We put the mammoth 50.6-megapixel EOS 5DS / 5DS R dSLR through its paces at Birmingham's Photography Show

The 50-megapixel models in Canon's EOS 5D series of full-frame cameras aren't expected to ship until June, but Canon released some preproduction versions, one of which I got to shoot with for a couple of weeks. According to Canon, the photo quality isn't final yet; while past experience tells me that it probably won't change much, keep in mind as you read and look that it's all subject to change.

With 50-megapixel resolution and anti-aliasing-filter cancellation, you'd expect the 5DS R to be the sharpest Canon yet. Take a look at what a preproduction sample of the camera yielded.

Shutterbug was fortunate enough to secure a loan of a pre-production version of the much-anticipated EOS 5DS R DSLR for testing and we were off and running with it as soon as it arrived.

In the early 2000s, Canon's EOS-1Ds series was unchallenged in the high-resolution DSLR stakes, from the original 11.1MP version of 2002 to the 21.1MP Mark III of 2007. But in 2008 Canon lost the crown to the 24.6MP Sony Alpha 900, and has lagged behind ever since.

+ Extraordinary image quality with huge levels of detail; + Highly refined control layout and user interface; + Excellent; extremely accurate autofocus system; + Rugged; professional-level construction

Fixed rear screen is inconvenient for tripod work; Relatively limited ISO range; Huge file sizes

We take a closer look at the highest resolution full-frame DSLR to date in our Canon EOS 5DS R review

Super-high resolution; Robust, weather-sealed body; Excellent autofocus

Relatively limited ISO range; Enormous, difficult to handle raw files; Fixed LCD screen

Love the 51 megapixel resolution, but you can only push the ISO to 3200. Picked up the 5DSR yesterday, and shot a few mid-low light shots indoors. Great pictures, but you're going to be reaching for your tripod a little more often because of the ISO.

Easy to use; Build quality

The Canon 5DS R may seem like the natural successor to the ageing Canon 5D Mark III . But it's not. This is an ultra-high-resolution 50.6-megapixel full-frame DSLR designed for times when maximum resolution is what's needed, above all else.

Incredible detail; Great build and handling; Excellent AF performance

Limited video modes; Narrow native ISO range; Very limited wireless features

The 5Ds vs. 5Ds R decision is not an all or nothing one in regards to moiré. It is a more or less decision and the same regarding image sharpness. If you are shooting images of subjects that are likely to induce the moiré pattern and do not have time to work on mitigation in the field (such as when...

Camera still in testing phase..... preparing to print a 17" x 32" enlargement to evaluate Canon's "medium format quality" statement. Will update when I have more information.

Great motorized mirror retraction system......tests indicated 1/2 sec; delay eliminated all mirror bounce/vibration. Camera works great....once I get used to all the control button locations....(after owning a 5D for 8 years !

Have not gotton thru the 521 page manual...; been relying on the abbreviated manual

Announced by Canon on 6 February 2015, the EOS 5DS R is one of two DSLR cameras with 50-megapixel, 'full-frame' sensors that are targeted at professional photographers and serious enthusiasts.