Photography News issue 18

40

Camera review

Hands on A big sensor does not a big camera make: the EOS 5DS has the same form factor as the EOS 5D Mark III, which means that it will be instantly familiar to a number of photographers. As a 5D Mark II user, I certainly didn’t feel alienated by the design of the camera, although it does feel comparatively chunkier in the hand, just as the Mark III does. The user-defined rear LCD menu is a great extra function as is the opportunity to change what appears on the overlay in the viewfinder. In the case of the former, you can create a Quick Menu on the rear LCD offering rapid access to the features only you use. It doesn’t replace the existing Q Menu, it just gives you the chance to create one of your own. Naturally, I started by putting only one function on it, then loads, before finally settling on the ones I really wanted. God, I’m such a  kid. The viewfinder overlay is slightly less bespoke, but still useful. You can choose from a suite of camera functions, such as battery status, to appear at the base of the viewfinder. It enables you to keep a closer eye on a larger range of functions without having to delve into the menus. While all of this tells you what the camera has and does, it doesn’t really tell you the important stuff; how it feels. The word that springs to mind is ‘dependable’. The magnesium‑alloy casing wraps the entire body in a weather‑resistant shell that oozes solidity and durability. The rear LCD, although fixed, is bright and easy to read. The shutter mechanism is wonderful as it flips up and down in its newly controlled manner. The viewfinder (100%, by the way) is large and bright and, generally speaking, this feels like a great camera.

Fine Picture Stylemode

Viewfinder overlay A customisable overlay is available in the viewfinder. This is in addition to the traditional LCD at the base of the finder and allows you access to extra information, such as battery status, without having to lower the camera from your eye.

To squeeze every last bit of detail out of that sensor, Canon has added a new

Fine Picture Style for optimum sharpness.

For stills photographers Although the EOS 5DS offers video functionality, it’s really designed for stills photographers after a robust camera that will work in all weathers. It’s for this reason that the rear LCD is fixed – it was felt that an articulated screen might have compromised weather resistance.

Dual card slots The 5DS has two slots, one for CF/UDMA cards and the other for SD cards. With 50.6 megapixels to play with, you’ll soon be filling them up!

Initial verdict It’s important to appreciate exactly what the EOS 5DS means to your photography before you rush out and pre‑order one. While it may seem like the perfect model for bragging rights among your photo mates, anyone who buys the camera on this principle, or based on the theory that more pixels = better photographs, will fall flat on their face. Fifty megapixels is not something to brag about, it’s something to be a little bit scared of. But in a good way. I may have only used it for an hour or so, but it’s very clear that the EOS 5DS is a camera that demands both respect and impeccable technique. You need to be vigilant about camera shake, and you need to be prepared to invest in better glass, but if you’re prepared to do both of these things, the chances are you’ll start capturing your best pictures ever. I’d never suggest that a camera will make you a good photographer, but the EOS 5DS will almost certainly make you a better one.

Photography News | Issue 18

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