Upgrade Guide

Canon EOS 5D→Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Canon

EOS 5D

£60 used

2005

→

Upgrade to

Canon

EOS-1D Mark IV

£102 used (+£42)

2009

✅

Strong upgrade

The EOS-1D Mark IV improves across 4 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most EOS 5D owners will notice the difference.

What's new in the EOS-1D Mark IV

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	EOS 5D	EOS-1D Mark IV
Price	£60 used	£102 used
Released	2005	2009	↑
Sensor	12.8MP full-frame CMOS	16.1MP APS-H CMOS
Resolution	13MP	16MP	↑
Video	No video	Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60
Autofocus	9-point phase-detect (+6 assist points) via viewfinder	45-point phase-detect (39 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	3fps	10fps	↑
Battery Life	~800 shots (CIPA)	~1500 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	810g (body only)	1180g (body only)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 0.71x	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.76x
Screen	2.5" fixed LCD, 230k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF
Memory Cards	Single CompactFlash slot	Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD

Compare side-by-side

See EOS 5D and EOS-1D Mark IV next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the EOS-1D Mark IV against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the EOS 5D

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