Canon EOS 5D
Announced August 22, 2005
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon 5D is a full-frame DSLR that delivers rich, film-like image quality and a bright, expansive viewfinder. Although it lacks modern conveniences like Live View, high-resolution screens, and advanced weather sealing, it remains a highly regarded tool for photographers who prioritize core photographic performance.
Weighted from 15 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image quality with rich colors and low noise
- Solid, ergonomic magnesium alloy build
- Large, bright full-frame viewfinder
- Intuitive button layout and simple operation
- Long battery life
Cons
- Inconsistent white balance and autofocus performance
- Slow continuous shooting and data transfer speeds
- Lack of weather sealing and integrated image stabilization
- Issues with lens-specific aberrations and vignetting
- Low-resolution LCD screen lacking Live View
- Launch price $3,299 (USD)
- Sensor 12.7MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video No video
- Stabilization None
- Burst 3 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 15 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The EOS 5D is a fantastic photographic tool which is capable of producing really excellent results. [...] [T]o anyone looking for the ‘purity’ of full frame (and a Canon mount) the EOS 5D would be absolutely Highly Recommended.
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Whichever category you personally fall into, at Cameralabs we believe it’s a very important product which deserved an extended review period.
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The rugged body is composed of a magnesium alloy and stainless steel chassis (including the optional BG-E4 Battery Grip). Although this is not a dust and weather sealed design, the feel is solid and sure.
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If the idea of having a camera with a sensor the same size as 35mm film is just too much for you to resist, at any price, then the Canon EOS 5D is clearly for you.
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It's not cheap, but the fullframe EOS 5D delivers consistently fantastic images, even in poor lighting.
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Ultimately, it’s my view that if you’re looking for a cheap entrance into the world of full frame DSLRs, you can’t beat the Canon 5D Classic in terms of image quality, lens selection, and catching an outright bargain.
- CNET 7.9/10
A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor, the Canon EOS 5D delivers great images and the familiar 35mm-film-format shooting experience for a comparatively low (though still hefty) price.
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Following our period of evaluation with the Canon EOS 5D, we can fully confirm that the camera is indeed all it’s slated to be. [...] Other than a disappointing LCD screen and limited x-sync, the EOS 5D is about all consumers can ask for at a retail price of $3299.
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The Canon 5D was the world's best portrait and landscape camera for under $8,000 in its day, and today, still a steal. The images look fantastic, and it runs forever on a single charge.
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If you need (or just want) a full frame DSLR, I suspect that deal on the current 5D (maybe with the 24-105/4L IS) is about as good as you'll get anytime soon.
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I have had such an educational experience with my brief encounter with the Canon 5D original. [...] But photography is not about using the latest, best, fastest and most powerful camera.
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Compared to this, those cameras really blow it out the water, maybe not so much with the Canon 5D Mark I, but if you're looking for a budget full frame camera then this is really the only option you've got, secondhand 5D.
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This is the Canon 5D, the original 5D, the 5D classic as many people call it, and while this thing is almost 20 years old, I still consider it maybe the greatest camera of all time.
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I've loved it, and it's really helped me out creatively.
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If you shoot weddings for a living, the Canon EOS 5D is all you need. It is quiet enough in the church shots, the dynamic range is excellent, it is quick with a large buffer and as I mentioned, the image quality is up there with medium format, no doubt about it.
