With the release of the Nikon D850, one might be wondering how the Canon 5D Mark IV would compare to it side-by-side in terms of specifications, since both compete directly with one another. The Canon 5D Mark IV was announced almost exactly a year earlier in August of 2016, so it is a fairly recent release that will most likely not be updated for at least several more years. Now please keep in mind that such camera comparisons do not take into account lenses, accessories and other systems differences, so I ask that our readers take such comparisons with a grain of salt. It would be foolish to change systems every time a better camera comes out, because manufacturers like Nikon and Canon are known to leapfrog each other every few years!
Let’s take a look at the specifications of both cameras in more detail. Additional commentary on the data is provided below.
Nikon D850 vs Canon 5D Mark IV Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon D850 | Canon 5D Mark IV |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 45.7 MP | 30.4 MP |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 35.9×23.9mm | 36.0×24.0mm |
| Low-Pass Filter | No | Yes |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.35µ | 5.36µ |
| Image Size | 8,256 x 5,504 | 6,720 x 4,480 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 5 | DIGIC 6+ |
| Buffer: RAW 14-bit Lossless Compressed | 51 | 21 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 64-25,600 | ISO 100-32,000 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 32, ISO 51,200-102,400 | ISO 50, ISO 51,200-102,400 |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism | Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage and Magnification | 100%, 0.75x | 100%, 0.71x |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Storage Media | 1x QXD, 1x SD (UHS-II) | 1x CF, 1x SD (UHS-I) |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 7.0 fps, 9.0 fps with MB-D18 | 7.0 fps |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| AE Bracketing Range | ±3 EV | ±3 EV |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/200 |
| Shutter Durability | 200,000 cycles | 150,000 cycles |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 181,000-pixel RGB sensor | 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor |
| Number of AF Points | 153 AF points, 99 cross-type | 61 AF points, 41 cross-type |
| AF Detection Range | -4 to +20 EV | -3 to +18 EV |
| Auto AF Fine-Tune | Yes | No |
| Focus Peaking | Yes | No |
| Focus Stacking | Yes | No |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 3,840 x 2,160 (4K) @ up to 30 fps | 4,096 x 2,160 (4K) @ up to 30 fps |
| Video Crop Factor | 1.0x | 1.74x |
| Audio Recording | Built-in stereo microphone External stereo microphone (optional) | Built-in stereo microphone External stereo microphone (optional) |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Size and Type | 3.2″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD | 3.2″ Touchscreen LCD |
| Dual Pixel AF | No | Yes |
| Dual Pixel RAW | No | Yes |
| LCD Resolution | 2,359,000 dots | 1,620,000 dots |
| Built-in GPS | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 1840 shots (CIPA) | 900 shots (CIPA) |
| Button Illumination | Yes | No |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 915g | 800g |
| Dimensions | 146.0 x 124.0 x 78.5mm | 150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9mm |
| MSRP Price | $3,299 (as introduced) | $3,499 (as introduced) |
Obviously the two cameras are made to serve different purposes. The Nikon D850 has a high-resolution 45.7 MP sensor that competes more with the Canon 5DS R (50.6 MP), rather than the Canon 5D Mark IV, which only has a 30.4 MP sensor. Nikon D850 has a superior back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor and at ISO 64, it is known to yield exceptional dynamic range – something Canon typically struggles with. Without a low-pass filter, the D850 yields very sharp and detailed images, making it an ideal choice for landscape, macro and wildlife photography. In comparison, the Canon 5D Mark IV looks more like a general-purpose camera that is primarily aimed at portrait photographers.
Aside from that, there are very few areas where the Canon 5D Mark IV can hold its ground against the Nikon D810. Nikon has done a phenomenal job with the D850 and it really shows when one looks at a chart like this, since it highlights where Nikon was aiming with the announcement. Clearly, Nikon’s goal was to make sure that the Canon 5D Mark IV stays out of the competition, and as you can see from the chart, Nikon beats Canon pretty much on every major spec. It has a larger viewfinder, much better storage media options, an option to increase continuous shooting rate by 2 fps to get to a total of 9 fps, better flash sync speed, better shutter durability, better AF system, larger AF detection range, 4K video without any cropping, a tilting LCD screen, a far superior battery life and a lower price point.
Where the Canon 5D Mark IV comes out is its Dual Pixel AF system, which takes advantage of the phase detection pixels on the sensor when shooting in live view mode, allowing the camera to focus quickly and accurately on subjects. I wish Nikon implemented something similar, because its contrast-only live view focusing is extremely slow in comparison. Another feature Nikon has been consistently missing is GPS. Canon has done a great job by integrating a GPS chip into the 5D Mark IV and I really wish Nikon did it on the D850, since it is such a needed feature for travel and landscape photography. Lastly, the Canon 5D Mark IV is noticeably lighter (with roughly about 115 gram difference) and it is physically smaller in comparison to the Nikon D850.
It really is hard to choose considering the awesome comparisons made in this post and other similar posts on these two cameras that I’ve read. Based on the above, I would have to get the D850 as it seems a clear winner. And since the 5D had a few features I just can’t ignore, I will do the wise thing that @Davic C (commenter) did, “have both cameras” by getting the 5D afterwards. Having both gives you the best of both while covering up for each one’s deficiencies.
I have both of these cameras. I bought the Nikon and my company bought thw canon… I use my own gear because the garbage ergo and button layout of the Canon.
Jay Maisel uses a 12Mp D3s and the 28-300 zoom.
www.peachpit.com/artic…8;seqNum=2
He sells his prints for $2,500
So much for tech specs and gear comparisons
Nikon has consistently beat Canon when it comes to cameras since the D200. I’m wondering when canon is going to wake up. Things like a “rate” button are mind boggling. The Dynamic range of the Nikon cameras is the dagger in the heart of Canon. With that said, I have too much invested in Canon gear. This includes lenses and Flash units. Another thing is i’m not getting any younger. I can only look with envy and sometimes disappointment, something i have been doing since the early 2000’s. Sure there was a surge with the 5D classic and also the 5D II which introduced video but overall Nikon has been kicking Canon’s butt for the longest sorry to say. One good thing I have to say about Canon is their ‘L’ series lenses and the way they render the final image in that they come out on top.
Also when will Canon put the power switch on the right aide of the camera like Nikon and all other camera makers. Not to mention all the rest of the bad ergo that Canon clings to.
I have seen the Canon 5D mark IV priced at $2599. Who wants to spend $2800 for a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E lens?
How much time are you spending in Lightroom with Nikon vs Canon? I have spent many many hours trying to get the
pink out of Nikon skin tones while trying to avoid green. If I don’t have to do that with Canon, then I want Canon.
I don’t need 45 MP. It just takes forever to move from one image to the next in full-screen mode in Lightroom.
Funny I hate canon color science for the weird red skin tones.
I would never buy a Made in Thailand junk, and don’t give me that story about their Japan management and QC at the factory overseeing the production.
It will never be the same as if they are made in Japan.
Quality and working ethic of a Thailand low wage worker cannot match the Japan worker. Give some respect to the buyers shelling out $4K for the camera and make it in Japan. Not to mention the plasticky lenses crap made in china like the 105mm 1.4 costing $1,5K, and sensor made by sony. What a joke! Nikon is a mess.
I have the D700, that’s made like it should be, but I guess I will be going for the Canon as my next camera. And Nikon, make some decent 135mm prime lens, we all had it enough with the sluggish outdated 135 dc to match the Lord of the rings 135 f/2 Canon has.
Am a new new photographer with less than 500$ camera budget. I need help on the type of camera to buy
The need for big heavy DSLR’s are diminishing day by day. Only pure enthusiasts are now in to it. Smartphone technology is the next thing Corporate giants are interested to invest. Their R&D has come up with amazing quality camera phones. Even though I hate Apple to the core for its marketing tactics and pricinng, it still amazes me how an iphone 8 plus or iphone X can shoot 4k videos @60fps and even top class DSLR’ models has not reached to that point regardless the huge price difference
While it’s nice to be able to take movies, that’s not why most of us buy these type cameras.
Pros will keep buying real cameras to take photographs and you can use your phone to take snapshots.
No doubt, Nikon and Canon are good for one another: without this ongoing competition, we would not see the innovation come so fast and furiously. They are in the business of selling camera equipment and the technology changes motivate people to replace products sooner than they really should.
Any camera review should start with the photographer’s goals. If your current equipment is meeting your needs, don’t get caught up in the flavours of today. You can broke trying to keep up with the constant innovation. Spend more time on assessing what your needs are, and concentrate on learning what the existing camera body can do. No amount of technology is going to compensate for lousy composition skills.
And remember, while the new body might look great hanging around your neck, in the end, it’s the images that matter. As a pro-sports photographer once told me on a golf course: “there are a lot of very expensive cameras out there, taking a lot of poorly composed pictures.”
Kirk…you summed it up perfectly. I couldn’t agree with you more. How wet is wet? I too believe we’ve hit the pinnacle in regards to what our cameras are capable of and the ability of the photographers themselves .
Currently I have the 5D4 with “L” lenses and am still lured into the D850 for landscapes. Does it really make sense to switch? Other than the D850 not having a low pass filter, am I truly going to see any significant improvements in sharpness? Doubtful.
Depends on how much you enlarge/crop your image. It can be noticeable.