Canon EOS 5D Review
The Canon EOS 5D digital SLR offers a full-frame CMOS sensor with 12.8
megapixels of resolution at an affordable price of $3,299 USD. It is the
world’s smallest and lightest full-frame digital SLR and features
Canon’s proprietary DIGIC II Image Processor allows users to shoot up to
3 frames per second; record up to 60 full-resolution JPEGs and 17 RAW
images in a single burst. The camera includes a new 9-point AF system
with six supplemental AF points for fast and precise focusing and a new
2.5-inch LCD/TFT screen with 230,000 pixels that’s viewable even at
extreme angles.
Combining the high-end specifications of the EOS-1 Line and the
operational ease of the EOS 20D, the EOS 5D is a premium digital SLR
designed for a wide range of photographers. While a 35mm full-size image
sensor is already available on the EOS-1Ds Mark II, many photographers
wanted a DSLR with a full-frame sensor that was smaller, lighter and
more affordable. The EOS 5D with its magnesium alloy body weighs in at
just 28.6 ounces (810 grams).
The full-size sensor maximizes the performance of Canon EF lenses –
even wide-angle lenses have the same look and feel they have with
conventional SLR cameras, preserving their optical signatures. Imaging
quality in the EOS 5D is enhanced with the addition of the DIGIC II
image processor, which provides detailed and natural color reproduction
and fast image processing, including an incredible burst performance of
60 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images at 3 fps. DIGIC II also enhances
start-up time on the EOS 5D DSLR, bringing it down to a lightning fast
0.2 seconds.
A new feature called Picture Styles combines processing parameters
and color matrix settings into easy settings designed to obtain the
desired effect, almost like choosing a type of film to obtain a specific
result. For users who do not want to bother with post processing, there
is the Picture Style called Standard which produces images that look
crisp and vivid with the sharpness set to mid-scale and the color tone
and saturation set to obtain vivid colors. The Faithful setting is the
same as Digital Photo Professional’s Faithful, so when the subject is
photographed under a color temperature of 5200K, the color is adjusted
colorimetrically to match the subject’s color with no sharpness applied.
Monochrome is the same as the EOS 20D camera’s monochrome setting and
with User Defined, the user can create and save their own preferred
settings.
The EOS 5D has a new nine point AF system with six Supplemental AF
points, a new AF algorithm and a new AF circuitry. The new AF system
improves subject detection and focusing precision at the center, the
most frequently used area, and significantly enhances subject tracking
performance. The nine AF points are concentrated at the center, but the
extreme left and right points are located in the same positions as the
corresponding AF points on the EOS-1Ds Mark II. The six invisible
Supplemental AF points, grouped around the center of the image provide
highly accurate focusing and do a great job of tracking the subject in
the AI SERVO AF mode. In addition, three AF points on the EOS 5D work
with f/2.8 or faster lenses for enhanced precision.
The EOS 5D has a solid, substantial and organic feel that complements
its compact dimensions and relatively light weight. With the top, front
and rear covers and battery grip made from light and highly durable
magnesium alloy, this new model is truly a premium camera. The EOS 5D
also has an improved grip and mode dial, a modified terminal cover and
clearer rear controls. The pentaprism has an all-new shape necessitated
by the full-frame sensor and all associated components such as the
mirror, mirror box and shutter. Thanks to Canon design and manufacturing
know-how along with having the low-pass filter integrated with the CMOS
cover glass, the EOS 5D is unusually streamlined for a camera with a
full-frame sensor.
The EOS 5D has a 2.5-inch polysilicon TFT LCD monitor with
approximately 230,000 pixels. At 170 degrees, it has an exceptionally
wide viewing angle and maintains the same brightness from almost any
viewing angle. Brightness is also adjustable in five levels and the
screen’s backlight feature uses six LED modules, as opposed to three on
previous models, to helps illuminate the 2.5-inch LCD evenly. Along with
the larger monitor, the menu text is also larger and easier to red. The
full-featured INFO screen includes files sizes, RGB histogram and AF
frame displays. In addition, Quick Review images are enlargeable.
box made of high- strength engineering plastic. Since the grip and front
cover are one piece, body rigidity on the EOS 5D DSLR is excellent. The
exterior surface is a high-density black satin finish with a leathery
touch that feels smooth in the hands. The three grip surfaces are
covered with rubber and the electroplated “EOS 5D” badge and recessed
and painted Canon logo give a quality appearance to the camera.
The EOS 5D has a solid and substantial feel that complements its
compact dimensions. The camera body is constructed of a magnesium-alloy
known for its lightweight and ultra-rigid strength. The EOS 5D also
boasts a newly developed, high-speed and durable shutter unit that was
designed to meet the demanding requirements of a full frame sensor in a
relatively compact body. With a top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec. and
with a remarkable 100,000-cycle shutter life, it truly is a camera built
to professional standards.
The EOS 5D has a bevy of other high-end features including the same
ISO range as the 1Ds Mark II – ISO 100-1600 in 1/3-step increments and
ISO speed extended at L:50, H:3200. Also included on the camera is
ultra-precise white balance with nine types of white balance settings,
white balance bracketing (blue-amber and magenta-green, even on RAW and
RAW+JPEG shots) and white balance correction. Other features include
enhanced 35-zone exposure metering; spot metering in approximately 3.5
percent of the viewfinder area; six selectable JPEG recording modes
including RAW and simultaneous RAW+JPEG; a large bright viewfinder with
three interchangeable focusing screens; new flexible and convenient
folder creation and selection; and more advanced PictBridge functions.
