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10
stars
What was he thinking (Eamon Hickey, CNET.com's 5D reviewer)?
by samscott
on
March 16, 2006
Pros: Full frame CMOS, 2.5" LCD, weight, relative price, huge buffer
Cons: Slower burst relative to 20D, yet comparable to the 1DS II
Summary: I was stupefied by the Editor's review of the 5D on this website. To rate this camera only a 7.9 on a scale of 10, in particular given ...
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Summary: I was stupefied by the Editor's review of the 5D on this website. To rate this camera only a 7.9 on a scale of 10, in particular given the contradictory evidence provided within the review, is insane.
?? a definite step down from the pro-level build quality and weather resistance you'll find in other digital SLR cameras priced at more than $3,000.?
For only $2,900, what in God's name do you expect? You're comparing it straight up with the 1Ds (well over double the price,) D2X ($2,000 more), Mark II N (not full frame but still $1,000 more), etc. as though they were all the same price. Be fair. I can't believe the editor had the audacity to ding the sub-3K SLR boasting a 35mm sensor because it isn't fully weather-sealed as well.
?We have no significant complaints about this system, but it's starting to look a bit dated.?
Well, what did you have in mind as an alternative? If it isn't broken (the reviewer didn't criticize it), then why fix it?
?The camera will shoot at 3fps in drive mode, a spec matched by several sub-$1,000 cameras.?
The $7,000+ 1DS II shoots at 4 fps. Why just the comparison with a camera like the Nikon D70 1.6 crop? The EOS 5D is closer in price to sub-1K cameras than it is to the 1DS II. Who in his or her right mind would expect a full frame sensor to shoot as fast as a 20D which, admittedly, would be "nice"? Pretty wishful thinking.
Pretty much the rest of the editor review is a list of glowing compliments, aside from the occasional trite complaint such as mirror lock-up not being right where he would like it, or preferring neutral over standard picture mode.
Hickey summarizes that the 5D is "A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor". Yes, and for under three grand. Essentially the 7.9 seems to be saying that the 5D should have all the features of the 1DS, but for under three grand.
Unless you need to shoot for hours in dusty or heavily rainy conditions or perhaps throw it against a wall, the 5D is a perfect 10, perhaps even for $4,000 or $5,000. Don't let the Editor's review mislead you into thinking this camera isn't beyond outstanding for the money.
And what's with this:
"Editor's note: The Editors' Choice award that had been given to this camera has since been removed due to subsequent changes in the marketplace."
Thanks for the explanation. It sounds like the CNET editor has an axe to grind for reasons not provided.
Whoops - when attempting to preview my review of the Editor's review, I got this pop-up:
"You are about to submit an extremely high rating of 10. This means you think this product is absolutely perfect. While it's possible for a product to receive a 10, it's extremely rare."
10 it is.
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32 out
of 35 users found this user opinion helpful.
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9
stars
This isn't the EOS 20D killer expected
by Chiatzu
on
August 24, 2005
Pros: Spot metering, 12.8 megapixel, 2.5" LCD viewer, 35mm equivalent full frame, improved CMOS, larger buffer
Cons: Slower FPS than other models, no built-in flash, no environmental sealing, no EF-S lens support
Summary: There is a lot to like about the Canon EOS 5D D-SLR. Located somewhere between the EOS 20D and the EOS 1D, the 5D is likely to appeal to those ...
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Summary: There is a lot to like about the Canon EOS 5D D-SLR. Located somewhere between the EOS 20D and the EOS 1D, the 5D is likely to appeal to those looking for a step up from the 20D without the environmental sealing found in the professional models. One noteworthy feature of the 5D is spot metering, a helpful feature missing in the 20D. The EOS 5D body is approximate in dimensions and weight to the EOS 20D while having a larger 2.5" LCD view screen. If action photography speed isn't of the essence, you're likely to experience severe gadget lust. The price alone, currently at $3300 usd, will make this a must-buy or pass among all types of digital photographers. And primarily leave this camera to the semi-pro to pro buyers market. Canon's newest digital SLR camera again confirms Canon's commitment to improving its digital SLR line of cameras.
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33 out
of 43 users found this user opinion helpful.
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10
stars
Excellent full frame DSLR for the money
by edinburghphoto
on
September 26, 2005
Pros: Image quality at A3. Cost.
Cons: None really for the price.
Summary: I've posted a more in depth review at photo.net but here's a summary:
A lot lighter in hand.
Good build quality (seems robust).
Vewfinder seems as good ...
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Summary: I've posted a more in depth review at photo.net but here's a summary:
A lot lighter in hand.
Good build quality (seems robust).
Vewfinder seems as good as 1Ds. Bright. Much better than 10D.
Menus intuitive and very easy to read. Easy to setup. Very similar to 10D. It took 5 mins to get up and running. Pocket guide is a good idea.
The optional grip seems well thought out but doesn't seem as good a fit as that on the 10D (slight gap visible). The AA option is great. Playback zoom on grip buttons is a nice idea. The lack of a hand strap is a disappointment.
First shots: Power on and image review is instantaneous. Screen is bright and clear. A huge improvement. I set the picture style to neutral and initial images seem slightly soft at 100%: to be expected. Shadow detail seems good.
The BP511As batteries are excellent idea. They're small and light and last pretty well. I took 250 images on one battery, all with the 24-105 IS with IS turned on. However the older BP511s: one fully charged BP511 lasted only 50 shots.
Focus: With the 24-105 it seems very fast, even in moderate light.
I'm don't use any form of in-camera sharpening or colour tweaking so I can't comment on any of these. Opening the image in Canon Raw and processing it from there results in excellent images for my purposes. Skins are silky smooth: a quality I like from Canon DSLRs.
Not really interested in the in camera colour balance as I shoot everything raw. Still it seems fine on the camera monitor. Colour in Canon Raw is what I'd expect: i.e. easily correctable.
Misc. Likes:
Image quality at A3.
Build quality.
Interchangeable screens: a real plus.
Enough pixels for the real world.
Optional grip holds the battery cover inside so you don't loose it.
Big screen.
Exposure. latitude.
Improved flash.
Minor Dislikes:
Joystick thingy.
Mirror lock-up is a pain.
Mode dial for TV/AV etc: I prefer the 1 series layout.
Overall I would give it 9/10 until I factor in the sticker price and then it gets 10/10. Add in the lower depreciation and insurance costs in comparison to a 1Ds and it makes even more sense.
In conclusion: a very worthwhile backup to a 1Ds and much better than a 10D. It even has some advantages over the 1Ds (size, weight, batteries).
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20 out
of 22 users found this user opinion helpful.
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9
stars
A very capable, profesional level camera!
by Paradox5582
on
November 16, 2005
Pros: Full frame, HUGE buffer, Unbelieavable Clarity, C mode, bright and large viewfinder, compact and light(compared to other FF SLRs, IINSANE price compared to other FF,VERY low noise, Great Battery Life
Cons: Makes less than professional lenses ( Ls) look miserable....
Summary: As I said before, this is a profesional camera, as any other complicated tool, you have to get used to it and learn its nuances (the 5D has many inlcuding ...
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Summary: As I said before, this is a profesional camera, as any other complicated tool, you have to get used to it and learn its nuances (the 5D has many inlcuding picture styles and the C mode).
There are too many plusses to list, yes its considerably more expensive than a DRebel, but for what it offers compared to the 7000$ 1DsMKII its a bargain!
Also, IMHO this is not a camera that CNET should be reviewing. CNET is a consumer level website, and this is definatly not a consumer level camera (for price, and specific options). CNET should stick to the mini-digitals!
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5 out
of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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10
stars
A Great Camera
by photojp
on
April 25, 2006
Pros: Pictures taken are super high quality
Cons: Heavy but lighter than 1Ds
Summary: Editor's rating is misleading. This camera is a very good camera which deserves much higher rating than 7.9 as Mr. Hickey rated.
It creates much better picture than ...
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Summary: Editor's rating is misleading. This camera is a very good camera which deserves much higher rating than 7.9 as Mr. Hickey rated.
It creates much better picture than Rebel XT.
I think the 12.5 mega of larger pixels makes the big difference. Dark shadow area is not all black and bright shining area is not all white. The dynamic range seems to be very well controlled.
I am very happy to get this camera. Picture is sharp and the color is very vivid which reminds me the old German lenses, such as Leica 5M and Hasselblad with Carl Zeiss lenses. There are all kinds of digital things, backed up by the highest standard of technology, supporting it, which makes much easier to take good pictures.
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3 out
of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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9
stars
Top notch digital SLR with state of the art features at resonable price
by gordonrd
on
November 15, 2005
Pros: Image quality, workmanship, 35mm CMOS, versatility, large high res LCD, excellent layout of controls, large buffer for continuous shooting
Cons: Lack of pop flash
Summary: I just returned from a trip to Tibet with the Canon EOS 5D and I am extremely pleased with how the camera performed. The camera, typical of Canon, is well ...
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Summary: I just returned from a trip to Tibet with the Canon EOS 5D and I am extremely pleased with how the camera performed. The camera, typical of Canon, is well made yet still compact and light for an SLR this well equipped. Image quality is excellent -- I am amazed at the level of detail and the accurate color in my pictures. I took a picture of a 24,000 foot peak nearly 100 miles away from where I was standing on top of a pass at 16,400 feet with a 100-300mm EOS zoom lens (regular series, not an L lens) and even after cropping/enlargement the level of detail I was able to achieve is most impressive.
Although the ISO is not constantly in the display, you can easily bring it up by pressing the ISO button near the shutter release button for a quick check, so I do not think this is a significant deficiency. It isn't necessary to take your eye away from the viewfinder to do this and a light press of the shutter button puts you right back in picture taking mode.
I missed only the convenience of having the popup flash on my 10D which I liked to use for fill-in flash when needed. But not having the popup means I didn't have those bad flash shots where I forgot to remove the lens hood, so there is a trade-off!
This camera is a gem and worth the price I paid for it. I no longer see any need for a film based camera.
Updated
It makes no sense to me that the 20D is rated higher than the 5D. This model builds on the 20D with a better CMOS and expanded features. The only edge the 20D has is the faster 5 per sec continuous shooting speed, but the 3 fps of the 5D suits me fine and the 5D has a larger memory buffer for continuous shooting...and it is wonderful to look thorugh the big bright viewfinder of the 5D.
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3 out
of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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8
stars
EOS 5D fills a much needed niche
by chimeraeditions
on
November 15, 2005
Pros: Image quality, 2.5" LCD, price
Cons: Controls are not as well placed as on the 1Ds, no weatherproofing
Summary: This is an excellent camera and while I don't have the slightest idea of how Canon intended to fit the 5D into the market - it's the perfect ...
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Summary: This is an excellent camera and while I don't have the slightest idea of how Canon intended to fit the 5D into the market - it's the perfect backup for 1Ds users. I am one of many 1Ds users that cannot afford to own two bodies. For all of the niceties on the 20D it was never really useful as a backup because the images were not nearly as detailed, and the EF-S lens (which I needed because I shoot wide) were much softer and slower than the wide primes. Now I have the best of both worlds.
I don't understand the criticisms of "no built-in flash" (I don't want a built in flash on a $3300 camera - for instance, on the 20D with a 10-22mm lens, with the lens shade, the built in flash is blocked on 1/3 of the frame) or "no EF-S lens support" (while these are good lenses they are not good enough to worry about them).
What I don't like is the layout of the controls - which I am getting used to but, I much prefer the layout of controls on the 1Ds compared to the 20D - the 5D seems to have more of the 20D's design. The controls are simple and easy to use - I just think Canon should have taken more from the 1Ds. If you are a 20D user, you will probably welcome the familiarity of the layout.
I think more people will jump at the chance to pay half the price of a 1Ds than will be willing to pay twice the price of a 20D. It seems that this camera is not so much positioned between the 20D and the 1Ds as it is against the Kodak and Nikon DSLR's.
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3 out
of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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9
stars
Spectacular results...
by NomadIAM
on
September 30, 2007
Pros: Excellent picture quality especially at high ISO
Cons: Price can be a bit steep for the average Joe.
Summary: I have been using this camera for about 6 months and would be hard pressed to use a cropped camera. I grew up with fully manual 35mm SLR's with ...
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Summary: I have been using this camera for about 6 months and would be hard pressed to use a cropped camera. I grew up with fully manual 35mm SLR's with prime 50mm lens. I feel at home with this, if somewhat guilty with a 24-105L IS lens.
I'm sorry but there really isn't another body in the sub-pro category that comes close, except maybe the Nikon D200. It is likely a better built camera but has a cropped sensor and cannot compete in the noise department. If Nikon introduced a version of the D200 with a full frame sensor it might change the landscape, but for now we are blessed with the 5D. Ask anybody with a 20D through 40D what they would like Santa to bring them this holiday, and I suspect a few will tell a 5D.
I sometimes marvel at the photos this camera has produced in my hands. That's what it's all about right? A rating of 7.9 seems a little uninformed.
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2 out
of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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10
stars
Limited Review by CNet
by matthej3
on
May 20, 2007
Pros: Great Camera -- Unfounded Low Rating
Cons: The limitatoins on this camera are similar to others in the same class and are minimal inpact when looking at overall performance.
Summary: Hickey's review/rating while may have some accuracies is not balanced in the overall quality of the camera. His list of "gripes" may indicate some actual problems, but he ...
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Summary: Hickey's review/rating while may have some accuracies is not balanced in the overall quality of the camera. His list of "gripes" may indicate some actual problems, but he fails to put these minor limitations into perspective.
The reviews states ?Finally, it's worth noting that mediocre lenses will take a big bite out of the Canon EOS 5D's image-quality advantages.? A great camera will show the limitation of poor lenses. This is not a weakness of the camera as the review may indicate, but an indication of the excellence in collecting data to the point of showing the limitation of the lens. Think about it, do you want a camera where you can use an inferior lens and not see the imperfections? High quality lenses make a huge difference! This is like putting poor tires on a great sports car and stating it does not drive well.
I expect more from CNet.
For a much better review and actual lab test, results, and image examples go to dpreview.com for a responsible analysis.
Eamond Hickey, the reviewer of this camera also once worked for Nikon sales and marketing. The bias shows....
The editor?s choice that once belonged to this camera was moved to the Nikon D200.
Do your homework on the web and go beyond CNet. Great reviews exist that compare the Canon 5d and Nikon D200. Both great cameras, but only a responsible review would have a comparison between two great cameras and not indicate such a disparity between the two ratings.
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2 out
of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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9
stars
If you want full frame, and cant spend a ton, this camera is TOPS!
by directed
on
May 25, 2006
Pros: Full Frame Sensor! Excellent build quality. Light body. Great picture quality
Cons: Not weather-proof, some controls not intuitive, ISO not shown all the time
Summary: This camera is an excellent bargain, and the only direct competition it has is the nikon d200. If you are doing landscape, architectural or interior photography, ditch the Nikon and ...
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Summary: This camera is an excellent bargain, and the only direct competition it has is the nikon d200. If you are doing landscape, architectural or interior photography, ditch the Nikon and go with the Canon. The reason is the full-frame sensor will give you a lot wider angle shot from the same lense class. For me, in some settings there simply is not a good lense option for anything less than a full-frame sensor.
The editor review for this camera really confused me. He complains about the rubber cover for the flash sync, saying studio photographers will just rip it off. I do studio photography, and I find it no bother at all and very easy to remove.
I love how light and comfortable the camera is to use, and I find it fairly weather resistant, but in no way weather proof.
The viewfinder is VERY bright. This is extremely useful for focusing and using at night. Autofocusing is very quick and better than the Canon 20d in a noticeable way.
The drawbacks? You can't use EF-s lenses that you got with your 20d or rebel camera body, as they don't fill the full frame sensor with even lighting (no major problem, just get EF lenses). I wish the ISO, F stop and shutter speed were always displayed so I could see it. I wish mirror lock-up was easier to do. Other than that, this camera is absolutely great. Printing high-quality 16x20 prints off a small digital camera is very nice!
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2 out
of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Canon EOS 5D (body only)