• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 30.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 32,000
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 45.7 megapixels
  • ISO 64 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Canon 5D Mark IV advantages over Nikon D850

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.36 vs 4.35 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,995 vs 2,660 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 200 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon D850 advantages over Canon 5D Mark IV

  • Less expensive
    $2497* vs $3249
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Fast startup
    ~0.20 vs 0.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1840 vs 900 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 vs 41
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More pixels
    45.7 vs 30.4 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    153 vs 61
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    200 vs 19 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 5D Mark IV

Review Excerpt

  • Superb image quality from RAW files; Improved dynamic range; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast 7fps burst rate with unlimited JPEG buffer; High-quality cinema 4K video; Built-in Wi-Fi; Dual Pixel CMOS AF is very good.

  • JPEG files look soft at default settings; 1/200s flash sync; 4K video codec is cumbersome; 29:59 continuous video recording limit.

  • Class-leading resolution; Excellent dynamic range; Very good high ISO performance; Very fast AF and burst shooting; Durable weather-sealed body; Improved ergonomics; Touchscreen; Dual card slots; 4K video.

  • Live view/video mode still uses sluggish contrast-detect AF; Viewfinder only tests at ~98% coverage; No 4K at 60p; 30-minute video clip limit; Focus peaking not supported with 4K.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Canon 5D Mark IV
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon D850
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Nikon D810

Canon 5D Mark IV
Nikon D810
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Internal flash
Nikon D850
Nikon D810
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Internal flash

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Canon 5D Mark IV
Canon 5DS R
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
Nikon D850
Canon 5DS R
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive

Compared to Pentax K-1

Canon 5D Mark IV
Pentax K-1
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D850
Pentax K-1
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compared to Sony A99 II

Canon 5D Mark IV
Sony A99 II
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D850
Sony A99 II
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Compare Other Cameras?