compared to contemporary standards. But for landscape photographers who need reliable performance in challenging conditions whilst working within realistic budgets, the 5D Mark IV represents mature technology that consistently delivers exceptional results.
The camera has fundamentally improved my success rate during challenging shooting conditions whilst integrating seamlessly with my established lens collection and outdoor gear systems. That proven reliability, delivered at sensible pricing, makes it worth every penny for photographers who understand that the best camera is the one that reliably captures the shots you envision—though I suspect my next major upgrade might well be that tempting Sony system.
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