Fifty megapixels is a lot of information, and it’s about to be available to 35mm-format digital photographers. The Canon 5DS and 5DS R represent such a significant jump in resolution for the format that even photographers who balked at high megapixel counts as insignificant to their images could be rethinking that position. With the amount of detail coming from these cameras comes the ability to make huge, mural-size gallery prints and crop images while still maintaining detail.
It means a wildlife photographer can photograph a bird in flight more easily with wider telephotos and crop the image, rather than trying to fill the frame using extremely long lenses. The new Canon 5DS R might turn more fine art photographers into full-frame DSLR converts, too. How these cameras compare to the already high-megapixel medium format DSLRs and large format film will be the topic of many discussions once the cameras get into the hands of photographers.
At the annual CP Plus Photo Show, in Yokohama, Japan, we were able to see and handle the two new 5D cameras. The longest line on the expo floor, by far, was for those waiting to get their hands on the new Canon 5DS and 5DS R, even during the “Premiere Time” two-hour preview for the press.
So, what was the most common question Canon being asked at the expo? “Why do I need 50 megapixels?”—the question that most photographers who don’t have unlimited budgets are thinking about right about now.
Canon’s booth at CP Plus addressed that question in a big way, with a huge rear-projection 4K screen. A well-rehearsed presenter, perfectly timed with the images on the impressively sharp screen, lifts his hands and a model’s face appeared on the screen, in stunning detail. One more wave of his arms and the image zoomed in to reveal even more fine detail, and that was the point: fine detail. As he repeated the process with wildlife images and food photography, the answer became clear—if you are a professional still photographer with an eye for the future of digital advertising and display, you will want 50 megapixels.
The amount of information in the image was incredible to see presented that way, and one couldn't help but think that even an extreme crop of the image would still be impressively sharp and would have enough information for a large print or high-resolution screen.
The two cameras also include crop mode, down to an old favorite APS-H 1.3x crop and APS-C 1.6x crop. But the crop modes are only for stills, and are not available in video mode.
That brings up the question, “Who doesn’t need 50 megapixels?” Canon seems to have answered that one for us also. And the answer from Canon seems to be: video shooters. The long-time go-to camera for Full-Frame HDSLR video is the Canon 5D Mark III, and Canon is keeping that camera in the lineup. If one thing was missing from the Canon SLR counter at this year’s CP Plus, it was the lack of buzz surrounding video that has been the main talking point in previous years. At Canon's CP+ 2015 booth, the focus was clearly on stills photography, and there was only one Canon C-Series Cinema Camera on display, rigged and on a tripod in a far corner.
Canon seems to be aiming squarely at the professional still photographer with these two new 5D bodies. Although you can still shoot Full HD internally with both cameras at the same frame rates, they don’t have a clean HDMI out signal and are missing the headphone jack, both of which the 5D Mark III has.
The other group probably not clambering for the 50MP sensor is the photographers who prefer larger pixel size over smaller pixels. Anyone like that out there? Yes, the 5D Mark III has decidedly larger pixels and performs better for high ISO shooters. But I suspect a lot of the photographers buying these new bodies spend most of their time shooting at ISO 100.
So, is this what some people call the “medium-format-killer?” It’s true that Canon SLRs have been making their way into more and more studio and high-production location shoots, and at 50 megapixels, it seems like these are the people Canon wants to impress.
To achieve the greatest possible sharpness and contrast for this target audience, Canon has produced the 5DS R body. This body still has sensor glass in the same places as the 5DS to maintain compatibility, but it negates the effect of the first low-pass filter by replacing what is normally a secondary low-pass filter with a low-pass-canceling filter. Much of the discussion at the Canon 5DS/5DSR counters at CP Plus was about this difference. In short, it’s for shots with post production, or nature photographers who want maximum sharpness of non-manmade scenes. When photographing manmade items with fixed pattern, there is a chance of moiré appearing in the image, but an expert digital tech can reduce those in post production. Some other manufacturers have introduced similar cameras, and for the extra sharpness and contrast, it can be worth it.
The Canon 5DS and 5DSR might have been the most talked-about news from CP Plus in Yokohama this year. We all knew the day would come when 50 megapixels could be packed into a small SLR, and now it’s official.
Follow all of the exclusive coverage from B&H of the CP+2015 Show in Japan at this link.
67 Comments
Does the canon 85 1.2L mk ii contain the resolution for maximum sharpness for the high pixel count that this camera contains?
This is a question that has come up in regards to many Canon lenses and the new cameras, and as of yet Canon has not provided us with any test/sample images aside from the few they've used in promotion of the new cameras when they announced it. Until units reach users it will be hard to comment on the quality of the results. One thing I've concluded however is that Canon did design these cameras with the EF mount, knowing that users would obviously be using legacy EF lenses. If the EF lenses were not suitable upon design of the cameras, Canon would have created a new/different mount and series of lenses to avoid the lesser quality options being used on the new cameras.
Please Let Me Know When Available
At the end of this article is a section labeled "Items Discussed in Article" where you may then click on the two cameras models to bring you to their product links on our website. There you will see more details about the camera, as well as pre-order information. Below the price there is an option to "Notify When in Stock" and by submitting your email, you will receive notification when the cameras are received into our inventory. Currently Canon USA anticipates them to arrive sometime in June of 2015.
I am interested in the very sharpest images of people. Is that the 5DS R? is a flash required in normal room lighting?
The 5DSr would render the sharpest possible images, but also at the expense of the possibility of moiré and other artifacting in your subjects clothing (depending on the fabric patterns and surfaces etc), which would then require more post production editing. I would first recommend the 5DS for the task. You may wish to wait until after each model has been released and real world image samples surface, and even possibly rent them to test drive them before purchasing.
As far as your flash question goes, if the lighting in the room isnt sufficient based on the ISO setting, aperture and other aspects of the image that the photographer wants, or if there is a particular mood they are trying to convey, an external flash my be required just as it would be with any other camera in the same lighting.
I do not see why 2 cameras were designed, I think all photographers want the sharpest camera lenses or with exellent contrast.
As I understand this article it seems to me that there is only one design. Just sold with two different options.
DS version with a moire filter slapped on the front of the sensor for a the price of a small degredation on sharpness and contrast. (I would think this is the safest option. contrast is easier than moire to deal with in post) (I believe moire is more common problem for video shooters though)
DS-R version without that moire filter so those people that dosn't want to make that trade off can get it without. (Specialized version for those that really need the tiny bit more sharpness/contrast or purist that think they need it and know enough to recognize and avoid situation that could create moire or see your joy/profits dwindling away in post processing.)
I think it is a good that we are given a choice of what flavour we want.
for wildlife photography which body is most usefull already using a 5D mk3 with a 500mm f4 IS2 lens need to know the best combination many thanks
The Canon 5D Mark III DSLR camera may still be the better option for widlife photography as it would have better low-light performance compared to the new 5DS and 5DS R DSLR cameras, and is slightly faster at 6 fps, as well as having a smaller file size for burst shooting. However, if you are looking at the newer cameras for an increase in resolution, then the Canon 5DS would be my recommendation for your needs. Just note that the 5DS will not have as high a maximum ISO range as the 5D Mark III, and the noise performance at higher ISO settings would be more similar to that of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II than of that from the 5D Mark III you are currently using.
With this huge change in the new 5D i am wondering what is in store for the 1DX? I shoot ski resorts for three months in the winter so
the 5d is great but i need the hight speed auto focus of the 1DX and the motor drive. When do you expect the next generation of the 1DX?
Unfortunately manufacturers never inform us of their future models or intentions prior to any official announcement. We learn of new models the same day as you would. When/if they do make an announcement, we will then update our site to reflect the new model.
The 1Dx was announced in the fall of 2011, and was available later in spring of 2012. With this category of camera they have typically spaced 4-5 years between models, so they are approaching a time point where a new one could be released, as to any specifics we just have to wait on Canon and see.
Will the 5DS or 5DS R do well with Landscape nature shots(for ex. sunsets/sunrises) and/or Astrophotography?
Both would do well with nature/landscape shots, that is one of their primary categories they are intended for. Astrophotography is also possible with both, however for that application I would recommend considering the new Nikon D810a camera which is optimized for Astrophotography, and has a special sensor which allows for accurate capture of without unwanted infrared contamination for greater color neutrality. Below is a link to the camera on our website for you to regard:
http://bhpho.to/1A9tIkT
Still going to do just fine with my 5DMKII. I have no need to print mural size. The detail amount is already splendid.
The 5D2 was one of those breakthrough super workhorse, extended life cameras that made a lot of people happy with great pictures for many years. I pre ordered that one, and it has server well and still serves will. It will continue to be our studio, landscape, and general portrait camera until June 2015 when the 5DsR we pre ordered comes in! I hope it lasts as long in front line service as the 5D2.
Will the 5DS R have built in HDR and multiple exposure
Currently there is no mention of an HDR feature in the camera, but there is still plenty of time for them to make that addition to the camera before it is released. As far as multiple exposure modes, I've not seen that mentioned yet either, but I'm confident that will be a standard type feature, or at least I cannot imagine why that would be left off either model. Once more information is published form Canon we will learn for sure.
Interesting...
Cool ! ..so I reckon digital has just about caught up to FILM resolution ?:)
I have the Nikon D810 at 36 M pixel. I can say that even with this amount of pixels the limitation now becomes camera shake, the lens itself, or subject movement. You can crop to a point in post but then you start to lose it and it doesn't matter if you are using a tripod and/or VR. Memory is somewhat of an issue in that each one of my photos uses 72 MB of memory (RAW + jpeg) so downloading and loading during post is something you should consider. IF the end goal is huge poster size prints then maybe more pixels are justified. However, for the average photographer 36 MPs or even 24 MPs to me is sufficient. I suspect just like Nikon did a few years back Canon is trying to get a "one up" on Nikon with this announcement.
24 or 36 is enough yet you shell out more money for the d810
which people would stop this we don't need more megapixel and yet they have upgraded thier 5,6,12,16 mp camera . I can bet the ones gripping about no more mp will buy this one too as soon as the money is aquired
These pixel wars are a big waste of time and energy. No amateur needs 50mp...so I pre ordered the day of the announcement. It's not a question of need. Remember 450HP muscle cars?
Wow! I now know destiny of those L-series lenses on my Canon 1V, and they are meant for migration to 50MP.
So, does this mean there will not be a 5D Mark IV anytime soon? Was this it?
While 50 megapixels sounds cool, I'm not sure this is the camera that I need.
No it doesn't necessarily. Neither of these is intended to be a replacement for the 5D MK III camera. A Mark IV will likely be introduced later in the year or early 2016 (that's up to Canon) but these new models are merely new tools for the photographers which need the higher pixel advantages for their work.
Can I use current lenses on this cannon body?
The 5DS and 5DSr are both full-frame DSLRs and are compatible with Canon EF series lenses, and any third party lenses which are designed for use on Canon full-frame models. If your lenses fit that criteria they would be compatible with it. If you have EF-S series lenses or lenses designed for use only APS-C model cameras, then they would not be compatible with these new models.
When do you plan on having these camera's to ship?
Currently Canon anticipates them to start shipping sometime in June of 2015. You may click on either model at the end of the article to take you to its product link on our website where you may opt to use the email notification feature to receive an email once they arrive into our inventory.
So.. it has a much larger sensor area? and a WAY fast processor? Imagine buffering that kind of file size.. and the supercomputer to work with an image file this big.
No 4K video when everyone else is has it from the simple GoPro to Panasonic.
Shame on you Canon.
---- although it looked like they had no problem throwing their picture up on a 4K screen to show the detail of the still. Sort of an oxymoron IMO.
Another 4K hype lover that doesn't understand the purpose of this camera.
I would bet a dollar to a doughnut that you don't even come close to having the necessary hardware to edit, colorize, post process, snd distribute your toy camera (gopro) video.
People that truly shoot 4k hVe tens of thousands invested in computer hardware and odds are you are not one of them, an as far as Canon is concerned neither you or your opinion matter in the least. This is a camera for pros, not plastic $400 camera shooters
If you want 4k video in a Canon DSLR, go to the 1DC:
http://cinemaeos.usa.canon.com/products/eos-1d-c-2/
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/professional_cameras/cinema_eos_cameras/eos_1d_c?selectedName=Features
I suspect the next 5D will have 4k capabilities though.
You forgot to mention that of all those fine cameras you list that shoot 4K video, none have a 50 MP sensor for video OR stills. Everyone with experience realizes there is no one camera that has everything. You sound like the guy who wants an inexpensive pickup truck that can carry 10,000 pounds in the bed, but complains because it can't go 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds like a McLaren, or get 48 miles per gallon like a Prius.
I think it is time to buy stock in Drobo and other raid devices. 12 terabytes will suddenly be way toooooo small to store all those high res images.
Remember when Bill Gates asked "who needs more than 64k of RAM?" Yes: 64kilobytes.
'Nuff said.
JH
Remember when Bill Gates asked "who needs more than 64k of RAM?" Yes: 64kilobytes.
'Nuff said.
JH
Remember when Bill Gates asked "who needs more than 64k of RAM?" Yes: 64kilobytes.
'Nuff said.
JH
full frame? realesed when?
Yes, both models are full-frame cameras. Currently Canon anticipates them to be released sometime in June 2015. You may click on the images of each at the end of this article in the section marked "Items Discussed in Article" to view them on our website and select the email notification feature for when they are due, and also other product details.
Abraham ( please forward)
i am interested in the fifty Meg's but I am also in remote shooting possible drone .... I prefer very high res. with medium format such as IQ250 back for the Hassey?
Which camera do you recommend .... I still like to shot a lot of high res stills? I was thinking the SDS R SLR
I was or am Nikon man all my life in 35 mil. Format; I already have the whole range of lenses, will a lens converter adapter work with this new camera and with same function and result or will I require new line of Cannon lenses?
Ed kenny
Is the Canon EOS 5DS R still compatible with all cannon lens?
It is compatible with Canon EF lenses and other lenses made for the Canon EF system (full-frame lenses).
I am a street photographer type, mainly, so many MP are very desireable, indeed. ! This is a Bargain ! I wish Canon would make a PowerShot G series camera with more than my G10 has..a favorite Point and Shoot Canon im my collection..
Pete
Santa Barbara County, California..
Having been a life-long Nikon shooter, Canon has certainly raised the bar. I have been contemplating the D810, but after seeing the 5DS, it made me stop to rethink that. Upon reflection, however; as is the nature of tech, I am thinking that Nikon will eventually reciprocate with say a D1000.
In any case, a hardy congratulations to Canon. Well done.
I would say that is almost certain. I understand the 50MP sensor is made by Sony. That means, subject to any contract deals made with Canon, that sensor will show up on Nikon and also Sony cameras. Don't you think?
Canon has made it very clear that these new bodies are using a Canon-made sensor, not a Sony-made sensor. So this sensor will not be showing up in Nikon or Sony bodies.
Although Sony may be working on its own 50+ mp sensor. I would not be surprised. I'm just glad to see that Canon is fully back in the ball game -- not that pixel count is everything (it's not), but Canon is now fielding an offering in the hi-red market.
This is so cool