What happens when we employ the 50.6-megapixel EOS 5DS at a photo-shooting site for advertisements? In the following article, we have created a simulation of an advertisement photo shoot that is as close as possible to the actual situation. We cooperated with flower artist Nicolai Bergmann, and carried out the shoot at his flower shop using a scenario with him playing the main character. Let us take a look at the performance of the EOS 5DS under such conditions. (Edited by: COMMERCIAL PHOTO)

Comparing the resolving power of the EOS 5DS and EOS 5D Mark III

First of all, enlarge the sample image above. You will find that the flowers and plants basking in the gentle morning sunlight that shines through the large window, as well as Mr. Bergmann's facial expression, are all depicted with a refreshing and youthful feel.

For comparison, we have also taken an identical shot using the 22.3-megapixel EOS 5D Mark III. While the image produced by the EOS 5D Mark III is no doubt beautiful, when we enlarge the image and compare the details such as the subject's facial expression, the difference between the 50-megapixel and the 20-megapixel class is evident.

EOS 5DS

Horizontal: 8688px　Vertical: 5792px (*Original data size)

EOS 5DS/ EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM/ Aperture-priority (f/8.0, 1/6 sec.)/ ISO 200/ WB: 5300K/ Picture Style: Fine Detail (Photo by: Akihiko Nagumo, Hair & Makeup: Daisuke Seki)

This is the uncropped version of the sample shot taken using the EOS 5DS. The pixel count is about 1.5 times more (both vertically and horizontally) compared to the image captured by the EOS 5D Mark III below. Taking into consideration its use for large advertisement prints, I chose a composition that looks natural both in a wide-angle perspective as well as when cropped to create a close-up effect. In addition to natural light, I also made use of an HMI light as the light source. I set the ISO speed to ISO 200 to eliminate any possible camera shake that would cause the subject to turn out blurry, and the resulting image quality was good.

EOS 5D Mark III

Horizontal: 5760px　Vertical: 3840px (*Original data size)

* The shooting settings are the same as those used on the EOS 5DS.

Upper body of the subject, cropped from the main picture and placed side by side for comparison. The resolution of the cropped image is 360ppi for the EOS 5DS and 240ppi for the EOS 5D Mark III. Notice that for the EOS 5DS example, the facial features, hair, skin details and outline of the subject's face remain clearly resolved even when the image is enlarged to the above size.

Here, I cropped away the peripheral areas to feature the plant at the centre of the image. The EOS 5DS produces a lively depiction of the glossy, dark-coloured leaf, adding dimensionality to the image.

When we crop the images captured by the two cameras so that they are the same size onscreen, the magnification ratio of the EOS 5D Mark III is about 1.5 times higher. Of course, the image captured by the EOS 5D Mark III can be enlarged for use, but the difference is evident when we compare it with that of the EOS 5DS. Not only is the resolution of the EOS 5DS good enough for magazines and catalogues, it is also capable of producing high-quality images for the production of B0-size posters (1030×1456mm).

With a resolution of 50 megapixels supported on DSLR cameras, we can now enjoy greater versatility in photography. In the past, we had to take factors such as the location and timing of the shoot into consideration, resulting in dilemmas such as whether or not to give priority to pixel count over mobility and use a medium-format camera instead. However, with the introduction of the EOS 5DS, we are now able to have both mobility as well as high resolution.