Customer Reviews
Camera Is Great But Do Not Buy Big Ticket Items from Amazon 
2008-09-29
I gave two stars to get the attention of those wanting to buy big ticket price point goodies from Amazon.
The Canon 5D is - mostly - all that it's cracked up to be.
However, you are well advised not to buy this item through Amazon - let alone any big ticket item.
I received the camera and it was poorly packed. When I opened the camera, it appeared that it may have been a previous return. There were marks on the back of the camera as if someone using lotion or who has handled greasy food had handled the camera.
I checked the camera and, otherwise, all seemed to be working properly and all documentation and accessories were present. So, given the hassle of returning online purchases, I decided to keep the camera.
Then I was doing some high-key (background) editorial work at f22 and noticed some unusual artifact. Upon looping the sensor, it turns out that the sensor had a minor scratch. This was a latent defect that was not readily observable even upon fairly rigid inspection of the camera.
I contacted Amazon and, by this time, the return window was 20 days past. I was just looking to exchange the camera for an identical model.
Amazon's response was not just "too bad," but actually three conflicting responses which would have only compounded the problem if I sent the camera off to the "never never land" of Amazon returns. I would have been without a camera and without a refund.
One customer service agent said that I couldn't exchange the camera as Amazon doesn't sell the Canon 5D any longer. In fact, they do. Another agent said to return the camera for a refund and make sure it was insured for shipping. Upon seeking to clarify the return terms, another agent responded and said that Amazon "stands firm" by it's policy that a return cannot be made after the 30 day window has expired.
My mistake? First, not returning the item immediately. Second, not spending a couple more hundred to have the peace of mind of dealing with a trusted camera shop. The moral of the story is "Do not buy big ticket items from price point online vendors such as Amazon unless you can take the downside of getting burned."
Welcome to the new world of retail.
Love this camera! 
2008-08-31
This camera is awesome. It is great in low light and I can still ghost images which I prefer doing. I've gone to the dark side (digital) and I really enjoy it. This is my first DSLR.
Performed as Expected 2008-08-30
The first time I saw the Canon EOS 5D was back in 2005, shortly after it was released. To me, it represented the logical digital version of a full-frame 35mm SLR at a fraction of the cost of the top-of-the-line offerings from Canon and Nikon. I purchased the kit, which includes the EF 24-105mm zoom lens, for a trip to Japan, with the intent of using this as my primary walk around camera. It performed as expected: the 24mm wide angle was very useful, as was the 105mm. Resolution, color balance, etc. were very good to excellent. Indoor exposures with ISO 400 were excellent, and IS system worked well, since I did not bring a tripod. (I also brought the 100mm macro lens and 100-400mm zoom lens from Canon for the trip).
Stellar camera! 2008-08-18
I have researched for one of the best DSLR cameras without breaking the bank and have found it in the 5D model. A very flexible camera, truly a masterpiece for shooting landscapes and portraits as well as anything in between, the 5D fulfills any needs I had prior to owning it. My only wish is that it had a more flexible bracketing system, such as 5 frames bracketing instead of 3 frames. Still, worth its weight in gold, the 5D is the one DSLR I would recommend for any job and for any serious amateur or pro photographer out there.
EOS 5D 2008-08-17
The EOS 5D is a terrific digital SLR. Its price point isn't for everyone but if you're a very serious amateur or want to upgrade to a camera that's pretty close to the 1D professional version (several thousand dollars more) - this is the camera. It has far more features than I am familiar with for the time being - but it is not hard to learn. I recommend it if you're really serious about photography. The Amazon price, shipping, and business dealings are excellent.
Almost perfect 2008-08-15
Canon EOS 5D offers advanced photographers a lightweight, robust digital SLR that uses Canon's superlative EF lenses without a conversion factor. Its full-frame 12.8 Megapixel CMOS sensor combines with Canon's DIGIC II Image Processor, a high-precision 9-point AF system with 6 assist points, and "Picture Style" color control to deliver images of superior quality with enough resolution for any application. With its wide-angle capabilities, 2.5 inch LCD and magnesium-alloy body, the 5D is the perfect addition to the Digital EOS line. White balance bracketing - +/-3 stops in full-stop increments Enabled with depth-of-field preview button when used with optional Speedlite 580EX, 550EX, 430EX, MR-14EX, or MT-24EX; pressing the depth-of-field preview button fires a modeling-flash Exposure modes - Program AE (Shiftable), Shutter speed-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Full Auto, E-TTL II autoflash program AE, Manual exposure ISO range - Equivalent to ISO 100-1600 (in 1/3-stop increments), ISO speed can be expanded to ISO 50 and 3200 1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3-stop increments), X-sync at 1/200 sec. shutter speeds 3 fps Continuous shoot mode Image format display mode Single image, 9-image index, Magnified zoom (approx. 1.5x to 10x), Auto play, Auto play right after shooting, Rotated, Jump Uses BP511 battery series Unit Dimensions (without lens) 6.0 x 4.4 x 3.0 in./152 x 113 x 75mm; Weight 28.6 oz./810g (Body only. Battery - 2.9 oz./82g)
This camera is great 2008-07-30
I have taken some great photos on this camera. Its come down in price since I got mine a year ago so its even better value now. Good lenes are not cheap so expect to spend the same amaount again just on a couple of good lenses but for around $5k you should aquire a good kit. Battery life is very good. Build quality is strong. This is the one a lot of pros use. Only problem is when you fill up a memory stick with a bunch of 13meg photos, make sure you have a good enough PC to view them on because it sure slows down to a near halt. That's where a MAC comes in use.
Best camera I've even owned... 2008-07-24
and I've owned a ton of cameras. too many features to get into about this wonderful piece of equipment. Buy it...you won't be disappointed.
Tim
tfarrisphotography.com
Canon EOS 5D, EF 24-105 f4L IS USM 2008-07-12
What can you say? World class camera, phenomenal lens? Best of the Canon series ever? Everything and more?
Only question is obvious, workhorse camera that has been issued for several years now. What will be it's replacement? Hard to believe there will be a better performing camera for the dollar value. As to the lens: it far exceeds many other in the EF line and is well worth the investment.
Upgrade from XTI 2008-07-04
Probably like most people that are waiting for that "phantom" 5d MKII, I couldn't wait no more. The rebate pushed me over the edge. I'm glad I took the plunge. This camera rocks! I'm so glad I upgraded. I'm sure the next version is gonna have all the bells and whistles, but this has become a legendary camera. Everyone has already gone over the specs and likes and dislikes. I just want to say anyone waiting for the new version and wondering if they got this, would they be happy......be assured you will be VERY happy.
