CameraReview

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Canon EOS 5D Mark IV — Which Is Better?

Canon EOS 5D Mark II versus Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Side by side47 specifications
Canon · DSLR · 21 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video Canon EOS 5D Mark II
58
SCORE
Canon · DSLR · 30.4 MP · Full Frame · 4K video Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
75
WINNER
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
General
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20082016
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
September 17, 2008August 25, 2016
Camera type DSLRDSLR
Camera size 152 x 114 x 75 mm151 x 116 x 76 mm
Camera weight 850 g890 g
Optics59/10076/100
Read the Optics Comparison

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs EOS 5D Mark IV Overview and Optics

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in optics, scoring 76/100 compared to the Mark II’s 59/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including the CMOS sensor type, full-frame sensor size, Canon EF lens mount, and the lack of image stabilization.

The 5D Mark IV’s superiority in optics is evident in its higher megapixel count of 30.4, compared to the Mark II’s 21 megapixels. This increase in resolution enables the Mark IV to capture more detail and produce higher quality images. Additionally, the Mark IV has a faster shooting speed of 7 frames per second, compared to the Mark II’s 3.9 frames per second. This allows the Mark IV to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively. The Mark IV also boasts a superior processor, the Digic 6+, which enhances image processing and overall performance. Lastly, the Mark IV’s DXOMARK sensor score of 91 indicates a better sensor performance than the Mark II’s score of 79.

Although the 5D Mark II falls short in several aspects, it still offers a reliable full-frame sensor and a compatible Canon EF lens mount, allowing users to utilize a wide range of high-quality lenses. While its shooting speed and sensor performance are not as impressive as the Mark IV’s, the Mark II remains a solid choice for photographers who prioritize affordability over the latest features.

Considering the differences in optics, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the clear winner, providing better image quality, faster shooting speed, and an improved processor. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II remains a viable option for those seeking a more budget-friendly full-frame camera with access to Canon’s extensive lens lineup.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
21 MP05030.4 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5616 x 37446720 x 4480
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
24 x 3624 x 36
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull Frame
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
3.9 fps0457 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon EFCanon EF
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic 4Digic 6+
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
64003003280000320003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
50302005030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
2560030032800001024003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
90300610300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
✗✗
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dots N/AN/A
Video43/10091/100
Read the Video Comparison

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs EOS 5D Mark IV Video Performance

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in video capabilities, as evidenced by its significantly higher video score of 91/100 compared to the Mark II’s score of 43/100. Both cameras share Full HD video resolution and a maximum video dimension of 1920 x 1080. However, the Mark IV excels with additional features and specifications that make it a superior choice for video recording.

The Mark IV’s video quality is superior due to its 4K video resolution, which is a notable improvement from the Mark II’s Full HD resolution. Additionally, the Mark IV boasts a maximum video dimension of 4096 x 2160, which allows for larger and more detailed video footage. The Mark IV also offers a higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, compared to the Mark II’s 30fps. This enables the Mark IV to capture smoother and more professional-looking footage, especially during fast-paced action scenes.

The Mark IV also has a built-in time-lapse functionality, which the Mark II lacks. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without requiring any additional equipment or software.

The Mark II does not have any significant advantages in video capabilities over the Mark IV. The only shared specifications between the two cameras are Full HD resolution and 1920 x 1080 video dimensions, which are both surpassed by the Mark IV’s superior features.

Considering the significant differences in video capabilities, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the clear winner in this comparison. Its higher video score, 4K resolution, larger video dimensions, faster frame rate, and built-in time-lapse functionality make it a more versatile and powerful choice for video recording. The Mark II, while still capable of producing quality Full HD footage, falls short in comparison to the Mark IV’s advanced video capabilities.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
YesYes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD4K
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 10804096 x 2160
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
30 fps120 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
NoYes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MOVMOV, MP4
Features54/10074/100
Read the Features Comparison

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs EOS 5D Mark IV Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II with a feature score of 74/100 compared to the Mark II’s 54/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, no flip screen, WIFI connectivity, and no Bluetooth capabilities.

The Mark IV stands out with its higher screen resolution of 1,620,000 dots compared to the Mark II’s 920,000 dots. This difference provides the Mark IV with a clearer and more detailed display. Additionally, the Mark IV has a touchscreen, which the Mark II lacks. This feature allows for easier navigation and quicker adjustments. The Mark IV also includes GPS, enabling users to geotag their images with location data, a feature absent in the Mark II.

On the other hand, the Mark II does not offer any significant advantages over the Mark IV in terms of features. Both cameras have the same screen size and lack a flip screen and Bluetooth capabilities. The only advantage the Mark II holds is its lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Considering the specifications and features, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the better camera of the two. Its higher feature score is a result of its superior screen resolution, touchscreen, and GPS capabilities. While the Mark II may be a more affordable option, the Mark IV offers a more advanced and convenient user experience.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
✗✗
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
YesYes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
NoYes
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
YesYes
Screen type TFT LCDTFT LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
NoYes
Screen size 3"3.2"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
920000115000150000016200001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
✗✗
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
YesYes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
YesYes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
✗✗
Storage & battery71/10071/100
Read the Storage & battery Comparison

Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs EOS 5D Mark IV Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV prevails over the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in the storage and battery category, both scoring 71/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including two memory card slots and the absence of USB charging. The 5D Mark IV accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) and Compact Flash memory cards, while the 5D Mark II accepts Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, and Microdrive cards.

The 5D Mark IV offers a slightly better battery life with 900 shots, compared to the 5D Mark II’s 850 shots. Additionally, the 5D Mark IV uses the LP-E6N battery type, while the 5D Mark II uses the LP-E6 battery. There is no specific advantage for the 5D Mark II in this comparison.

Considering these points, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV proves to be superior in terms of storage and battery life, making it a better choice for photographers who value these features.

Memory card Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, MicrodriveSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash
Dual memory card slots NoYes
Battery type LP-E6LP-E6N
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
850 shots1505000900 shots1505000
USB charging ✗✗

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