Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS R5 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the EOS R5 is better for beginners, travel, portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, vlogging.
Choose the EOS 5D Mark IV for
- a lower price (from £249)
Choose the EOS R5 for
- more resolution (45MP vs 30.4MP)
- faster bursts (20fps vs 7fps)
- a lighter body (738g vs 890g)
- stronger video (8K 30p)
- in-body image stabilisation
- more lenses in our database (36 vs 17)
- a newer design (2020)
Specs side by side
| Spec | EOS 5D Mark IV | EOS R5 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 30.4MP | Full frame, 45MP |
| Mount | Canon EF / EF-S (DSLR) | Canon RF (full frame) |
| Released | 2016 | 2020 |
| Burst | 7 fps | 20 fps |
| Readout | OVF | — |
| Max ISO | 32,000 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | Lens only | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p (crop) | 8K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Electronic |
| Weight | 890 g | 738 g |
| Battery | Canon LP-E6NH | Canon LP-E6NH |
| Card slots | CF + SD | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £249–1,029 | £1,239–2,009 |
| Native lenses in our database | 17 (10 third-party) | 36 (14 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | EOS R5 |
| Everyday & travel | EOS R5 |
| Portraits | EOS R5 |
| Landscape | EOS R5 |
| Wildlife & animals | EOS R5 |
| Sports & action | EOS R5 |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | EOS R5 |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The EOS 5D Mark IV uses Canon EF / EF-S (17 lenses in our database, 10 third-party) and the EOS R5 uses Canon RF / RF-S (36 lenses, 14 third-party). They share the same battery (Canon LP-E6NH).
EOS 5D Mark IV compatible lenses → · EOS R5 compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV better than the Canon EOS R5?
It depends on your priorities. The EOS 5D Mark IV offers a lower price (from £249); the EOS R5 offers more resolution (45MP vs 30.4MP), faster bursts (20fps vs 7fps), a lighter body (738g vs 890g).
Which is better for video, the EOS 5D Mark IV or the EOS R5?
The EOS R5 is stronger for video: EOS 5D Mark IV records 4K 30p (crop), EOS R5 records 8K 30p.
Which is cheaper, the EOS 5D Mark IV or the EOS R5?
The EOS 5D Mark IV costs No longer sold new new and from £249 used at MPB; the EOS R5 costs No longer sold new new and from £1,239 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Canon EOS 5D Mark IV lenses on the EOS R5?
Not directly. The EOS 5D Mark IV uses Canon EF / EF-S and the EOS R5 uses Canon RF / RF-S; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.