Canon 5D M4 or mirrorless: I have been using the Canon 5D Mark 3 soon after it became available and over time I have acquired several lenses: 24-70mm f2.8L, 16-35mm f2.8L; 70-200mm...

Maniseas

I have been using the Canon 5D Mark 3 soon after it became available and over time I have acquired several lenses: 24-70mm f2.8L, 16-35mm f2.8L; 70-200mm f2.8L; a 100mm macro lens and a Sigma 85mm f 1.4 prime lens. I am familiar and comfortable with the 5D Mark3 but wish to upgrade. Should I consider the Mark4? Are the improvements over the Mark3 significant enough to warrant the price ($2.7K at B&H) or should I consider a mirrorless (even more expansive.) How will my lenses perform on the mirrorless with an adaptor? I hate to think of replacing all these lenses. This will be a significant investment to replace the beloved Mark3. Your expert advice will be greatly appreciated.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

If "I" had the 5D-III I'd get the 5D-IV if I was going to replace the -III.
There is nothing I consider magical or mystical about mirror-less.

alphadog

Why in your opinion is the 5Div worth the upgrade, I have the same situation, never thought of just going to mkIV...

thanks for your viewpoint

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

alphadog wrote:

Why in your opinion is the 5Div worth the upgrade, I have the same situation, never thought of just going to mkIV...

thanks for your viewpoint

I just believe the 5D series is s great camera system, so I'd stick with it.
I've no idea what the differences between the -III and the -IV may be. If not much, I'd pass on any "upgrade".
If I had 3K to spend on a camera right now, I would get a -IV.
(Of course, I keep my cameras for a long time if they meet my needs.)
Just my personal preference....

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Maniseas wrote:

I have been using the Canon 5D Mark 3 soon after i... (show quote)

You want to upgrade? Make it a real upgrade not a small incremental change, not worth the money.
The R5 is the 5 series in mirrorless and is a huge upgrade that is frequently compared to the Nikon Z9 and Sony A1 but at substantial savings.
As to your question of your lenses Canon was brilliant in 1987 and anticipated the R system and made all your EF lenses fully compatible with all R series mirrorless cameras, including AF. That feature is unique to Canon. So get the adapter of your choice (I prefer the Control Ring adapter as it enhances my EF lenses with new features) and keep shooting.
Additionally the R cameras let you use very old M39, R, FD and FD Canon lenses as well with an adapter. So pretty much all Canon lenses ever made can be used with the RF mount cameras and bring new life and some automatic features they never had originally available.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The EOS 5DIV increases the pixel resolution to 30MP from the 5DIII's 22MP. There are other modest improvements over the 5DIII, but no reason to buy another DSLR in October 2022, unless the next DSLR heavily discounted and used (like around $1000, not $3000).

Have you really exhausted your EOS 5DIII? I still shoot my pair of 5DIII bodies, with no rush to replace them. There are other greatest DSLR evers since, but this model held that title for a long time.

For an EOS mirrorless, I'd only buy one that a) increases the pixel resolution, say to 30MP or higher, and b) includes IBIS so your legacy EF mount lenses pick up stabilization from the camera body. You don't need to replace your EF lenses. You just pick up some added weight and size from the EF to RF adapter.

If there's not an EOS MILC today that fits your price and my ideas on the basic 'upgrade' features, wait to see what is released for the holidays or in 2023.

alphadog

well stated, thanks... THE IV does have a better or faster processor but not enough for me to upgrade at this time, thanks for your response

therwol Loc: USA

CHG_CANON wrote:

For an EOS mirrorless, I'd only buy one that a) increases the pixel resolution, say to 30MP or higher, and b) includes IBIS so your legacy EF mount lenses pick up stabilization from the camera body. You don't need to replace your EF lenses. You just pick up some added weight and size from the EF to RF adapter.

You should also mention the improvements in autofocus with today's Canon mirrorless cameras, not a trivial upgrade. And finally, the advanced video capability of today's cameras will be important to some people.

I think that everyone gets the itch to upgrade their equipment. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but one should look at new features and decide if they really need them or just want them.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

therwol wrote:

You should also mention the improvements in autofocus with today's Canon mirrorless cameras, not a trivial upgrade. And finally, the advanced video capability of today's cameras will be important to some people.

I think that everyone gets the itch to upgrade their equipment. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but one should look at new features and decide if they really need them or just want them.

If budget allows why not go for it if you want to indulge yourself with something really far advanced over what one has.
99.9 Z9 owners have absolutely no need for it but they get it anyway.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Architect1776 wrote:

You want to upgrade? Make it a real upgrade not a ... (show quote)

I concur with Architect1776.
I have the 5DIV and the R5.
The R5 is far superior and will serve you going forward with your current lenses until you can or want to upgrade to the Canon RF series lenses.
At least you will be going forward by moving to the R5 body.
Meanwhile, my 5DIV stays at home gathering dust.
Best Wishes,
JimmyT Sends

PS: I haven't heard anything bad about any of the Canon adapters.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

therwol wrote:

You should also mention the improvements in autofocus with today's Canon mirrorless cameras, not a trivial upgrade. And finally, the advanced video capability of today's cameras will be important to some people.

I think that everyone gets the itch to upgrade their equipment. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but one should look at new features and decide if they really need them or just want them.

Perceived importance.
Some things are "more important" to some people.
Others, not so much.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

As I always say, look for reviews and comparisons. Compare the two Canons and see if there are significant differences. Then look for comparisons between the IV and mirrorless.

https://cameragurus.com/canon-5d-mark-iii-vs-canon-5d-mark-iv/
https://versus.com/en/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-vs-canon-eos-5d-mark-iv
https://digitalrev.com/2017/04/12/canon-eos-5d-mark-iv-vs-canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-whats-new/

https://www.google.com/search?q=canon+5d+vs+canon+mirrorless&oq=canon+5d+vs+canon+mirrorless&aqs=edge..69i57j0i8i30l4j0i390l4.9662j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

Longshadow wrote:

If "I" had the 5D-III I'd get the 5D-IV if I was going to replace the -III.
There is nothing I consider magical or mystical about mirror-less.

True. There is nothing magical and mystical about mirrorless. Mirrorless systems are just superior over DSLR systems in every regard.

Having said that, it depends what you use your camera for. The Canon 5D series are still very competent cameras. If autofocus speed and accuracy, in-body stabilization, low-light performance, and dynamic range are not an issue, a DSLR could be a good choice, given that OP owns outstanding glass for it already.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

IMO, I would not spend that kind of money for a new 5DIV. There should be a bunch of used versions in excellent condition for considerably less. The 5DIV is an excellent camera, but has its limitations as far as autofocus capabilities compared to modern mirrorless cameras. If you shoot stills, you will love it. If you moving subjects, time to go mirrorless.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Jimmy T wrote:

I concur with Architect1776. br I have the 5DIV an... (show quote)

Every day you don't sell unused equipment, it gets worth less.