Canon produce the next generation 35mm full frame CMOS sensor for use in the EOS 5D. This allows for wide lenses to be paired with the full frame CMOS sensor, which immediately realises huge advantages in final image quality, resolution pixel count, colour saturation and image details. This further maximises the capability of wide-angle lenses by removing the crop factor, and the full CMOS sensor is used for capturing a bigger image.

This CMOS sensor offers a pixel count of 4368 horizontal x 2912 vertical with pixels sized at just 8.2 m. With a physical size similar to 35mm film, the full frame CMOS sensor enables an effective angle of view that is 1x the normal EF lens focal length. Photographers trained on 35mm film cameras will finally be able to obtain the same kind of results with the EOS 5D and will be pleased with its exceptionally lifelike clarity and even colour tonality throughout the colour spectrum. As an added advantage, the CMOS sensor provides an immediate 4-channel high speed data readout for checking your image.

The EOS 5D uses Canon’s exclusive DIGIC II imaging processor, which employs sophisticated signal processing algorithms to provide reassuringly fast photo taking. The huge input of information captured by the CMOS sensor is rapidly processed and assembled into images of exceptional quality by DIGIC II with precise, natural colours.

The faster processing speeds achieved by the DIGIC II processor enables performance gains in the EOS 5D – from a start-up time of a mere 0.2sec. to class leading shutter speed of 1/8000 sec. – 30 sec.; predictive AF (automatic focus) speeds of up to 50 kph up to 8 meters away with an EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens. The automatic white balance adjustment is extremely fast, and spot-on in any kind of lighting. The EOS 5D  permits continuous shooting of up to 3fps (JPEG Large/Fine) with significant reductions in buffer clearing times; and up to 35 JPEG or ten 12.8-megapixel RAW frames in burst mode.

The EOS 5D features three kinds of optional interchangeable focusing screens that makes it easier to obtain the sharpest, most accurate focus possible. The centre AF on the EOS 5D uses multiple high-precision sensors and features 9-point AF unit with 6 AF assist focusing points that increases focusing accuracy to give clearer, sharper images.

The EOS 5D boasts of the new Picture Style image composition function. Just like conventional film photographers choose different types of film to achieve specific shooting objectives, the Picture Style function provides photographers with a digital film that produces the best results for that specific shooting condition. Picture Style can be adjusted to six different modes including: Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, and Monochrome.

The EOS 5D uses Canon’s exclusive EF electronic lens mount; the EF lens mount ensures that the EOS 5D is compatible with Canon’s entire range of EF lenses.

In conjunction with its latest digital SLR releases, Canon has also expanded its range of EF lenses. The new EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is an affordably priced telephoto zoom lens with IS (Image Stabilizer) feature that will appeal to first-time SLR photographers.

The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is the latest of Canon’s premium ‘L’ range of top-quality lenses and is targeted at professionals and experienced amateur users. It is designed for heavy-duty use under harsh conditions, being very strong, dust-proof and drip proof. The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a f/4L standard zoom lens equipped with IS, and provides a wide focal length from 24mm wide-angle to 105mm mid-telephoto (approximately 4.4x zoom range). The IS function on both the new lenses is faster than the shutter speed by up to three stops, thus ensuring highly accurate correction of camera shake. Both lenses are specifically designed for use with digital SLRs to minimise purple fringing, and feature a special coating to reduce flare and ghosting.

The EOS 5D uses the new improved E-TTL II autoflash system that offers evaluative metering as well as a new averaged form of metering. This provides users with more stable flash control and helps prevent underexposure and overexposure even when the subject changes positions quickly.

The EOS 5D has a 2.5-inch, approximately 230,000-pixel monitor that allows easy viewing of images during playback and menu screens; the wide viewing angle provides improved visibility. PictBridge compatibility allows camera-direct printing; and a new range of enhanced PictBridge functions will soon be available with Canon new selected PictBridge printers. These include contact printing which is printing thumbnail images that are similar to sleeve prints from reversal film; or Exif information printing, which prints images with shooting information like camera model, lens model, shooting mode, shutter speed and aperture setting. Photos with backlighted subjects, such as human subjects with shadowed facial features, can be brightened up immediately. Users will have a choice of printing their photos on three new paper sizes: 4” x 8” (wide size), 8” x 10” (8R) and 10” x 12” (10R).