The Canon EOS 5Ds and 5DsR have been around for a few months now, but we feel not enough is being said about these amazing cameras. Some photographers have trouble figuring out if they need one or not, while others are just not sure it's worth its money. We want to shed some light on this matter, so we're giving you 8 good reasons to buy this camera.
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1. It's an honest camera
Let's start something that has to be made crystal clear. The 5Ds was not released to replace the 5DMK III. It is a camera created for different purposes, with different features designed for different uses. The 5DMK III is still around and it's going to be a pro's workhorse for the next couple of years, even if it's likely to be replaced by a 5D MK IV soon. See full specs and photos HERE.
2. It is a beast
The number one feature of this camera is the crazy resolution. With a little over 50 million active recording pixels, the sensor produces an unrivaled resolution among DSLRs. It is a top notch alternative for the medium format, giving similar image quality at a lower price.
3. It has a clear use
Deciding whether to buy the 5Ds or not should depend on the answer to another question: do you need the resolution and detail? This camera is for photographers who make exceptionally large prints. Think commercial photography, landscapes, fashion and fine art. Not all situations require 50 million pixels, and that's why the 5D MK III is still a solid option.
4. You can tone it down
You don't just get 50mp and that's it. The 5Ds allows you to turn it into a more earthly camera with reduced resolution. You can select smaller resolution RAW and jpg files as well as 1.3x, 1.6x and square crop modes.
5. The metering system
Both the 5Ds and 5DsR are equipped with a new 150,000 pixel RGB metering system. Not only does it read brightness, it also gives you a reading of color throughout the scene. It is incredibly accurate for ambient metering, as well as for E-TTL flash.
6. ISO
The ISO speed ranges from 100 to 6400 and it can be boosted to 50-12,800. Obviously the low light performance is not the selling point of this camera, but nevertheless it's better than anything you would get in a medium format body. That makes it a camera adapted to real life needs outside the studio. The intelligent Auto-ISO will also make transitions from one type of light to another a lot easier.
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7. Cropping
Apart from the incredible amount of detail, what you get with a 50, 6 mp file is the ability to crop your images without feeling any loss of quality. Even if you cut a picture in half, it will still have more resolution than a 5DMK III file. We usually recommend getting the composition right in camera, but certain situations require cropping and trimming. The 5Ds gives you the most flexibility in this area.
8. Everything that comes with the EOS system
Unlike other cameras, the 5Ds shouldn't be compared with other DSLRs, but rather with medium format digital cameras. After all, we're talking about similar resolutions and file sizes. Other than the lower price, you get to use a very wide variety of lenses. The body is also smaller and lighter and if you've ever had to work a full day with a medium format camera, a smaller size is something you will appreciate. It's basically the best combination available today between medium format quality and all the perks you get with shooting a DSLR. It's therefore a camera we love and recommend to everyone looking for maximum detail and the versatility of the EOS system.
Here's a great video from Canon USA highlighting the strong points of the 5Ds and 5DsR.