Canon EOS 5DS review

The 50Mp Canon 5DS and 5DS R set a new standard for DSLR photography

Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R

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Dynamic range is a measure of the range of tones the sensor can capture. Cameras with low dynamic range will often show 'blown' highlights or blocked-in shadows. This test is carried out in controlled conditions using DxO hardware and analysis tools.

Dynamic range test

We use DxO Analyzer to measure noise and dynamic range in controlled laboratory conditions.

Read: Noise and dynamic range results explained

Dynamic range is measured in exposure values (EV). The higher the number the wider the range of brightness levels the camera can capture. This falls off with increasing ISO settings because the camera is having to amplify a weaker signal. Raw files capture a higher dynamic range because the image data is unprocessed.

Canon EOS 5DS dynamic range charts

Canon EOS 5DS lab tests

JPEG dynamic range analysis: Canon cameras tends to have quite conservative JPEG dynamic range scores, but this is a feature of their pleasant level of contrast. The 5DS and 5DS R don't hold any surprises other than the fact that they dip slightly below the 5D Mark III at ISO 3200.

Canon EOS 5DS lab tests

Raw (converted to TIFF) dynamic range analysis: While the 5DS and 5DS R's dynamic range is good at the lower sensitivity values it doesn't quite match the D810 and falls slightly behind the 5D Mark III at the upper values.