CameraReview

Canon EOS 90D vs Canon EOS 5DS — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Canon EOS 90D
Canon
Canon EOS 90D
DSLR · 33 MP · APS-C · 4K video
67
SCORE
$929.75
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✓ WINNER
Canon EOS 5DS
Canon
Canon EOS 5DS
DSLR · 50.6 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
69
SCORE
$899.95
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General
Brand CanonCanon
Model 90DEOS 5DS
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20192015
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
28/10/201906/02/2015
Camera type DSLRDSLR
Camera size 141 x 105 x 77 mm152 x 116 x 76 mm
Camera weight 701 g930 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
33 MP05050.6 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6960 x 46408688 x 5792
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
22.3 x 14.924 x 36
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CFull Frame
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
10 fps0455 fps045
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon EF/EF-SCanon EF
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Digic 8Dual Digic 6
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
25600300328000064003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
100302005030200
Max ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
512003003280000123003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000800080032000
Autofocus points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
450300610300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dots N/AN/A
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4KFull HD
Max video format
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
3840 x 21601920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
120 fps30 fps
Timelapse built in
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video file format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4, H.264MOV
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type LCDTFT LCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3"3.2"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1040000115000150000010400001150001500000
Flip screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E6NLP-E6
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
1300 shots1505000700 shots1505000
USB charging

The Canon EOS 5DS outperforms the Canon EOS 90D with a score of 69 to 67. Both are DSLR cameras, launched in 2015 and 2019 respectively. They share common specifications, such as camera type and similar dimensions. However, the 5DS is heavier at 930g compared to the 90D’s 701g.

The EOS 5DS’s higher score indicates its superiority in certain aspects. On the other hand, the EOS 90D has advantages too, such as a lower launch price of $1199 compared to the 5DS’s $3700, and a lighter body, making it more portable.

Taking these factors into account, the EOS 5DS may be a better choice for those seeking higher performance, while the EOS 90D could be more suitable for budget-conscious and on-the-go photographers.

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 5DS Overview and Optics

The Canon EOS 5DS outperforms the Canon EOS 90D in optics with a score of 73/100 compared to the 90D’s 62/100. Both cameras share common specifications such as the CMOS sensor type, Canon lens mounts, and lack of image stabilization. However, there are key differences that put the 5DS ahead of the 90D in terms of optics.

The winning camera, the EOS 5DS, boasts a higher megapixel count of 50.6, compared to the 90D’s 33 megapixels. This allows the 5DS to capture more detail and produce higher resolution images. The 5DS also has a full-frame sensor, which contributes to better low-light performance and increased dynamic range. Additionally, the 5DS has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 87, indicating superior overall image quality in comparison to the 90D’s score of 58.

On the other hand, the EOS 90D has a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second, as opposed to the 5DS’s 5 frames per second. This makes the 90D more suitable for action and sports photography. The 90D also features a newer processor, the Digic 8, while the 5DS utilizes the older Dual Digic 6 processor.

Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS 5DS is the superior camera in terms of optics, offering higher resolution, better low-light performance, and improved image quality. However, the Canon EOS 90D’s faster shooting speed and newer processor make it a better choice for photographers who prioritize capturing fast-moving subjects. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and priorities of the photographer.

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 5DS Video Performance

The Canon EOS 90D outperforms the Canon EOS 5DS in video capabilities, scoring 91/100 compared to the 5DS’s score of 57/100. Both cameras share some common features, including time-lapse functionality built in. However, the EOS 90D has a clear advantage in other aspects.

The EOS 90D offers a max video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, while the 5DS only provides Full HD video resolution with dimensions of 1920 x 1080. This means that the EOS 90D captures videos with higher quality and detail, making it the better choice for videographers and content creators.

In addition to the resolution, the EOS 90D also has a higher max video frame rate at 120fps, compared to the 5DS’s 30fps. The higher frame rate allows for smoother footage and better slow-motion capabilities, giving the EOS 90D an edge in capturing fast-paced action or creating cinematic effects.

Though the EOS 5DS falls short in resolution and frame rate, it still offers time-lapse functionality, making it suitable for capturing scenes that change gradually over time, such as sunsets or the growth of plants. However, this feature is also present in the EOS 90D, which further solidifies its superiority in video capabilities.

Considering the significant difference in video scores and the advantages in resolution, dimensions, and frame rate, the Canon EOS 90D is the better choice for those prioritizing video capabilities. The EOS 5DS may still be suitable for specific time-lapse projects, but the 90D provides greater versatility and quality in video performance.

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 5DS Features and Benefits

The Canon EOS 90D outperforms the Canon EOS 5DS with a feature score of 83/100, compared to the 5DS’s score of 59/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as a screen size of 3 inches for the 90D and 3.2 inches for the 5DS, as well as the same screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots. Neither camera has GPS capabilities.

The EOS 90D has various advantages over the EOS 5DS. The 90D’s screen is a touchscreen, while the 5DS lacks this feature. In addition to this, the 90D has a flip screen, which the 5DS does not have. The 90D also includes WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity, making it more versatile and user-friendly than the 5DS, which does not have either of these features.

On the other hand, the EOS 5DS does not have any significant advantages over the EOS 90D in terms of features. The slightly larger screen size of the 5DS does not outweigh the benefits of the 90D’s touchscreen, flip screen, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities.

Taking all these points into consideration, the Canon EOS 90D is the clear winner in terms of features. Its touchscreen, flip screen, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities make it a more user-friendly and versatile option compared to the Canon EOS 5DS, which lacks these features. The 5DS does not offer any notable advantages over the 90D, making it a less attractive choice for photographers looking for a camera with advanced features.

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 5DS Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS 5DS outperforms the Canon EOS 90D in storage and battery, scoring 65/100 as opposed to the 90D’s 48/100. Both cameras have compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, but the 5DS also accepts Compact Flash cards and has a significant advantage with two memory card slots, compared to the 90D’s single slot. This provides more storage flexibility and backup options for the 5DS.

However, the 90D has a longer battery life of 1300 shots, while the 5DS manages 700 shots. This means the 90D is able to capture more images before needing a battery replacement. Both cameras use LP-E6 series batteries and lack USB charging capabilities.

Despite the 90D’s extended battery life, the 5DS’s superior storage options make it the better choice in this comparison. The additional memory card slot and compatibility with Compact Flash cards give the 5DS an edge in versatility and reliability for professional photographers.

Alternatives to the Canon EOS 90D and EOS 5DS

Canon EOS 90D vs EOS 5DS Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 90D or the Canon EOS 5DS: