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Canon EOS 5D Review

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

canon eos 5d
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.

canon eos 5d
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

canon eos 5d
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.

Click here to learn more about the Canon EOS 5D






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