Last week DxOMark posted their test results for the Canon EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds R. As usual, DxOMark’s scores on a Canon sensor start bold headlines and heated discussions, especially when compared to Sony’s A7R. Well, I guess most of my readers are smart and do not buy posts based on the uneducated interpretation of DxOMark scores, which are a mere engineering figure. No Canon sensor is “far behind” a Sony sensor, as a site titled.

However, it is always good to remind people why the DxOMark scores do not count very much at the end of the day. Tony Northrup posted an interesting article where he explains why you shouldn’t care about the EOS 5Ds/5Ds R DxOMark scores. I recommend you read the whole article, for those in a hurry (these are not the only points listed):

1. DxOMark doesn’t factor in the number of megapixels
2. DxOMark doesn’t factor in the negative effects of an anti-aliasing filter

Please note that Mr. Northrup doesn’t “disagree with DxOMark, just [with] the presentation and interpretation of the numbers“. Same here. While there is a lot to read and learn in the article, I particularly like these :-) :

• The [EOS 5Ds] overall image quality is noticeably better than the D810 or a7R.
• All [EOS 5Ds] images show more detail, whether using sharp, expensive lenses and less expensive zooms.
• [the EOS 5Ds] is overall a far more usable camera than the a7R, with a vastly superior focusing system.
• It gets the most out of our Canon lenses, including the Canon 70-200 f2.8 L IS II, which Nikon doesn’t have a decent alternative for.

Hmm, noticeably better IQ, more detail, more usable camera, superior focusing system…sounds good, doesn’t it? Who wants a Sony A7R ;-) Read Tony Northrup’s article.

Canon EOS 5DS: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA | Canon EOS 5DS R: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

FroKnowsPhoto posted their Canon EOS 5Ds R real world review, entirely produced while exploring the magnificence of the Grand Canyon. Original size files (raw) are available for download (follow this link).

Says the Fro:

This is a Landscape and Portrait camera in my opinion. What separates the 5DS R from the 5DS is the first one has a low pass cancelation effected in the camera. This means if you are shooting fine patterns it’s possible that you may get some moire. The 5DS R is basically the same exact camera layout and design as the 5D Mark III. This means anyone picking it up for the first time will not have any trouble figuring out how to use it.

and

One thing I was surprised with was the 5DS R’s ability to snap off 5 FPS. Think about it, you are pushing 50.6 megapixel images through the camera at such a high rate without running into issues. On top of that the shutter is one of the quietest shutters I have ever encountered. My thinking is that is due to the new mirror mechanisms put into this camera.

Read the review at FroKnowsPhoto. All our EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds R.

Canon EOS 5DS: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA | Canon EOS 5DS R: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

DxOMark tested the Canon EOS 5Ds and EOS 5Ds R. They write:

Boasting an unprecedented 50.6Mp resolution, the EOS 5DS and 5DS R offer a unique DSLR shooting solution. What’s more, our industry standard tests have shown these are the best sensor results yet for a Canon chip, with the 5DS cameras offering a small step up for image quality against other full-frame semi-pro models such as the EOS 6D and EOS 5D Mark III. Our measurements show that there’s very little difference between the 5DS and 5DS R sensors, but we’ve seen both models post better scores in print results compared to those on screen.

However, as you can see in the image above, the EOS 5Ds sensor scores lower than the sensors in the Nikon D810 and Sony A7R (first platoon of Sony trolls is ready and can’t wait to spam the comment section). At least the EOS 5Ds doesn’t look so terribly ugly like the Sony A7R. Does Sony not have a design department?

Canon EOS 5DS: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA | Canon EOS 5DS R: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA