Canon EOS 5D Review Roundup and user comments. The Canon EOS 5D specifications include, 12.8 megapixel, 3.0 fps continuous shooting, Spot metering, Custom settings mode, Picture Style parameters, 2.5″ wide viewing angle LCD monitor, marginally larger than the EOS 20D, USB 2.0 High-speed, compatible with WFT-E1 wireless transmitter.
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[Full Canon EOS 5D Spec Sheet at Digital Camera Info]
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[Sample Pictures at Ephotozine]
[Sample Pictures at Quesabesda]
[Canon EOS 5D Sample Images at Photography Review]
[Canon EOS 5D Sample Images at Canon]
[Canon EOS 5D Sample Images at Luminous Landscapes]
[Canon EOS 5D Sample Images at Pbase]
[Canon EOS 5D Sample Images at DP Review]
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Ephotozine - 06/15/2006 - has reviewed the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D and they note that it produces silky smooth images. They continue to write -
“If the idea of having a camera with a sensor the same size as 35mm film is just too much for you to resist, at any price, then the Canon EOS 5D is clearly for you. If, on the other hand, other factors such as speed when shooting RAW, being able to shoot wide-angle lenses wide open without dark corners, or value for money appeal to you, then it may be worth thinking long and hard about whether this camera is really for you.”
Quesabesda, - 06/14/2006 - the Spanish site (Google translated) has reviewed the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D and rate it a 4.5 out 5. They continue to write -
“In Favor - Almost nonexistent electronic noise. - Magnificent reproduction of the color. - Ample possibilities of fine adjustment of the color balance. - Enormous buffer: up to 60 consecutive images in format JPEG and 17 in RAW. - Great viewfinder - Magnesium alloy body.”
Camera Labs - 5/22/2006 - The downsides? Well the screen, while large, doesn’t perform particularly well under bright conditions and is also susceptible to residues, requiring regular wipes. There’s also no GPS connectivity nor voice recording options, while anyone upgrading from a lower model in Canon’s range will miss the popup flash. Despite the higher price, the build quality is also no better than the 20D / 30D line, and the 3fps continuous shooting speed is modest.
[Canon EOS 5D Review at Camera Labs]
Imaging Resource Guest Review - 5/6/2006 - All things considered, this is the best DSLR, for my own work, that I have ever used. I do primarily three kinds of photography. The first is work that I assign myself and this often takes the form of projects that can last for several years. The best of that work is eventually edited, printed and used for exhibition. Unless I’m working on something where I want to be very close to the subject (macro) or very far from the subject (telephoto) I usually prefer to work with my R-D1 rangefinders. That is unless I need the drawing of the pictures to be more like medium format - for that I once used the 1Ds and now use the 5D. I also now use the 5D for my personal work with subjects that are very close or very far. If I need a silent camera or want the kind of drawing that only a small-sensor camera can provide, I tend to use a Leica Digilux 2.
[Canon EOS 5D Guest Review at Imaging Resource]
Shutterbug - 2/9/2006 - The real question is: Will the 5D meet the needs of professionals and serious enthusiasts adequately enough to fend off what a little more resolution or other minor upgrades might offer? My impression from using the camera and the resultant images is that photographers are going to be satisfied with the product and its performance for some time to come. Sure, bigger, better, and faster is the constant siren song of the marketplace. But the Canon EOS 5D might just stave off that clarion call for quite a while.
[Canon EOS 5D Review At Shutterbug]
Bob Atkins - 2/9/2006 - The EOS 5D is a good compromise for a significant number of photographers. It combines high image quality with the ability to fully utilize EF series wide angle lenses (like the EF 16-35/2.8L). If 3fps is a fast enough frame rate (and for most photographers, it is) and don’t need to regularly shoot outdoors in pouring rain, at around $4200 less than it’s nearest full frame competitor (the EOS 1Ds Mk II) it’s a very attractive camera. Under most shooting circumstances it produces higher quality images than the EOS 20D and it’s undeniably a nicer camera to use with the larger viewfinder, clearer LCD screen and additional firmware functions such as the style modes and RGB histogram.
[Canon EOS 5D Review At Bob Atkins]
DC Resource - 1/16/2006 - It’s hard not to like the EOS-5D. It offers amazing performance and photo quality and a full-frame sensor in a body that doesn’t weigh almost three pounds (like the 1Ds Mk II). If you want a camera that lets your lenses be used as intended (without any crop factors) then it may be worth spending the extra cash on the 5D over the 20D. If all this full-frame isn’t too important to you, the 20D will probably satisfy you as well. Whichever one you choose you’ll have an excellent digital SLR.
[Canon EOS 5D Review At DC Resource]
Designtechnica - 1/10/2006 - This is a terrific D-SLR as one would expect for the price. There’s no getting away from the fact it’s the smallest and lightest full-frame D-SLR available and it delivers superb picture quality. Digital noise is practically a thing of the past. But you’ll pay for the privilege (figure $5K if you’re starting from scratch for a quality EF lens or three and a Speedlight flash). This is a serious commitment and I would have no reservation recommending it if the 5D cost closer to $2,000 for the body instead of three grand.
[Canon EOS 5D Review At Designtechnica]
Photo.net - 1/2/2005 - Canon’s 12.8 megapixel EOS 5D has been reviewed at Photo.net and here’s the verdict. “The EOS 5D is a good compromise for a sizable number of photographers who want high image quality combined with the ability to shoot wide-angle without resorting to EF-S lenses (in fact you don’t have the option since EF-S lenses won’t mount on the 5d) and who would like the advantages of full frame (e.g. smaller DOF). If you don’t need super high frame rates and don’t need to regularly shoot outdoors in pouring rain, at around $4200 less than it’s nearest full frame competitor (the EOS 1Ds Mk II), it’s a very attractive camera. Under most shooting circumstances and with good lenses it can yield higher quality images than the EOS 20D and it’s undeniably a nicer camera to use with the larger viewfinder, clearer LCD screen and additional firmware functions such as the style modes and RGB histogram. However there are a few circumstances under which it is possible for the EOS 20D to outperform the EOS 5D, such as when the 5D image must be cropped because of the lack of a long enough lens. The obvious solution for this dilemma is of course is to buy both an EOS 20D and an EOS 5D! It’s still about $3000 cheaper than a 1Ds Mk II.
[Canon EOS 5D Review At What Digital Camera Magazine]
Ron Galbraith - The 5D is aimed at photographers who need double-digit megapixel resolution but don’t necessarily have the funds for Canon’s flagship EOS-1Ds Mark II or don’t require all of that camera’s top-end features (or weight).
[Read Ron's Overview]
CNET - Overall build quality and performance typical of much cheaper cameras; no constant ISO display; images show occasional red fringing around highlight transitions; automatic white balance occasionally inconsistent.
Photography Review - Small, light, strong design, full frame sensor, my lenses are back to how they should be without the 20d crop. Shutter is quiet, better than the thundering sound of the 20D. Same control layout as the 20D. The viewfinder is a dream, just as if someone has turned the lights on.
[Canon EOS 5D User Reviews At Photography Review]
Lets Go Digital - I am convinced that the EOS 5D is not the end of a period but the start of a whole new interesting era; a time with affordable cameras that combine a high resolution and an outstanding image quality. The Canon 5D has truly impressed me and I reluctantly returned it to Canon. The Canon 5D is a more than recommendable camera, it’s an absolute must for the Pro, but also for those who’d like to go on to a higher level, an excelling camera!
[Canon EOS 5D Review At Lets Go Digital]
Digital Camera Info - Following our period of evaluation with the Canon EOS 5D, we can fully confirm that the camera is indeed all it’s slated to be. Images produced with the camera’s 35.8mm x 23.9mm 12.8 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor were sharp and contained low noise. While the camera is not meant for speed, its 4-channel readout and DIGIC II processor handled volumes of large files with ease – processing 15 RAW images in under 22 seconds. However, the biggest surprise was the effectiveness of the newly implemented Picture Style settings. While it is slightly deceiving at first (since “0’s” are not equal to other “0″ settings), the amount of control provided by the parameters was enlightening. Colors can be made to accurately reproduce the scene or slightly embellish the look and saturate the tones nicely, adding vibrancy. The design of the camera made it easy to handle and it fit my hands better than any Canon DSLR released to date. Other than a disappointing LCD screen and limited x-sync, the EOS 5D is about all consumers can ask for at a retail price of $3299. Currently, the 5D is truly without competition.
[Canon EOS 5D Review At Digital Camera Info]
Luminous Landscape - Functionally, the 5D, while not blazing any new ground, provides a set of features and functions that will more than satisfy the vast majority of advanced amateurs and pros. All of this at a price that while by traditional measure is still higher than photographers would like, at least is no longer stratospheric, and dare I write – is almost affordable for many serious photographers.
Yes, the camera has flaws, some almost inexplicable given how easy their fix would be. But, on the whole this is, I believe, destined to be a landmark camera – one which will likely produce a great deal of satisfaction for many photographers, and serve as a price / performance benchmark for the rest of the industry over the next year or two.
[Canon EOS 5D Review At Luminous Landscape]
Virtual Traveller - For me, the 5D and 24-105L combination is better than the 20D and 17-85. No surprise there. Really, the results of my tests are that there are no surprises. The 5D is as good as I expected it to be, and I expected it to be amazing. For my travel purposes, as an all-round compromise, it is better than the chunky EOS 1Ds, making it the best camera currently available, indeed (for my purposes) the best camera ever. But in some respects (ie telephoto shooting) the 20D is still superior, for half the money.
[Canon EOS 5D Review At Virtual Traveller]
Bob Atkins - I think right now if I was a typical serious amateur shooter getting into the Canon EOS system and I had $3300 to spend on photography, I’d be inclined to go for an EOS 20D, an EF-S 10-22, an EF-S 17-85IS and an EF 70-200/4L. The total cost would be around the same as the 5D body alone ($3300) or maybe $100 or so less. The EOS 20D gives excellent image quality up to 11×14 and maybe even 16×20 and, in reality, that’s as big as most people ever go.
If you’re a pro, then a EOS 5D makes sense in some situations. Some stock agencies require submissions be at least 12MP (native, not upsized) and so a 20D just won’t cut it. If you’re selling large prints then the full frame 12.8MP EOS 5D may give you an edge, as well as allowing you to maintain quality even if some cropping is required.
[Canon EOS 5D Review At Bob Atkins]
The Digital Picture - The Canon EOS 5D will appeal to both advanced amateurs and professionals who need or want very high image quality, wide angle field of view and/or shallow depth of field but do not require a high continuous frame rate, durability or weather and dust sealing. Those needing higher frame rates (typically sports and sometimes wildlife photographers) should consider the Canon EOS 20D or the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N as alternatives. Those wanting the ultimate image quality should consider the Canon EOS 1DS Mark II - an incredible camera (See crop comparison page in the more reviews section below).
The Canon EOS 5D represents a great value in a high quality, high performance, full-frame Digital SLR. You get excellent quality, high resolution images for less money than ever before. I found very little to critique or complain about. This camera will exceed the requirements of many photographers.
[Canon EOS 5D Review At The Digital Picture]
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[Photography Review User Comments]
[Amazon Canon EOS 5D User Comments]
[CNET Canon EOS 5D User Comments]
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Press Release:
Canon’s full frame, compact EOS 5D defines new D-SLR category
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August, 2005 - Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, announces the 12.8 Megapixel EOS 5D, creating a new D-SLR category combining a full frame CMOS sensor with a lightweight, compact magnesium alloy body. Weighing just 810 grams, it features a second generation 35.8 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor, 3 frame per second, 60 Large JPEG frame burst and 0.2 second start up time operation.
“The discreet full frame EOS 5D is the camera many photojournalists and agencies have been asking us for,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “It will be an indispensable piece of equipment for a wide range of professionals – from contemporary wedding to reportage photographers.”
Marking five years since Canon’s first CMOS image sensor appeared in the EOS D30, the release represents Canon’s fifth new CMOS sensor to be released since April 2004. “CMOS sensors are a critical technology advantage driving Canon’s rapid digital SLR development,” remarked Jensen.
Equivalent in size to a frame of 35mm film, the camera’s 35.8 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor gives photographers a full angle of view without magnification or cropping effect. It provides tighter control over depth of field and improves image quality by capturing more light with its large pixels.
Key features
Super responsive, the EOS 5D is driven by the same DIGIC II processor found in Canon’s EOS-1D professional range cameras.
Protected with a rugged yet lightweight magnesium alloy exterior, the camera also features new Picture Style pre-sets, a new hi-resolution 2.5″ LCD monitor, 9-point auto focus with 6 invisible Assist AF points to improve tracking performance, compatibility with Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1, custom mode for fast recall of user defined camera set-ups, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface for fast downloads and 1/8000 - 30 second shutter speed with X-sync at 1/200s.
The CMOS advantage
With five years of in-house CMOS development since the original EOS D30, Canon’s latest CMOS sensor features 12.8 Megapixels, and the same second-generation on-chip noise reduction circuitry used on the EOS-1Ds Mark II. This effectively suppresses random noise and eliminates fixed-pattern noise for extremely clean, hi-fidelity images. Wide 100-1600 ISO speed range is extendable to L:50 and H:3200. Large 8.2 ïm pixels allow the capture of a superior dynamic range, enabling the reproduction of subtle tonal gradations in shadow, midtone and highlight areas.
Improved in-camera control
New Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over image quality. Delivering more immediately usable JPEG images straight out of the camera without need for post-production, Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to different film types - each one offering a different colour response. Within each easily selectable pre-set, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation.
The pre-sets include:
- Standard - for crisp, vivid images that don’t require post-processing;
- Portrait - optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones;
- Landscape - for deep greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines);
- Neutral - ideal for post-processing;
- Faithful - adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K;
- Monochrome - for black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green)
- Additionally, 3 user-defined entries allow the possibility to create additional variations on the in-camera styles or install additional custom Picture Style files. Additional custom Picture Style files may be downloaded from Canon’s web site.
Picture Style replaces internal image processing previously controlled by setting processing parameters and colour matrix. Picture Style is also supported by the supplied Digital Photo Professional and RAW Image Task software.
New LCD monitor
For improved image review and menu readability, the EOS 5D is fitted with a new large-size high-resolution 2.5″ 230K pixel poly-silicon TFT LCD monitor. The improved screen retains brightness and visibility throughout a wide 170 degree angle of view, both vertically and horizontally, making it easy to view images when the camera is mounted in a fixed position.
Auto focus
A newly developed 9-point auto focus system features 6 additional invisible Assist AF points located inside the spot-metering circle. These points come into effect when the camera is switched to AI SERVO AF with the centre focus point selected and are automatically used to improve the camera’s subject tracking performance.
Ergonomics and control
The ‘Premium EOS’ design features a magnesium alloy exterior with rubberized grip surfaces. The discreet and lightweight compact body measures just 152 x 113 x 75 mm and weighs only 810 g making it two thirds the volume and weight of the EOS-1Ds Mark II.
In a handy new feature, current camera settings can be stored and assigned to the C (camera settings) position on the Mode Dial. This allows photographers to switch quickly between two completely different camera set-ups without having to switch bodies – ideal for photographers who need to rapidly switch their cameras from an indoor to outdoor shooting condition, for example. Exposure mode, ISO speed, AF mode, drive mode, Picture Style, white balance and custom functions are all stored in the custom setting. There are 21 custom functions with 57 user-definable settings to enable photographers to configure the camera for their preferred way of working.
Connectivity
With the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1, photographers can work cable-free as full-frame image files can be transferred automatically through a wireless LAN to a computer in seconds .
A USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface allows rapid transfer of images from camera to computer, ideal for shooting straight-to-hard-drive with the camera tethered to a computer in a studio environment, thus providing full screen previews of images as they are shot. The EOS 5D also has a Video out interface to allow playback and review on a TV monitor, and is PictBridge compliant to support direct printing to any compatible photo printer without the need for a computer. It takes both CompactFlash Type I and Type II cards, including cards of 2 Gb capacity and larger.
Compatibility and accessories
The EOS 5D offers complete compatibility with all Canon EF lenses , providing photographers with access to a vast range of lenses with focal lengths from 14 to 600 mm.
The camera’s launch coincides with the release of the high performance EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM a lightweight Image Stabilizer lens. Completing Canon’s f/4L-series zoom lens range, the new lens complements the EF17-40mm f/4L USM and EF70-200mm f/4L USM lenses. An ideal match for the lightweight EOS 5D, these lenses are designed for professional photographers requiring high quality lightweight lenses with a fixed aperture throughout the zoom range.
Also compatible with EX series Speedlites and other EOS accessories, the camera provides photographers with a highly adaptable and flexible camera system. Canon’s E-TTL II flash metering ensures accurate flash exposures by taking into account such factors as lens distance information, ambient light readings and the detection of reflective objects in order to calculate flash output.
The BG-E4 is a new battery grip designed especially for the EOS 5D. Constructed with the same magnesium alloy as the camera’s exterior, it has a solid and comfortable hold. The grip can accommodate two BP-511A/514/512/511 battery packs or six AA batteries . The Battery Grip BG-E4 features a shutter release button, AE/FE lock button, AF point selector and main dial to enable comfortable use of the camera when held vertically.
The camera’s focussing screens are interchangeable: in addition to the “Standard Precision Matte” (Ee-A) focussing screen supplied with the camera, “Precision Matte with Grid (Ee-D) and Super Precision Matte (Ee-S) screens are available.
The EOS 5D supports the optional Data Verification Kit DVK-E2 v2.2, which verifies the authenticity of images taken with the camera.
New software
The EOS 5D is supplied with the EOS Digital Solution Disk v11, which includes a new version of Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) RAW processing software - now at version 2.0. DPP now supports RAW images shot on all EOS digital cameras from the EOS D30 onwards, and includes support for Picture Styles. Improvements and additions are aimed at improving functionality and workflow efficiency for professionals, and include: easy image selection with three levels of check marks; real-time adjustment of sharpness; improved image correction (Copy Stamp); enhanced image transfer function -single image transfer to PhotoShop is possible; extended colour space support, now including Apple RGB and ColorMatch RGB; and improved usability of the CMYK simulation function.
Also provided is on the EOS Digital Solution Disk v11 is ZoomBrowser EX (PC) and ImageBrowser (MAC) v5.5 for managing images, EOS Capture v1.5 for remote shooting, PhotoStitch v3.1, PhotoRecord v2.2 (PC) and RAW ImageTask v2.2. The EOS 5D is compatible with CANON iMAGE GATEWAY , which provides a 100 MB online photo album.
Comprehensive range
This new category camera adds to Canon’s already comprehensive D-SLR range. In terms of speed and resolution, Canon has the leading performance camera in every D-SLR segment, all launched since April last year:
- EOS-1Ds Mark II - 16.7 Megapixel full frame 35 mm sensor, 4 fps
- EOS-1D Mark II N - 8.2 Megapixel APS-H size sensor, 8.5 fps
- EOS 5D - 12.8 Megapixel full frame sensor, 3 fps
- EOS 20D - 8.2 Megapixel APS-C size sensor, 5 fps
- EOS 350D Digital - 8.0 Megapixel APS-C size sensor, 3 fps
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