In February 2015, Canon announced the release of two new models, "EOS 5DS" and "EOS 5DS R", both boasting the highest pixel count in the EOS series. I will, in a series of four articles, unravel the appeal of the two cameras. (Photos by: Takashi Mochizuki, Reported by: Ryosuke Takahashi)

EOS 5DS R
Breath-taking Resolving Power in Depicting Fine Details

High Resolution Output through Low-pass Filter Effect Cancellation

In addition to the overwhelmingly high pixel count, the EOS 5DS R also delivers extremely high resolution output down to the details by cancelling the low-pass filter effect. In the example, every single eyelash of the subject is distinguishable, and the shapes of the leaves in the surroundings are also finely depicted. They illustrate how sharp images can be captured by cancelling the low-pass filter effect. At the same time, gradation reproduction is also excellent, as can be seen from the smooth transition in the tone of the dress and the skin. This camera is the ideal choice for those who are thoroughly particular about the resolving power when photographing natural landscapes or inside studios.

EOS 5DS R/ EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM/ FL: 35mm/ Manual exposure (1/15 sec., f/11)/ ISO 400/ WB: Color temperature (5,200K)/ Picture Style: Fine Detail

100% Magnification

Thanks to the ultra-high pixel count, the details do not turn out blurry even when you display the image at 100%. Despite photographing from this distance, I was amazed that every single eyelash of the subject remains distinguishable. The low-pass filter cancellation effect is far more powerful than expected.

EOS 5DS
Ultra－High Resolution Images that Usher in a New Era

Remarkable Dimensionality Reproduced by the Fine Pixels

The resolving power demonstrated by the EOS 5DS is breath-taking for a model that employs a low-pass filter. The photo in the example was taken in a studio with light sources controlled to a high degree. Despite the reduction in light, I am still amazed at how faithfully the skin texture and fine details are reproduced. The strong resolving power of the camera brings out the characteristics of the [Fine Detail] Picture Style, thus achieving unique expression with a clear focus amid the softness. Despite the relatively flat lighting, dimensionality is remarkably expressed, due to the fine pixels. This image quality is something I have never seen before on existing EOS cameras.

You can tell clearly the difference in the fineness between the wig and natural hair. Even the facial hair and thickness of the mascara are reproduced as though they were observed through a magnifying glass. The lens used was EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, which delivers a level of performance on par with the power of the camera's high pixel count. For fashion portraits, the EOS 5DS might be more advantageous, as false colours and moire effect are less likely to occur in the fabric of the clothing.

Creating Telephoto Effects Easily with the Crop Shooting Function

Compared to the original image, the effect of the Crop Shooting function in the different magnification settings is clearly noticeable. Needless to say, this feature comes in handy when you have difficulty moving close to the subject. Not only so, since the distance between the background and subject remains unchanged, you can continue to make good use of the bokeh effect created. Also, peripheral areas that are susceptible to aberrations are cropped, making it useful for pan-focus shots of landscapes. The resolution remains at about 20 megapixels in the 1.6x crop mode, so there is almost no deterioration in the image quality.

You can tell from the shooting data how far apart the camera is from the subject. The fact that details can be reproduced to this extent despite the distance is attributable to nothing other than the high pixel count. These are taken as continuous shots, but image blur caused by camera shake is not observable even at 1/250 second, making it a versatile feature usable too for outdoor photography.

* This article is created based on a trial model. Aspects such as the appearance and image quality may differ slightly from the actual product.