There was a time when Canon led the high resolution large-format sensor race by a pretty comfortable margin (those were the days…), but since the last iteration of its flagship ‘Ds' series way back in 2008, the company's DSLRs have been stuck hovering around 20MP.

Class-leading 50.6MP image resolution; Pleasing out-of-camera colors; particularly skintones; 61-point AF system with 41 cross-type points; 5 dual cross-type; high precision points offer uncanny precision with newer lenses; 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor enables iTR; and also rudimentary face...

Raw dynamic range limited compared to peers; Base ISO images can be noisier than the best of the competition; Low light performance limited compared to peers; ISO cap of 12,800 (6400 for Auto ISO) feels arbitrary and limiting; JPEGs not as sharp or detailed as some competitors; AF subject tracking...

Coming from best of the brands, Canon EOS 5DS shows the level of detailing that we have seldom see in the DSLRs. Its unmatched picture quality and sensor quality is par excellence.

Canon had dilly-dallied around the resolution conundrum for what seemed like an eternity. "Push beyond 22-megapixels? Golly, no way" was pretty much the message for years. And then it goes and releases a 50.6-megapixel full-frame DSLR, the EOS 5DS. And, frankly, it's bloomin' brilliant.

Hugely impressive image quality (when matched with best lenses and suitable shutter speeds

No tilt/vari-angle screen; not the best for fast-moving subjects (high shutter speeds essential

Top notch image quality; Improved build to reduce vibrations; Swift and accurate focusing;

Maximum 12,800 ISO; The 5D Mark III is better for video;

If you're already a 5D Mark III owner and are thinking of making the leap to the 5DS, it should be an extremely easy transition. You'll need to give a bit of thought as to how those extra pixels affect the way you capture images, but otherwise this is easy stuff.

Top notch image quality; Improved build to reduce vibrations; Swift and accurate focusing

Maximum 12,800 ISO; The 5D Mark III is better for video

With a whopping 50.6 megapixels, Canon new full frame DSLR is one to be reckoned with. Aimed at the working professional, this camera looks to be quite a handful. With an identical external layout to the 5D Mk iii, the 5DS and the 5DSR are fully compatible with all the accessories designed for the...

Ever since Nikon began ditching low-pass filters and pushing the resolution of its high-end full-frame bodies to 36-megapixels, photographers have been waiting for Canon's response.

High-resolution image sensor; familiar build and menu; USB 3.0; enhanced stability

Poor battery life; limited video features; low ISO performance

It's not long since conventional photographer wisdom stated that no-one needed more than 12 megapixels. However, after Nikon reignited the megapixel race with the D800 , and with 250-megapixel cameras on the horizon, pixels (along with sensor size) are once again where it's at.

Although I only need about 24-28 megapixels for most of my work, I succumbed to temptation after seeing the 5DS for sale at GBP1880 as a grey import. I've only had it a few days but I've taken a lot of test shots to establish the usable ISO range, and to calibrate the AF micro-adjust, picture style...

So, is the Canon EOS 5Ds worth the US$3,700 asking price, and worthy of a place in your kit bag? If you are after a high-megapixel DSLR, the short answer is yes! The 5Ds sets the new standard of what high resolution DSLRs can do, and becomes the camera to beat.