5Dsr vs 5D Mark IV: Unveiling the Ultimate Shootout

Hey there, fellow photographers! Today, I’m diving into the ultimate showdown: 5Dsr vs 5D Mark IV. These two Canon full-frame DSLRs are legends, each with unique strengths that cater to different needs. As a seasoned photographer, I’ve spent countless hours with both, and I’m here to share my experiences to help you decide which one fits your style. Let’s get started!

Introduction

The Canon EOS 5DS R and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV are both powerhouse full-frame DSLRs, but they serve different purposes. The 5DS R, with its staggering 50.6 MP sensor, is a beast for high-resolution stills, perfect for landscapes or studio work where every detail matters. The 5D Mark IV, with its 30.4 MP sensor, is a versatile workhorse that excels in low light, offers 4K video, and handles a wide range of photography styles. As someone who’s used both extensively, I can tell you that your choice will depend on whether you prioritize resolution or all-around functionality. Let’s break it down.

5Dsr vs 5D Mark IV Comparison

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick look at how these cameras stack up:

Feature	Canon EOS 5DS R	Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Sensor Resolution	50.6 MP	30.4 MP
Sensor Type	Full-frame CMOS	Full-frame CMOS
ISO Range	100-6400 (expandable to 50-12800)	100-32000 (expandable to 50-102400)
Autofocus Points	61	61
Continuous Shooting	5 fps	7 fps
Video Capability	1080p at 30 fps	4K at 30 fps
LCD Screen	3.2″ Fixed, 1040k dots	3.2″ Touchscreen, 1620k dots
Wi-Fi / NFC	Yes	Yes
GPS	Yes	Yes
Battery Life (CIPA)	700 shots	900 shots
Weight	955 g	890 g

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality in the 5Dsr vs 5D Mark IV debate, the 5DS R takes the crown with its 50.6 MP sensor. I shot a landscape in Iceland with it, and zooming in revealed individual pebbles on a distant shore—mind-blowing detail! Its low-pass cancellation filter maximizes sharpness, but you need steady hands or a tripod to avoid blur. Those massive files (around 70-80 MB each) can slow down your workflow, so a powerful computer is a must.

The 5D Mark IV’s 30.4 MP sensor still produces stunning images. I’ve used it for night street photography, and its ISO range up to 102400 kept noise low while capturing vibrant colors. It’s not as detailed as the 5DS R, but its dynamic range and low-light performance make it more practical for varied conditions. For color accuracy, both cameras excel, but I find the 5D Mark IV’s images have a slightly more natural look straight out of the camera, while the 5DS R’s might need minor tweaking in post.

In low light, the 5D Mark IV’s sensor shines, with a DxOMark low-light ISO score of 2995 compared to the 5DS R’s 2308. I’ve shot night scenes at ISO 6400 with the 5D Mark IV and been impressed by the clean results, whereas the 5DS R shows more noise at similar settings. If you prioritize detail for large prints, the 5DS R is your pick; for low light, go with the 5D Mark IV.

Autofocus and Speed

Both cameras boast Canon’s 61-point autofocus system, which locks onto subjects reliably. I’ve tracked birds in flight with both, and they perform well in good light. The 5D Mark IV’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF shines in Live View and video, making it easier to focus on moving subjects like a child running during a portrait session. It’s a game-changer for precision.

Speed-wise, the 5D Mark IV shoots at 7 fps, compared to the 5DS R’s 5 fps. At a sports event, I captured a runner’s finish-line moment with the 5D Mark IV’s faster burst, which I might have missed otherwise. For action or wildlife photography, the 5D Mark IV’s speed gives it an edge. If you mostly shoot static subjects, the 5DS R’s autofocus is more than adequate.

Video Capabilities

For video, the 5D Mark IV is the clear winner. Its 4K at 30 fps delivers cinematic quality, and the Dual Pixel CMOS AF ensures smooth focus transitions. I directed a short film with it, and the footage was sharp enough to crop in post without losing quality. The 5DS R, limited to 1080p at 30 fps, feels outdated for video work. I tried shooting B-roll with it, and the results were underwhelming compared to modern standards. If video is part of your workflow, the 5D Mark IV is the way to go.

Build and Design

Both cameras are built like tanks, with magnesium alloy bodies that are dust- and weather-resistant. I’ve shot in rain and dust storms with both, and they’ve never let me down. The 5DS R is slightly heavier at 955 g (versus the 5D Mark IV’s 890 g), which I noticed during a long hike. The 5D Mark IV’s touchscreen LCD, with 1620k dots, feels more modern than the 5DS R’s fixed 1040k-dot screen, making menu navigation a breeze.

Ergonomics and Handling

Handling these cameras is a joy, with deep grips that fit comfortably in hand, even with heavy lenses. The 5D Mark IV’s touchscreen is a standout—I can tap to focus on a subject’s eyes during portraits, which is faster than using the 5DS R’s multi-controller. Both have intuitive button layouts, but the touchscreen makes the 5D Mark IV feel more user-friendly, especially for quick adjustments in the field. If you’re used to smartphones, you’ll love this feature.

Connectivity

Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and NFC for seamless image transfer and remote control via Canon’s Camera Connect app (Canon Camera Connect). I’ve used it to share photos instantly from both cameras, and it’s a lifesaver for social media. The built-in GPS is great for geotagging travel shots—I used it in Iceland to track where I captured each landscape. Connectivity-wise, they’re evenly matched.

Battery Life

The 5D Mark IV uses the LP-E6N battery, rated for 900 shots per CIPA standards, which lasts slightly longer than the 5DS R’s LP-E6, rated for 700 shots. On a full day of shooting, I go through about one and a half batteries with either, but the 5DS R’s larger files drain power faster. A battery grip is a smart investment for long shoots, adding stability and doubling shooting time. The 5D Mark IV has a slight edge here.

Accessories Compatibility

Both cameras use Canon’s EF lens mount, so your existing lenses will work perfectly. I’ve paired them with lenses like the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II and Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art, and the results are stellar. They also support accessories like battery grips, external flashes, and microphones, making them versatile for various setups. The 5DS R benefits from high-quality glass to match its resolution, while the 5D Mark IV handles a wide range of lenses well.

Dynamic Range

Both cameras offer solid dynamic range, but the 5D Mark IV has a slight advantage at higher ISOs, with a DxOMark sensor score of 91 compared to the 5DS R’s 86. I’ve recovered details in shadows with both, but the 5D Mark IV’s images look cleaner at ISO 6400 and above. For landscapes with high contrast, the 5DS R’s resolution helps, but for low-light scenes, the 5D Mark IV pulls ahead.

Real-World Performance

In my experience, the choice between the 5DS R and the 5D Mark IV depends on what you shoot most. For landscape photography, the 5DS R’s 50.6 MP sensor is a game-changer. I shot a scene in Iceland with snow-capped mountains and a frozen lake, and with the 5DS R, I could crop into the image and still have enough detail for a large print—something impossible with the 5D Mark IV’s 30.4 MP sensor.

For events like weddings, the 5D Mark IV shines. Its better low-light performance means I can shoot in dimly lit venues without cranking up the ISO too high, preserving image quality. Plus, the 4K video capability allows me to capture high-quality footage, which is increasingly in demand.

For sports or wildlife, the 5D Mark IV’s 7 fps continuous shooting speed gives me a better chance of capturing that decisive moment, whereas the 5DS R’s 5 fps might make me miss some action. I once photographed a soccer game with the 5D Mark IV and nailed the perfect goal shot, thanks to its speed.

Lens Compatibility and Recommendations

Both cameras use the Canon EF mount, so you can use any EF lens with either body. For the 5DS R, to fully utilize its high resolution, you’ll want high-quality lenses with sharp optics. I recommend the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM (Canon EF 24-70mm) for versatility and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM (Canon EF 70-200mm) for portraits and wildlife.

For the 5D Mark IV, since it’s more of an all-rounder, you can use a wider range of lenses, including those with image stabilization, which is useful for video work. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM (Canon EF 24-105mm) is a great walk-around lens, and for video, the Canon CN-E 14-35mm T3.1 L S and CN-E 35-105mm T3.1 L S are excellent for their parfocal design.

Post-Processing Considerations

Editing photos from these cameras requires different approaches. The 5DS R produces massive files—each raw file is around 70-80 MB, compared to the 5D Mark IV’s 30-40 MB. This means you’ll fill up memory cards faster and need more storage space. Processing these high-resolution images requires a beefy computer; otherwise, you might find yourself waiting a long time for edits to apply.

In contrast, the 5D Mark IV’s files are more manageable, and editing is smoother, especially if you’re working on location or with limited resources. I’ve edited 5D Mark IV files on a mid-range laptop without issues, but the 5DS R files often slow things down.

Future-Proofing

As of 2025, both cameras are several years old, but they still hold up well in many scenarios. For video work, the 5D Mark IV’s 4K capability is more future-proof, as 4K remains a standard resolution for high-quality video. The 5DS R, with its 1080p limit, feels outdated for video shooters.

For stills photography, particularly in niches like landscape or studio work, the 5DS R’s resolution is still unmatched by many current DSLRs. However, if you’re considering newer mirrorless options, you might want to explore Canon’s EOS R series, though these DSLRs remain cost-effective for their capabilities.

User Experiences

From what I’ve gathered from fellow photographers, opinions are split. Some swear by the 5DS R for its detail, especially those who print large formats. One photographer mentioned that for their studio work, the 5DS R captures every detail of their subjects, from fabric textures to the finest hairs (DPReview Forum).

Others prefer the 5D Mark IV for its versatility. A wedding photographer I know uses the 5D Mark IV exclusively because it handles low light better and the 4K video is a bonus for client deliverables. In online forums, users recommend the 5DS R for those who need extra resolution and are willing to deal with larger files, while suggesting the 5D Mark IV for all-purpose shooting.

Accessories and Ecosystem

Both cameras fit seamlessly into Canon’s extensive ecosystem. You can use a wide range of Canon EF lenses, flashes, and other accessories with either body. If you already own Canon gear, switching between these cameras won’t require new lenses, which is a significant advantage.

For the 5DS R, invest in high-capacity memory cards, like UDMA 7 or faster, to handle the large file sizes. A sturdy tripod is essential to avoid camera shake, given the high resolution. For the 5D Mark IV, if you’re into video, consider an external microphone like the Rode VideoMic Pro or Tascam TM-2X for better audio quality. Both cameras support battery grips for extended shooting and better vertical handling.

Decision-Making

So, which one should you choose in the 5Dsr vs 5D Mark IV battle? It boils down to your primary needs.

If you’re a landscape or studio photographer who values every pixel and plans to make large prints, the 5DS R is the way to go. Its resolution is unmatched, and if you’re willing to work with larger files and be careful with your technique to avoid camera shake, you’ll be rewarded with incredible detail. I use it in my studio for product shots, and the detail is jaw-dropping.

If you’re a versatile shooter who does a bit of everything—portraits, events, video, low-light situations—the 5D Mark IV is probably the better choice. Its all-around performance, better low-light capabilities, and 4K video make it a Swiss Army knife of cameras. I take it to weddings and events for its reliability across scenarios.

Consider your budget and whether you need the latest technology. Both cameras are older models now, but they’re still highly capable. If you can find them at a good price, either will serve you well for years to come.

FAQ

1. Can I use my existing Canon EF lenses on both cameras?
   Yes, both use the EF mount, so your lenses will work seamlessly.
2. Which camera is better for video?
   The 5D Mark IV excels with 4K video and Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth focusing.
3. Is the 5DS R worth it for the extra megapixels?
   If you need extreme detail for large prints or cropping, yes; otherwise, the 5D Mark IV’s 30.4 MP is plenty.
4. How do they compare in low light?
   The 5D Mark IV’s higher ISO range and better high-ISO performance make it superior for low-light shooting.
5. Can I upgrade from an older 5D model?
   Absolutely, both offer significant improvements in resolution, autofocus, and video over older models.
6. Do they have image stabilization?
   Neither has in-body stabilization, but many EF lenses offer it, so choose lenses accordingly.
7. What about the viewfinder?
   Both have 100% coverage optical viewfinders, ideal for precise composition.
8. Are there differences in color science?
   Both produce excellent colors, but preferences vary—check sample images to decide.
9. Can I use third-party lenses?
   Yes, EF-mount third-party lenses work, though some features may be limited.
10. How do they handle in cold weather?
    Both are weather-sealed and perform well, but keep batteries warm to avoid drain.
11. Which is better for portrait photography?
    The 5DS R’s resolution captures finer details, ideal for studio portraits, while the 5D Mark IV’s low-light performance suits candid or outdoor portraits.
12. How do file sizes affect storage needs?
    The 5DS R’s larger files (70-80 MB) require more storage than the 5D Mark IV’s (30-40 MB), so plan for higher-capacity cards.

Happy shooting, everyone! Whether you choose the 5DS R for its detail or the 5D Mark IV for its all-around prowess, you’re getting a fantastic tool to elevate your photography.