There is a one-day sale on SanDisk memory cards, SSD’s, and USB memory devices today at site-affiliate B&H Photo.
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Canon EOS 5DsR/5Ds: My Experience
These days I use the Canon EOS 5DsR for much of my photography — particularly my landscape, nature, wildlife, and long-exposure night photography. Since people often ask me about the camera, I have decided to offer this write-up. I’ll try to cover some things about the camera that work well for me, acknowledge one or two very small issues, and consider the kinds of photographers for whom it (or its twin, the Canon EOS 5Ds) might be a great choice. (This isn’t the first time I’ve written about aspects of this camera’s performance, and I have included a list of some of my other posts near the end of this article.)
The 5Ds and 5DsR are both 51 megapixel (MP) full frame DSLR bodies from Canon. They currently provide the highest sensor resolution available from a full frame digital camera and, as such, are targeted to photographers who need particularly high image resolution and who will photograph and post-process in ways that provide this. The 5DsR cancels the effect of the anti-aliasing filter found in the 5Ds — more on that subject below.
It is probably fair to say that the main attraction of these cameras is that high-resolution sensor, a fact that might lead some photographers to ask whether or not they will be able to take advantage of the high-resolution. Compared to earlier 5D-series cameras, the 5Ds/5DsR provide some other improvements, too. The autofocus (AF) system has been updated, noise handling is very good, and the camera produces high dynamic range files that can be pushed and pulled quite a bit in post. Some updates have been made to the hardware and software interface of the camera, too.
Sensor Resolution
There is no question that these cameras can produce very high-resolution images. Photographers who work carefully and who make very large prints will be pleased. I have made test prints equivalent to 30″ x 45″ prints that look very good and it is possible to go even larger. However, before you jump at the highest resolution full frame camera purely on the basis of higher resolution, you should ask yourself a few serious questions. Continue reading Canon EOS 5DsR/5Ds: My Experience
Reader Question: Sony Versus Fujifilm
6/28/16: Slightly updated on 6/28/16 to reflect my acquisition of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 (B&H | Adorama) and a few other things.
Today I am sharing another reader question and my response. This one came from “Greg” in a response to a post on my Facebook page:
Hi Dan, have heard good things about the Fuji cameras. Have also heard good things about the SONY cameras. Both are mirrorless, but the SONY is a full-frame while the Fuji is APC/1.5X. Is there a reason you would choose the Fuji over the SONY – you indicated in the article you have been using the X-Pro1 and will be moving up to the X-Pro2… Illuminate me on the subject
That is a great subject to consider, Greg. Both Sony and Fujifilm are making some very fine mirrorless cameras these days, but for my purposes the Fujifilm is a better fit than, say, the Sony a7R II full frame mirrorless camera that Greg is thinking of. (Small correction: I have not been using the X-Pro1. I have used the X-E1 for the past three years and I now use the X-Pro2.)
Before I explain, I must acknowledge that the Sony is an excellent body, and another photographer may well find it to be the best choice for his/her needs. The Sony a7R II is, as you point out, a full frame body and the current version has a 42MP sensor rather than a 24MP sensor. The sensor is known for its low noise and excellent dynamic range. Sony has some native lenses, but lots of folks are using their Sony cameras with a range of third party lenses, including those from their Canon and (now) Nikon DSLRs.
So, with all of those positives, why Fujifilm? Continue reading Reader Question: Sony Versus Fujifilm
New Fujifilm X-Pro2 — and X-Pro1 Discounts
Fujifilm announced the new X-Pro2 digital mirrorless camera today., The announcement provides very interesting opportunities for photographers — one being the new camera itself and the other being an extraordinary low price on its predecessor, the X-Pro1. (The X-Pro2 is now available for pre-order at B&H.)
The New X-Pro2
The X-Pro2 is the updated successor to XPro1. The newer camera will feature:
- A compact rangefinder style mirrorless design
- 24 MP 1.5x cropped format sensor
- Improved autofocus capabilities
- A hybrid optical-electronic viewfinder
- Manual controls for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, more
- Wifi equipped
- …and more
- Body-only price is $1699 — preordering now available..
The X-Pro2 is now available for pre-order at B&H. I’m almost certain to upgrade to the X-Pro2 from the X-E1 that has been my primary street and travel photography camera for the past three years. (The current updated equivalent of my camera is the X-E2.) Since I’m sold on the Fujifilm system — bodies and lenses — the X-Pro2 will bring features that I’ve wanted for some time.
(See a Fujifilm press release for the X-Pro2.)
The Old X-Pro1
The announcement of the X-Pro2 brings a very special opportunity for folks who could use the X-Pro1. The X-Pro1 provides
- The same compact rangefinder design
- An excellent 16MP 1.5x cropped format sensor
- A hybrid optical-electronic viewfinder
- … and more
- a very low price of $499 for the body-only!
While the X-Pro2 most certainly brings useful advances, the X-Pro1 is also a fine camera, and at this very low $499 price (it was originally $1299) it is a tremendous bargain right now. If you poke around a bit at the B&H website, you can find it with a lens for $699.
Other New Fujifilm Gear
Fujifilm also announced several other new products including…
- XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens — This lens is designed to compete with the popular 80-400mm and 100-400mm lenses from Canon and Nikon.
- X-E2s Mirrorless Digital Camera — This updates the popular X-E1 camera, improving the autofocus system, among other things. This camera is a great deal at only $699.95.
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One More Thing
Regarding Fujifilm cameras, a quotation from Fuji X-series senior product manager Takashi Ueno in the British Journal of Photography says a lot:
“We are in a very good position to make a medium format camera, as we make camera bodies, sensors and lenses. We already make the lenses for Hasselblad, so we have that expertise.”
- Fujifilm, a company with a history of producing some excellent medium format film cameras, is becoming more open about their interest in medium format digital. (Note that they have not actually announced a product. Yet.)
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If you have wondered why those of us using the Fujifilm system are so enthusiastic about the beautiful Fujifilm lenses, re-read the quote if you missed it the first time and note whose lenses they currently make.
BJP article here, with the medium format discussion on page 2.