Canon EOS 5DS

Canon released this full-frame DSLR in 2015 with one defining idea: resolution. The 50.6 megapixel sensor records fine detail, and the resulting files tolerate heavy cropping.

That high resolution suits deliberate subjects such as landscapes, architecture, studio and product work, especially when the camera is supported. The five fps maximum burst rate and absence of in-body stabilisation make careful technique more important for action or handheld low-light work.

Carrying it is a commitment. At 930 g, it is a large body in the traditional DSLR mould, with an optical pentaprism viewfinder and Canon EF lens mount.

The 50.6 megapixel count is the defining feature. Files from this full-frame CMOS sensor hold enough detail for very large prints and leave room to crop tightly while keeping resolution to spare. A good optics score of 73 reflects that strength, and the camera sits in the top 19% of cameras in our database for Optics.

Dual Digic 6 processors handle the camera's image data, while 61 autofocus points offer many placement positions. The 1/8000 s maximum shutter speed can help with wide apertures in bright light. The five fps figure is a maximum burst rate rather than a sustained-speed promise.

Sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to 6400. At the low end, ISO 100 suits bright or controlled light. The upper limit gives less setting headroom when light falls.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so slow-shutter work may need steady technique, a stabilised lens or a tripod. The optical pentaprism viewfinder provides a direct optical view while you compose.

The movie side is simple. Full HD is the maximum resolution and 30 fps is the top frame rate, with footage recorded in the MOV format. That covers interviews, product clips and standard web video, but there is no 4K here, and the modest video score of 57 reflects that ceiling.

The listed 30 fps rate suits ordinary-speed recording of interviews, product clips and everyday scenes. Full HD remains the main resolution limit when motion work needs more editing or delivery headroom.

Editing and storage stay manageable. Full HD files are smaller than higher-resolution footage would be, which eases card and drive demands on long shoots.

A built-in timelapse function is a genuine movie extra, letting you create frame sequences without buying an external intervalometer.

The 3.2 inch TFT LCD carries 1,040,000 dots, which is plenty for judging focus and detail during playback and live view.

It is a fixed screen with no touch control. There is no tapping to set focus points and no flip-out framing for overhead or low-angle shots, so you compose through the optical viewfinder or move yourself instead.

Weather sealing helps guard the body against dust and moisture in the field.

There is no built-in flash, though external flash units are supported for additional lighting. Wireless connectivity is absent, with neither Wi-Fi nor Bluetooth, and there is no built-in GPS receiver. Missing Bluetooth and touch input help keep the features score modest at 59.

Two card slots accept SD, SDHC and SDXC cards with UHS-I support alongside Compact Flash, so you can keep using whichever card system you already own. When 50 megapixel files are filling cards, that flexibility matters, and it feeds a good storage and battery score of 65.

The LP-E6 battery is rated at 700 shots per charge. Treat that as a guide rather than an all-day promise, since endurance varies with settings and use, and pack a spare for full days.

USB charging is unavailable, so plan battery charging between sessions. Carrying a charged LP-E6 spare also helps on longer trips.