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Canon 5DS Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Canon 5DS

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    Main Features

    • 51MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 6400( expands to 12800)
    • 3.2" Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
    • 5.0 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • 930g. 152 x 116 x 76 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon 5DS Overview

    First introduced in February 2015 , Canon EOS 5DS is a 51.0MP Advanced DSLR camera with a Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and Canon EF lens mount.

    Canon 5DS Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Canon 5DS is a member of Canon's 5D series of cameras. Canon's EOS 5D cameras are probably the best selling Full Frame DSLR cameras of all time in overall, very popular amongst Professional photographers and serious amateurs, even though their sales decreasing in recent years due to rising mirrorless FF cameras like Sony A, Nikon Z and Canon's own R series. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Canon 5D Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    2016 30.0MP - Full frame 7.0 fps 151 x 116 x 76mm 890g
    Canon 5DS
    2015 51.0MP - Full frame 5.0 fps 152 x 116 x 76mm 930g
    Canon 5DS R
    Compare
    2015 51.0MP - Full frame 5.0 fps 152 x 116 x 76mm 930g
    Canon 5D MIII
    Compare
    2012 22.0MP - Full frame 6.0 fps 152 x 116 x 76mm 950g
    Canon 5D MII
    Compare
    2009 21.0MP - Full frame 4.0 fps 152 x 114 x 75mm 850g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Canon 5D MIV vs 5DS vs 5DS R vs 5D MIII vs 5D MII

    Canon 5DS has an Overall Score of 76/100 and ranked #29 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #75 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Canon 5DS Physical Specs
    Canon 5DS weighs 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz) and has external dimensions of 152 x 116 x 76 mm (5.98 x 4.57 x 2.99″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 774g, Canon 5DS is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 76mm, it has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Canon 5DS
    Min
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    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Canon 5DS
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Canon 5DS with the dimensions:

    Canon 5DS Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Canon 5DS Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon 5DS, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon 5DS Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon 5DS Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Canon 5DS with its main competitors:

    Canon 5DS Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs 5DS Thickness vs 5DS
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    890g 40g lighter 76mm equal thickness
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 5DS R
    Compare
    930g equal weight 76mm equal thickness
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 6D MII
    Compare
    765g 165g lighter 75mm 1mm thinner
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 5D MIII
    Compare
    950g 20g heavier 76mm equal thickness
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 6D
    Compare
    770g 160g lighter 71mm 5mm thinner
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon RP
    Compare
    485g 445g lighter 70mm 6mm thinner
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Sony A7R II
    Compare
    625g 305g lighter 60mm 16mm thinner
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 80D
    Compare
    730g 200g lighter 79mm 3mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Canon 5DS has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Canon 5DS will serve you well. If you attach one of these Canon 5DS weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

    Canon 5DS Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon 5DS has a 51.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Dual DIGIC 6 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 8688 x 5792 pixels with aspect ratios of 3:2 and 16:9. 5DS has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 which can be boosted to 12800 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Canon 5DS is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sony A7R IV with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon 5DS vs Sony A7R IV or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    Canon 5DS DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Canon 5DS sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 87 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Canon 5DS here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon 5DS's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon 5DS Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon 5DS Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Canon 5DS Lens Mount and Lenses

    Canon 5DS has a Canon EF lens mount and currently there are 250 native lenses available for this mount. EF mount has the widest and most complete native lens offerings in the DSLR world which helps Canon to protect its place as the number 1 choice amongst professional photographers all over the world.

    Canon 5DS doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 76 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 83 lenses with weather sealing for 5DS that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

    Here are some of the most popular Canon 5DS Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Canon EF Mount Lenses for Canon 5DS
    Model Focal Length on 5DS Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II
    50mm 35mm FF 130gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
    24-105mm 35mm FF 670gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM
    50mm 35mm FF 159gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
    70-300mm 35mm FF 630gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 15mm f2.8 Fisheye Lens Canon EF 15mm f2.8 Fisheye
    15mm 35mm FF 330gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM
    50mm 35mm FF 290gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 40mm f2.8 STM Lens Canon EF 40mm f2.8 STM
    40mm 35mm FF 130gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM
    70-200mm 35mm FF 1490gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Canon 5DS Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Canon 5DS LCD and Viewfinder

    Canon 5DS has a Fixed Type 3.2" LCD screen with a resolution of 1,040k dots. The Canon 5DS's 3.2" screen is larger than average and its resolution is up to the class standarts.



    Canon 5DS back view and LCD

    5DS has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 100% and a magnification ratio of 0.71x. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

    Canon 5DS Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect 5DS to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Canon 5DS is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 700 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, Canon 5DS has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend 5DS owners to buy some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Advanced DSLR Cameras

    Canon 5DS
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Nikon D780 with its 2260shots is the model with longest battery life among Advanced DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Canon 5DS vs Nikon D780 or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

    Canon 5DS Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 900shots Yes No Yes
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 5DS R
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 700shots No No No
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 6D MII
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 1200shots Yes Yes Yes
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 5D MIII
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 950shots No No No
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 6D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 1090shots Yes No No
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon RP
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 250shots Yes Yes No
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Sony A7R II
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 290shots Yes No Yes
    Canon EOS 5DS Camera Canon 80D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 960shots Yes No Yes

    Canon 5DS Video Features

    With Canon 5DS, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30p,25p,24p fps and save in and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Canon 5DS will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    5DS has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker. Canon 5DS also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

    Canon 5DS Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon 5DS can shoot continuously at max speed of 5.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately 5DS doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Focusing

    Canon 5DS features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 61 focus points and 41 of these sensors are of Cross-type. Cross-type sensors locks focus faster and more accurate compared to single type sensors.

    Canon 5DS also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Canon 5DS PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon 5DS review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Full HD Video
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    51.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    61 Focus Points
    Large 3.2" Screen
    1.040k dots LCD Resolution
    1/8000s High Shutter Speed
    Autofocus at f8 using center point
    Long Battery Life (700 shots)
    External Microphone Port
    Environmental Sealing
    Timelapse Recording
    0.71x magnification - Large Viewfinder
    Good Low Light ISO - 2381
    41 Cross Type Focus Points
    2 Storage Slots
    Top LCD Display
    Flash Sync Port
    AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)
    High Shutter Life Expectancy - 150000 cycles
    Dual-axis Electronic Level
    Compatible with fast UHS-I cards
    Webcam Functionality
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon 5DS from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No Touch Screen
    Heavy Body: 930g
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Canon 5DS Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon 5DS in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon 5DS for Portrait Photography

    Canon 5DS has a score of 72 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 51.0MP
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 5DS for Portrait Photography

    Canon 5DS for Street Photography

    Canon 5DS has a score of 63 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization
    Large Body

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 5DS for Street Photography

    Canon 5DS for Sports Photography

    Canon 5DS has a score of 80 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
    41 Cross Type Focus sensors
    61 Focus Points
    Good Battery Life: 700 shots
    Good Low Light ISO
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Anti Flicker feature
    Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 5DS for Sports Photography

    Canon 5DS for Daily Photography

    Canon 5DS has a score of 73 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Large Body
    930g
    Body Thickness 76mm

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 5DS for Daily Photography

    Canon 5DS for Landscape Photography

    Canon 5DS has a score of 68 for Landscape Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Landscape Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 51.0MP
    Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 5DS for Landscape Photography
    Canon 5DS Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon 5DS compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon 5DS alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon 5DS

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon 5DS amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon 5D MIV
    Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    Canon 5DS R
    Canon 5DS R
    Compare
    Canon 6D MII
    Canon 6D MII
    Compare
    Canon 5D MIII
    Canon 5D MIII
    Compare
    Canon 6D
    Canon 6D
    Compare
    Canon RP
    Canon RP
    Compare
    Sony A7R II
    Sony A7R II
    Compare
    Canon 80D
    Canon 80D
    Compare

    Canon 5DS Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon 5DS with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Canon 5DS's price range.

    Sony A7 III
    Sony A7 III
    Compare
    Nikon Z6 II
    Nikon Z6 II
    Compare
    Nikon Z6
    Nikon Z6
    Compare
    Panasonic S5
    Panasonic S5
    Compare
    Sony A7R II
    Sony A7R II
    Compare
    Nikon Z5
    Nikon Z5
    Compare
    Sony A7c
    Sony A7c
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-T4
    Fujifilm X-T4
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon 5DS
    Does the Canon 5DS have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon 5DS have RAW support?
    Does the Canon 5DS have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon 5DS have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon 5DS?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon 5DS?
    is the Canon 5DS a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon 5DS have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon 5DS have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon 5DS?
    What is the Weight of Canon 5DS?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon 5DS?
    Canon EOS 5DS Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon EOS 5DS
    Announced 2015-02-06
    Body Type Mid-size SLR
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Canon EF
    Number of Lenses 250
    Focal Length Multiplier 1x
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.2"
    Screen Resolution 1,040k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.71x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Max Flash Sync 1/200s
    Flash Modes no built-in flash
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 87
    DxO Color Depth 24.7
    DxO Dynamic Range 12.4
    DxO Low Light ISO 2381
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 36 x 24 mm
    Sensor Area 864.00mm2
    Sensor Resolution 51 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 8688 x 5792
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Max Boosted ISO 12800
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 61
    Number of Cross Focus Points 41
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 930g
    Physical Dimensions 152 x 116 x 76mm
    Battery Life 700 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model LP-E6
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 secs)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible), CompactFlash
    Storage Slots 2


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