Canon EOS 5D Review

LetsGoDigital reviewed the Canon EOS 5D. The Canon EOS 5D D-SLR, with 12.8 Megapixel, creates a new digital reflex category combining a full frame CMOS sensor with a lightweight, compact magnesium alloy body. Weighing just 810 grams, the EOS 5D 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 Canon 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 digital SLR also features new Picture Style pre-sets, a new hi-resolution 2.5-inch 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.

LetsGoDigital added: "The main sales argument for the Canon EOS 5D is of course the large sensor. It's a full-size image sensor meaning that the dimensions equal the 35mm format. And this means you don't suffer from focal length multiplier anymore, and this is especially ideal for wide angle lovers. Producing a full-size sensor is extremely expensive, more so because there is a lot of remainder of the wafers that the sensors are made from. You'd expect Canon to use the same sensor they've used for the EOS 1Ds Mark II, because the higher the production numbers, the lower the price will be per unit. But Canon decided to put an entirely new 12 Megapixel CMOS into the EOS 5D. It has a pixel pitch of 0.082 mm which equals the pixel pitch of speed monster; Eos-1D Mark II N. It is therefore well possible that the EOS 5D features a larger type than the one used in the EOS-1D Mark II N. Some image characteristics seem to prove this thought."

The Canon 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 600mm. The camera's launch coincides with the release of the high performance Canon 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 Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM and Canon 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.

LetsGoDigital concluded: "To be honest, there is not much to complain about with the EOS 5D. Maybe not every button is in the right spot for everybody, but that is a personal matter. Canon proved with the Canon EOS 5D that digital photography has reached an astonishing high level. And that it has become affordable, although investing in the EOS 5D isn't that cheap. I am bold enough to say that we have reached a turning point now and that the introduction of the Canon EOS 5D is the first step for a new generation of photographers that will have the possibility to go for the full-frame sensor now and enter the professional photography path. 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!"

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