2005
The Canon EOS 5D is a 12.8 megapixel DSLR that brings full-frame closer to enthusiasts and professionals without huge budgets. In simple terms it has the resolution and image quality of the Canon 1D range without some of the performance and ruggedness. Full-frame though is the main highlight.
In the bigger picture it also makes for a challenge that other manufacturers, as well as future Canon DSLRs, will have to meet. I for one am considering this camera as my next DSLR purchase.
What we like
Full frame. If you don’t know what full-frame means then you will have to trust me when I say it is not just a good feature to have but that it is important.
12.8mp. While megapixels are not the be all and end all of quality images it must be said that nearly 13 megapixels coupled with the full-frame sensor of the 5D bodes very well for quality images. 12.8 megapixels is also more than the 8 to 10 that many stock photography companies require from digital photographs.
Spot meter. This is normally only found in the Canon 1D range but is very welcomed in the 5D.
ISO starts at 50 instead of 100. Now it is true that, like the 3200 ISO setting, this ISO 50 is achieved on extended mode but it is still useful to have if not quite as good as having native ISO 50 support.
A bright, big and clear viewfinder. Mainly thanks to the full-frame sensor you won’t be peering at a distant or dim image in the 5D ’s viewfinder. 96% frame coverage and 0.71x magnification.
2.5″ LCD which is becoming a standard now. No word on whether it has an effective anti-reflection coating though.
The histogram has RGB channels which is useful for checking whether you have clipped just one colour channel.
For a 12.8 megapixel camera not sporting the 1D moniker the 5D is quite speedy at 3 frames per second and with a 60 JPEG or 17 RAW buffer.
Like the 20D the 5D has a 1/8000th shutter. You won’t use it often but it is useful to have.
Size and form. It is not much bigger than a 20D yet has features close to the 1D range. You can go stealth with this camera as opposed to a Canon EOS 1D Mk II.
Wireless support and USB 2.0. When shooting RAW separate JPEGs are also produced. Fast start-up time and low shutter lag.
What we don’t like
No built-in flash. Now I actually rather like this as I have an external flash and it would have added bulk to the 5D had they built-in a flash. But because it is not quite a professional camera there will be some buyers that will wonder why the top of the camera does not pop-up with a flash. You decide whether you need built-in or not.
Direct Print button. A whole extra physical button for a feature that very few 5D owners will use. It smacks of a marketing driven feature. That extra button could have been used for far more important features or not been included at all to simplify the interface.
No AF assist. You will have to rely on the AF assist in your external flash.
ISO still is not permanently displayed on the top LCD or in the viewfinder like shutter and aperture. It is an important setting, part of the exposure triangle in digital photography. Reports of the 5D is that it has excellent noise levels (meaning low) at even high ISOs so one will be using ISO more and more. I am not sure when if ever Canon and co. will put ISO on the displays.
Size and form. To some the feature set will highlight the lack of a built-in portrait grip and lack of the battery system used in the 1D range. Adding those in, plus weather seals and ruggedness, though will make it dangerously close to the 1D Mk II. Plus as mentioned above the small form factor can be useful.
1/200th flash sync. The 20D has a flash sync of 1/250th which while not as good as the Nikons is still better than the 5D. Not a major problem though.
Who is it for
Well heeled enthusiasts and professional photographers looking for an affordable camera with full-frame. Users with wide-angle lenses will especially be happy. Professionals with the larger Canon EOS 1Ds MkII will also like it as a camera they can use without drawing attention to themselves but still getting good results.
Availability and Price
It is available now and for about $3,200 (body only).
The Usual Specs
| Megapixels | 12.8 |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism 96% coverage at 0.71x Removable precision matte screen |
| Drive mode | 3fps for 60 JPEG or 17 RAW |
| Sensor | 35.8 x 23.9 mm CMOS (full-frame) |
| Focus | 9-point TTL + 6 hidden at center |
| Processor | DIGIC II |
| Lens Mount | EF |
| AF assist | No |
| Metering | Evaluative 35 zone, Partial, Spot (3.5%), Center-weighted average |
| ISO | 50 (extended), 100 to 1600, 3200 (extended) |
| Shutter |
30″ to 1/8000th 10″ timer or 3″ with mirror lock-up |
| Flash | None built-in, hot-shoe |
| Memory | Compact Flash |
| Battery | Lithium-Ion BP-511A and BP-511 |
| Weight | 895g with battery |
   
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Further reading
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