hogesinwa Loc: Dalyellup Western Australia

It is clear that this group has some extremely intelligent photographers in it with vast knowledge and insight.
This question is directed to them.
Who can provide an informed assessment of what the likely currency of the 5D MkIV will be i.e. how long do you think Canon will run with this before issuing a replacement?
Obviously this has implications for the $$$ of a 5D - replacement comes out, current stock goes down, new model may cost the same or more.
I'm seriously considering one and naturally would like to make a wise purchase time-wise.

BebuLamar

My guess Canon will introduce the replacement in the line up next year but I would not call it the lifespan of the camera.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

That's a good question. I remember when the Canon 5D Mark 4 was released. It was selling for about $3500. I met a pro wedding photographer before the Mark 4 release. He was shooting weddings with two 5D Mark 3 bodies. The Summer Olympics will be coming up in 2020. Canon's priority, I'm guessing, will be to get the 1DX Mark 3 ready in time for those Olympics, just as they did for the 1DX Mark 2 for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. The 5D Mark 5 will come sooner or later? And I'm guessing it will cost about $3600.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

You may have been reading too many dime store novels. "An informed assessment" can only come from Canon. Your second error is that the price will increase if the model is discontinued. Prices go down. If you are considering one then get one and try it for yourself. If you are serious then you need information other than popularity contests. Study the 5 series bodies and see what isn't yet available on a 5 series camera. IF Canon has several NEW features they might see fit to introduce a new model. My version of this camera does not lack anything that newer bodies offer so I won't expect a new 5 body for some time to come. Canon just finished introducing an entirely new type body in the mirrorless camera. All this is just 6 months away from an olympiad. Lifespan? My Leicas were built pre-WW II, and they still function properly. Take care if your equipment and it will last. Technology is more of a factor here than is time. For the immediate future? Look for Canon to introduce several new lenses, mostly in the long-glass area. Patents indicate that lighter and longer might be their new slogan. Power Focus might become a standard future on all new lenses. Camera technology seems to be stagnant, but there are fish to fry so lenses will get greater interest. This 5 model has a huge offering in its menus, it might be around for as long a the original 5, or longer. You will not be disappointed in what it brings to you or for how long it will continue to do so.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Physical lifespan is determined primarily by two things..the robustness of the produce and the availability of parts if breakdowns should occur. I do not know what Canon's policy is on repair parts, but for most Japanese manufacturers, it tends to be pretty close to 5 years after the end of production. I have a couple of Nikon D300s that still work fine and fill a need for me. But key repair parts are no longer generally available for them. This includes the rubber grip pieces that must be replaced if the camera must be disassembled. So their lifespan, for all practical purposes, is "until they break."

A secondary factor is the availability of newer models which have features that you NEED and which your current model lacks. That one is a little more complicated.

In the case of portable two-way radios, by the way, life span is determined by battery availability. Motorola built a very successful line of two way radios in the early years of this century. When they decided that the life of the radios was over, they simply stopped making replacement batteries available. Because this is a niche market, those batteries are not available from other manufacturers. So the radios gradually become unusable as their batteries fail.

eugenehinds

Chasing the latest thing can get expensive. Many of the older cameras are very competent and I have had good luck with factory refurbs, saved some money and got equipment seeming as good as new. I am not impressed by the latest bells and whistles. If I get the shot which I went out to get I'm happy. Understanding and refining your technique to get the nuance of your interpretation is much more important than the camera which you use.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Expect a 5D MK V in 2020

williejoha

The 5D III is the best body in the 5D series. The upgrade to the Mark IV is not worth the money in my opinion. I have shot all the 5’s and the Mark III comes out in front.
The price of the camera or the age of it does by no means tell you that it is the best.
What are you shooting? What are your photographic understandings and abilities, or is the newest the best in your mind?
Lots of things only you can answer. Remember, the camera does not make the picture, you do.
WJH

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I purchased a Canon 5D MIII in 2013. It is still in superb condition, works flawlessly and is still a very viable camera for much of my photography. On the used market, it's value is around $1300. The original purchase price was approximately $3300. If the IV will serve your photographic needs, its value has longevity.
Mark

BebuLamar

I guess to the OP if the MK V comes out then it's the end of life for the MK IV.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

The workhorse 5D3 came out in 2012 and is still a very viable camera today even though the 5D4 has been out for awhile. It’s a solid performer, and I just sold my 5D3 (in near mint condition) only because I got an excellent deal on a 5D4, and it had some new features I wanted, not because the 7 year old 5D3 was outdated. If the 5D4 fits your needs and budget, buy it and get on with the pleasure of using it. Like computers or cars or...if you're always waiting for the next new features/model to purchase, you’ll never buy anything. I have and use cameras that are 20-30 years old that work perfectly, having been well cared for.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I disagree. The best 5D model, for general use, is the IV. It does what the III does and more and is built just as sturdy and has much newer technology. If one doesn't have a 5D III and is looking to acquire a serious new Canon DSLR, it would be kinda silly to look for a 5D III especially since they don't make them anymore.
Personally, I never owned a 5D III, I bought the 5DSr instead. Although the 5DSr is an excellent camera and certainly may be used as a general purpose shooter, the 5D IV is more suited to the roll of every day camera. The DSLR'S I use most, in order, are my 5D IV, my D500, yes it's a Nikon, my 80D and my 5DSr.
You are correct, cameras don't MAKE the picture, they record them.

Selene03

Who knows if they will ever replace it. I was hoping they would have introduced a replacement for the 5dsr by now, but no such luck. It looks like they might be moving into mirrorless cameras as a priority. That being said, the 5 d mk iv is a great camera, if you don't have one already. Or take a look at the R.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

They, Canon, have no plans for a new 5DSr. They do have plans for a 5DS mk II without the AA filter. Canon actually manufacturers more "mirrorless" models than DSLR'S. Clarification, a mirrorless camera is any camera that doesn't have a mirror. The EOS R is mirrorless but it's classification is a MILC or Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera.
I'm curious; you say the 5D IV is a great camera, if you don't have one already. Why is that? I do have one and I feel it's still a great camera. 🐱😁😏

Selene03

I am glad to hear that Canon is looking at coming up with a newer version of a megapixel camera whatever they call it and glad it won't have the AA filter. I know Canon makes a lot of mirrorless cameras and what mirrorless cameras are! So, no need to be condescending. I read the initial post quickly so when I responded I wasn't sure if the op had a 5 d mk iv or not. I have one (and a 5dsr) both of which I love. What I meant to say is if you are thinking about buying a 5 d mk iv, go for it--it is a great camera. Use it now and enjoy it and don't worry what might come out down the road. If I never bought any more cameras, I can be very, very happy with the ones I have. I guess if one is strapped for money and has something usable waiting to see what might come out next year is a good strategy before buying something new, but I would not put off getting a camera I think would be an improvement because something else might come out soon (whenever that might be). In short, I think the 5 d mk iv is a great camera period. Happy now???