Photography News issue 17

Latest photography news

FIRST LOOK

EOS5DSdelivers ‘a revolution in resolution’ NewCanon bodies deliver pixel counts to rival medium-format models

SPECS

PRICE TBC (expected around £3000) CONTACT www.canon.co.uk SENSOR 50.6 megapixels (total: 53), CMOS, 36x24mm, 8688x5792 pixels PROCESSOR 100-6400 (expandable down to 50 and up to 12,800) SHUTTER 30secs-1/8000sec, plus B MAX FRAME RATE 5fps for up to 510 JPEGs or 14 Raw files METERING SYSTEM 150,000 pixel RGB+IR Dual DIGIC 6 ISORANGE (1.3%), centre-weighted EXPOSURE MODES Scene Intelligent Auto, program AE, shutter- priority AE, aperture- priority AE, manual, Custom x3 EXPOSURE COMPENSATION +/-5EV in 0.3 or 0.5EV stops, AEB 2, 3, 5 or 7 shots, +/-3EV in 0.3 or 0.5EV stops AUTOFOCUSMODES AI focus, one shot, predictive aI servo FOCUSING POINTS 61 MONITOR Fixed 3.2in, 1040k dot resolution VIDEO Full HD at 30p STORAGEMEDIA Dual card slots: CompactFlash (UDMA 7 compatible), SD, SDHC, SDXC DIMENSIONS (WXHXD) 152x116.4x76.4mm WEIGHT 845g (body only) sensor. Evaluative, partial (6.1%), spot

Words by Roger Payne

Canon has put the megapixel race firmly back on the agenda with the launch of two 50.6-megapixel bodies. The EOS 5DS and 5DS R are described as revolutionising what’s possible with a full-frame product and look set to be digital SLR game changers in the same way as the original EOS 5D was back in 2005 and the 5D Mark II in 2010. Photography News was at the official launch of both models in London where Kieran Magee, marketing director for professional imaging in Canon Europe described the new cameras as: “Moving imaging to another level. Canon is proving there are a lot of opportunities to bring new technology to digital SLR photography, despite the maturation of the market.” Aside from the number-grabbing headlines of the Canon-developed sensor’s resolution, both the 5DS and 5DS R also feature a new Mirror Vibration Control System, dual DIGIC 6 processors to help the cameras deliver up to five frames-per-second continuous shooting and a new Fine Detail Picture Style mode that maximises the sensor output. The only difference between the two models is that the 5DS features a low-pass filter, whereas the 5DS R has a low-pass cancellation filter. This means there’s still a filter in front of the sensor, which Canon says is important for protection, but its effect is cancelled out so image quality is higher. See below for details on the technologies and the panel opposite for an exclusive interview with Mike Owen, professional imaging communications manager for Canon Europe. EOS 5DS in detail While other models in Canon EOS line-up may grab headlines for blistering performance, the EOS 5D range has become synonymous with innovation over the years. The original 5D raised eyebrows for managing to cram a full-frame sensor into a remarkably small body, the Mark II version proved to be the definitive model for DSLR moviemakers, while the Mark III model offered a ground-breaking autofocusing system. Now the 5DS (the S stands for ‘superior’, in case you’re wondering) has redefined the resolution achievable from a full-frame sensor. But while the 50.6-megapixel sensor will undoubtedly grab the headlines and have serious landscape, architecture, portrait and fashion

Magnesium alloy shell The whole of the EOS 5DS’s body is constructed from magnesium alloy, not just the top and base plates. What’s more, the panels are interlocked to offer better protection and durability, while the baseplate has also been re-engineered to cut down on vibrations. As a result, the body is weather- resistant so photographers can keep shooting regardless of the conditions. Design your own LCD While some may be surprised by the fixed LCD on the back of the EOS 5DS, the information on the screen can be customised. The Custom Quick Control screen can be changed so it only features

photographers reaching for their wallets, there are a number of other ‘under the bonnet’ alterations:

Mirror Vibration Control system With such a high resolution sensor, camera shake can be a problem, so in-camera vibrations need to minimised. The mirror box is where most vibrations occur so Canon has developed a Mirror Vibration Control System that uses cams to drive the mirror up and down.

TheEOS 5D rangehas become synonymous withinnovation

This provides more control over mirror movement, avoids any sudden stops and softens the sound of the shutter release.

Photography News | Issue 17