Canon 5D Mark IV vs Sony a6700: A Guide for Professional Photographers

When considering the transition from a full-frame DSLR to a mirrorless camera for both photography and videography, choosing the right option can greatly impact your workflow and final product. The Canon 5D Mark IV and Sony a6700 are both popular choices, each with its own set of pros and cons.

Factors to Consider

The primary factor to consider is the amount of investment you have already made in Canon lenses. As a professional photographer with significant investments, switching to a different brand can be a challenging decision. Would it make sense to sell your Canon 5D Mark IV to purchase a Sony a6700?

This decision also heavily depends on your priorities, with a preference for video production.

Canon 5D Mark IV: A Dated Yet Versatile Camera

The Canon 5D Mark IV is a highly respected camera for video production, though it is considered somewhat dated. It offers excellent still photography capabilities and a set of features that make it suitable for high-quality video, including 4K recording. The main limitation of the 5D Mark IV is its crop factor, which reduces the effective 4K frame size to approximately Super35, leading to a 1.74x crop factor when shooting 4K video.

While the a6700 is a crop sensor body, it doesn't offer any significant advantage in this regard, as both cameras primarily suffer from the same issue of reduced frame size when recording 4K video.

Alternative Options for Video Production

For those looking to stick with a familiar brand and avoid the need to replace lenses, consider the Nikon R7. This camera is a direct competitor to the a6700, and while it shares similar limitations, it does not require a lens change. In the same price range, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Pro 6K is another excellent option that also accepts EF lenses, offering high-quality video and versatile capabilities.

For those looking for higher-end options, the Canon C200 or C300 Cine camera might be considered as used options. These cameras lack the latest focus tracking features, but they are built specifically for video production, providing robust build quality and reliable performance.

Natural Upgrade Path for the Canon 5D Mark IV

For those already invested in a Canon 5D Mark IV, a natural upgrade path could be a move to the Canon R5 or R5C. These cameras retain the full-frame sensor, offering better video capabilities than the 5D Mark IV. Another solid option for a full-frame Canon body with superior video performance is the Canon R6 Mark II.

Conclusion

The decision to sell your Canon 5D Mark IV and purchase a Sony a6700 depends on a variety of factors, including your investment in Canon lenses and your priorities as a photographer. The choice is highly individual, and each option offers unique benefits for both photography and videography. It's best to carefully evaluate your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.