Canon May Replace EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR With MegaPixel Sensor Camera

Canon announced the EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR 50MB sensor cameras in February 2015. However, Canon already has sensors with well over 100MB working in their labs for a few years.

They may replace the EOS-5Ds models next year with just one camera spotting a full frame sensor in the neighborhood of 75MB+

A bit earlier to have any reliable leaks yet but the simplification of having just one model to replace the EOS-5Ds cameras is welcome. Stay tuned for more information.

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L Mark II Lens TearDown

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II lens

The guys at LensRentals.com had taken apart the recently announced Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II lens. They are most impressed by its build quality. Take a look at a review of the lens here. The same guys have also taken apart the Canon EOS-5Ds camera for an inspection. Take a look at this post.


Read the full article here. Below is an excerpt from their review :

    …This lens is massively over-engineered compared to any other prime we’ve ever disassembled. It’s built like a tank where it counts; on the inside. Moving parts are huge and robust. Six big screws are used in locations where 3 smalls screws are common in other lenses. Heavy roller bearings move the focusing group, it doesn’t slide on little nylon collars.

    …If I had to summarize the mechanical design of this lens, I would say simply that no expense was spared, no corner was cut.

    Sometimes things are expensive because they’re worth it. Sometimes they’re heavy because they’re so solidly constructed. This is one of those times. 

Black Friday Deal - Canon EOS-5DsR $2,924

Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR cameras

The Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR cameras are widely available now. DxOMark recently came out with their sensor score on the camera. I have written posts comparing them to the Nikon D810, Sony a7R II and EOS-5D Mk III for those who are contemplating buying either camera or upgrading to one.

There is a highly-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EOS-5DsR camera for $2,924 including free shipping. The list price is $3,599. If you are interested in buying one, don't delay too much longer. Canon recently put out a list of recommended lens with this camera.

After much deliberation, I have finally replaced my venerable EOS-1Ds Mark III with this full frame, 61-point AF, 50 megapixel camera. My 5Ds will be used primarily for nature and travel photography but occasionally for wildlife that don't move too much. The resolution of its impressive sensor,  the ability to crop the image to 1.3x and 1.6x right inside the camera are great advantages for me when it comes to wildlife photography, offsetting its main disadvantage - the slow 5 fps burst rate.

You will not find a link to this eBay item because I do not accept any advertisement or commissioned link on my Blog or website. I am completely unbiased in my reporting, have no conflict of interest and do not endorse any particular company. Find this listing on eBay yourself easily.  You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Sony a7R II vs Canon EOS-5DsR Camera Comparison

Sony a7R II vs Canon EOS-5DsR camera comparison

* * *  Canon EOS-5Ds for $2,799 including shipping  * * *

* * *  Read the other comparison between the two cameras  * * *

* * *  Read the latest post on Canon's full frame mirrorless camera  * * *

My readers know, I have been a Canon user for over 25 years. Through the decades, I have used almost all of Canon's cropped and full frame, film and digital cameras, plus the EF and EF-S lenses. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

The recently released Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR cameras are descendants of the original EOS-5D, released in 2005. It was the first 'affordable' full frame digital camera and the official list price was roughly the same as the current list price of the EOS-5Ds. Considering inflation and the monumental advancement in technology packed into the new camera, I must say it is a very good deal, indeed.

The Sony a7R II camera was released in June 2015. The following comparison covers the two cameras' major features, and assumes the reader is already familiar with the functionality and capabilities of DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It is intended to help those trying to decide whether to upgrade or keep their present Canon or Sony bodies.

EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR DSLR cameras :

• 50.6 MP full frame sensor
• Powered by dual DIGIC 6 processors
• Optical low pass filter on EOS-5Ds. Self cancelling on EOS-5DsR
• 1.3x (30.5MP) plus 1.6x (19.6MP) with 1:1 ratio crop mode 
• 3.2 inch, 1040K dot LCD screen.
• Dual card slots, one CF, one SD
• Burst rate 5 fps. Burst depth, up to 510 JPEG and 14 RAW files
• ISO range from 100 - 6400, 50 - 12800 with expansion
• 61-point High Density Reticular AF, 41 cross type points, 5 double cross type 
• 150,000 pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, 252 zone
• Custom Functions - 16, USB 3.0
• Number of cross-points depends on the speed of the lens used.
• 59 ms. shutter lag, 150,000 cycle shutter and .71x viewfinder.
• DxOMark overall sensor score - 87
• Low light ISO - 2381 ISO

Sony a7R II mirrorless camera :

• 42.2MP BSI Full-frame CMOS sensor
• ISO 50-102400 expanded
• 5 axis built in IS
• 399 Phase Detection AF system
• Max 5 fps shooting
• 3.0 inch 1229K dot LCD screen
• Shoots video in 4K
• Shutter rated at 500,000
• Low light ISO - 3434 (no surprise here)
• WiFi / NFC
• 2.36m dot Electronic Viewfinder
• Battery life 340 shots
• SD card slot and Memory Stick
• Mic and Headphone sockets

The first thing that stands out is the Canon EOS-5Ds is a 'bigger and heavier' camera. That in itself means little since both cameras can produce excellent photos that can be printed in very large size. If one needs to print super large sized photos, the EOS-5Ds has a slight edge.

The Sony a7R II does have the advantage over the Canon EOS-5Ds, with an expanded ISO of 102400 vs 6400. Both cameras shoot at a maximum of 5 fps and there are of course, differences with proprietary processors, video speed, AF system, etc. but suffice to say, they are differences without much distinction. The final stand out point is the Canon EOS-5Ds has better battery management capability and claims to shoot 700 vs Sony's 340 shots on a fully charged battery.  

In conclusion, both cameras are great for full frame photography, capable of producing sharp, extremely huge prints. The Canon EOS-5Ds is a full frame DSLR while the Sony a7R II has a full frame mirrorless design. The Sony a7R II is superior to the older a7R in all aspects.

More importantly, to me, the difference between a DSLR and mirrorless camera's design is the real issue. The EOS-5Ds (in particular the EOS-1D X) feels like a real camera with excellent grip and ergonomics. It is designed as a more rugged body and goes with a full complement of EF lens, from 8mm to 1200mm. The Sony is designed as a 'lighter, compact all-in-one package' stuffed with 'fluffy' technology and works with a smaller complement of lens, although one can buy an adapter and use it with some Canon's EF lens.

For the photographer who prefers to travel light and take mostly landscape/nature/portrait/wedding photos and videos, the Sony a7II R is a good choice. As a wildlife photographer, neither the Canon EOS-5Ds nor the Sony a7R II camera is a good alternative for wildlife photography, in my opinion. I am waiting for the EOS-1D X Mk II and EOS-5D Mk IV to debut later this year or early next year for my next DSLR purchase.

Whether one wants to upgrade from their present camera depends entirely on whether one needs a camera capable of producing mega prints. For Canon users thinking of upgrading from the EOS-5D Mk III to the EOS-5Ds, read my comparison here. For a comparison between the Nikon D810 and the Canon EOS-5Ds, read this post. 

Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR Camera Reviews

Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR 50 MP full frame cameras

The 'gang' at DigitalRev has posted a review on the Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR cameras. Although these are very fine full frame DSLRs and currently hold the megapixel crown, I will not be getting this camera because it is not the best tool for wildlife photography. Waiting for the EOS-5D Mk IV and the EOS-1D X Mk II, coming the second half of 2015. If you are interested in buying this camera, now is a good time because Canon is doubling the rebate of some 'L' lens when purchased as a companion to the EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR. Click here to see a list of Canon recommended lens for the cameras.

I am winding down my travel photo shoot in the Canadian Rockies, with a stop at Vancouver Island for some Killer whale photography. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter and see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com.

Canon EOS-5Ds Tear Down - Look Before You Buy

The Canon EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR production model cameras are steadily shipping, first to buyers who have placed their pre-orders and then to other customers as orders come in.

Click here to see more JPEG and RAW photos taken with a production EOS-5Ds camera running firmware version 1.01. The glass used was the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 lens.

Roger at LensRental.com decided to tear down a production model of the EOS-5Ds to reveal its internal parts. You can read his article here.

I will not be getting this camera. Waiting for the EOS-5D Mk IV and the EOS-1D X Mk II, coming the second half of 2015.