Last Thursday, I got Canon's latest Eos 5D digital SLR on trial.
For a complicated bit of machinery, it's idiot-proof. I switched it on, pointed and started to shoot, just like a compact digital.
So far, I'm impressed (see one of the first shots I took on it below). It's noticeable the extra difference a bit of heavy camera architecture and a serious lens can make. (The Eos 5D also has 21 megapixels and full HD recording capability, which doesn't hurt.)
Now the bummer: it costs over €3,000, outside most people's price range. But it may well come down in price soon. Here's hoping.
"I switched it on, pointed and started to shoot, just like a compact digital."
Jaysus Adrian, you don't buy a Ferrari to drive in the slow lane...
Posted by: Gerard Cunningham | May 05, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Heh. You do if you want brilliant photos with no hassle, Gerard.
Why do they make automatic cars?
Posted by: Adrian | May 05, 2009 at 11:59 AM
For people who want the illusion of driving. :)
Seriously though, from the lowly foothills as a 450D owner, I can only dream of the control possible with a 5D. If you're going to review the camera, I'd be interested in knowing what the pluses and minuses are once you start twittling with all those controls Canon expect you to pay three grand for. Is 21M pixels really worth that much money? Is video shooting a reality yet, or still only a gimmick? Should anyone who uses Live View be taken out and shot?
Posted by: Gerard Cunningham | May 05, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Well, obviously yes. For a full review all of those things are of course relevant.
But not for a 'first impressions' blog post :)
Posted by: Adrian | May 05, 2009 at 02:01 PM
How can you say it's idiot proof if I haven't had an opportunity to try it. No one, I say again, no one can f**k electronics in a non malicious way like me. I will wager that if I were to borrow it, it would inexplicably be returned to you with jam in it.
Posted by: Jason O'Mahony | May 05, 2009 at 03:38 PM
I'm impatient dammit. This is the interweb age, I want my data now!
Posted by: Gerard Cunningham | May 06, 2009 at 08:40 AM
I'm sure there are a gazillion sites out there with reviews up already. I can't really compete with US (British) sites that get access to this kit well before they reacdh Ireland. So you'll just have to wait :)
Posted by: Adrian | May 06, 2009 at 04:40 PM
If I'm not mistaken, the lens hood is on backwards on that first shot :->
Smarty-pantses like me are great to have around, no?
Posted by: Mark Crowley | January 14, 2010 at 05:31 PM
This camera is a dream to work with in almost every way imaginable! The pictures are consistently amazing and true to what I intended to shoot; right down to exposure, color, etc.
Posted by: buy DSi R4 | January 20, 2010 at 10:26 AM