The Canon EOS
5D is not a flagship digital SLR, but comes very close to it. The top
rated flagship digital SLR cameras cost well over
$4,000
which can be too much for even serious photographers that just want
above-average quality with easy handling. These cameras are usually
expensive because of their advanced build and high megapixel count.
But the great thing is that there are some good cameras available at
lower prices as well.
Fortunately, professional and amateur photographers around can opt for
models that are
well below $3,000 and still get the best professional features.
The Canon
EOS 5D places itself
in that category having a full-frame design with great image quality
and solid operation.
Highlights
Although the Canon EOS 5D is dated, it still deserves some praise for
its long life on the market shelves because of its superior image
quality thanks to the DIGIC II processor.
For the best quality to be attained, a very good lens should be used as
standard quality lens expose some of the flaws of the 5D like problems
with the corners.
On the upside, it has excellent dynamic range and a versatile white
balance system.
The exposure accuracy is decent and the image processor
wraps up the package nicely delivering good color rendition and great
performance even in low-light situations.
The 12.8 megapixel specification may not be for some professionals, but
it is a speedy choice for those that want instant start-up and good
shutter lag.
What makes the 5D even better is that all these features are placed in
a compact design that is lightweight for a full-frame camera.
Photographers wanting to make the transition to full-frame will be very
comfortable with this camera as it has an enlarged viewfinder for
better looks at the subject along with a bright 2.5" LCD
screen.
Another good usability feature is the way the mode that it operates in
which is "Shooting Priority Mode". Unlike other cameras, you do not
need to set the "play" mode in order to
view pictures as they can be viewed in between shots.
Going back tophoto shooting is as easy as pressing the "shutter"
button half-way.
Other Features
The Canon
EOS 5D comes with
some picture styles which are basically presets of contrast, sharpness,
and other image enhancing parameters.
They replicate the different
styles in actual film rather well with portrait, landscape, neutral,
and several other styles available for different situations.
The DIGIC II processor also allows the camera to shoot up to 3
fps for up to 17 RAW images or 60 JPEG
images.
When switched to RAW+JPEG mode, RAW photos can be stored along
with a JPEG copy of customizable quality.
The Canon EOS 5D is compatible with 50 EF
lenses although unfortunately lacks compatibility with any EF=S
lenses. It is also compatible with a number of accessories including
the Wireless File Transmitter that makes LAN connectivity
possible.
It is still a pricey unit at costing around $3,000, but when compared
to the flagship cameras, this lightweight powerhouse is half the price
and the price could even be lower since it is an outdated device when
compared to its successor - the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
As long as a high quality lens is used with the camera, the EOS 5D
should last a very long time.