Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Manufacturer: Canon
Type: camera — full-frame DSLR
Year introduced: 2016
Sensor: 30.4MP full-frame CMOS with Dual Pixel AF
Processor: DIGIC 6+
Key specs: 4K DCI video (1.74x center crop, Motion JPEG, 30p/24p), Dual Pixel RAW, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, 61-point AF (41 cross-type), 7fps continuous, ISO 100-32000 (expandable to 50-102400), built-in Wi-Fi/NFC/GPS
Price at launch: $3,499 (body only)

Overview

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a 30.4-megapixel full-frame DSLR announced by Canon on August 25, 2016, succeeding the Canon EOS 5D Mark III (^[1]). The 5D series had been a cornerstone for underwater photographers shooting Canon since the original 5D became the first full-frame DSLR in a standard body size in 2005, and the Mark II pioneered full-frame DSLR HD video in 2008. The Mark IV continued this lineage with significant upgrades in sensor performance, autofocus, and video capabilities (^[2]).

Canon announced the camera alongside an updated EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM ultra-wide zoom lens ($2,199) and an EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM standard zoom ($1,099), both popular underwater optics (^[3]). The camera shipped in early September 2016.

Key Features for Underwater Photography

Dual Pixel CMOS AF

The 5D Mark IV incorporated Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, previously introduced on the EOS 70D and expanded to the 7D Mark II and 1D X Mark II. This on-sensor phase-detection system operates in Live View and video modes, enabling continuous autofocus tracking of subjects — a major advantage for underwater video work (^[4]). Canon’s AF guide for the 1D X Mark II was noted to apply to the 5D Mark IV as well, given the shared AF technology (^[5]).

Community members confirmed Dual Pixel AF worked effectively underwater. Forum user leebo92 reported using it on the 5D Mark IV and found it “exceptionally accurate and worked very well compared to other large sensor cameras” for continuous AF during filming (^[6]). The AF system was activated via the camera’s shutter release or joystick rather than the touchscreen, which cannot be operated through a housing (^[7]).

Dual Pixel RAW

A novel feature unique to the Mark IV, Dual Pixel RAW recorded two separate 30MP images from the left-looking and right-looking photodiodes at each pixel. This enabled post-processing adjustments including image micro-adjustment, bokeh shift, and ghosting reduction. Forum member davidsd619 noted this could provide “functionality similar to Lytro” for macro photography (^[8]). Adobe announced plans to support the Dual Pixel RAW format in Lightroom or Photoshop (^[9]).

4K Video

The 5D Mark IV recorded DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p using Motion JPEG codec, plus Full HD up to 60p and HD up to 120p. However, 4K used a significant 1.74x crop factor rather than full-frame readout, which was a point of criticism among underwater videographers (^[10]).

Community commenter Espen Braathen noted the “enormous sensor crop making wide angle lenses less wide by a big amount” and called the MJPEG codec “a failure point.” He also criticized the absence of focus peaking and zebra patterns, features common in mirrorless cameras, which Canon withheld to protect their Cinema EOS line (^[11]). On the Wetpixel forums, video-focused users were largely unimpressed — Nick Hope said “No 60p 4k so I’m not interested,” and user thetrickster declared “I can’t see anyone buying the MK IV for video centric purposes” as Sony was leading in that space (^[12]). Walt Stearns observed a lack of excitement across camera discussion sites (^[13]).

Despite these criticisms, some users found creative solutions. Forum discussions explored using the Canon 8-15mm fisheye to yield roughly 14-26mm effective in 4K crop mode, which provided a usable wide-angle range. Other users recommended the Tokina 10-17mm or the Nauticam WACP with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 for the crop factor (^[14]).

Canon Log Upgrade

In April 2017, Canon announced a $100 firmware upgrade adding Canon Log (C-Log) to the 5D Mark IV, previously exclusive to Cinema EOS cameras. The upgrade produced a cinematic look capturing maximum dynamic range with better response to post-processing and color grading. Canon Service Centers performed the upgrade starting July 2017, and Canon also offered a pre-loaded version at $3,599 (^[15]).

Other Specifications

• 61-point AF system with 41 cross-type sensors (shared with the 1D X Mark II), AF sensitivity down to EV-3 (EV-4 in Live View) (^[16])
• 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with facial recognition and anti-flicker detection for gymnasium and pool lighting (^[17])
• 7fps continuous shooting (^[18])
• Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and GPS with compass — the first 5D series camera with wireless connectivity (^[19])
• 1.62M-dot 3.2” touchscreen LCD (^[20])

Note: The 5D Mark IV was specifically excluded from Canon’s image.canon online image transfer service launched in April 2020 (^[21]).

Housing Ecosystem

The 5D Mark IV’s body dimensions were very close to the 5D Mark III, though a wider grip and relocated controls meant existing Mark III housings generally could not accommodate it without modification. Wetpixel published overlay comparison images showing the dimensional differences, concluding that “existing 5D Mark III, 5DS and 5DSr housing owners will have to upgrade for the new camera” (^[22]).

Housing manufacturers responded rapidly, with the first housing shipping just one week after the camera’s availability:

Subal CD5 MIV

Subal was first to market, shipping the CD5 MIV housing on September 1, 2016 — the same week the camera became available. Priced at EUR 3,958.80 (EU) / EUR 3,299 (export), the aluminum housing featured Subal’s Quick Lock closure system, compatibility with existing Subal viewfinders and bayonet-mount ports, and a new 30-degree prism finder (PS-30) optimized for viewing the LCD during 4K video recording. The housing offered two flash connectors (Nikonos V, Ikelite, or S6 socket options) and two fiber optic ports (^[23]).

Seacam Silver

Seacam shipped their Silver housing on October 25, 2016. Notable was Seacam’s offer to upgrade existing Silver EOS 5D Mark III housings at the factory, though the conversion required parts replacement and was not backward compatible — converted housings would no longer work with the Mark III (^[24]). The housing featured titanium Safety Lock fastening, double O-ring sealing on all shafts and buttons, an interchangeable viewfinder system with four options, and the Seacam bayonet port connection (^[25]).

Nauticam NA-5DMKIV

Nauticam shipped the NA-5DMKIV on November 1, 2016, priced at $3,800. This was one of the most feature-rich options, including a new focus area button for AF point selection, a card access LED window for monitoring recording status, integration with Nauticam’s optional TTL Flash Trigger (compatible with Inon S-TTL and Sea & Sea DS-TTL strobes via fiber optic), and an integrated vacuum monitoring and leak detection system as standard equipment. The housing had a 120mm port opening that accommodated Canon’s 11-24mm f/4 lens, and cameras could be mounted with this large lens attached. Rated to 100m depth, dimensions were 358 x 187 x 135mm at 2.91kg (^[26]).

Nauticam also offered a $600 upgrade kit allowing existing NA-5DMKIII and NA-5DSR housings to accommodate the Mark IV, though some controls like the new focus point selection button would not be accessible (^[27]).

Aquatica A5DMkIV

Aquatica announced their housing on November 8, 2016, at $2,795 — the most affordable aluminum housing option. The A5DMkIV featured improved ergonomics with a repositioned SET button and new AF Area control button, optional Ikelite TTL circuitry for use with Ikelite strobes, and Aquatica’s Surveyor vacuum monitoring system as standard. Rated to 90m (upgradeable to 130m at no extra charge). Dimensions with grips were 35cm x 19.5cm x 14.5cm (^[28]).

Aquatica also tested the Mark IV in their existing A5DMKIII SR housing at the Channel Islands with photographer Andrew Sallmon before the dedicated housing was ready, confirming close compatibility. An upgrade kit priced around $800 was announced for existing Mark III housing owners (^[29]).

Sea & Sea MDX-5D Mark IV

Sea & Sea previewed their MDX housing at DEMA 2016, then formally announced it on November 22, 2016. The housing featured lever controls for frequently-used buttons (ISO, AF Point Selection, Multi-function), dampers on command dials to prevent slipping, and adjustable shutter release tension in three steps. Existing MDX-5D Mark III and Mark III ver. 2 housings could be converted for a fee. Rated to 100m, weight approximately 3,000g. Compatibility with Sea & Sea’s Optical YS Converter was initially manual-only, with TTL firmware in development (^[30]).

Sea & Sea released a second announcement in January 2017 with additional details: the DX-5DMKIV housing priced at $3,899.95, featuring a redesigned AF Lock lever and compatibility with the new YS Converter (shipping February 2017) for both TTL and manual strobe control. Sea & Sea’s new Leak Sentinel V5 vacuum system ($329.95) was announced alongside it (^[31]).

Ikelite

Ikelite offered their existing housing design that accommodated the 5D Mark IV, Mark III, 5DS, and 5DSR in a single polycarbonate housing. Forum classified listings show units in use from late 2016, with retail pricing around $2,680 for the housing and port system (^[32]). Ikelite also shipped DL5 DS Canon TTL Converters in 2020 that were compatible with the 5D Mark IV for automatic TTL flash exposure with Ikelite DS series strobes (^[33]).

Nimar PRO

Italian manufacturer Nimar announced their PRO Camera Housing for the 5D Mark IV (model NI5DIV) in February 2018, constructed of aluminum and resin, priced at EUR 1,750 — the most affordable aluminum option. Compatible with various manufacturer port systems (^[34]).

Easydive Leo / LeoR

Easydive’s universal housing system supported the 5D Mark IV through their Leo 3 and later LeoR housings, which used USB to control camera functions and supported multiple camera brands via firmware updates. Ports were available in various sizes including 240mm diameter, and compatible with Subal and Seacam port systems (^[35]). The LeoR, shipping from 2021, added OLED display, Android app configuration, and dual SDI output at EUR 3,490 (^[36]).

Hugyfot

Forum discussions confirm Hugyfot also produced a housing for the 5D Mark IV, described as a rare combination by user MikkelNoe who paired it with a UW Technics flash trigger (^[37]).

Community Reception

Stills Photography

The 5D Mark IV was well received by underwater still photographers as a meaningful upgrade, particularly for its improved AF system, higher dynamic range sensor, and low-light capabilities. Forum user errbrr, who had been shooting a 5D Mark II since 2009 and deliberately skipped the Mark III, was excited about “low light and low light focussing” and “focus micro-adjustments in post” (^[38]).

Nauticam’s press release described the Mark IV as having “the highest dynamic range sensor ever released by Canon” and noted the sensor’s on-chip analog-to-digital conversion offered high dynamic range ideal for “pulling shadow and mid-tone detail out of strongly backlit images” — an important capability for underwater wide-angle photography (^[39]).

In the D850 vs. 5D Mark IV debate, forum member Undertow noted that the 5D Mark IV “did surprisingly well” on DXOMark despite Nikon’s general sensor superiority, calling it “the top scoring Canon.” However, the Nikon D600/610/750/800/810/850 all outscored it. The general consensus was “Canon better for video and Nikon better for stills” (^[40]).

Transition to Mirrorless

By 2020, the 5D Mark IV was being weighed against mirrorless alternatives. Forum member kcf955 discussed whether to house the 5D Mark IV in a Seacam, wait for a Canon R5 housing, or switch to Sony A7R IV. The optical viewfinder vs. EVF debate was central — one professional told kcf955 “he personally won’t switch to mirrorless now because he feels the DSLR optical viewfinder is superior to the EVF” (^[41]). Other users, like Gudge, reported the EVF transition took only “a couple of dives” to adjust to (^[42]).

Canon Collective Workshop

In May 2018, Canon Australia’s Collective program partnered with Scubapix-Nauticam Australia for an underwater imaging workshop at Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Nauticam supplied 5D Mark IV and 7D Mark II housings with ports and strobes from Inon, Sea & Sea, and Retra, allowing 25 participants to try the equipment (^[43]).

Notable Images

The Canon 5D Mark IV was used by multiple winners and finalists in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPOTY) competition:

• WPOTY 2018: Songda Cai won in the Under Water category using a Canon 5D Mark IV with 100mm f/2.8 lens and Nauticam super macro converter (SMC-1) in a Nauticam housing. Audun Rikardsen’s “Night snack” was shot with a 5D Mark IV and 14mm f/2.8 lens in an Aquatech housing (^[44]).
• WPOTY 2019: An Under Water category entry was shot with a Canon 5D Mark IV and Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Macro Art lens in a Nauticam housing with an extensive lighting array (^[45]).
• WPOTY 2021: A finalist used a Canon 5D Mark IV with Tokina 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 lens in an Aquatica housing with INON Z-330 flashes (^[46]).

Jacques de Vos’s “Orca Sunset” image, featured on Wetpixel, was shot with a Canon 5D Mark IV and 15mm fisheye lens in an Ikelite housing with no strobes, at 1/160s, f/4.5, ISO 3200 — demonstrating the camera’s high-ISO capabilities in natural-light underwater conditions (^[47]).

Timeline

• 2016-08-25: Canon announces the EOS 5D Mark IV with 30.4MP sensor, 4K video, and Dual Pixel CMOS AF, alongside the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens (^[48]).
• 2016-08-29: Wetpixel publishes housing compatibility analysis with overlay comparison images showing the Mark IV vs. Mark III dimensions; DPReview posts first impressions (^[49]).
• 2016-09-01: Subal ships CD5 MIV housing — first to market (^[50]).
• 2016-09-22: Aquatica announces testing of Mark IV in existing A5DMKIII SR housing at Channel Islands, confirms upgrade kit forthcoming (^[51]).
• 2016-10-25: Seacam ships Silver housing; offers factory conversion for Mark III housing owners (^[52]).
• 2016-11-01: Nauticam ships NA-5DMKIV at $3,800 with TTL trigger integration and vacuum system (^[53]).
• 2016-11-08: Aquatica announces A5DMkIV at $2,795 (^[54]).
• 2016-11-22: Sea & Sea announces MDX-5D Mark IV at DEMA 2016 preview (^[55]).
• 2017-01-06: Sea & Sea formally releases DX-5DMKIV at $3,899.95 with YS Converter TTL support and Leak Sentinel V5 (^[56]).
• 2017-01-25: Aquatica’s Mark III-to-Mark IV upgrade kit enters final testing stage, priced around $800 (^[57]).
• 2017-04-20: Canon announces $100 C-Log firmware upgrade for the 5D Mark IV, available from July 2017 (^[58]).
• 2018-02-15: Nimar announces PRO housing for Canon 5D Mark IV at EUR 1,750 (^[59]).
• 2018-05-05: Canon Collective/Scubapix workshop at Heron Island features 5D Mark IV in Nauticam housings (^[60]).
• 2020-02-11: Ikelite ships DL5 DS Canon TTL Converter compatible with 5D Mark IV (^[61]).

Community Discussion

• Canon 5D Mark IV announced (12 replies) — Announcement discussion including Dual Pixel RAW excitement for macro, criticism of 4K crop factor (^[62]). Forum: Photography Gear and Technique.
• Canon 5D Mark IV (5 replies) — Video-focused discussion; community consensus the camera was not competitive for video purposes vs. Sony (^[63]). Forum: Video Gear and Technique.
• Canon 5D MK III housing upgrade? (26 replies) — Extensive thread on upgrade paths from Mark III housings; Nauticam $600 kit, Aquatica $800 kit, Seacam factory conversion discussed (^[64]). Forum: Photography Gear and Technique.
• Canon Dual Pixel AF working underwater? (5 replies) — Users confirm DPAF works well underwater via shutter release and joystick control (^[65]). Forum: Video Gear and Technique.
• D850 vs 5DM4 (16 replies) — Comparison debate; consensus Canon better for video, Nikon better for stills sensor performance, both excellent for underwater (^[66]). Forum: Photography Gear and Technique.
• Which lenses/domes for 4K video with Canon 5D Mark IV? (6 replies) — Solutions for the 1.74x 4K crop including Canon 8-15mm fisheye, Tokina 10-17mm, and Nauticam WACP (^[67]). Forum: Video Gear and Technique.
• Need help for a decision: 5DIV or E-M1II (9 replies) — Full-frame vs. Micro Four Thirds tradeoffs for underwater macro and video (^[68]). Forum: Beginner Forum.
• Pros/cons switching from DSLR to mirrorless (8 replies) — Late-era discussion on 5D Mark IV vs. Canon R5 and Sony A7R IV for underwater use (^[69]). Forum: Photography Gear and Technique.
• Which flash trigger for Canon 5DMkIV + Retra Pros? (5 replies) — HSS flash trigger discussion for Hugyfot housing; user settles on UW Technics trigger (^[70]). Forum: Lights, Strobes, and Lighting Technique.

References