The Canon 5D MIII and Canon 5D MIV are two semi-pro DSLR cameras. In this article, we will compare their prime specs and features in order to help photographers decide which one better suits their needs.
The 5D MIII is an older model released in 2012, while the 5D MIV came as its successor four years later. Here you can see the scope of improvements from one model to another.
Canon 5D MIII vs Canon 5D MIV - Body comparison
Canon 5D Mark III
Canon 5D Mark IV
Both cameras reviewed in this article are weather-sealed and built of magnesium-alloy in order to perform well in different types of environments. The Canon 5D MIV has an advantage because it is more compact and better sealed than its predecessor; however, the differences are not substantial.
The Mark III weighs 33.5 oz and has dimensions of 6.0 x 4.6 x 3.0 inches, which is not much heavier or bigger than the Marks IV’s weight of 31.4 oz and dimension of 5.9 x 4.6 x 3.0 inches. Actually, both cameras are relatively heavy, especially when you add a battery and lens.
Each camera incorporates a 3.2″ fixed type screen and optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. The LCD display in the 5D MIV is much better because it uses touchscreen technology and offers 36% more pixels along with a 55% higher resolution screen.
Canon 5D MIII vs Canon 5D MIV – Sensor comparison
There is a full-frame CMOS Sensor (36 x 24 mm) in both cameras, but the Canon 5D IV carries improvements in the resolution and offers 30 megapixels in contrast to 22 megapixels in its older brother.
A bigger resolution of the Mark IV comes at a cost of smaller pixels. The Mark III has a 36% larger pixel area which allows it to collect more light and to produce less noise in images.
The cameras have the same native ISO range of ISO 100 - 25600 (expandable to 50-102400), although the new model has better high ISO performance and higher dynamic range.
Which camera will work better for you? Find an answer in the video above by Jared Polin.
Canon 5D MIII vs Canon 5D MIV – Features comparison
Canon 5D Mark III
Along with a better sensor, the 5D MIV also improves other features of the older model such as speed, autofocus technology, and connectivity.
The DIGIC 5+ in the Mark III was replaced with the DIGIC 6+ processor in the Mark IV. The new processor is substantially faster and allows the camera to capture 4K video.
There are only slight improvements in continuous burst rate. The 5D III offers continuous shooting at 6 fps, while the 5D IV allows 7 frames per second.
Canon 5D Mark IV
Although both cameras feature 61 AF points, the 5D Mark IV introduces a new Dual Pixel Raw mode, which allows you to capture two images at once for the sake of improving focus in the post-production.
Generally, there is a much better AF system in the Mark IV which is not strange since the one in the Canon 5D MIII didn’t perform very well.
Additionally, the Canon 5D MIV offers built-in Wi-Fi which makes things easier if you want to back-up your files or if you need to use smart devices for remote shooting.
Canon 5D MIII vs Canon 5D MIV – Video features comparison
When it comes to video, the Canon 5D MIV beats its predecessor. The main reason for this is that the Mark IV offers 4K/30p capabilities (with a 1.74x crop), while there is no option for this in the Mark III.
All that the old model offers in terms of video is Full HD (1080p) recording at 30 fps. The Mark IV improves this even more, and it offers Full HD video at 60 fps.
Both cameras have microphone/headphone jacks and HDMI output as well.
With this being said, if you are looking for a camera that makes a better video, the Canon 5D M MIV seems to be a better choice.
Check another hands-on comparison review of these cameras in the video above by Zed Pro Media
Canon 5D MIII vs Canon 5D MIV – Lenses
Both the Mark III and Mark IV have a Canon EF mount. If you already own an older model, you can easily replace it with a newer camera and still keep your collection of lenses.
It might be worth mentioning that none of these cameras have image stabilization, so if you require this feature, you will need to buy lenses with Optical stabilization such as the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM shown above.
There is a wide choice of lenses for both cameras, but you might want to check zoom lenses such as the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM, a prime lens such as Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, or a macro lens such as Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM.
Canon 5D MIII vs Canon 5D MIV – Price comparison
As you can see, the Canon 5D MIV performs much better than its predecessor. It carries improvements in resolution, speed, autofocus, and video, along with enhanced portability and connectivity. Still, this does not make the Mark III outdated.
Although it is already seven years old, the Canon 5D Mark III is still a very good camera and it can be a useful piece of equipment whether you are a professional or enthusiast photographer.
At the moment, the main advantage of the Mark III over the Mark IV is its price. You can buy a new body of the Canon 5D Mark III for $2,385.00, which is around $400 less than you would need to spend for the new Canon 5D Mark IV.
If you don’t mind using pre-owned equipment, you can spare even more. On websites such as MPB, you can buy used Canon EOS 5D III in good condition for around $1,200. A used 5D Mark IV will set you back about $2,379.
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