Canon EOS 5DS vs Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon EOS 5DS and the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon EOS 5DS was introduced in February 2015 and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV was introduced in August 2016. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon EOS 5DS Highlights

      • 50.6 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 61 Focus Points (61 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 1,040k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Highlights

      • 30.4 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 32,000 Native ISO
      • 61 Focus Points (61 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 1,620k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 4096 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in GPS
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

      PROS

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 50.6 Megapixel
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 87
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 91
      •   High Video Resolution - 4096 x 2160
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      •   Price
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Weight - 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 30.4 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   32,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Weight - 890 g (1.96 lb / 31.39 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots

      Advantage of Canon EOS 5DS

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon EOS 5DS over Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

      Canon EOS 5DS vs Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
      Higher Sensor Resolution 50.6 Megapixel vs 30.4 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 8688 x 5792 vs 6720 x 4480
      Dust Proof vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS 5DS.

      Advantage of Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon EOS 5D Mark IV over Canon EOS 5DS.

      Canon EOS 5DS vs Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
      Cheaper $3699/£2999/€3999 (body only) vs $3499 (body only), $4399 (w/24-70 F4L lens), $4599 (w/24-105 F4L IS USM lens)
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 32,000
      Higher Boosted ISO 12,800 vs 102,400
      Lower Min AF Detection -2 EV vs -3 EV
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Touch Screen vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,040k dot vs 1,620k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 7.0 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 2381 vs 2995
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.7 vs 24.8
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.4 vs 13.6
      Higher DxO Overall Score 87 vs 91
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 4096 x 2160
      Headphone Output vs
      Built-in GPS vs
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Lighter 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz) vs 890 g (1.96 lb / 31.39 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 700 shots vs 900 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon EOS 5DS Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
        Video Capture
        Large SensorFull FrameFull Frame
        Many Focus Points6161
        Many Cross-type Focus Points4141
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Large Screen3.2"3.2"
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/8000 sec1/8000 sec
        High DxO Overall Score8791
        Webcam Functionality
        High USB SpeedUSB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec)USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec)
        HDMI Output Mini Mini
        Environmental Sealing
        Many Storage Slots22
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon EOS 5DS Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min30 min - 59.94 fps or less
      7 min, 30 sec - 119.9/100 fps
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV have 3.2" Fixed screens with 1,040k dot and 1,620k dot resolutions respectively. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality (available only on Canon EOS 5D Mark IV) allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. They both have 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification.

      Sensor

      Canon EOS 5DS features a 50.6 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36 x 24 mm and a total area of 864 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV features a 30.4 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36 x 24 mm and a total area of 576 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 32,000 and expands to 50 - 102,400 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Canon EOS 5DS is equipped with Dual DIGIC 6 processor and can take pictures up to 8688 x 5792 resolution. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is equipped with DIGIC 6+ processor and can take pictures up to 6720 x 4480 resolution.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Canon EF lens mount. Due to their Full Frame sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Canon EOS 5DS it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV nothing can be done. On Canon EOS 5D Mark IV it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS 5DS nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      Built-in Wi-Fi on Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      NFC on Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Canon EOS 5DS has a Mini HDMI and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV come with LP-E6 battery pack with battery life of 700 shots on Canon EOS 5DS and with battery life of 900 shots on Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have two card slots - one for SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) and one for CompactFlash (UDMA 7).

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has Electronic shutter and Mechanical Focal Plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS 5DS, and up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Canon EOS 5DS can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Both cameras have Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 61 (41 cross-type) focusing points. and Canon EOS 5DS having from -2 to +18 EV detection range and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV having from -3 to +18 EV detection range.


      Exposure

      Both cameras' exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS 5DS and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon EOS 5DS body has dimensions of 152 x 116 x 76 mm (5.98 x 4.57 x 2.99") and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV body has dimensions of 151 x 116 x 76 mm (5.94 x 4.57 x 2.99"). Canon EOS 5DS weighs 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz) and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV weighs 890 g (1.96 lb / 31.39 oz).

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      152 mm

      116 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      151 mm

      116 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      116 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      116 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      76 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      EXCELLENT
      93
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      GOOD
      74
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      78
      •   32,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      GOOD
      70
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      75
      •   32,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      GOOD
      82
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      GOOD
      79
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz)
      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 890 g (1.96 lb / 31.39 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      GOOD
      76
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      GOOD
      82
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 4096 x 2160
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 890 g (1.96 lb / 31.39 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and give them scores of 73 and 79 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      OVERALL
      73
      OVERALL
      79

      Sensor

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 50.6 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 87
      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 30.4 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   32,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 91

      Photo

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      GOOD
      75
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      GOOD
      73
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

      Video

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      BAD
      32
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      49
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 4096 x 2160
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      GOOD
      83
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      GOOD
      74
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,620k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      GOOD
      77
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      EXCELLENT
      92
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

      GOOD
      72
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 890 g (1.96 lb / 31.39 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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