1. Hi-res still camera and hi-def videocam. Sure, digicams can shoot video. But not like this. Video is recorded through high-quality interchangeable lenses on a full-frame 35mm sensor, providing the type of manual focus and other controls previously available only to Hollywood DOPs. Stunning. And the .mov format makes it very easy to download and edit in QuickTime.
2. The larger, brighter viewfinder is among the nicest we’ve seen—pro models included—and the three-inch LCD screen adjusts automatically to ambient light. Miss film’s different emulsions? The “picture style” button gives instant access to six preset and three customizable modes, each with a unique rendering of color, saturation, and contrast. But shoot in RAW and you can tweak all that later.
3. A helluva deal. Photowise, the 5D blows away the competition with its 21.1-megapixel sensor, new DIGIC 4 imaging processor, ISO speeds up to 25,600, and four-frames-per-second shooting. Against pro cameras more than twice the price, it has smoother tonal transitions, truer colors and skin tones, and more detail. Plus, you get a full-blown HD videocam thrown in?! Sweet.