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I am going to keep this thread updated with info, as I use the camera more. But for now here are my initial impressions, after 5 days of ownership.
Title: Canon 5D Mark IV + BG-E20 grip Rating: 9/10 (so far) When purchased: 16 Nov 2016
Pros: Sensor performance (ISO, dynamic range, 30MP), Touch-Screen, Higher-resolution LCD, WiFi (these are the primary noteworthy updates from the 5D3)
Cons: Should have had a CFast memory card slot along with the SD slot, both of the slots are older technology and the same that were on the 5D3. This is a fairly important thing but it has yet to slow me down, in the kind of shooting I do. Also this camera isn't the best for film-making as its 4K codec is older and takes up much more space than the current ones. Both of these factors are from Canon but we are kind of used to it by now. No camera is perfect and these are the key areas where this one falls short.
Would you recommend a friend this item: If you have a good library of higher end Canon glass, yes this is a nice compliment to that. This is an important distinction to make, like the 5DS models this camera requires lenses which have good detail resolution and sharpness ideally across the frame. If you are just starting out with photography and looking to build your kit, I would recommend you also look at the Sony A7R II and the Nikon D810, two cameras which rate better in terms of sensor quality and consequently image quality. Keep in mind both of these models are scheduled to be replaced soon.
Extra Comments: I really like the MRAW mode which is 17MP and very suitable for events and party type photos, which is a common type for me. I don't need to be shooting the full 30MP at those events. I wish it also had a 17MP JPG mode but for some reason the M JPG mode is 13MP. Not a huge deal but kind of odd.
A few sample pictures taken with this camera and Canon 17-40 lens: NC8A5421_HDRmsw by Ross Images, on Flickr
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM
Image Date: 2016-11-21 16:42:43 +0000
Focal Length: 17mm
Aperture: ƒ/9.0
Exposure Time: 8.000 s
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Bias: +1.00 EV
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Color Space: sRGB
Copyright: 2016 Ross-Images.com
NC8A5154 by Ross Images, on Flickr
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM
Image Date: 2016-11-20 01:16:02 (no TZ)
Focal Length: 17mm
Aperture: ƒ/4.0
Exposure Time: 0.077 s (1/13)
ISO equiv: 4000
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual
White Balance: Manual
Flash Fired: Yes (Auto, return light detected)
Color Space: sRGB
Copyright: 2016 Ross-Images.com
NC8A5391 by Ross Images, on Flickr
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM
Image Date: 2016-11-20 02:45:44 (no TZ)
Focal Length: 32mm
Aperture: ƒ/4.0
Exposure Time: 0.050 s (1/20)
ISO equiv: 3200
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual
White Balance: Manual
Flash Fired: Yes (Auto, return light detected)
Color Space: sRGB
Copyright: 2016 Ross-Images.com
I have a small complaint about the BG-E20 battery grip. The tray is thin plastic and pretty flimsy, surprising for a product that is around $360. The rest of the grip is fine and built well. Also it takes a bit to get used to how it works, the batteries get seated in a particular way - you put the battery in and then push them forward slightly. There is a tab that you hit to release them.
how is the battery tray in comparison to the BG-E11?
The more I'm using it, the more it seems like the changes on the E20 were made to address issues that existed on the E11. Namely, loose contact issues. Sometimes the 5D3 would stop operating or exhibit other issues - frozen controls for instance. And the fix would be to turn off camera, and remove and reseat the battery tray. The new tray with the "locking" battery mechanism I think is designed to be more reliable. The first time I put the batteries in I couldn't even put the tray in, it wasn't going in all the way. It won't go in unless the batteries are "locked" in (something I didn't know the first time), and this is a good thing ultimately, in terms of reliability. I need to get another 6N battery to complement the supplied one, right now I am using a 6N and 6.
I was actually just thinking of getting the 17-40mm lens you shot with. I shoot with a 7D MkII - sports photography mostly. I have the 70-200mm f.2.8 but sometimes, because of the crop, its too close. Plus with the 17-40mm it would be great for those shots to get the whole team or feel of the event/moment.
11-21-2016, 08:32 PM
from Canon but we are kind of used to it by now. No camera is perfect and these are the key areas where this one falls short.
