30 megapixels, 4K video, and built-in Wi-FI: Canon's 5D Mark IV is here

The hotly anticipated and much rumored Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is finally official. Canon took the wraps off its latest professional DSLR, and while it looks almost identical to its predecessor, beneath the staid exterior lies completely refreshed tech. That includes a 30.4-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6+ image processor that can now pump out 4K video. Continuous shooting speed has been bumped up to seven frames per second (fps), impressive considering the resolution increase over the 5D Mark III. It is also the first 5D-series model to feature built-in Wi-Fi/NFC and GPS, making it perhaps the most full-featured camera in Canon’s lineup.

“Canon’s EOS 5D series of DSLR cameras has a history of being at the forefront of still and video innovation,” said Canon U.S.A.’s chief operating officer and president, Yuichi Ishizuka, in a statement. “In developing this new DSLR camera, we listened to the requests of current EOS users to create for them a modern, versatile camera designed to help them create and share beautiful still and video imagery.”

Indeed, the Mark IV is the most versatile 5D-series camera yet. One new group of users it will likely attract is wildlife photographers, who will benefit from the faster burst rate and improved, 61-point autofocus system that can now use every AF point on lenses with maximum apertures down to f/8. The increased resolution also grants more room for cropping, and with the built-in GPS, photographers will also be able to keep track of where each shot was taken and where they spotted specific animals. GPS is a great feature even for casual users, but it will likely be particularly valuable in a research environment or situations where location metadata is handy.

On the video side, the Mark IV looks to win back users who may have considered other brands after Canon’s slow implementation of 4K. The Mark IV represents the biggest technological jump for the series since the 5D Mark II introduced the world to Full HD DSLR video. Like Canon’s EOS-1D X Mark II, the new 5D records 4K in the Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) standard of 4096 x 2160 pixels, a slightly wider aspect ratio than Ultra HD that will appeal to serious filmmakers. The 4K resolution can be captured at either 30 or 24 frames per second, while 1080p can be shot at up to 60 fps and 720p up to 120 fps.

Video is further bolstered by Canon’s proprietary Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that provides fast and accurate autofocus in live view mode.

As much as the Mark IV expands the appeal of the 5D series to new audiences, it doesn’t sacrifice what has made it the mainstay of wedding and event shooters and photojournalists. It boasts an ISO range of 100 to 32,000, expandable down to 50 and up to 102,400, offering the low light performance that these users require.

While the 5D Mark IV is certainly today’s most exciting announcement, it isn’t the only news coming out of Canon. The company also introduced two new lenses, the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III and EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II, the latter of which will be available as a kit lens on the new camera.

The 5D Mark IV is slated for an early September release with an estimated retail price of $3,499 for the body only, or as a kit with the EF 24-70mm f/4L lens for $4,399. Users interested in the kit with the new 24-105mm lens will have to wait until October, which will give them a little time to save up for its $4,599 price. Both of the new lenses will also be available separately in October, with the 24-105mm going for $1,099 and the 16-35mm for $2,199.