New Canon ultra-high resolution full-frame DSLRs

The new EOS 5DS (right) and EOS 5DS R (left) DSLR cameras, shown with the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens fitted. (Source: Canon.)

Positioned in Canon’s DSLR line-up between the EOS-1DX and the EOS 5D Mark III, the new cameras provide similar resolution to a medium-format camera in a more compact and versatile body that is easier to handle.

Both models come with the same Canon-developed and manufactured 36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor, which has approximately 53 million photosites and delivers an effective resolution of about 50.6 megapixels.

The EOS 5DS has a normal low-pass filter to counteract moirø© and deliver high resolution for general photography.

The EOS 5DS R has a low-pass cancellation filter to maximise the sensor’s resolution and visible image quality. It is ideal for landscape photographers.

Both cameras feature dual DIGIC 6 processors and support continuous shooting at up to five frames/second (fps) for up to 510 JPEGs or 15 CR2.RAW files with UDMA mode 7 cards.

 
 Dual slots are provided for CompactFlash Type1 and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. (Source: Canon.)

The bodies of both cameras are constructed from high-grade magnesium alloy and both cameras are dust-and splash-resistant. Their optical   viewfinders cover 100% of the sensor’s field of view and include an electronic overlay makes framing shots easy.

The data display in the viewfinder can be customised to suit users’ preferences. The 3.2-inch Clear View II TFT LCD monitor boasts a resolution of 1.04 million dots and includes an anti-reflective coating. A new Custom Quick Control screen allows the type, size and position of icons to be easily adjusted to suit the user or shooting scenario.

 
 The graphic above shows the new cameras’ customisable Quick Control screen. (Source: Canon.)

The 61-point AF system includes 41 cross-type points and both cameras offer 1.3x and 1.6x crop options that allow the AF-point array to occupy increasing percentages of the image area. A 1:1 crop is also available. The AF-point array almost fills the frame in the 1.6x crop setting, which is ideal for shooting sports and wildlife. Both cameras can maintain focus on moving subjects, using EOS Intelligent Tracking and Recognition AF (iTR) to track both faces and colour.

To reduce image blur, Canon’s Mirror Vibration Control System uses cams to drive the cameras’ mirror up and down in a highly controlled fashion, avoiding all sudden stops and softening the shutter-release sound.

The cameras’ 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with Flicker Detection enables images to be captured with consistent and accurate exposures under varying lighting scenarios, including fluorescent.

Both cameras include 16 custom functions, copyright and metadata tagging and AF micro-adjustment as well as a dedicated depth-of-field preview button. A new Fine Detail Picture Style maximises the level of detail that can be achieved from the sensor, enabling advanced sharpness adjustment without the need for editing software.

Popular creative modes, including Multiple Exposure and HDR are also available. Native ISO sensitivity ranges from ISO 100-6400 with expansion to 50-12800 available.

The electronically-controlled focal plane shutter supports a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second and includes slow shutter speed settings up to 30 seconds plus a Bulb setting.

A built-in timer allows users to shoot over long periods and create time lapse videos without requiring advanced software or add-on accessories.

Both cameras support Full HD movie capture using the MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H264 ) format and offer frame rates of 30, 25 or 24 fps with inter- or intra-frame encoding. HD video recording is also available with inter- or intra-frame encoding at frame rates of 50 or 60 fps. VGA recording is supported for frame rates of 30 or 25 fps with inter-frame encoding.

The EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R will be available in June 2015 in body-only format. Prices will be set at dealers’ discretion. For more information, visit www.canon.com.au.