Canon EOS 5D (body only)
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"What was he thinking (Eamon Hickey, CNET.com's 5D reviewer)?" on by samscott
Pros: Full frame CMOS, 2.5" LCD, weight, relative price, huge buffer
Cons: Slower burst relative to 20D, yet comparable to the 1DS II
Summary: I was stupefied by the Editor's review of the 5D on this website. To rate this camera only a 7.9 on a scale of 10, in particular given the contradictory evidence provided within the review, is insane.
“… a definite step down from the pro-level build quality and weather resistance you'll find in other digital SLR cameras priced at more than $3,000.”
For only $2,900, what in God's name do you expect? You're comparing it straight up with the 1Ds (well over double the price,) D2X ($2,000 more), Mark II N (not full frame but still $1,000 more), etc. as though they were all the same price. Be fair. I can't believe the editor had the audacity to ding the sub-3K SLR boasting a 35mm sensor because it isn't fully weather-sealed as well.
“We have no significant complaints about this system, but it's starting to look a bit dated.”
Well, what did you have in mind as an alternative? If it isn't broken (the reviewer didn't criticize it), then why fix it?
“The camera will shoot at 3fps in drive mode, a spec matched by several sub-$1,000 cameras.”
The $7,000+ 1DS II shoots at 4 fps. Why just the comparison with a camera like the Nikon D70 1.6 crop? The EOS 5D is closer in price to sub-1K cameras than it is to the 1DS II. Who in his or her right mind would expect a full frame sensor to shoot as fast as a 20D which, admittedly, would be "nice"? Pretty wishful thinking.
Pretty much the rest of the editor review is a list of glowing compliments, aside from the occasional trite complaint such as mirror lock-up not being right where he would like it, or preferring neutral over standard picture mode.
Hickey summarizes that the 5D is "A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor". Yes, and for under three grand. Essentially the 7.9 seems to be saying that the 5D should have all the features of the 1DS, but for under three grand.
Unless you need to shoot for hours in dusty or heavily rainy conditions or perhaps throw it against a wall, the 5D is a perfect 10, perhaps even for $4,000 or $5,000. Don't let the Editor's review mislead you into thinking this camera isn't beyond outstanding for the money.
And what's with this:
"Editor's note: The Editors' Choice award that had been given to this camera has since been removed due to subsequent changes in the marketplace."
Thanks for the explanation. It sounds like the CNET editor has an axe to grind for reasons not provided.
Whoops - when attempting to preview my review of the Editor's review, I got this pop-up:
"You are about to submit an extremely high rating of 10. This means you think this product is absolutely perfect. While it's possible for a product to receive a 10, it's extremely rare."
10 it is. -
"This isn't the EOS 20D killer expected" on by Chiatzu
Pros: Spot metering, 12.8 megapixel, 2.5" LCD viewer, 35mm equivalent full frame, improved CMOS, larger buffer
Cons: Slower FPS than other models, no built-in flash, no environmental sealing, no EF-S lens support
Summary: There is a lot to like about the Canon EOS 5D D-SLR. Located somewhere between the EOS 20D and the EOS 1D, the 5D is likely to appeal to those looking for a step up from the 20D without the environmental sealing found in the professional models. One noteworthy feature of the 5D is spot metering, a helpful feature missing in the 20D. The EOS 5D body is approximate in dimensions and weight to the EOS 20D while having a larger 2.5" LCD view screen. If action photography speed isn't of the essence, you're likely to experience severe gadget lust. The price alone, currently at $3300 usd, will make this a must-buy or pass among all types of digital photographers. And primarily leave this camera to the semi-pro to pro buyers market. Canon's newest digital SLR camera again confirms Canon's commitment to improving its digital SLR line of cameras.
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"Excellent full frame DSLR for the money" on by edinburghphoto
Pros: Image quality at A3. Cost.
Cons: None really for the price.
Summary: I've posted a more in depth review at photo.net but here's a summary:
A lot lighter in hand.
Good build quality (seems robust).
Vewfinder seems as good as 1Ds. Bright. Much better than 10D.
Menus intuitive and very easy to read. Easy to setup. Very similar to 10D. It took 5 mins to get up and running. Pocket guide is a good idea.
The optional grip seems well thought out but doesn't seem as good a fit as that on the 10D (slight gap visible). The AA option is great. Playback zoom on grip buttons is a nice idea. The lack of a hand strap is a disappointment.
First shots: Power on and image review is instantaneous. Screen is bright and clear. A huge improvement. I set the picture style to neutral and initial images seem slightly soft at 100%: to be expected. Shadow detail seems good.
The BP511As batteries are excellent idea. They're small and light and last pretty well. I took 250 images on one battery, all with the 24-105 IS with IS turned on. However the older BP511s: one fully charged BP511 lasted only 50 shots.
Focus: With the 24-105 it seems very fast, even in moderate light.
I'm don't use any form of in-camera sharpening or colour tweaking so I can't comment on any of these. Opening the image in Canon Raw and processing it from there results in excellent images for my purposes. Skins are silky smooth: a quality I like from Canon DSLRs.
Not really interested in the in camera colour balance as I shoot everything raw. Still it seems fine on the camera monitor. Colour in Canon Raw is what I'd expect: i.e. easily correctable.
Misc. Likes:
Image quality at A3.
Build quality.
Interchangeable screens: a real plus.
Enough pixels for the real world.
Optional grip holds the battery cover inside so you don't loose it.
Big screen.
Exposure. latitude.
Improved flash.
Minor Dislikes:
Joystick thingy.
Mirror lock-up is a pain.
Mode dial for TV/AV etc: I prefer the 1 series layout.
Overall I would give it 9/10 until I factor in the sticker price and then it gets 10/10. Add in the lower depreciation and insurance costs in comparison to a 1Ds and it makes even more sense.
In conclusion: a very worthwhile backup to a 1Ds and much better than a 10D. It even has some advantages over the 1Ds (size, weight, batteries). -
"A very capable, profesional level camera!" on by Paradox5582
Pros: Full frame, HUGE buffer, Unbelieavable Clarity, C mode, bright and large viewfinder, compact and light(compared to other FF SLRs, IINSANE price compared to other FF,VERY low noise, Great Battery Life
Cons: Makes less than professional lenses ( Ls) look miserable....
Summary: As I said before, this is a profesional camera, as any other complicated tool, you have to get used to it and learn its nuances (the 5D has many inlcuding picture styles and the C mode).
There are too many plusses to list, yes its considerably more expensive than a DRebel, but for what it offers compared to the 7000$ 1DsMKII its a bargain!
Also, IMHO this is not a camera that CNET should be reviewing. CNET is a consumer level website, and this is definatly not a consumer level camera (for price, and specific options). CNET should stick to the mini-digitals! -
"A Great Camera" on by photojp
Pros: Pictures taken are super high quality
Cons: Heavy but lighter than 1Ds
Summary: Editor's rating is misleading. This camera is a very good camera which deserves much higher rating than 7.9 as Mr. Hickey rated.
It creates much better picture than Rebel XT.
I think the 12.5 mega of larger pixels makes the big difference. Dark shadow area is not all black and bright shining area is not all white. The dynamic range seems to be very well controlled.
I am very happy to get this camera. Picture is sharp and the color is very vivid which reminds me the old German lenses, such as Leica 5M and Hasselblad with Carl Zeiss lenses. There are all kinds of digital things, backed up by the highest standard of technology, supporting it, which makes much easier to take good pictures.
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