Canon 5D Mark IV - & 600 page book
Dec 21, 2017 11:26:32 #
Happy day! The refurbished camera arrived yesterday afternoon. (yes, I searched... there aren't any new 5DMIV threads so I don't feel hesitant to start one...) There's a ton to figure out so I'll keep expanding this paragraph as I go. Will copy it to my blog so there's something for searchers to find.
I had already downloaded the 600 page operators manual and started reading...
First impression: Looks remarkably like my 7D. Little bit lighter weight. The primary control buttons are in the same places but a few are re-labeled. "AF-Drive" became "Drive-AF" and a couple similar ones. Some white labels became muted or blue (reasons to squint?). the CA stop on the rotary dial is gone and there's a "lock" button in the center of the dial that prevents accidental rotation (nice addition!).
1ST HUGE notable improvement. The data transfer ports are upgraded to USB-III! That, in itself, just paid for this camera... The older style port on my 7D (Mini-B) is what failed, leading to my making this purchase. Remind me to purchase a spare cord... I'm famous for leaving cables in motel rooms.
Uses same battery as 7D! That's a first. I could operate a powerplant with all the obsolete camera batteries laying around here.
Two card slots. One for a compact flash and one is a SD. I haven't figured out how to configure them yet so I don't know if it's an automatic backup or other options.
Starting with the Menu screen, the 5D looked simpler. Fewer options on the front page. BUT,,, the drill-downs are huge. Will take quite a bit of exploring. Thus far I found most of the settings that I usually tinker with.
The Owners Manual is daunting. Almost like the first day in PhotoShop. I'm on page 149 and still in the AF topics. All sorts of tracking and metering options. Would have been handy shooting the air races last summer.
One side note: I investigated the 5Ds briefly, because of the 50M resolution. The factory people asked about my typical shoots and explained that the 50m data capture slowed the frame burst rate and might disappoint me shooting action sports and such. Small price to pay when the 5D 30m is almost twice what I am used to.
OK... now back to the operators manual to see what else I don't know. More as time permits. Feel free to ask questions or add suggestions.
I had already downloaded the 600 page operators manual and started reading...
First impression: Looks remarkably like my 7D. Little bit lighter weight. The primary control buttons are in the same places but a few are re-labeled. "AF-Drive" became "Drive-AF" and a couple similar ones. Some white labels became muted or blue (reasons to squint?). the CA stop on the rotary dial is gone and there's a "lock" button in the center of the dial that prevents accidental rotation (nice addition!).
1ST HUGE notable improvement. The data transfer ports are upgraded to USB-III! That, in itself, just paid for this camera... The older style port on my 7D (Mini-B) is what failed, leading to my making this purchase. Remind me to purchase a spare cord... I'm famous for leaving cables in motel rooms.
Uses same battery as 7D! That's a first. I could operate a powerplant with all the obsolete camera batteries laying around here.
Two card slots. One for a compact flash and one is a SD. I haven't figured out how to configure them yet so I don't know if it's an automatic backup or other options.
Starting with the Menu screen, the 5D looked simpler. Fewer options on the front page. BUT,,, the drill-downs are huge. Will take quite a bit of exploring. Thus far I found most of the settings that I usually tinker with.
The Owners Manual is daunting. Almost like the first day in PhotoShop. I'm on page 149 and still in the AF topics. All sorts of tracking and metering options. Would have been handy shooting the air races last summer.
One side note: I investigated the 5Ds briefly, because of the 50M resolution. The factory people asked about my typical shoots and explained that the 50m data capture slowed the frame burst rate and might disappoint me shooting action sports and such. Small price to pay when the 5D 30m is almost twice what I am used to.
OK... now back to the operators manual to see what else I don't know. More as time permits. Feel free to ask questions or add suggestions.
Dec 21, 2017 11:55:02 #
You do realize this camera hit the street well over a year ago; I've had mine for about 1 year. Plus the camera you are comparing it to was introduced in 2009.
Dec 21, 2017 11:56:50 #
Hi Jeff, nice camera and a 600 page manual does sound daunting to say the least. So what are the plans for the 7d? Cheers.
Dec 21, 2017 12:04:21 #
rmorrison1116 wrote:
You do realize this camera hit the street well over a year ago; I've had mine for about 1 year. Plus the camera you are comparing it to was introduced in 2009.
Yes. So what? It's my typical 5-year upgrade and I'm enjoying it. I went from XTI to 7D in 2012.
Dec 21, 2017 12:06:55 #
PhotoKurtz wrote:
Yes. So what? It's my typical 5-year upgrade and I'm enjoying it. I went from XTI to 7D in 2012.
I sure hope I don't have to buy a new camera next Christmas. My current camera was bought Dec 26th 2013.
Dec 21, 2017 12:13:58 #
flathead27ford wrote:
Hi Jeff, nice camera and a 600 page manual does sound daunting to say the least. So what are the plans for the 7d? Cheers.
Thanks! My 7D becomes my first-alternate back-up and the XTI moves to third place. I keep the back-up equipment in a plastic ammo box in my truck. What thief would look for a camera there? While in the UP in July I lost my 7D Charger and did most of the three weeks with the XTI. No disappointment in the results.
While we're on the subject... the XTI is smaller than the two newer ones and is particularly handy when traveling on my motorcycle (BMW 650GS). Fits in the tank-bag or even tucked into my coat while riding. Out in the Big Bend NP with some buddies we did a bunch of sand and gravel and I had the XTI close at hand all day. Also was nice to not have my best equipment out there in the worst conditions.
Dec 21, 2017 12:15:40 #
PhotoKurtz wrote:
Yes. So what? It's my typical 5-year upgrade and I'm enjoying it. I went from XTI to 7D in 2012.
Congratulations PK, and I see you aren't letting the negative comments get to you!
Dec 21, 2017 12:17:01 #
Jakebrake wrote:
Congratulations PK, and I see you aren't letting the negative comments get to you!
Thanks. I don't sweat the comments.
Dec 21, 2017 12:19:07 #
BebuLamar wrote:
I sure hope I don't have to buy a new camera next Christmas. My current camera was bought Dec 26th 2013.
Didn't he say he upgraded once every 5 years, and NOT every Christmas. Oh, and by the way since we are on the subject; MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Dec 21, 2017 12:33:48 #
PDF operating manual is so nice... I can blow the page up to where it can be readable.
Dec 21, 2017 13:04:22 #
Look here: I have used his recommended settings as a starting point for 3 cameras now, 6D, 7DII and 5DIV.
http://photographylife.com/recommended-canon-5d-mark-iv-settings
http://photographylife.com/recommended-canon-5d-mark-iv-settings
Dec 21, 2017 13:09:14 #
PhotoKurtz wrote:
PDF operating manual is so nice... I can blow the page up to where it can be readable.
Quick - Homeland Security - he is talking about blowing things up!!!!!!!!
Dec 21, 2017 13:20:08 #
Jakebrake wrote:
Congratulations PK, and I see you aren't letting the negative comments get to you!
My response was not meant in a negative way. I was confused by the OP's enthusiasm as if he was evaluating a newly released camera. My intention was not to offend anyone.
Dec 21, 2017 13:34:53 #
rmorrison1116 wrote:
My response was not meant in a negative way. I was confused by the OP's enthusiasm as if he was evaluating a newly released camera. My intention was not to offend anyone.
No prob, Jake. Thanks for the note.
There's lots of stuff published about the 5D but having it side by side with my 7D is helping me justify the investment. Will try some side-by-side pics this afternoon.
Dec 21, 2017 13:35:55 #
Auto switch cards will be nice... saves fumbling for a card in the midst of the action.
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