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5D is a nice jump up

By: erinmalone - Tue Jan 24, 2006 @ 1:29am

Recomendations: 24 of 29

Overall Rating:

Review:
Just recently bought this camera and have already fallen in love with it. Having most recently used the 1Ds, the body size is much lighter and a better fit for my smaller hands. Plus it's light enough to carry all the time.
Unlike the 1Ds and some of the older models of Canon DSlrs - the camera offers a monochrome (black and white) setting and performs quite well in lower light settings. So far, this is a great camera.

Pros: Small body, Full frames sensor

Cons: Few FPS than 1Ds Mark 11, not as durable

Canon EOS 5D Digital Camera

By: makliz_art - Tue Apr 4, 2006 @ 10:23am

Recomendations: 22 of 25

Overall Rating:

Review:
Canon's press material for the EOS 5D states that it 'defines (a) new D-SLR category', while we're not typically too concerned with marketing talk this particular statement is clearly pretty accurate. The EOS 5D is unlike any previous digital SLR in that it combines a full-frame (35 mm sized) high resolution sensor (12.8 megapixels) with a relatively compact body (slightly larger than the EOS 20D, although in your hand it feels noticeably 'chunkier'). The EOS 5D is aimed to slot in between the EOS 20D and the EOS-1D professional digital SLR's, an important difference when compared to the latter is that the EOS 5D doesn't have any environmental seals. While Canon don't specifically refer to the EOS 5D as a 'professional' digital SLR it will have obvious appeal to professionals who want a high quality digital SLR in a body lighter than the EOS-1D. It will also no doubt appeal to current EOS 20D owners.

Pros: ...

Cons: ...

Canon 5D

By: buster8902 - Fri Jul 28, 2006 @ 6:28pm

Recomendations: 7 of 8

Overall Rating:

Review:
I love This Camera! Full Frame is a plus (no lens conversion factor) 12.8 megapixal is a plus too. It definetly compliments the "L" series lens. Just outstanding!

Pros: Full Frame, DSLR

Cons: Price

I no longer miss my film cameras .

By: adovelikeboy - Wed Jan 3, 2007 @ 2:22am

Recomendations: 6 of 6

Overall Rating:

Review:
35mm SLR geeks - this is what you've been looking for at a reasonable price
Digital users - your compact pictures will never look like this.


I'm very much a film geek. I've been a serious semi-pro for about 22 years and this is my first digi SLR. I don't miss film. I'm not going back.


The Canon 5D offers the sort of sharpness, fidelity and low noise that 10 years ago you'd only have found in medium format film cameras. I can open up the aperture to 1.8 on the (cheap) 50mm lens, crank up the ISO to 640 and get results so limip that I want to cry. The (bloody expensive) f2.8 24-70mm L series zoom gives sharp results across the range.


This camera either matches the performance of film (beautiful tones; sumptuous shadow detail) or outperforms film by a margin (flexibility, detail, the utter lack of noise at high ISO settings). I asked five professionals and a few gifted amateurs to recommend a camera when I was looking to buy one last year; EVERY one of them recommended this unit.


My only complaint is that I've seen some light roll-off in the corners (aka vignetting) at 24mm in bright sunlight when shooting at f5.6 or f8. I haven't seen it wide open at f2.8/24mm. Sharpness does not suffer at wide apertures.


Drool now, then start saving. If you are serious about photography, buy this camera - it's well worth it.

Pros: Eyepopping quality

Cons: Some vignetting with 24mm lens

Nice, must have camera

By: trungkien_ideas - Mon Oct 2, 2006 @ 5:45am

Recomendations: 3 of 4

Overall Rating:

Review:
A lower-priced full-frame digital SLR was a logical step for Canon, the only thing we weren't sure of was how that camera would look when it arrived. Up until now if you wanted a Canon mount full frame camera you would go for the EOS-1Ds / Mark II or the now discontinued Kodak Pro SLR/c. Since the advent of the digital SLR many photographers have been looking forward to the day they could (afford to) buy a body with a full frame sensor which would mark the 'complete transition' of 35 mm photography into digital.

The EOS 5D with its sub-$4,000 price tag was introduced to a fairly rapturous reception among existing Canon owners here on dpreview as well as the two ends of the spectrum from other brand owners; everything from jealousy and incredulous dismissal. It's pretty clear that two camps have now established themselves, quite a few people have nailed their preference to the wall, being in the "Full Frame or nothing" group or the "Cropped is better" group.

The task for us in this review was an interesting one, first of all we had to review the camera in the same way we would any other digital SLR but also to explore many of the assumed advantages and disadvantages, myths and facts around full-frame. The results of our 'extended test suite' were a confirmation of what we expected (and knew), that a full frame camera fully exposes the limits of the lens used and that simply because the pixel pitch is larger we aren't automatically going to get more dynamic range and lower noise. (Remember the EOS 5Ds pixel pitch is the same as the EOS-1D Mark II).

The EOS 5D is a fantastic photographic tool which is capable of producing really excellent results. The caveat is that it takes a little more care and understanding of your equipment (especially lenses). We found resolution to be absolutely excellent with crisp detailed results straight from the camera (JPEG) and even more detail available if you shoot RAW. Different 'looks' can be easily achieved via Picture Styles (almost like changing film) and the range of in-camera image parameters has been expanded. Noise levels are essentially identical to the EOS 20D as is dynamic range, this is neither a surprise or a disappointment, it simply means consistency and the maintaining of an expectation built by Canon in the performance of its CMOS sensor.

If you want a (new) Canon full frame digital SLR the choice now is between the $3,299 EOS 5D or the $7,999 EOS-1Ds Mark II. As we have demonstrated the EOS-1Ds Mark II does deliver more detail and resolution but to the majority of photographers this advantage will be wasted (although this is unlikely to be a deciding factor for decided EOS-1Ds Mark II buyers, its advantages over the 5D are far more wide ranging). Thus to anyone looking for the 'purity' of full frame (and a Canon mount) the EOS 5D would be absolutely Highly Recommended.

For everyone else however it's a hard decision. If the EOS 5D had been introduced a couple of years ago before the availability of designed-for-digital ultra-wide angle zoom lenses it could easily have walked away with a clear lead against 'cropped sensor' models. However there are many photographers quite happy with the results they get from their current cameras, only history will tell if the EOS 5D is the start of a full frame revolution or simply the first of a new niche format.

Pros: Excellent resolution, a real upgrade for Canon owners (EOS 10D,20D)

Cons: Expensive, pretty average automatic white balance in artificial light

When hesitating, go for it

By: artismores - Sat Jun 23, 2007 @ 7:40pm

Recomendations: 2 of 2

Overall Rating:

Review:
This camera brings the best out in your glass, I have only moderate quality glass (35 f/2, 50 f/1.4 and 100 f/2.8 macro) but while on my 350D these were nice lenses, on the 5D they really shine. The FF size is what these lenses are built for and the large pixels are more forgiving on lines per mm resolution of a lens. The 100 f/2.8 gives absolutely razor sharp photographs on the 5D. Shallow depth of field is a bonus. High iso performance (I use it typically @ ISO 250, while I was always reluctant to move my 350D from ISO 100 to ISO 200 because of the noise) is excellent.
-- Ease of use: excellent interface (similar to 30D I'm told, even the 1D mark III has adopted this modus operandi).
-- Features: would have liked the 1D's electronic mode selection (not a wheel) and some personal / custom menu settings implemented to switch quickly between scenes / settings, the "C" function is a bad and too limited implementation for my taste (cost-wise that wouldn't have made much of a difference if you ask me).
-- Image quality: it's just there, nothing to say.
-- Quality: not pro-build, but feels good.
-- Shutter Lag: not that I know of.
-- Support: no problem, nice people.
-- Value: what I especially like is that it costs maybe 4 times as much as a 350D, I feel it is more than 10 times better. Seeing the images is a whole new experience and they're much easier to work with and sell. Plus it's much easier to get a better image quicker (because of high ISO performance and better viewfinder, especially using the EE-S precision matte focusing screen).

Pros: Stunning quality

Cons: Not really

Good stuff

By: runny_sa - Thu Nov 23, 2006 @ 10:52am

Recomendations: 2 of 2

Overall Rating:

Review:
Just when it looked like the only way to get a "real" 35mm DSLR was to shell out way too much on a 1DS Mk II, along comes the 5D and delivers a camera aimed at those with only a medium budget. This is a real "pro" camera in almost every way except te weight of the base unit. It takes more than aceptable pictures, has an incredible set of add-on support products from Canon and third parties - including the best SLR lenses on the market (L Series)...... Why wouldn't anyone who is serious about photography get one?

Pros: Full frame, good focusing algorithm, excellent lens support

Cons: None

They'll bury me with it.

By: Yahoo! Shopping User - Thu Nov 15, 2007 @ 1:32am

Recomendations: 1 of 1

Overall Rating:

Review:
This camera is so close to everything I've wanted in a DSLR, that I won't waste time on a quibble, or two. It has performed like a champ from day one. Suffice to say that I am one happy camper... better make that "happy photographer". Canon rules.

Pros: Great image quality. Fits my hands like it was custom made for me.

Cons: High price. Needs weather-izing.

Canon EOS 5D

By: willy_ochayaus - Mon May 28, 2007 @ 12:25pm

Recomendations: 1 of 1

Overall Rating:

Review:
This is Canon EOS 5D powertool with smooth workflow. The Canon EOS 5D is affordable mid size D-SLR with a image sensor that is as large as a frame of 35mm film, and lighter compare to, other cameras in similar category. That is cameras in its "full-frame" class have been large, heavy, and way more expensive. In fact, the only such digital SLR currently available is another Canon, It is Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, a 16.6-megapixel best of the line and weighs nearly three and a half pounds and costs over $7,000. compare to the smaller EOS 5D which weight almost half, and, cost as little as $3,000, with full-frame CMOS sensor that delivers an impressive 12.72 million pixels of image data, three-quarters that of the 1Ds Mark II. The image result you can print 240dpi images at 12x18 inches without any problem. It come with softwares for editing and printing all user friendly.

The 35mm-sized sensor in the 5D gives the camera three key advantages over D-SLRs with smaller image sensors.

First and foremost, the 5D's larger chip means that when you mount a Canon EF lens on the camera, it produces the exact same field of view as when the lens is used on a 35mm Canon EOS camera. The image isn't "cropped" the way it is by physically smaller sensors, which typically cover only half the area of a 35mm frame and, as a result, effectively multiply focal length by 1.5X or 1.6X. This factor, known as the field-of-view (FOV) crop, is especially relevant to wide-angle photography. On cameras with the smaller sensor, a very wide 20mm becomes a not-so-wide 30mm or 32mm, whereas on the 5D it retains its expansive original angle of view. This is why such cameras require digital-only lenses (the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, for example) to achieve truly wide coverage. But the 5D allows you to use the full variety of Canon's 35mm EF wide-angles, many of which are lightweight and reasonably priced.

Secondly, beside Canon EOS 5D's big sensor its has a huge optical viewfinder, with an image area of about 50 to 80 percent larger than what you would see inside the viewfinder of a D-SLR with a smaller image sensor. It is easy to handle. The 5D's eyepiece is almost the same as those of old-fashioned non digital camera, and it makes manual focusing exceptionally easy, even with wide-angle lenses in dim conditions.

Last but not least the 5D's supersized sensor accommodates bigger, more light-sensitive pixels. Bigger individual pixels produce less digital noise, giving you smoother, finer-grained photos. And handle low light at speed settings from ISO 800 to ISO 1600, very well with amazing results. In comparison, the Nikon D2X, the 5D's only twelve-megapixel competitor, produces more visible noise at high ISO settings due to its smaller sensor.

The EOS 5D shoots multiple frames more slowly compare to the EOS 20D (3fps versus 5fps). But its shutter response is very fast, and, remarkably, it manages to nearly triple the 20D's continuous-burst shooting capacity, to about 60 JPEG or 17 RAW frames. Autofocus is better than on the 20D, since Canon has augmented the latter's original nine-point diamond pattern array with six "invisible" AF points to improve motion tracking. We found the system works splendidly, even in very low light. The additional AF points inhabit the viewfinder's small center circle, which marks the boundary of its 3.5 percent spot meter, the first in a model other than the top-of-the-line EOS-1 D-SLR series.

Canon EOS 5D has also Picture Styles menu, which make it a more flexible to organized various way to access, fine-tune, and personalize image parameters, including sharpness, contrast, saturation, and color tone. The 5D's memory make it possible to save and instantly recall virtually any combination of menu items and shooting settings. You can switch AF mode and AF point-selection at the same time, for less fumbling with buttons and fewer missed shots

Pros: Excellent Camera and verstile with most of non Canon Lenses

Cons: Still expensive

I like this camera

By: shipskaptindan - Tue Nov 28, 2006 @ 1:19pm

Recomendations: 2 of 4

Overall Rating:

Review:
Being a Canon F-1 user for years I stepped out and got my first digital..the 5D. I love the image quality and ease of use. I would like for it to be more durable....unlike my f-1's that are non-destructable.

Pros: Image quality and no conversion factor for lenses

Cons: Price, and upselling everything

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