While it may be a little unfair to present this as a “versus,” the introduction of the 5DS/5DS R and 5D Mark IV over the past couple of years has made the camera-buying decision a little more complicated. Photographers, especially, may be curious about whether they should pick up the specialized high-res option, and then decide which of those to buy, or to pick up the latest iteration of Canon’s legendary 5D lineup. Hopefully this quick run-through will help you out.
Megapixels and Resolution
This is the easiest place to get started. The 5DS and 5DS R are equipped with 50.6MP full-frame CMOS sensors, while the 5D Mark IV has a 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor. The 5DS cameras win easily here. If your work relies on having the most detail and resolution possible, such as with product, macro, or general studio work, the 5DS R is the obvious choice, since its low pass filter cancellation effect guarantees the maximum resolution. Now, if you shoot a lot of fine patterns, such as clothing, you may want to opt for the 5DS, which retains the OLPF effect for reducing and eliminating moiré and aliasing.
Video
This is another no contest category, but the other way around this time—the 5D Mark IV’s DCI 4K video and various other settings and capabilities blow away the basic Full HD 1080p30 option of the 5DS. The Mark IV’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is awesome for video. If you are a hybrid videographer/still photographer, the 5D Mark IV is a no-brainer.
Low-Light Performance
This is more a question of need rather than want. If you consistently find yourself bumping up the ISO, such as in a dim wedding venue, concert, or just out on the street, the 5D Mark IV’s lower-resolution sensor also brings with it a much improved native sensitivity range of up to ISO 32000, which can be expanded to ISO 102400. The 5DS, on the other hand, has a comparatively low native range of up to ISO 6400, which can only expand to ISO 12800. Simply put, the 5D Mark IV is a documentarian’s or street photographer’s camera (and other similar specialties), while the 5DS remains firmly planted in the landscape photographer, studio shooter, or strobist’s toolkit.
Speed for Sports or Wildlife Photography
This is a more surprising comparison, since you would expect the lower-resolution Mark IV to really take it without question, but the 5DS puts up a great fight. Both manage to pack in a 61-point High Density Reticular AF system, which should do a wonderful job on a plethora of tough subjects, but they begin to separate on continuous shooting speeds. The Mark IV takes the lead, with 7 fps, and the 5DS is just behind with 5 fps. The 5DS’s impressive speed is likely due to having Dual DIGIC 6 processors, compared to the Mark IV’s single DIGIC 6+. For more practical concerns, the 5DS offers a neat trick—the ability to crop to either 1.3x or 1.6x, giving shooters a bit of extra “reach” without requiring extra cropping in post. But, with the Mark IV’s faster speed, improved low-light performance, and smaller file sizes, most sports photographers will choose the Mark IV instead.
Operation
The 5D Mark IV has a leg up here, likely due to its more recent release date and a further refinement of features. It gains touch capabilities on its rear LCD, as well as a dedicated AF Area Select button. These two additions may seem minor, but when you are looking at two extremely similar camera designs, the smaller things like this make all the difference. Realistically, other reasons should push you to pick one or the other besides an extra button or touchscreen.
Extras!
If you had your mind just about made up when it came to these cameras, there are a few more fancy features and settings that could make things somewhat difficult if you were on the fence one way or the other. The 5DS/5DS R doesn’t have as many unique options, so let’s start there. This includes a Fine Detail Picture Style and a Mirror Vibration Control system and Time Release Lag setting for eliminating camera shake. The Mark IV takes the cake when it comes to fancy features, with the newfangled Dual Pixel RAW technology, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi with NFC, and Digital Lens Optimizer technology for JPEGs. This is all going to come down to personal preference.
What about the 5D Mark III?
In an interesting move, Canon did not discontinue the 5D Mark III when they announced the Mark IV. This means that users looking to pick up a 5D-series camera do have one other option available. The Mark III is an older model at this point, but still an incredibly good camera. It sports the lowest resolution on the list at just 22.3MP, but these days most shooters don’t really need much more than that. It isn’t quite as sensitive as the Mark IV, but its native sensitivity still reaches ISO 25600, which beats out the 5DS by a good margin. Also, its 61-point High Density Reticular AF system is quite good, but it just doesn’t have as wide coverage as the newer models. Altogether, if you are looking to jump into full-frame at a lower price and don’t need the added video features of the Mark IV and don’t need the sometimes too-high resolution of the 5DS/5DS R, the Mark III is a great choice.
Which one of these canon cameras is right for you? Tell us in the Comments section, below.
102 Comments
Do the 5DSr/5DS have an self-timer mode + exposure delay for tripod mounted close-up and landscape shots? Thank you.
Yes, both the Canon 5DS/5DSR have a self-timer function which can be set to either a 2 second or 10 second delay.
I currently own a 5ds and am an architecture photographer , because of the volume of work i do i find myself shooting a medium raw file to save space and processing time over the large full size files. am i missing out on things like color and shadow detail by doing this? which would make buying the 5d m4 a better option to shoot basically the same size as a medium 5ds file
According to Canon, m-RAW files provide all the advantages of a RAW file, but simply with a smaller file size. Depending on the camera, a m-RAW file has approximately between 55-60% of the pixel count and approximately 2/3 the file size of a RAW image. The advantages of m-RAW images is the file size is smaller than a standard RAW image, so more images may be captured to a memory card, and if you are shooting burst images, you have increase burst shooting possibilities. The disadvantage is you would have lower resolution than the full RAW image. You are not losing any color information or shadow detail as m-RAW files still capture data captured on the sensor at the time of capture; you are simply capturing a smaller file size. The data can still be edited in your post-processing software such as Canon's Digital Photo Professional software (included free with the camera and retaining the most detail), or Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Capture One Pro, Luminar, Affinity Photo, DxO Photolab, etc., or other RAW processing software, all with full editing capabilities.
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Concerning file sizes and RAW compression, when using the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera, the Large RAW file size is 6720 x 4480 (about 30.1 MP), while M-RAW is 5040 x 3360 (about 16.9 MP), and S-RAW is 3360 x 2240 (about 7.5 MP). For the Canon EOS 5DS DSLR camera, the Large RAW file size is 8688x 5792 (bout 50.3 MP), while the M-RAW is 6480 x 4320 (about 28.5 MP), and the S-RAW is 4320 x 2880 (about 12.4 MP). As such, the m-RAW file from the Canon EOS 5DS is slightly larger than the uncompressed large RAW file from the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. The main benefit you would gain with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (if you normally shoot at the native ISO) would be the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV would have approximately 1.2 stops more dynamic range and better digital noise performance. Color performance between cameras would be similar. So you improve noise and dynamic range with the 5D Mark IV, and you can print larger with the 5DS.
Very helpful comparison! Love my 5D Mark III but want to upgrade for more megapixels. Have my own gallery featuring my own images with an eclectic subject matter (e.g., urban/travel/landscape/B&W). We sell matted prints (up to 22x28 mat size) and metal/canvas/fine art acrylic prints (up to 36x54 depending on resolution). I like and want the option of printing even larger (or being able to crop more). Seems like the 5DS with its 50.6 MP is a no-brainer over the 30.4 MP offered by the 5D Mark IV - but things are never as obvious as they seem and I don't want to make a bonehead move. Which plunge should I take?
If you plan is printing and cropping, the 5DS is a no brainer. I would only opt for the 5D Mark IV if you need to prioritize low-light performance over resolution.
Nice write up, very consise and easy to follow. I'm torn at the moment, as I need to replace my 7D MKII (or rather complement it) I'm a freelance car photographer concentrating mostly on static shots but also motorsports. I plan to replace my old L Series F4 70-200 lens with a L Series F2.8 with IS for that. I tend to use prime lenses for my static shots. I'm under the impression the 5D Mark IV might be best for me. Would I be right in assuming this? Thanks!
Hi Jacob,
Thanks! As for your concern, you are correct that the 5D4 is likely the best choice as it has the best AF system and continuous shooting rate. It also has the extra resolution over the 3 but better high ISO performance than the 5DS. Bear in mind that you will lose the extra "reach" of your APS-C 7D2 as you move to full-frame, but there are plenty of advantages of the larger format too.
Hello and thank you for this detailed comparison. I'm planning on pursuing photograhy professionaly and currently saving for a full-frame camera. My primary focus is fashion and portraits, secondarily is family and rarely engagements/elopements in the future. In 2019 (amd with multiple new both full-frame and mirrorless models) I was wondering if the Canon 5D Mark IV is still a worthy investment in the next 5 years compared to its Mirrorless counterparts discussed here? PS I shoot using natural light.
Yes, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera would be a good camera and should still be relevant for the next few years. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV was released in the summer of 2016, approximately three years ago. If you take care of your equipment, digital cameras can last for numerous years. My current Canon DSLR camera is slightly longer than 8 years old, and it is still in great working condition. While I cannot compare the features of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera to the features of Canon mirrorless cameras that have yet to be announced/released, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera is currently one of Canon’s best DSLR cameras in their lineup, and would still be viable for years to come. All of Canon’s DSLR cameras would be good options for photographing with natural light, from their entry-level DSLR cameras to their top-of-the-line cameras, and using a bright lens would be even better for your usage needs, but this especially goes for DSLR cameras with full-frame sensors. The larger full-frame sensor such as that in the 5D Mark IV gather light better than smaller sensor cameras and would be great for natural photography usage needs.
I'm curious of which too get alot of my work is concerts and theater and I take alot pictures of art for many other artists and im artist and photographer which one should I get
I like night time or early morning for my landscapes
I am primarily an aviation photographer, at airshows and airports. When upgrading from my 7D mk1, I wasn't sure whether to buy the 7Dmkii, or the 5Dmkiii. The "crop" of the 7D2 would give me more reach whereas I thought that the cleaner photo of the 5D3 would allow me to crop the photo more to get at the smaller main subject. I got differing advice so I bought both! The 7D2 is still better than the 5D3 if I am not close to the subject - cropping a 5D3 image to get closer isn't as good as the 7D2 image straight out of the camera. This means that I use my 7D2 80% of the time but I don't like the grain/noise levels. I love the smoothness of the 5D3 but only if I can get close to the subject, which for flying aircraft is hard. I also have vignetting problems when my 5D3 is matched with my 200-400L lens while the crop of the 7D3 ensures that this isn't a problem.
I wonder if the 5DS will alleviate my problems? Will it give me the smoothness of the 5D3 and the reach of my 7D2, especially if I use the built in crop function of the 5Ds? Will using the crop function on the 5DS make the file sizes smaller and more manageable? Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!
The 5DS might be a way to simplify your kit, but it won't necessarily alleviate all your issues. The higher res sensor will result in weaker performance at high ISOs, but it does give you the cropping advantage in crop mode with smaller files and file size. Now, it may be worth considering the 5D4 since it has a slightly higher resolution than the Mk 3 and should allow for some cropping, but still has noise advantages.
I have my old EOS 5D and am thinking of upgrading. My interest is primarily street photography and travel - mainly urban areas. I have been noticing that, occasionally, my hands are not being that steady as before, so some photos are getting blurry. Given these does one model suit me better than the other?
Hi Arun,
I would say go for the 5D Mark IV. The 5DS in my experience is quite unforgiving when it comes to camera shake. Also, the 5D Mark IV has better low light performance and speed, which is better for your street and travel photography. Hope this helps!
Thanks for this article and information. I am an amateur and shoot mostly wildlife, macro, and landscapes. I have a 7D II which is excellent for fast action wildlife and telephoto reach being a crop-sensor, but would also like a second full-frame body to get better macro and landscape photos. I shoot mostly handheld, but sometimes use a tripod for landscapes. Would you recommend the 5D IV or 5D SR? It would also occasionally be used for shooting wildlife.
I would say go for the 5DS R, the higher resolution will be greatly appreciated for your landscapes and macro, and for cropping if you decide to shoot wildlife with it.
Sorry for such a late comment but I'm at a tough decision, I'm primarily a long-exposure/Astro/Landscape photographer and I currently have a 5d III, my lenses are the 14mm II(w/Lee filters holder and filters), 8-5mm fisheye, 135 f2.0L, and a 50 1.2. My question would be is it worth upgrading to the 5Dsr/5D IV or should I jump ship to sony? Colors and Dynamic range are a huge factor for me as well as being able to do some general photography every now and then I.E. walking around town late night taking bokeh portraits and what not.
Hi Erik,
This is an extremely tough decision. I would say it would be easiest to just stick with Canon at this point. Your lenses will still function perfectly, controls are right where you are familiar, and the image quality should be great for your subjects (assuming longer exposures at low ISOs). Now, if you need to boost the ISO or absolutely need the most dynamic range you can get, then I would say look towards the Sonys. Coming from a DSLR I would say that you should look at the a7R III, as the new battery, controls, and menu are leaps and bounds above the a7R II. However, if you are on a budget, the a7R II will provide very similar image quality. And, the Sonys are obviously smaller for easier carry and you can get some decent auto adapters for your Canon lenses (though if AF is super important to you I would avoid it). I hope this helps.
My old 5D Mark II has traveled all over the US, and is mostly used for aerial pictures. I feel I am still a noob when it comes to actually fine tuning the shots, especially since I am Pilot and Photographer and use the auto settings most of the time. However, my work over the last few years has depended on high speed focus and shutter speeds. Which camera would work best for this? The Mark II has litterally 10s of thousands of shots, if not 100s, through it and is beginning to show it's age. So for a point and shoot between flight adjustments of landscapes what do YOU think would be the best for this purpose?
Hi Ger,
We would be more than happy to assist you with this. Please e-mail your inquiry directly to [email protected] so we can better assist you.
I'm a professional lifestyle and celebrity portrait photographer who went from using a Mark III to the 5DS and I do not think it's a great camera. I have more issues with shutter shake than before (due to the huge files) -- even when shooting in a studio with lights at shutter speeds that shouldn't show shake, also when I zoom in on the files on this camera vs another camera with 50mp my file quality is very noisy and pixelated (I suspect Canon upped the resolution but somehow not the quality, if that makes sense?). Just about every shoot I find photos that should be crisp and sharp and just aren't (I'm often using a brand new 24-70 on it). I'm thinking about selling it and swapping to the Mark IV. Anyone have similar issues?
Exact same issue. I thought either I've got a defective model...but it seems like an issued on 5DS. Can't forgive myself on getting it without trying first :(
We're sorry to hear about this issue you're both having. What we would recommend is to send us an e-mail to [email protected] so we can look into it further for you. Thank you.
More of a question. Doesn't the Dual Pixel RAW feature in the 5DIV, mean a lot for the picture quality.
Doesn't it deserve more interest and info as to what it does and how much better it is than a regular sensor?
Hi Geoffrey,
Dual Pixel RAW is a nice addition, but it doesn't actually result in an upgrade to image quality. It allows you to adjust certain aspects of the image, but does not affect things like dynamic range, noise, etc...
If you want to read more I discuss it in my review of the 5D Mark IV: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/hands-review/field-canon-5d-mark-iv
I don't shoot vide. I don't shoot JPEGS. I still can't decide. Maybe I'll just have to toss a coin.
I am looking at the 5DMkIV and the 5DS, I do a lot of seascapes and landscapes as well as a fair amount street photography. My specialities are long exposure photography and HDR so resolution is something I need to consider. I am very torn between these cameras and wondered if you could help at all?
Hi Samuel,
I would say to make the decision based on what subjects you work with more often. If you shoot more landscapes, the 5DS/R is going to be the better choice. If you work more with street then go with the 5D Mark IV. Both will be good for both situations, but each will be slighly better at these than the other.
Also, what about DR between these cameras. As I said, I shoot night photography, low ISO, long exposures, small f/stop... I don't recall seeing information about DR between the 3 cameras.
I am looking to upgrade from a 5D MkII, which I have enjoyed for many years. I do primarily night photography, but it is always on a tripod with a long exposure (30 seconds). I project the results, via digital projector, up 8 feet tall and so resolution/detail become essential. I also make DuraTrans prints to be displayed in a lightbox, typically 3 feet tall.
I'm not sure if the "extra" resolution of the 5DS/5DS R is warranted. Also, would my current L lens (24-105) be satisfactory with the higher res camera, or would I need to upgrade that as well?
Thanks!
Hi Ernest,
Not a scientific analysis, but in my opinion the 5D Mark IV has a better dynamic range than the 5DS/R. I would imagine that you may start to see issues with your current 24-105mm in you got the 5DS as well. If you have been fine with the Mark II, I don't think you absolutely need the extra resolution of the S/R, but if you do just want higher res than it would be better than the IV for your purposes.
So I'm really torn between these two. I haven't gotten a new high-end camera in ages as I have the Canon EOS 5D. I have other dSLRs, but not any that are realllyyy nice.
I'm a newborn baby photographer, so I work mostly in hospitals, but rarely neeed to bump up my ISO past 1250, occcasionally a bit higher. I mostly deal with sleeping babies so it's not like I'm catching any speed racing. Outside of that, I do regular portrait photography (like senior portraits, etc). Which would be better for this sort of work? Thanks!
Hi Liz,
It's a tough decision, since it seems like either will work for you. But, I would say for what you are doing you probably do not need the extra MP of the 5DS and are better off with the Mark IV. 30MP is still very good and the advantages at higher ISOs will benefit even at settings like ISO 1600. It also seems like the Mark IV has a slightly better dynamic range.
Dear "Torn" keep what you have. How big a print does a parent need of their new born... More than an 8x10 and a few prints for the family. Really... I am sure, for your needs your Canon is more than good enough. If you don't make more than $20,000 a year on your photos, save your money. Or, borrow or rent any of these two and see. The cheap way... Shoot a couple of shots of anyone or get one of your clients with a baby and shoot a couple of shots with your camera in the camera store and then with the 5D IV and see. Make a few prints and ask a couple of parents if they can see any important difference.
I think B&H is the best, but they are, above all, camera salesmen.
Hi Shawn,
I have a 5ds r and have been shooting with it for the past year. Love the resolution and like many users, have had to adjust my techniques to accommodate for higher res issues. I routinely shoot starscapes and have been fairly happy with the 5ds r (using topaz denoise and generally staying at ISO 4000). Would the 5d Mk IV offer less noise at that ISO than the 5ds r?
The other issue I've noticed, even shooting at 1,000 of a second, is the occasional pixel smear/blur when shooting aerial photographs (usually from sport light aircraft or helicopters with the door off on my side of the aircraft). I've found it most noticeable when shooting wide on a 24-70mm. Given the reduced resolution of the mk iv (yet better than my mk iii--currently my 2nd body), would the mk iv offer a "sweeter spot" to handle work from the air?
Thanks
Hi Keith,
The Mark IV will definitely have an advantage when it comes to noise at higher ISOs. It is really easy to see the difference if you ever shoot with the IV. In terms of the smear/blur, in theory the Mark IV wouldn't show as much, but I think that if you downsized your 5DS R files to match the Mark IV they would be equivalent. If you want to skip that downsizing step then the Mark IV may be a better option (it is also faster if that helps at all too).
Hi Shawn- Thanks for this great article. Currently I’m using the 5D Mk III. Mostly I shoot architecture/interiors, macro, and night photography with a tripod and wildlife and landscape, both handheld and with a tripod. I’d like to upgrade the camera body, in part to achieve a better overall product, but also because I’ve had a very difficult time with shadow noise. In low light settings, or even indoors with a good amount of natural light, and shooting longer exposures with a tripod at low ISOs, the noise has been challenging. It seems between these two cameras, the 5DS might be the best upgrade for my purposes and for what I shoot. My 5D Mk III could be a second multipurpose body, although the 5D Mk IV also seems like it would be an improvement in this regard. Any thoughts on this or suggestions of other Canon bodies?
Hi Sue,
The Mark IV is definitely a significant upgrade when it comes to noise handling and the ability to push the shadows in post production. For your purposes it will be very helpful. However, the 5DS will give you a huge advantage for resolution when shooting at or near base ISO, but if you find yourself pushing the ISOs up a bit or bringing up the shadows in post the Mark IV may provide you with a better product.
This may seem a bit far out for you, but... What about testing a Sony 7s/7IIs, they should be much better in low light with 8.4µm pixel size. You can buy an adapter for Canon lenses. Try it.
I would even add the a7R II over the a7S II since you are using the tripod. Then you get the benefit of extra resolution and improved noise performance at higher ISOs.
Hi - Like many I think I am on the fence here, I currently shoot with a 70D, mainly macro and landscape, I am looking to get a full frame and am struggling to decide between the 5D MK 4 and the 5D SR - the attraction of the SR being the amazing resultion, if I was to need to crop down a macro image for example it would still give me a lot of pixels and details. Landscape the resultion looks amazing, I am less concerned over the low light SR comments, but have been told by some that hand held (which is how I shoot macro) it is an unforgiving camera to use, also the MK 4 AF system is better and easier to use.
I shoot landscape usually with a tripod, and like to work with filters and long exposures, so have no concerns around this - but would welcome your thoughts around my macro shooting, the AF capabilites and hand held challanges etc.
SR or Mark 4??
Just to clarify on the Mark 4 AF point I made, I shoot macro manual focus of course, but generally for wildlife etc, I was told the Mark 4s AF and tracking is great to use from an all round perspective.
Hi Clinton,
Even though it is a little less forgiving when working handheld (I pointed this out in my review too), the advantages of the added resolution from the 5DS/R are notable. You really can't go wrong with either, but for your macro work, though you may need to bump up the shutter speed, and landscapes on a tripod the higher res files will be nice. And the AF of the 5DS/R is outstanding, almost at the same level as the 5D4.
Hi Shawn,
I'mI'm a super enthusiast on my way to go pro. I have 1DxM2 and I'm looking for a second body. What is your recomandation to successful cover almost everithing. I would like to feel free to do everithing in any kind of photography. My main focused will be had shot, portrait and people and the rest too (sport, weddings, landscape, arhitectural, fashion and products)
Kind regards,
Sorin
Hi Sorin,
Easy choice in my opinion is to go with the 5D Mark IV. Perfect do everything option from this bunch. It near perfectly balances low light, resolution, and speed. Now, if you are looking for a two body set, I could make the argument that the 5DS R would be a great complementary body to your 1D X Mark II. The 1D would be your go to for sports, action, weddings, etc... while the 5DS R would be great for landscapes, architectural, products, and fashion. Both could do all the things you mention, but having a high resolution option would be nice compared to your 1D.
Thank you Sir. It was my though too.
Hi! I'm really on the fence about getting the 5D Mark IV or the 5DSR.. l usually shoot landscapes, and the 5DSR is the better pick for this! But then again l take a lot of pictures of the Aurora borealis during the winter, and I am conserned about the low ISO. Other than that its the occasional birthday, holliday pictures etc. I currently have a 70D
Kenneth, I'm sitting on that same fence, landscape and architecture are my #1 need so therefore the 5DS R would be the no-brainer, EXCEPT, I shoot the occasional video project and also shoot weddings once in a while. For THOSE to areas I need the MARK IV for the clearly superior video features (4K and 7FPS)... but if all I were doing was landscapes (including night images) and architecture, it would be 5DS R hands down all the way home. Big prints and the ability to crop are the shining star of the 5DS R. Don;t bother with 5DS, the sharpness factor is much more importanty than the moire issue which most 5DS R owners claim they never see anyway.
Hi Kenneth,
This is a really tough pick. One thing to consider is the ratio of low light images to good light images you take in a given year. Also, while the 5DS R might not be ieal for aurora shots, if you are doing longer exposures at lower ISOs it will likely still be very good. I would lean towards the 5DS R in your case, but if you are really unsure about it you really can't go wrong with the 5D Mark IV.
Also, Paulie, yea if you need good video you are unfortunately forced to get the Mark IV. And I have to agree the 5DS R is definitely the right choice. I struggled to get moire on most normal subjects, and the extra detail is great!