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Our Editors' Criterion: The camera that best refines or redefines photography
 We thought we had a winner -- the Canon EOS 20D. After all, when the criterion is “the camera that best refines or redefines photography,” how could the Camera of the Year title not go to the EOS 20D? This DSLR took the bar set by 2004's Camera of the Year, the 6.1MP Nikon D70, and raised it to 8.2MP and a 4.5-frame-per-second burst rate, along with nearly pro-caliber construction, all for a street price that now stands at $1,300 (body only). In other words, the EOS 20D was the Great Serious Amateur Camera of 2005.
But it was unseated for the highest honor late in the year by a member of its own family. In fact, by a camera built on virtually the same chassis.
The Canon EOS 5D scooped up the Camera of the Year laurel not simply because it raises the bar, but because it thrusts that bar into the stratosphere by obliterating the major shortcoming of the EOS 20D and every other under-$7,400 digital SLR currently in production -- the 35mm lens factor.
Since the 5D's 12.8MP sensor is the same size as a frame of 35mm film (“full frame”), it's good-bye “effective focal length.” Twist a 14mm lens onto the 5D's steel lensmount, and you're shooting 14mm, not the 21-22mm that you get with the usual DSLR's 1.5X to 1.6X lens factor. Those who do lots of wide-angle work (such as architectural shooters) are rejoicing. So are those who grew up in the 35mm world and still think that way. Also smiling are photographers who have major investments in Canon EF-mount glass.
But there's more to this camera than just sensor size. It's also reasonably light -- less than 2 pounds with battery -- and packs a large (2.5-inch) LCD, interchangeable focusing screens, and excellent resolution and image quality. (See our Field Test.)
About all that's missing are a built-in flash and a superrugged, heavily gasketed body. The first is typical of a pro tool; the second suggests an amateur-oriented approach.
The price, too, walks the pro-am line. Granted, at $3,300 (street, body only), the 5D is no impulse purchase. But it's one heck of a value considering the megapixels, image quality, and full-frame sensor. Also, bear in mind that the 20D debuted a year ago at $1,500; today it sells for 13 percent less. If the same happens with the 5D, it won't be merely 2005's Camera of the Year, it could be 2006's Deal of the Year.
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