Pump Up the Pixels with These DSLR and Medium-Format Cameras

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Canon EOS 5DS/5DS R

With their 50 megapixel sensors, the Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R top the charts as the world’s highest resolution full-frame DSLRs. The latter’s “R” (resolution) designation refers to the optical low pass filter cancellation effect, which provides slightly sharper images than its sibling at the risk of introducing moiré in your images. But these two models are more than just the 5D Mark III on steroids. To help prevent mirror vibration, Canon incorporated several new features including a motorized mirror mechanism to cushion shock, ?a reinforced chassis baseplate and tripod lug, ?as well as user-controllable delay intervals in mirror lock up. There’s also USB 3.0 for faster tethered shooting.

Prices: $3,699 (5ds), $3,899 (5ds r)

Nikon D7200

Weighing in at just 1 pound 11 ounces (body only) and built around a 24- megapixel APS-C size sensor, the D7200 offers a solid set of features, including Wi-Fi. A weather-sealed body, 30 percent faster processing speed and faster autofocus (compared to the D7100) add to this camera’s appeal.

PRICES: $1,199 (BODY ONLY), $1,696 (WITH 18-140MM LENS) 

Phase One XF Camera System  

The new modular XF Camera System offers customizable touch controls, and a 1.6-inch grip screen and 3.2-inch rear retina screen. The latter offers a one-tap ability to zoom to 100 percent for quick image assessment. The XF System also utilizes a newly developed Honeybee Autofocus Platform (HAP-1), designed to provide faster and more precise AF. Pair the XF with the new 80-megapixel IQ3 Digital Back for exposures of up to 60 minutes (60MP and 50MP IQ3 backs are also available). The system includes the XF camera body, IQ3 Digital Back, Prism Viewfinder, Schneider Kreuznach 80mm LS lens and Capture One Pro 8 software.

PRICES: $48,990 (XF IQ3 80MP), $41,990 (XF IQ3 60MP), $40,990 (XF IQ3 50MP) 

Ricoh Pentax K-3 II

This 24-megapixel camera’s cool features, including built-in GPS with Astrotracer, an anti-aliasing filter simulator that allows users to determine how much AA effect is warranted, and a 4.5-stop shake reduction system. There is also a weatherproof body, and a Pixel Shift Resolution feature that promises more accurate color rendering and finer details.

PRICE: $899

Leica S (Type 007) 

Built around a new 37.5-megapixel sensor and Leica’s Maestro II image processor, the S can capture images at up to an impressive 3.5 frames per second and is capable of shooting both full HD (medium format) and 4K (Super 35mm) video. The S offers WLAN for remote connectivity and it’s the first medium- format camera to offer built-in GPS. The S promises to deliver faster and more accurate autofocus than earlier models. Announced at Photokina 2014, the Leica S (Type 007) should be available by the time you read this.

PRICE: $16,900