Canon has done a wonderful, wonderful job on this camera. They have finally made full-framed digital photography “affordable.” Yes, it is still kind of expensive, but on a relative scale, it is a steal. I have had the chance to compare the 1DS MK II with this camera, and there is very little difference in image quality… definately not $4000 worth of image quality difference. The camera is surprisingly fast.

I have had no problems with the focusing “searching,” or anything. And the new focusing system in this camera works very well in the dark… again, not much difference between this and either of the MK II’s. Yes, it is bigger than the 20D, but it’s size does give the user a sense of weight and stability in the camera. It’s very comfortable and the battery back makes a good amount of difference. It makes the camera look bigger (all photographers know that the bigger the camera, the better it must be…) and it gives the user extra stability because of the weight. The new screen makes all the difference in the world!!! It is everything Canon says, and more. It is bright, colorful, and yes… it does allow 170 degrees of viewing pleasure.

Those 2.5 inches are like an oasis on the back of a camera. The ISO quality is amazing. It outperforms my 1D MK II at ISO’s above 400, inside. In the daylight, I see no real difference in image quality between the 8mp MK II and the 13 mp 5D. But, once you move inside and shoot at those higher ISO’s, then the benefits to full-framed sensors comes out and you realize why you just spent 3.5 grand on a camera.

The full frame makes all the differene in the world for image quality, digital noise and view finder brightness. As for the “pciture style” function, I am not to sure if that makes a huge differece. I am not complaining about it, but I dont really use it. It gives me a lot more options, which is nice, but its just another menu to mess with. That stuff should all be taken care of in post production… Canon has hit the mark. It is worth every penny and I suggest that everyone should go out and get one.

Strengths:
2.5 inch screen definately makes a difference in viewing you’re photographs.
Much brighter and gives your images an extra punch for onlookers at a shoot.
The Full frame is a must for wideangle photography.

Dynamic range is great.
Low noise at higher ISO.
Excellent AF. Full frame sensor in a light, and Lightweight.

Weaknesses:
Frame rate is slow (though this is not intended as a sports camera).
They took away the A-DEP setting.

Similar Products Used:
D30, D60, 10D, 20D, ID MK II, IDS MK II, D100.