Canon EOS 5D - UK Digital SLR Camera Review

Canon EOS 5D Review

The Canon EOS 5D with full frame 12.8 Megapixel CMOS Sensor is very light to carry around, weighing approximately 810 gms, but it does not compromise on sturdiness, very useful when not wanting to be in the limelight. The CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.9mm) allows you freedom in your choice of subject and when coupled with the Canon EF mount enables full use of all EF autofocus lenses, at the same time preserving original optical perspective.

Within the EOS 5D, Picture Style gives the opportunity to use different modes such as a Monochrome mode which helps with black and white shots by using filter and toning effects. Other pre-sets are also available which offer different colour responses and affect the contrast and sharpness. In other words Picture Style pre-sets are similar to different film types with tonal graduations within the various shades of light.

Canon EOS 5D Front
Canon EOS 5D Back

Artificial colours and noise can be lessened due to the low-pass filter and on-chip circuitry. Low and high ISO settings extend the standard 100-1600 range.

Precise colours and exactness combined with an instant 0.2 second start up time are provided by the DIGIC II. The DIGIC II also saves on power and therefore extends battery life.

The Canon EOS 5D offers many advantages. To list a few: wide lenses that do not decrease in size, excellent viewfinder, the ability to take a 60 large JPEG image burst at 3 fps, the 9-point AF giving better subject tracking, AF modes which include One Shot AF, AI SERVO AF and AI FOCUS AF. All these together with the E-TTL II giving precise flash exposure even with reflective surfaces make this a very desirable piece of equipment.

The 2.5" 230K pixel LCD at 85° can be viewed from nearly any direction as it is highlighted by LEDs. Screens can be changed between the Precision Matte focusing screen and the Grid and Easy Manual Focus screen.

Fast processing of lossless RAW images is achievable through the Digital Photo Professional software and JPEG and RAW images can be written simultaneously. Speedy file uploads are successfully achieved using the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed and Video Out lets you review your work using an ordinary television.

The EOS 5D can be linked with over 60 EF lenses with the exception of the EF-S.

Optional extras include a magnesium alloy battery grip, which when added to the EOS 5D permits shooting time to be lengthened and a vertical shutter release to be available.

For the Canon EOS 5D

Canon EOS 5D Specifications & Features

  • 12.8 Megapixels
  • 2.5" TFT, approx. 230k pixel
  • TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor
  • 9-point Auto Focus
  • 100-1600 ISO Speed Equivalent
  • Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Flourescent light, Flash, Colour Temperature setting and Custom White Balance Settings
  • DIGIC II Image Processor
  • E-TTL II Auto Flash, Metered Manual Flash Modes
  • Auto, Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual and Custom Shooting Modes
  • Maximum Image Size 4368 x 2912 Pixels
  • PictBridge Compatible
  • CompactFlash Type I / II (Microdrive compatible)
  • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
  • 152 x 113 x 75mm Dimensions
  • Approximate Weight 810g

Canon EOS 5D User Reviews

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Reviewer: BARRY PORTEUS - UK
I have owned and used a 5D for a year now and I cannot find fault with it. The 12million+ pixel images are very detailed and will stand cropping and enlargement a long way before beginning to break up. In camera raw mode the images are superb and can easily be worked upon in relevant software packages. It is easy to handle and set up for just about any situation. The high ISO coupled with a decent lens allows for quite low light photography with little loss of quality. Menus are instinctive and most controls are simple enough to set and use. I've tried all auto modes and full manual as well. I don't have the easy focus screen for manual use yet but got some good images with a long lens that could not be autofocussed.I've carried it up mountains, along beaches, through forests all day and not felt encumbered by it. I do like the review screen. In most conditions it works well - bear in mind that all LCD screens look bad in bright light! As I don't have the budget for a 1DS
mkll this full frame option is the best compromise. Highly recommendable camera!!!

Features
Rating 10/10
Image Quality
Rating 9/10
Usability
Rating 10/10
Reviewer: John Sharpe - UK
This is a fantastic camera, but at nearly £2000 it is'nt cheap, I was considering a move to Nikon for my next camera, but as I have already spent thousands on Canon lenses I just could'nt justify it. I had heard some reports of the screen being difficult to read in sunlight and I can confirm this, in fact it can be almost impossible to see it in some circumstances, another thing that this camera lacks is dust seals, but this does'nt seem to be a major problem.

The image quality is superb even compared to the top of the range EOS 1D and the full frame sensor is a great feature (no more 1.6x or 1.3x crop factor to deal with). The form factor is perfect, it is light enough to carry around all day but still gives you that 'Professional Camera' feel. If you do want a professional size camera you can always but the optional battery grip. The build quality is good, and as with most canon cameras all the buttons are accessible, the on screen menus are also easy to navigate.

I have also tried the EOS 20D which is faster but does lack the TFT screen size and image quality of the 5D.

I have heard that Canon customer support is not the best, but so far I have not had to test this.

I would recommend the EOS 5D to any semi-professional photographer.

Features
Rating 9/10
Image Quality
Rating 10/10
Usability
Rating 10/10
Add a ReviewAdd a review for the Canon EOS 5D
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Canon EOS 5D Review & Features - © UK Digital Camera Reviews 2008
For the Canon EOS 5D
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