User's Manual

III. PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY 10

Design and Construction

00,000-cycle life this unit enjoys. This is a level of durability expected in a professional

amera. For example, based on Canon’s test standards, the EOS-1D Mark II and –

Ds Mark II cameras are rated at 200,000 shots; the EOS-1v model is rated at 150,000

hots and the EOS-1n camera is rated at 100,000. In another clever bit of reliability

ngineering, because the electronic X-contact has been added to the sync contacts, the

hutter unit’s X-sync function uses an optically detected, contactless switch instead of a

echanical switch. This contributes to high durability and high reliability when a Speedlite

is used, and also can handle trigger circuit voltages up to 250V from non-dedicated flash

units, whether they are connected through the hot shoe or the provided PC socket.

The EOS 5D Digtial SLR has a solid, substantial

and organic feel that complements its compact

dimensions and reasonable weight. Truly, it is

a premium camera. The top, front and rear

covers and battery grip are made of magnesium

alloy, known for being lightweight and strong.

Also, the USB port, video terminal and other

external interface connectors concealed under

the left cover use special engineering plastic

with excellent electromagnetic shielding

operties.

The EOS 5D camera’s basic internal construc-

tion and major parts’ configuration are the

same as those of the EOS 20D model. The 5D

camera has an improved grip and mode dial, a

modified terminal cap shape and clearer rear

controls. The pentaprism has an all-new shape

necessitated by the full-frame sensor and all associated components such as the mirror,

mirror box and shutter. Thanks to the design and manufacturing know-how accumulated

with previous EOS Digital cameras, as well as the low-pass filter integrated with the

CMO

S cover glass, the EOS 5D model can be both more compact than one might expect

a high performance DSLR with a full-frame sensor to be, and more affordable as well.

The camera body consists of a stainless steel chassis and a mirror box made of high-

strength engineering plastic. The mirror box, to which the mount and imaging element

are attached, is very securely attached to the chassis to prevent the flange focal distance

from changing due to static pressure on the attached lens. Since the grip and front

cover are one piece, body rigidity is excellent.

The exterior surface finish is a high-density black satin finish with a leathery touch that

feels smooth in the hands. The three grip surfaces are covered with rubber. The

electroplated “EOS 5D” badge and recessed and painted Canon logo give a quality

appearance to the camera.

OS-1Ds Mark II

Size comparison