Upgrade Guide

Canon EOS 5D→Canon EOS 5DS

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Canon

EOS 5D

£60 used

2005

→

Upgrade to

Canon

EOS 5DS

£337 used (+£277)

2015

✅

Strong upgrade

The EOS 5DS improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most EOS 5D owners will notice the difference.

What's new in the EOS 5DS

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	EOS 5D	EOS 5DS
Price	£60 used	£337 used
Released	2005	2015	↑
Sensor	12.8MP full-frame CMOS	50.6MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution	13MP	51MP	↑
Video	No video	Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60
Autofocus	9-point phase-detect (+6 assist points) via viewfinder	61-point phase-detect (41 cross-type) via viewfinder with EOS iTR face / colour tracking; contrast AF with face tracking in live view
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	3fps	5fps	↑
Battery Life	~800 shots (CIPA)	~700 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	810g (body only)	930g (with battery)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 0.71x	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.71x
Screen	2.5" fixed LCD, 230k dots	3.2" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF
Memory Cards	Single CompactFlash slot	Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD

Compare side-by-side

See EOS 5D and EOS 5DS next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the EOS 5DS against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the EOS 5D

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Camera family history