Canon 5DS vs 5DSR
Recently, Canon announced two new flagship cameras, the Canon 5DS and the Canon 5DS-R. The main feature of these cameras is the full frame sensor with a sensor resolution of 51 MP. The outer appearances of the two cameras are similar making people think of them as the same. But there are differences that cannot be seen. The key difference between both the cameras is that the Canon 5DS-R introduces another low pass filter to cancel the effect of the first low pass filter, which is not there in Canon 5DS. Before discussing the differences between both the cameras, first, we will have a look at all the features that both cameras offer and then move on to the comparison.
How to select a digital camera? What are the important features of a digital camera?
Canon 5DS Review – Specification and Features
Sensor and Image Quality
The Canon 5DS comprises of a full frame sensor, and the size of the sensor is 36 x 24 mm, which is a large sensor. It is a CMOS type sensor and is powered by a Dual DIGIC 6 processor. The resolution of the sensor is 51 megapixels. The maximum resolution that can be shot with this camera is 8688 x 5792 pixels. The aspect ratios of the images are 3:2 and 16:9. The supported ISO range is 100 – 12800. The camera is able to save files in RAW format for highest quality and better post-processing as needed.
Lens
The supported mount of Canon 5DS is Canon EF mount. There are 185 lenses that are supported by this mount. Although the Canon 5DS is not capable of supporting image stabilization, there are 53 lenses that come with the image stabilization feature. With the weather sealed body of this camera, there are 43 lenses that have been weather sealed as well.
Auto Focus System
Canon 5DS camera features contrast and phase detection autofocus. These feature help in automatically focusing which makes it easier for the photographer. The autofocus system supports 61 focus points with 41 cross type sensors.
Shooting Features
The Canon 5DS can shoot at a continuous speed of 5 frames per second. This will be a feature used for shooting in moving environments. The maximum shutter speed that can be supported is 1/8000 sec. This camera does not come with a built-in flash but is able to support an external flash for flash photography.
Video Features
The highest video resolution supported by the camera is 1920 x 1080 pixels and can be saved in H.264 format.
Screen and Viewfinder
The screen of the camera is 3.2 inches and of fixed type. It has a resolution of 1,040k dots. The size of the screen is larger than other cameras of the same class. The Canon 5DS has an optical (penta-prism) viewfinder. It has a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.71X. This penta-prism viewfinder provides us with the highest quality representations of the image to be taken as it redirects the light from the lens to the viewfinder. This viewfinder does not use the battery power and, therefore, saves the battery life.
Storage, Connectivity, and Battery
The camera is capable of connecting to other devices via the HDMI port and USB 3.0 port at 5Gbits/s. Battery life can last for 700 shots per charge. Comparing this with the similar cameras of the same class, this is lower.
Special Features
This camera comes with a mono mic and a mono speaker. It also supports an external microphone port to record high-quality audio when the need arises. Time-lapse recording and face detection autofocus are also additional features of this camera.
Dimensions and Weight
The weight of the camera is 930 g, which is on a heavy side. The dimensions of the camera are 152 x 116 x 76 mm
Canon 5DS-R Review – Specification and Features
Sensor and Image Quality
The Canon 5DS-R sensor has a resolution of 51 megapixels. It is a full frame sensor with the size of 36 x 24 mm and is powered by a Dual DIGIC 6 processor. The maximum resolution that can be supported is 8688 x 5792 pixels with an aspect ratio support of 3:2 & 16:9. The ISO range supported is 100 – 12800. Files can be saved in RAW format in order to capture the maximum resolution with minimum noise for later processing.
Lens
The Canon EF lens mount is currently capable of supporting 185 lenses. 53 of these lenses come with image stabilization, which the camera does not provide. 43 lenses come with weather sealing, which the camera has as its feature.
Auto Focus System
The Camera is capable of supporting contrast detection autofocus and phase-detection autofocus. It also consists of 61 focus points with 41 of these are cross sensor type.
Shooting Features
The Canon 5SD-R has a continuous shooting ability of 5.0 frames per second. The maximum shutter speed supported is 1/8000 sec. This camera does not come with a built-in camera but supports an external camera.
Video Features
The highest video resolution supported by the camera is 1920 x 1080 pixels and can be saved in H.264 format.
Screen and Viewfinder
The screen is fixed type with a size of 3.2 inches. The screen resolution is 1,040k dots. The viewfinder has a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.71X. The viewfinder is a built-in optical (penta-prism) viewfinder. This does not consume battery power and produces the most realistic view of the image to be taken.
Storage, Connectivity, and Battery
Connections to other devices can be made via the HDMI and USB 3.0 ports at a bit rate of 5Gbits/sec. The battery can last for approximately 700 shots and is average compared with the same class DSLRs. The camera does not provide wireless connectivity.
Special Features
Time-lapse recording and face detection autofocus are additional features of this camera. The camera body is also weather sealed.
Dimensions and Weight
The weight of the camera is 930 g. The dimensions of the camera are 52 x 116 x 76 mm.
What is the difference between Canon 5DS and Canon 5DS-R?
The key difference between both the cameras is that the Canon 5DS-R introduces another low pass filter to cancel the effect of the first low pass filter. This is called the Low Pass Filter (LPF) Cancellation Effect. This will reduce the incidence of false color. This feature is not available with the Canon 5DS model which adds a little bit of blur to its photos.
This filter is located just behind the IR filter. It realigns original pixels that were shifted by the first filter and in turn, provides us with a sharper high-quality image even further without blur. For photographers who need a sharp, crisp images such as the landscape photographers and fine art photographers, this camera is the relevant choice.
Canon 5DS vs. Canon 5DS-R
Pros and Cons
When compared with recent DSLRs, these two cameras have the highest resolutions known so far and have many focus points, many cross type focus points, fast shutter speeds, above average screen size, larger viewfinder, penta-prism viewfinder which does not consume any battery, and as well as, provides the best possible image and a great view finder coverage. Also, the cameras are weather sealed, so that, shots can be taken in any weather.
Both Canon 5DS and Canon 5DS-R have programmable auto ISO sensitivity, which gives the user greater control over the ISO sensitivity. Both also consist of a large resolution (51 MP) sensor, which will produce the sharpest pictures every taken by DSLRs. For creative time-lapse photography, both models come with a built-in intervalometer.
The downsides of these two DSLRs are that they have less maximum sensitivity compared with other DSLRs, no image stabilization, slow continuous shooting, the LCD screen is fixed and no touch screen, does not have a built-in flash, no wireless connection, short battery life, fewer storage slots, large and heavy, and comparatively very expensive.
Finally, the Canon 5DS is suitable for general photography whereas, the Canon 5DS-R with its higher detail will be useful for larger prints and landscape photography.