Canon EOS 5D Camera Introduction

The new Canon EOS 5D Digital Camera is aimed to slot in between the EOS 20D and the EOS-1D professional digital SLR's, an important difference when compared to the later is that the EOS 5D doesn't have any environmental seals. The 5D’s 35.8mm x 23.9mm 12.8 megapixel single-plate CMOS sensor, coupled with the application of Canon’s EF mount, enables full utilization of all Canon EF autofocus lenses with full preservation of their original optical perspectives. While Canon doesn't specifically refer to the EOS 5D as a 'professional' digital SLR it will have obvious appeal to professionals who want a high quality digital SLR in a body lighter than the EOS-1D.

Canon EOS 5D Digital Camera

ilikecameras.com have just posted an article Canon EOS 5D Camera Introduction. Here's what they like about this DSLR-

"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.."

Be sure to read what they didn't like about it.