Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Semi-Pro DSLR category, introduced by Canon. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are EOS 5D and EOS 5D Mark III. Both products that we are going to review are equipped with the same type of sensor - CMOS. However, they have different resolution. Thus, Canon EOS 5D comes with a 13.0 MP CMOS sensor, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark III features a 22.0 MP CMOS sensor.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 5D Mark III.
Canon EOS 5D Key Features:
Canon EOS 5D Mark III Key Features:
Since Canon EOS 5D has been around for some time, it was substituted by Canon 5D MII.
Timelapse Recording | Yes vs No | Creative shooting |
Weight | 895 g vs 950 g | 55 g lighter |
Wireless Connectivity | Optional vs No | Better connectivity |
Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
Sensor Resolution | 22.0 MP vs 13.0 MP | 40.9% more pixels |
Continuous Shooting | 6 fps vs 3 fps | 3 fps faster |
Number Of Focus Points | 61 vs 9 | 52 more focus points |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes vs No | Very handy for portraits |
Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 2.5″ | 0.7" larger screen |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots vs 230k dots | 77.9% higher resolution screen |
Battery Life | 950 shots vs 400 shots | 550 more frames with a single charge |
Dxo Color Depth | 24 vs 22.9 | Better color depth |
Dxo Dynamic Range | 11.7 vs 11.1 | Better dynamic range |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 2293 vs 1368 | Better High ISO performance |
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
Continuous Shooting | 3.0 fps | 6.0 fps | Low continuous shooting |
Built-In Flash | No | No | No built-in flash |
Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 5D Mark III from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Canon EOS 5D is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 55g less than the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 5D Mark III any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Canon EOS 5D features a 13.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor and boasts of a Digic II processor . Canon EOS 5D Mark III, in its turn, comes with a 22.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 5D Mark III by the size of their sensors.
Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 5D Mark III are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 5D Mark III in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Canon EOS 5D | Canon EOS 5D Mark III |
---|---|---|
Portrait Photography |
|
|
Street Photography |
|
|
Sports Photography |
|
|
Daily Photography |
|
|
Landscape Photography |
|
|
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Canon EOS 5D or Canon EOS 5D Mark III, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 5D Mark III here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Canon EOS 5D Mark III deserves a higher Total Score than the Canon EOS 5D. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Canon EOS 5D | Canon EOS 5D Mark III | |
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand | Canon | Canon |
Model | EOS 5D | EOS 5D Mark III |
Announced | Nov 12, 2005 | May 22, 2012 |
Body Type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | Full frame | Full frame |
Sensor Dimensions | 36 x 24 mm | 36 x 24 mm |
Sensor Area | 864.00 mm2 | 864.00 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 13.0 MP | 22.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 4368 x 2912 | 5760 x 3840 |
Max Native ISO | 3,200 | 25,600 |
Max Boosted ISO | n/a | 102,400 |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
Number of Lenses | 256 | 256 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 1x | 1x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 9 | 61 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | 41 |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Size | 2.5″ | 3.2″ |
Screen Resolution | 230k dots | 1,040k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 96% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.71 | 0.71 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 3.0 fps | 6.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 0 | 0 |
Flash Modes | External | no built-in flash |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 71 | 81 |
DxO Color Depth | 22.9 | 24.0 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 11.1 | 11.7 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 1368 | 2293 |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | n/a | 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps fps), 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps) |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | |
Video Formats | n/a | H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 895 g | 950 g |
Physical Dimensions | 152 x 113 x 75 mm | 152 x 116 x 76 mm |
Battery Life | 400 shots | 950 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | BP-511A | LP-E6 |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Optional | |
Storage Type | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | Compact Flash Type I (UDMA compatible), SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage Slots | 1 | 2 |
Most popular cameras