Features
4. Features
As you can see in the table below, not counting the older Digital Rebel (300D) and 20D, Canon currently offers six EOS digital SLRs. Only two of these have full frame sensors, the 12.8 MP 5D and the 16.7 MP 1Ds Mark II.
| Camera | Effective Megapixels | Size H x W x D (body only, no lens or battery) | Weight
(body only) |
Street Price (06/13/06) | Continuous Shooting (Frames/ Second) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Rebel XT (350D) | 8 | 3.7 x 5 x 2.7"
9.4 x 12.7 x 6.9cm |
17.1 oz | $750 | 3 |
| 30D | 8.2 | 4.2 x 5.6 x 2.9"
10.6 x 14.4 x 7.4cm |
24.7 oz | $1,350 | 5 |
| 5D | 12.8 | 4.4 x 6 x 3"
11.7 x 15.2 x 7.6cm |
28.6 oz | $2,900 | 3 |
| 1D Mark II N | 8.2 | 6.2 x 6.1 x 3.1"
15.8 x 15.5 x 7.9cm |
43.2 | $3,650 | 8.5 |
| 1Ds Mark II | 16.7 | 6.2 x 6.1 x 3.1"
15.8 x 15.5 x 7.9cm |
42.9 | $6,700 | 4 |
What accounts for the price difference between the 5D and the 1Ds Mark II? Well, first there's that 4 MP difference in sensor resolution. Those extra megapixels with the right kind of noise reduction can produce images with a higher resolution than fine grained 35mm film. Of course the 5D's lower pixel count (fewer pixels stuffed onto the full size sensor) means less hassle with noise reduction. That saves Canon some money.
To understand pricing differences, you also have to understand differences between the two Mark II cameras. They are actually very, very similar. The major difference is that the 1D Mark II N has half the pixels of the 1Ds Mark II. While the 1Ds Mark II has a full size sensor with a magnification factor of 1.0x, the 1D Mark II N has a relatively low magnification factor of 1.3x. If you were to up that camera's sensor to full size, you could plop about 12.8 MP on it. So, though the 5D doesn't have the all of the bells and whistles of the 1D Mark II N, it does have the same pixel density, though it can only capture 3 frames per second compared to the 1D Mark II's 8.4 and the 1Ds Mark II's 4.
What else distinguishes the 5D from the 1D and 1Ds Mark II cameras? The major remaining difference is in body design and sealing. The 5D is based more on the very popular 8.2 MP Canon 20D than the Mark II line. It's smaller and lighter than the Mark IIs. It's body is made from a magnesium alloy. While the Mark II cameras also use a magnesium alloy, they are totally ruggedized and sealed against dust, dirt and water, making them especially well suited to the demands of professional photographers.
Some reviewers have already expressed concerns about the 5D's vulnerability in less friendly environments. During my tests I found no serious problems, but I didn't drag the camera through the back waters of the Amazon River.
Three Canon digital SLRs (from front to back) Digital Rebel XT, 5D and the 1D Mark II
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