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Natalie Hitchins is news editor of What Digital Camera magazine and a former editor of Digital Photographer. Here she picks the best of the huge array of digital SLR cameras. Click to view Top 5 Digital SLRs.
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Best for Aspiring Professionals (Canon EOS 5D) |
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 A rare breed in the world of SLRs, the EOS 5D is a pro-grade camera at the perfect price and pitch for the ambitious enthusiast. Boasting 12.8 megapixels, a full-frame sensor and compact body, the 5D has created a whole new premium DSLR category and is the ultimate in aspirational kit for amateur photographers everywhere. |
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| Few SLRs can match the 5D for its combination of accessible design and professional level quality. With reassuringly few credible rivals, its nearest competitor is the equally delectable Nikon D200. This high-quality beast is a snip at around £900 and is reviewed by Doug Harman in the Digital Cameras section of Product Sifter. |
A unique proposition |
 On its release the 5D was billed by Canon as, “the discreet full-frame SLR that photo journalists and agencies have been asking us for”. It should not come as a surprise to learn therefore that flexibility is central to the 5D’s functionality and is ensured by an awesome array of top-notch specifications. Weighing in at just 810g, it features an impressive frame burst of 60 large JPEGs, 3fps and a class beating 0.2 second start up time.
The 5D’s headline feature, however, is a second-generation 35.8 x 23.9mm full frame CMOS sensor. Equivalent in size to a frame of 35mm film, a full-frame sensor gives photographers a complete angle of view without the magnification or cropping effect of smaller sensors. The 5D's sensor therefore provides tighter control over depth of field and improves image quality by capturing more light with its large pixels. It is quite simply a top of the range image sensor capable of creating equally flawless shots. |
Critical acclaim |
 Critics have been quick to champion the 5D's many assets. According to Philip Greenspun at Photo.net, the 5D is, “more than good enough for most professional photojournalism applications, but still simple enough that a yuppie can get one to throw in the glove box of his BMW SUV and take pictures at the school soccer game.” Meanwhile, over at Steve’s Digicams, high praise is rightly reserved for the SLR's image quality. “The bottom line is always image quality, and the 5D does not disappoint with its combination of 12.8 megapixel resolution, full-frame image sensor and low image noise. The 5D is capable of producing images rivalling the quality of the professional 1DS Mark II.”
Protected with a rugged yet lightweight magnesium alloy body, the camera is sure to satisfy the discerning gadget addict with a dazzling array of extra functions. A newly designed LCD screen sits side by side with an impressive 9-point auto focus with six invisible Assist AF points, as well as ever useful WI-FI compatibility. Such attention to detail ensures the 5D is readily equipped for almost any shooting eventuality, and this advantage has not gone unnoticed by expert reviewers. |
A star performer |
“The Canon 5D is so much more than a recommendable camera,” say the experts at letsgodigital.org. “It’s an absolute must for the pro, but also for those who'd like to go on to a higher level. An excellent camera!”
DCResource’s Jeff Keller agrees, “Camera performance is first-rate. The camera starts up instantly, focuses quickly (depending on your lens, of course), and takes pictures without noticeable lag,” he enthuses. “Photo quality was excellent as well. The 5D takes well-exposed, colourful images with nearly no noise or purple fringing. Photos are as smooth as butter, as is the case with Canon's DSLRs.”
In action it’s quite simply a dynamo. As Philip Greenspun writing for Photo.net observes, “The EOS 5D turns on almost instantly and has unmeasureable delays for taking pictures, displaying previews, and waking up once asleep. The camera is always ready when you are.” |
Life through a lens |
 The EOS-5D comes in two kits, one body only (ideal for existing Canon users) and another with everything in the body-only kit plus an 18-55mm lens. The high performance EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a lightweight image stabilizing lens that’s part of Canon’s f/4L-series of zooms. An ideal match for the lightweight 5D, it is designed for professional photographers requiring a lightweight optical with a fixed aperture throughout the zoom range.
At around £1700, the Canon 5D can hardly be described as "cheap", but in the context of quality DSLRs it is a unique proposition offering clear value. A high-quality build, versatile features and that top-of-the-range full-frame sensor ensure the 5D is the ultimate buy for fast-footed pros and discerning enthusiasts alike. |
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For an explanation of technical photographic terms click here
TYPICAL PRICES: Body only: £1450 - £1850; Lens kit: £2050 - £2600
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