Canon today unveiled two new flagship EOS cameras — the full-frame EOS 5DS R and EOS 5DS. The 50.6MP cameras pack a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 6 image processors — the highest image resolution ever in Canon’s DSLR family to date. Canon also introduced an all-new 4K camcorder series, kicking off with the XC10.
The new dynamic duo
The EOS 5DS R and EOS 5DS are well-built, with quality synonymous with Canon’s line of award-winning EOS cameras. The magnesium alloy body weighs in at 845g (body only) and feature reinforced internal chassis to improve durability and rigidity.
While image resolution isn’t the end all when it comes to cameras, 50.6MP is still a huge deal. This is by far the biggest, and highest resolution full-frame CMOS sensor in Canon’s history of EOS cameras. Higher resolution means images can be dramatically trimmed and cropped and yet retain optimum quality and details for oversized prints.
Super fast Dual DIGIC 6 image processors in the EOS 5DS R and EOS 5DS deliver high-speed readout capability and maximum continuous shooting speed of 5fps. A new noise reduction algorithm also helps in its sensing capabilities.
There’s also 1.3x and 1.6x cropped shooting modes which allow you to capture high-quality images at 30.5MP at 1.3x and 19.6MP at 1.6x.
In the focusing department, the AF system is a 61-point high-density reticular AF on par with the venerable EOS 5D Mark III and professional EOS-1DX. A newly developed mirror vibration control system ensures steady, sharp shots even if you have shaky hands.
The EOS 5DS R has an Optical Low-Pass Filter cancellation (LPF) that cancels out aliasing effects, translating to more detailed and sharp images, while the EOS 5DS reduces moire effects using the optical LPF.
Both cameras have an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 50 and 12800). The cameras also shoot in Full HD 30p.
New vidcam on the block
A surprise addition today was the XC10, Canon’s first in a new series of video camcorders, supporting 4K resolution. The shockingly lightweight camera is made for professional and advanced amateur videographers.
The impressive 4K resolution is made possible with four newly-developed Canon technologies — a high-sensitivity 1.0-inch CMOS sensor, a 4K video lens offering 10x optical zoom, a high-performance DIGIC DV 5 imaging platform and the proprietary XF-AVC video format.
The XF-AVC looks to be the main competitor to the new H.265 video codec (used on new cameras like the Samsung NX1). As the XF-AVC format uses an MP4/H.264 wrapper, it may have better compatibility with existing workflows.
In addition to the new video format, the XC10 uses Infra Frame 4K video compression which hits a 305Mbps bit rate. This is a high-data compression format that reduces data volume without loss of image quality.
The XC10 is capable of capturing high-resolution stills too, thanks to its approximately 12MP 1.0-inch CMOS sensor. It delivers a maximum ISO speed of 20000 and comes with a mechanical shutter that eliminates rolling shutter skew, even when capturing subjects moving at high speed.
It comes with dual-slot for memory expansion, supporting both CFast and SD cards. It also comes integrated with Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz bands.
Get social with Canon
Canon also launched “Your Life with Canon” (YLWC), an online platform exclusively for Canon camera users. Registered users get to enjoy exclusive member privileges and rewards including extended warranty services, earning loyalty points, redeem limited edition merchandise, enjoy special promos and offers as well as get invites to privately organised Canon events.
The platform will also feature a forum where users can share, learn and improve their camera skills from experienced users and professionals.
Pricing and availability
The Canon EOS 5DS R and EOS 5DS will be available in Malaysia from end June 2015. The EOS 5DS retails for RM13,999 (incl. GST) and the EOS 5DS R is priced at RM14,999 (incl. GST). The XC-10 pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.
