Canon 5D Mark IV vs. Canon EOS R

Here at the store, it seems like customers are constantly asking what the main difference is between the Canon 5D Mark IV and the new mirrorless Canon EOS R. People seem reluctant at first to switch over to mirrorless when they’ve been using DSLRs for years. Don’t get us wrong, the 5D Mark IV is a phenomenal camera and between the two you really can’t make a bad decision. These two cameras are very similar but there are, of course, a few differences that might sway your decision one way more than the other.

Canon EOS R vs. Canon 5D Mark IV Comparison 

Mirrorless or DSLR? 

As you can see from the specification chart above, both cameras are comparable. Obviously, a mirrorless camera is going to have a few differences from a DSLR such as viewfinder type, size, weight, autofocus system and battery life. Regarding viewfinder type, optical viewfinders in DSLRs use the mirror to reflect the image from the lens to the viewfinder. Since there is no mirror in mirrorless cameras, they use Electronic Viewfinders (EVF). EVFs provide LIVE VIEW, the ability to see the changes you make in your camera settings in real-time. This can take some getting used if you are coming from a DSLR camera, but it’s an amazing feature to take advantage of.

Canon 5D Mark IV EF 24-105mm L IS II USM Digital Camera Kit

The two major advantages of the 5D Mark IV is the battery life and the two card slots. If either of these is a top priority for what you do, then hands-down go with the 5D Mark IV. If you are a sports photographer or someone who needs a fast shutter, keep in mind, even though the EOS R might have 8 FPS over the 7 FPS on the 5D IV, it will lock autofocus at 5 FPS. The video resolution is a tad bit better on the 5D Mark IV with 4,096 x 2,160 (DCI 4K) compared to 3,840 x 2,160 (4K) on the EOS R, but the EOS R still takes the cake in that department with a 10-bit output, EVF and 180-degree tilt-screen.

Although minor, the EOS R has a slight edge over the 5D Mark IV. One feature that contributes to this is that it has more than double the buffer capacity with 47 shots compared to 21 in the 5D IV and comes with a newer processor. Autofocus points are now available almost edge to edge on your screen with 5655 AF points rather than the 61 in the 5D IV. Another noteworthy feature is the AF detection range of -6 to +18 with F1.2 lenses. This range reverts to the same -3 to +18 range in the 5D IV with smaller aperture lenses.

Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera with RF 24-105mm f4L IS USM Kit

Mirrorless cameras, in general, are known for their ability to work well in low light and the EOS R is no different. It has a native ISO from 100-40,000 compared to 100-32,000 in the 5D IV. It also has a smaller maximum AF detection aperture at f/11 compared to f/8 in the 5D IV. A few other improvements include Bluetooth capability, a newer USB version and, not to mention, access to newer RF lenses.

Naturally, one main factor to keep in mind is the price. The price edges the competition closer to the EOS R at only $2,299 for the body, $800 cheaper than its older, DSLR counterpart. Currently, both cameras are on sale. Check our website for prices!