Canon 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D70 – A Comprehensive Comparison for the Serious Photographer

If you’re exploring camera options for your photographic journey, understanding how varied technologies - from legacy gear to modern marvels - compare in real-world use is vital. Here, we pit the venerable Nikon D70, introduced in 2004, against the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, a 2016 flagship DSLR, to evaluate what each pioneer offers in today’s photography landscape. This comparison sheds light not only on specifications but also on performance, handling, and suitability across genres.

Whether you’re a dedicated enthusiast considering an upgrade or a professional vetting gear for specialized tasks, our hands-on insights will help you see beyond numbers and find your perfect photographic companion.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

When you pick up a camera, the feel in hand can often be as important as its technical prowess. Let’s start there.

Physical Size and Handling

• Canon 5D Mark IV: A well-built, mid-size DSLR with a robust magnesium alloy body weighing 890 grams. Its dimensions of approximately 151 x 116 x 76 mm reflect a professional-level heft delivering confidence and durability. It includes weather sealing, reassuring you against dust and moisture in demanding environments.

• Nikon D70: Smaller and lighter at 679 grams and measuring around 140 x 111 x 78 mm. This was Nikon’s solid offering in the advanced DSLR segment of the early 2000s, with a plastic finish and less extensive weather protection.

These differences become instantly apparent as you hold both cameras side-by-side:

The 5D Mark IV’s larger grip and sturdier build feel more comfortable for extended shooting sessions, especially with bigger lenses. The D70, while easier to carry casually, doesn’t match the 5D’s robustness.

Control Layout and User Interface

Intuitive controls make or break your shooting experience. The Canon 5D Mark IV shines here due to refined design lessons over the years.

• The Canon 5D Mark IV features illuminated buttons, a top LCD display, and well-placed dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation. It also supports touchscreen input on its bright, high-resolution rear LCD.

• The Nikon D70, with its era’s simpler interface, lacks touchscreen, has a smaller 1.8-inch LCD with low resolution, and no illuminated buttons or top-screen readout.

See the clear control design difference on the top view:

You’ll appreciate the 5D’s direct access to critical functions and refined button feel when shooting in the field.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of every camera is the sensor. This is where the Canon 5D Mark IV legitimately outclasses the Nikon D70, and why it remains a professional favorite.

Analyzing sensor importance:

• The Canon’s full-frame sensor offers significantly larger photosites, translating to superior low-light performance, less noise at high ISO, and better dynamic range, allowing you to recover shadows and highlights effectively.

• The Nikon’s APS-C CCD sensor served well in its day, providing decent color rendition but far lower resolution and limited low-light capabilities.

Here is an illustration contrasting sensor sizes and their impact on quality:

Practical takeaway: For portraits requiring smooth skin tones and creamy bokeh, landscapes demanding detailed shadows, or night/astro shots needing excellent noise control, the Canon is in a different league.

Viewing Experience: Viewfinder and Display

A bright and informative viewfinder, plus a responsive LCD, directly impact your shooting ease.

• Canon 5D Mark IV: Optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification. Its fixed, anti-reflective 3.2-inch touchscreen shows crisp, clear images for reviewing shots, navigating menus, and even touch AF in live view.

• Nikon D70: Optical pentamirror viewfinder covering about 95% of the frame and 0.5x magnification, typical for its class in 2004. The rear screen is a modest 1.8 inches with very limited resolution.

Seeing the difference through the back screen comparison:

The 5D’s larger, higher-res screen and touch responsiveness massively aid composition and menu navigation, especially under dynamic shooting conditions.

Autofocus System and Speed

Autofocus (AF) performance is crucial - especially for wildlife, sports, and street photography where fast, accurate focusing matters.

The Canon 5D Mark IV’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology dramatically improves live view and video autofocus performance, providing smooth, reliable subject tracking - a boon for portraits and action. The 61-point system delivers superb accuracy and coverage, making it easier to focus on the eye or face while tracking movement.

Conversely, the Nikon D70’s AF system was adequate for standard photography when released but can’t match modern standards, especially in speed or tracking capabilities. No live view and limited AF points restrict versatility.

Burst Shooting, Buffer, and Shutter Speed

• Canon 5D Mark IV: Shoots at 7 frames per second (fps) with an impressive buffer to handle long bursts, enabling you to capture fleeting wildlife or sports moments. Max shutter speed matches industry standard at 1/8000 sec.

• Nikon D70: Limited to 3 fps continuous shooting, far slower in capturing fast sequences, and shutter speed also caps at 1/8000 sec.

In practical shooting, the Canon’s sustained 7 fps helps you get more usable frames in rapid action, critical for sports photographers or birders.

Battery Life and Storage

• Canon 5D Mark IV: Rated at roughly 900 shots per charge using the LP-E6 battery with dual card slots - one CompactFlash and one SD (UHS-I) for backup or overflow. This flexibility supports professional workflows demanding reliability.

• Nikon D70: EN-EL3 battery offers moderate life for its class, but exact shot count varies. Storage limited to a single CompactFlash type I or II slot with no dual-card capability.

The dual-slot advantage allows you to safeguard images - an essential feature in professional environments.

Video Capability

Video is a must-have in modern hybrid workflows.

• Canon 5D Mark IV: Offers 4K UHD recording at 30 fps, plus 1080p up to 60 fps and 720p up to 120 fps. It includes microphone and headphone jacks, supporting professional audio monitoring and integration. The Dual Pixel Autofocus makes video autofocus smooth and reliable.

• Nikon D70: No video recording capabilities.

For vloggers, event shooters, or multimedia creators, the Canon 5D Mark IV offers a flexible, professional video tool while the Nikon D70 remains strictly photo-only.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Canon EF mount (5D Mark IV): Over 250 EF lenses exist, covering everything from fisheye to super telephoto, including tilt-shift and macro optics. The lens lineup is continuously evolving with cutting-edge glass, providing unmatched creative reach and image quality.

• Nikon F mount (D70): Also supports over 300 lenses, but due to its APS-C sensor and legacy autofocus systems, some newer lenses may lack full compatibility or autofocus features on older bodies.

If you’re starting out, both brands offer wide lens selections, but for top-tier glass tailored to your growing needs, Canon’s EF mount on the 5D Mark IV ensures access to world-class optics.

Connectivity and Extras

• Canon 5D Mark IV features:

  • Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for remote control and image transfer.
  • GPS built-in for geotagging.
  • USB 3.0 for fast wired transfers.
  • HDMI out.
  • Self-timer modes and interval recording for time-lapse.

• Nikon D70:

  • No wireless features.
  • USB 1.0 interface (slow).
  • No GPS.
  • Built-in flash with basic modes.

Canon’s connectivity suite modernizes your workflow and integrates with mobile apps for quick sharing and remote shooting.

Weather Resistance and Durability

A durable camera body is essential for landscape, wildlife, and travel shooters.

• Canon 5D Mark IV features weather sealing, protecting against dust and moisture.

• Nikon D70 lacks environmental sealing.

This gap matters if you often shoot outdoors in unpredictable conditions.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Assessing the cameras across key genres helps translate specs into user experience.

A detailed chart illustrates this performance breakdown:

Image Quality Examples

Observe sample images from both cameras, captured under similar conditions:

Canon 5D MIV front Canon 5D MIV screen back Nikon D70 front Nikon D70 screen back

The Canon 5D Mark IV’s pictures show significantly sharper details, richer colors, and smoother tonal gradations, especially in shadows and highlights. The Nikon D70 images exhibit softer details and visible noise in low light.

Overall Performance Ratings and Expert Assessment

DxOMark scores help quantify sensor performance:

• Canon 5D Mark IV: 91 (overall)
• Nikon D70: 50 (overall)

This stark contrast mirrors the technological leaps from 2004 to 2016.

In hands-on testing, the Canon consistently delivers under demanding scenarios, while the Nikon performs adequately for casual shooting and learning fundamental photography.

Price and Value Analysis

• Canon 5D Mark IV: Priced around $3300 body only, reflecting its position as a professional tool.

• Nikon D70: Found used for under $300, primarily as a collector or entry-level vintage model.

While the Nikon remains accessible and fun for experimentation, serious photographers will find more value investing in the 5D Mark IV for its vastly superior image quality, durability, and modern features.

Who Should Choose What?

Choose Canon 5D Mark IV if:

• You aim for professional-quality images and video.
• Require reliable autofocus for fast action or studio work.
• Need a weather-sealed, rugged body for outdoor shooting.
• Value a large, high-resolution sensor for flexibility in post-processing.
• Want up-to-date connectivity and workflow features.
• Shoot video as well as stills.

Choose Nikon D70 if:

• You’re an enthusiastic beginner on a tight budget.
• Interested in learning DSLR fundamentals without heavy investment.
• Prefer a lightweight camera for casual photography.
• Collect vintage models or prefer Nikon’s lens mount ecosystem for entry-level glass.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV stands undeniably as a state-of-the-art DSLR designed for professionals and enthusiasts who value image quality, versatility, and performance. Its full frame sensor, robust autofocus, connectivity, and video capabilities keep it relevant in a competitive market even today.

The Nikon D70, although a landmark product for its time, serves mostly as an entry-level or secondary body now. It offers a nostalgic shooting experience with some charm for learners but falls short by modern standards.

If you’re seeking gear to grow your creative vision and capture high-quality images across all genres, we recommend exploring the Canon 5D Mark IV. It rewards investment with top-tier results and inspires confidence in the field.

Next steps: If you’re interested in testing these models or their successors, visit a camera store to experience hands-on ergonomics and control layouts. Once you find the feel that suits you, delve into lens choices and accessories that complement your style. Don’t forget to explore sample galleries and user communities online to see real-world results.

Your photographic journey deserves equipment that matches your passion. Whether you begin with the classic Nikon D70 or stride forward with the Canon 5D Mark IV, understanding your tools puts you one step closer to creating memorable images.

Happy shooting!