[Leica] Canon 5D. Initial impression.

[mcyclwritr at comcast.net (mcyclwritr@comcast.net)]

I can see how a 5D could become a pro's main camera.
 
I was working (overseeing) a studio shoot recently and the photographer was 
using a Hassleblad with a digital back tethered to a Powerbook. We were 
capturing multiple expressions of models in fairly quick succession and the 
Powerbook would gag after several 42MB images were stuffed into its Firewire 
port. Which sorta' brought the whole in-the-moment feel to a grinding halt 
while we waited for the Mac to catch up. Among the intended uses of the 
images were bus cards (big) and billboards (bigger) in the city formerly 
known as New Orleans. So, one could make a case for large, digital files.

Now, I don't pretend to know all the ins and outs of file size relative to 
printed image size, but I'd think the 5D's 12-somethingMB, full-frame image 
would hold together pretty well even at 30x40. Then there's smaller size and 
lighter weight to consider when the 5D jumps from the tripod and hangs 
itself around your neck. Which is a very long way of getting around to the 
thought: if you don't really need an all-weather brute of a motorized body 
or massive files, why burden your body and your hard drive?

The 5D's full-frame sensor is what appealed to me. For much less than $8k, 
my wide angle lenses no longer have to live in shame as normal focal length 
lenses. Nor will I have to walk so far away from my subject (not that I 
couldn't use the exercise). My portrait length telephoto now behaves like a 
real 85mm with respect to shallow depth of field. 

I haven't been on the list for a few months, so I don't know the latest on 
Leica's digital back, but I think R-lenses on a 5D could be worthwhile if 
the wait continues.

-Chris Lawson


> A friend of mine who currently uses the 1DS Mark II and also the
> Hasslelbad digital (MF) just got a 5D.
> He's claiming it might actually become his main camera.  
> -kim
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: lug-bounces+ksherman=cottenmusic.com@leica-users.org
> [mailto:lug-bounces+ksherman=cottenmusic.com@leica-users.org] On Behalf
> Of mcyclwritr@comcast.net
> Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2005 12:39 PM
> To: Leica Users Group
> Subject: [Leica] Canon 5D. Initial impression. 
> 
> 
> When I powered it up and pressed the Menu button to register my
> settings, I thought, 'Wow, Large Print comes to DSLR LCDs.' 
> 
> It gets better. But more on that, later.
> 
> -Chris Lawson    
>