The Canon 5D series is a line of professional-grade digital DSLR cameras that are known for their high-quality image sensors, robust construction, and versatile features.
My 5D History
I bought my first one, the 5D, at Focus on Imaging in 2006 – it was at the NEC Birmingham, and a fair jump from my Canon 10D which I was using before.
When I took the plunge to go professional in 2010, it was the 5D mark 1 which I used for the first few years. It was fine – did everything needed and everyone loved the images.
I bought the Mark 2 when one of the Mark 1’s was looking a bit tired – then the Mark 3 a couple of years after it came out. Finally, when the 4 came out, I got it straight away, at full price, because of the amazing RAW files it makes. HDR was almost redundant.
I’ve been using the 5D mark 4’s ever since – they are incredibly well-equipped for all my photography needs. Automatic focus stacking is the only thing I would find a useful upgrade!
A potted Canon 5D history
I’ve had a dig around for a quote as well as some of the main groundbreaking features each iteration brought
Canon 5D (2005) – This was the first camera in the 5D series and was notable for its full-frame 12.8-megapixel CMOS sensor, which was one of the largest sensors available at the time. It also introduced the DIGIC II image processor and was the first Canon DSLR to offer a Live View feature.
Quote: “The Canon 5D is an excellent camera, and I’ve been using it for over two years. The image quality is stunning, and the colors are true and vibrant.” – David Noton, professional landscape photographer.
Canon 5D Mark II (2008) – This camera was a landmark in the industry for being the first DSLR to offer full 1080p HD video recording, which revolutionized the way photographers and videographers could capture and share their work. It also featured a 21.1-megapixel full-frame sensor and a larger 3-inch LCD screen.
Quote: “The Canon 5D Mark II is a game changer for me. It’s the perfect combination of a high-resolution stills camera and a full-featured HD video camera.” – Vincent Laforet, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and filmmaker.
Canon 5D Mark III (2012) – This camera introduced several key features that made it a significant upgrade over its predecessor, including a new 61-point autofocus system, improved high-ISO performance, and a larger 3.2-inch LCD screen. It also had better weather sealing and durability, making it a more robust camera for professional use.
Quote: “The Canon 5D Mark III is a true workhorse of a camera. The improved autofocus system and high-ISO performance make it a great choice for shooting in a variety of conditions.” – Joe McNally, renowned photographer and author.
Canon 5D Mark IV (2016) – This camera marked a significant upgrade in several areas, including a new 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, Dual Pixel autofocus system, and 4K video recording. It also had improved dynamic range and better noise reduction, making it a more versatile camera for a wide range of shooting situations.
Quote: “The Canon 5D Mark IV is an incredible camera that has exceeded my expectations in every way. The image quality is exceptional, and the autofocus system is incredibly fast and accurate.” – Lindsay Adler, fashion photographer and educator.
In summary, the Canon 5D series has been a landmark line of cameras in the professional photography world, with each new iteration breaking new ground and introducing significant new features. From the full-frame sensor of the original 5D to the groundbreaking video capabilities of the Mark II to the improved autofocus and dynamic range of the Mark IV, each camera has been praised by professional photographers for its quality and versatility.
I assume that the mark 4 will be the last in the line of DSLR 5D cameras, though the name lives on with the mirrorless Canon R5 – which is a massively powerful camera in a far more compact body. Maybe this is the way forward – but the 5D series has been my trusty go-to tool for every photo I have taken since 2006! I hope a mark 5 comes out….
