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Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only — full-frame DSLR · 2016
Canon

Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only

full-frame DSLR · 2016

85
/ 100
From $3,499
VS
Canon EOS R3 wins by 8
Canon EOS R3 — full-frame · 2021
Canon

Canon EOS R3

full-frame · 2021

93
/ 100
From $5,999
Specdex verdict

Canon EOS R3 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only lands at 85 and Canon EOS R3 at 93. That puts Canon EOS R3 ahead by 8 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only if…

  • ✓Mature system, great used market
  • ✓Proven lens lineup
  • ✓Often on sale

Pick Canon EOS R3 if…

  • ✓Current-gen AF system
  • ✓Proven lens ecosystem
  • ✓Strong video + stills balance
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Photo

Canon EOS R3

Compared on the photo sub-score

Canon EOS R3 leads on photo (93 vs 85).

Autofocus

Canon EOS R3

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon EOS R3 leads on autofocus (91 vs 81).

Ergonomics

Tie

Compared on the ergonomics sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only more score per dollar ($3,499 vs $5,999).

Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only 85
vs
93 Canon EOS R3

Score breakdown

Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only
85
photo 85
video 77
autofocus 81
ergonomics 86
Canon EOS R3
93
photo 93
video 89
autofocus 91
ergonomics 86

Specs side-by-side

Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only versus Canon EOS R3 — full spec comparison
Spec Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only Canon EOS R3
Format
full-frame DSLR
full-frame
Release year
2016
2021

Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only

Pros
  • +Mature system, great used market
  • +Proven lens lineup
  • +Often on sale
Cons
  • −Older AF system
  • −Heavier than modern mirrorless
  • −Firmware updates trailed off

Canon EOS R3

Pros
  • +Current-gen AF system
  • +Proven lens ecosystem
  • +Strong video + stills balance
Cons
  • −Body price excludes lens
  • −Heavy for travel (flagship)
  • −Learning curve on menus

FAQ: Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only vs Canon EOS R3

Which is better, Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only or Canon EOS R3? +

Canon EOS R3 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 8. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only worth the price? +

At $3,499, Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in ergonomics.

Is Canon EOS R3 worth the price? +

At $5,999, Canon EOS R3 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in photo.

Does Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only or Canon EOS R3 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for photo, Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only or Canon EOS R3? +

Canon EOS R3 — leads on photo (93 vs 85). Compared on the photo sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Canon 5D Mark IV · Body only or Canon EOS R3? +

Canon EOS R3 — leads on autofocus (91 vs 81). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.