Now reading: Canon EOS 5D Review 22 comments

Canon EOS 5D Review

Published Nov 12, 2005 | Phil Askey

31 Compared to...

Resolution Chart Comparison

Shots here are of our new 'version two' resolution chart which provides for measurement of resolution up to 4000 LPH (Lines Per Picture Height). A value of 20 equates to 2000 lines per picture height. For each camera the relevant prime lens was used. The chart is shot at a full range of apertures and the sharpest image selected. Studio light, cameras set to aperture priority (optimum aperture selected), image parameters default. Exposure compensation +0.7 EV to +1.3 EV.

Canon EOS 5D (3,552 KB; 12.8 MP)	Canon EOS 20D (2,415 KB; 8.2 MP)


Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II (4,119 KB; 16.7 MP)	Nikon D2X (4,189 KB; 12.4 MP)

Canon EOS 5D	Canon EOS 20D


Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II	Nikon D2X

Canon EOS 5D	Canon EOS 20D


Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II	Nikon D2X

Canon EOS 5D	Canon EOS 20D


Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II	Nikon D2X

Measurable findings (three measurements taken for each camera):

Camera	Measurement	Absolute resolution	Extinction resolution
Canon EOS 5D	Horizontal LPH	2300	2500
Canon EOS 5D	Vertical LPH	2000	2500
Canon EOS 20D	Horizontal LPH	1850	2100
Canon EOS 20D	Vertical LPH	1650	2100
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II	Horizontal LPH	2800	3000
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II	Vertical LPH	2400	3100
Nikon D2X	Horizontal LPH	2400	2800
Nikon D2X	Vertical LPH	2000	2500

*	Moire is visible
+	Chart maximum
LPH	Lines per Picture Height (to allow for different aspect ratios the measurement is the same for horizontal and vertical)
5° Diagonal	Lines set at 5° diagonal
Absolute res.	Point at which all lines of a resolution bar are still visible and defined, beyond this resolution loss of detail occurs (below Nyquist frequency).
Extinction res.	Detail beyond camera's definition (becomes aliased)
n/a	Not Available (above the capability of the test chart)
n/v	Not Visible (not visible on test results)

As expected the EOS 5Ds resolution performance slots in somewhere between the EOS 20D and EOS-1Ds Mark II, an owner of the 20D upgrading to the 5D would certainly see a pretty significant jump in resolved detail. Compared to the D2X there is much less in it, the primary difference is in the way each camera handles information beyond absolute resolution, Canon choosing to blur it, Nikon attempting to return some detail (although in this case in the form of moire).

Tags: review, canon

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villagranvicent

I have 2 full frame cameras, the Sony A7 and the Canon 5D. Leaving resolution aside, I can testify the 5Dinosaur delivers -to my eyes- more beautiful files. I am happy to be able to keep both for different uses, but for pure joy, I'll take the 5D any day.

2 months agopermalink

vscd

I also still use my old 5D. It holds up pretty well even to todays standards... would be interesting to compare it to todays cams. Apart from Dynamic Range the cam is still great, beating most of todays APS-C Sensors.

2 months agopermalink

Kate1978

I just got a great deal on a 5D, well that is if the "test drive" goes well.

The seller was asking $500 but thought it only had 6k shutter count. I asked if they could get me the official shutter count as everything else about it looked great. After they tried to get me the shutter count we found out Canon wouldn't service the 5D since last September. Since his model was the one with the mirror default so he knocked the price down to $250 and got me an official shutter count still. It was higher than 6k but lower than 20k

8 months agopermalink

Betico

How do you get the official shutter count? Which models have the mirror default?

6 months agopermalink

Kate1978

I think you have to find a repair place to get the shutter count for you. I think it's just the first 5D model as it didn't carry over to the Mrk II that I know of

6 months ago*permalink

AdamT

Still worthy 10 years on because you can shoot it at any selectable ISO in RAW and it`ll be excellent, doesn`t ever get noisy (about half a stop or less noisier than the D700 or D3S in Capture one at ISO3200) , even the DR is good - JPG engine is both dated and limited but as a RAW only camera, it stands up .. Pixel level sharpness (therefore resolution of fine details) is better the D700 or D3 due to a weaker AA filter .

Focus is fast enough , though really best seen as a centre focus only system due to the lack of cross sensors anywhere else , excellent on batteries too.

Apr 24, 2015permalink

GFlame

Totally agree, except for the focus part, it can be improved for that value.

Aug 20, 2015permalink

marc petzold

I've said this many times....per-pixel Sharpness is really better than the D700 because of the very weak AA Filterblock, and Skintones (for Wedding Photographers) are also rendered much better than onto the D700. I'd stay with my 5D forever...as long as it works...and use it carefully on special occasions.

4 weeks agopermalink

Hai Ching Lee

Hi...!

I bought one last month for Usd500 in super good and working condition but without any lens......
I bought an L Lens 24-105mm f4 for another Usd 500...... a 50mm f1.4 for Usd350.......
After much testings around, I noticed 5D is not good at Indoor unless with the help of a Flash......However , at Outdoor I must say it is a Super duper Good Full Frame machine even though it is around 8 years old........!!!

I still feel it is a Good Investment as far as dollars and cents counts......
An FX cameras from Nikon like the D700 body will cost Usd1.3k in Malaysia......

I also own a Nikon D90 with standard kit lens 18-105mm, 70-300mm Tel lens, a Fx 24-50mm f3.5-4 and 20mm f2.8 and others...
Recently I bought an Adapter for Nikon lens to Eos FX body like 5D..........It WORKS very well but have to Manually focus......So now I can have Nikon lens on 5D body which safe me a lot for a start....!!
Used 5D MK-II is selling here at around Usd1.6k which I am looking forward to...!!

May 19, 2014permalink

JSnees

I am using a nikkon D 5100. Have the opportunity to purchase a cannon eos 5d in excellent condition for $500 with 50mm f1.8 lens. Any advantages to this camera vs what I currently have besides FF? Good investment? I currently do not own any pro lenses from nikkon.

Apr 24, 2014permalink

Pascal Parvex

Well, that is a great deal. I would do it.

Mar 30, 2015permalink

SculptedPhotography

The 5D was and is my first digital camera. It has served me with spectacular results. It's main minus for me has been its inability to use the higher ISO's, as anything higher than 200 produces visible grain in images that I print very large on my epson 24" printer. I almost always shoot with a monopod to assure the results.
Technology has changed and improved and I am searching for a replacement. I am invested in excellent Canon lenses and want to stay with Canon. I also want a camera that is not as heavy as my 5D (I am old and am fatigued by the weight of the 5D which I affectionately call "my brick".) Price is an issue too.
Still casting about trying to find a replacement.

Nov 20, 2013permalink

frosty 7

hi i jus bot a canon eos 5d from a friend am i able to record video with the camera ?
thanks

Mar 13, 2014permalink

Ugo78

No, unfortunately you are not able to shot video, neither by installing Magic Lantern (because the camera is not equipped with live view).

Apr 1, 2014permalink

InfraOptic

Easy answer: Buy a Sony A7 mirrorless and a metabones adapter to use all Canon AF lenses.

May 10, 2014permalink

sh10453

Since you have invested in Canon lenses, I think the Canon 6D is what you are looking for, if you are still looking.

Nov 21, 2014permalink

KariIceland

I wish you guys would do a new comparison with the 5D, would love to see it vs the newer dslr's

Nov 2, 2013permalink

qianp2k

Agreed! In all cameras announced around that time, only EOS 5D still attracts many discussions in DPR forums. How many are still talking Nikon D200 that announced just three months later these days? If you don't print/view in very big size, EOS 5D actually withstands most today's FF cameras very well till ISO 800/1600 in IQ, no mention crop cameras.

Nov 2, 2013permalink

sh10453

I love my 5D.
Using the 5D with quality Canon L lenses produces images that I do not see a difference between them and those taken by a newer camera (5D II, 5D III).

If video is not needed or required, then finding a clean 5D would be prudent.
Some very well kept, used lightly by some hobbyists can be found at around a $1,000 or less.

I have no immediate plans to shell out $3,000 or more for a newer model that is not going to give me much over the 5D, in terms of image quality.

But for commercial photographers, that's a different situation.

Nov 7, 2013permalink

Macandts

Ditto. I could not be happier with my 5D. I'm also disappointed that the set up for image comparison keeps changing. It makes it difficult to compare any older digital camera with anything contemporary.

Nov 15, 2013permalink

MFog

I just sold my trusty old 5D. I love the camera but I will not miss cleaning the sensor every other week and fixing dust spots in lightroom! That was always a royal pain in the neck. Still a great camera.

Jul 14, 2014permalink

Pascal Parvex

I don't know what you mean. I own the 5D since 2006 and have cleaned the sensor only once.

Mar 30, 2015permalink


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