The new EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R are two ultra high-resolution EOS DSLR cameras with 50.6 Megapixel sensors which appears to be ideal for photographers who want to capture a lot of detail in their images. The EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R will be well received by people who want to shoot hi resolution landscape and architectural photography, including those shooting high-end commercial and editorial work in the studio. We had a brief play with just the 5Ds fitted with the new 11-24 mm f/4.0L, and on first glance, it felt superb in the hand – just like a 5Ds in feel but with the new lens, it shot quite spectacular images. We couldnt use the RAW images generated, simply because the files are not yet supported by photoshop and we didn’t have Canon’s proprietary RAW converter.
The two cameras differ only in the construction of their sensors. The 5Ds which has a low pass filter over its sensor is intended for general-purpose photography, when high-resolution image files are required. The 5DsR doesnt have this filter which therefore results in higher sharpness and image resolution, but at the expense of a higher risk for moire’ and false colour appearing in images. That’s OK if you intend to use this for landscapes or for studio shoots where you can control shooting conditions. We’ll have to wait for Canon’s explanation of these differences in detail when the cameras are available for more detailed testing.
For the moment, all those photographers with a large collection of Canon’s L lenses, will be licking their lips and anxiously await Canon’s announcement of prices and availability. But the prospect of 50+ Megapixels in a DSLR form factor is exciting. The 50.6 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor is anticipated to delivers new levels of image quality in DSLR photography whereby subjects can be captured in incredible detail, and file sizes are large enough for printing at huge sizes. Realistically however, for those who only post their photos on FB, these new capabilities would be a bane rather than a boon. Although it weill give you a good warm feeluing to have 57 MB images captured, you’ll need to be aware that opening these files in your puny laptops or not so powerful desktops, is going to be a pain. Adding a couple of layers during processing the RAW files can easily balloon the files to 500 MB. And saving PSD files will probably be possible using the PSB format.
For other technical specs please look up the Canon websites. This post is simply an appetizer for those Canon fanboys out there, who no doubt will want to add this new toy to their DSLR body collection, if not for its capabilities, then probably for its grin-factor. The writer has already placed an early ird order for a 5DsR and a 11-24 f/4L.