The Ultimate Showdown: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM vs Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18-45mm f/4-5.6 IS STM – Which Camera Wins?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available in the market. If you’re torn between the tried-and-true Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with its renowned EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens and the newer Canon EOS R10 paired with the RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, this blog post is for you. We’ll delve into their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
This full-frame DSLR is a powerhouse known for its exceptional image quality, robust build, and professional-grade features. The EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens offers a versatile focal range and excellent image stabilization, making it a popular choice for a wide range of photography styles.
Canon EOS R10
The EOS R10 is a mirrorless camera that boasts impressive performance and a compact design. It utilizes the RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, a lightweight and versatile option perfect for everyday photography.

Image Quality: A Battle of Pixels

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The 5D Mark IV features a 30.4MP full-frame sensor, delivering exceptional detail and dynamic range. Its image quality is renowned for its sharpness, clarity, and ability to capture stunning low-light images.
Canon EOS R10
The R10 boasts a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, which produces excellent image quality for its class. While it doesn’t match the full-frame resolution of the 5D Mark IV, its performance is still impressive, especially considering its smaller size and lighter weight.
Verdict: The 5D Mark IV takes the lead in terms of raw image quality due to its larger sensor and higher resolution. However, the R10’s image quality is no slouch and is more than adequate for most photography needs.

Performance and Speed: A Race Against Time

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The 5D Mark IV offers a continuous shooting speed of up to 7fps, making it suitable for capturing fast-paced action. Its autofocus system is known for its accuracy and speed, allowing you to lock focus quickly and reliably.
Canon EOS R10
The R10 packs a punch with its impressive continuous shooting speed of up to 15fps with electronic shutter and 23fps with mechanical shutter. Its autofocus system is exceptionally fast and accurate, utilizing Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology.
Verdict: The R10 wins this round with its superior burst shooting speed and advanced autofocus system.

Design and Ergonomics: Comfort and Control

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The 5D Mark IV is a robust and well-built camera with a classic DSLR design. Its deep grip and well-placed buttons offer excellent control and comfort, even during extended shooting sessions.
Canon EOS R10
The R10 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera with a modern design. It is remarkably portable, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography. Its controls are intuitive and easy to access, offering a comfortable shooting experience.
Verdict: This is a matter of personal preference. The 5D Mark IV offers a more traditional DSLR feel, while the R10 prioritizes portability and a more modern design.

Video Capabilities: A Cinematic Showdown

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The 5D Mark IV can record 4K video at 30fps with a maximum bitrate of 100Mbps. It offers excellent image quality and a variety of video features, including Canon Log and time-lapse recording.
Canon EOS R10
The R10 excels in video recording, offering 4K video at up to 60fps with a maximum bitrate of 150Mbps. It also supports various video features like Canon Log 3 and internal 4K 120p slow-motion recording.
Verdict: The R10 emerges as the winner in this category due to its higher frame rate, greater bitrate, and more advanced video features.

Lens Selection: A World of Possibilities

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The 5D Mark IV benefits from the vast and extensive Canon EF lens system. You have access to a wide range of lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto, macro to specialty lenses, offering unparalleled versatility.
Canon EOS R10
The R10 utilizes the RF-S lens system, which is still growing but offers a good selection of lenses for everyday photography, including wide-angle, telephoto, and macro options.
Verdict: The 5D Mark IV takes the lead with its vast lens selection, but the R10’s RF-S lens system is expanding rapidly and offers good options for its target audience.

Price and Value: Weighing the Investment

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The 5D Mark IV, while a powerful camera, is a more expensive option, especially when considering the cost of lenses. However, its professional-grade features and exceptional image quality justify the investment for serious photographers.
Canon EOS R10
The R10 is a more affordable option compared to the 5D Mark IV, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious photographers. Its excellent performance and features provide great value for the price.
Verdict: The R10 offers a better value proposition due to its lower price point and impressive performance. However, the 5D Mark IV’s professional features and image quality justify its higher cost for those who need them.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Camera for You

Both the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Canon EOS R10 are excellent cameras with unique strengths and weaknesses. The 5D Mark IV is a robust full-frame DSLR with exceptional image quality and a vast lens system, making it suitable for professional photographers and enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and versatility. The R10 is a compact and capable mirrorless camera with impressive performance, advanced video features, and a more affordable price, making it a great option for everyday photographers, videographers, and those seeking a more portable solution.
Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, shooting style, and desired features to make an informed decision.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS R10 is a better choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface, compact size, and affordability.
Q: Which camera is better for professional photographers?
A: The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a better choice for professional photographers due to its exceptional image quality, robust build, and extensive lens system.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Canon EOS R10 excels in video recording with its higher frame rate, greater bitrate, and advanced video features.
Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
A: The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is better for wildlife photography due to its full-frame sensor and access to a wider range of telephoto lenses.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
A: The Canon EOS R10 is better for travel photography due to its compact size, lightweight design, and excellent image quality.