Canon 5DS vs Sony A99 II: A Hands-On Comparison for the Serious Photographer

Choosing between the Canon 5DS and the Sony A99 II is a heavyweight bout for anyone hunting a full-frame advanced DSLR. Both these mid-size SLR cameras pack serious punch, but their distinct personalities and feature sets mean they appeal to different photographers - even if you’re a cheapskate like me who wants the best bang for their buck.

Having spent years testing cameras across all genres, I’ve put these two side-by-side to slice through the specs hype and deliver clarity. From sensor performance and autofocus muscle to ergonomics and real-world shooting, I’ll walk you through everything I'd want to know before committing thousands of dollars.

Let’s dive in.

Size, Feel & Handling: Comfort in Your Hands Matters

First impressions often come down to touch and feel - no one wants a camera that feels like a brick or plays tricks with your grip. Physically, the Canon 5DS is chunkier at 152x116x76mm and weighs about 930g, whereas the Sony A99 II sheds 80g, tipping the scales at 849g with smaller dimensions of 143x104x76mm.

Despite seeming minor on paper, that difference translates to a more compact, nearly hand-hugging feel in the Sony. The A99 II’s body feels sleeker and more balanced in prolonged handheld use. Canon’s heft, on the other hand, provides a reassuringly solid club for your thumbs and fingers, ideal if you prefer a bit of weight to steady your shots - especially with heavy telephoto lenses.

Ergonomics-wise, both keep the classic DSLR shape, but Canon’s deeper grip is slightly more spacious for larger hands. The Sony’s grip is snugger but sculpted thoughtfully, less likely to cause fatigue during all-day shoots.

I appreciate the Sony here as the more travel-friendly option without sacrificing operational comfort; Canon’s bulk benefits sports and studio shooters who prioritize stability.

Buttons, Dials & Interface: Controls That Keep You in Charge

A camera is only as quick as your ability to access key settings, and this is where interface design matters. Canon sticks to its tried-and-true control layout: big front and rear dials, dedicated ISO and exposure comp buttons, plus a top info panel.

The 5DS keeps it simple and tactile - everything’s reachable without changing your eye from the viewfinder, with a minimal menu dive. If you like setting your exposure parameters on the fly, Canon’s dual DIGIC 6 processors respond snappily.

Sony’s A99 II ups the ante with a fully articulated 3” screen (vs Canon’s fixed 3.2”) and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder with 2359k dots, great for critical focus and exposure preview. Its top dials and buttons are aplenty, giving you granular control but demanding a learning curve. The analog controls blended with on-screen menus strike a balance between complexity and utility.

For pro shooters who love confident, direct control without touchscreen distractions (both lack touchscreens, by the way), Canon’s traditional layout is a winner. For videographers or experimental types who embrace live view and flipping displays, Sony’s flexibility stands out.

Sensor & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Time to look under the hood. Both cameras sport full-frame sensors of similar size (Canon’s 36x24mm vs Sony’s 35.9x24mm), crucial for wide-angle capture and shallow depth-of-field control.

Canon’s 5DS leads with a jaw-dropping 51.4 megapixels, the highest resolution full-frame DSLR of its generation (8688x5792 pixels). It uses a traditional CMOS sensor with an anti-aliasing filter to minimize moiré, which slightly tempers sharpness.

Sony counters with a 42.4-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor absent an anti-aliasing filter, helping it eke out more detail and sharper edges. It pushes max ISO to 25600 native, making it better suited for low-light and night shots compared to Canon’s 6400 max native ISO.

When subjected to DxOMark lab tests (a go-to standard for my tech benchmarking), Sony’s sensor outperforms Canon’s in overall score (92 vs 87), dynamic range (13.4 EV vs 12.4 EV), and color depth (25.4 bits vs 24.7 bits) - small but meaningful improvements.

In practice, this means Sony’s A99 II provides richer detail retention in shadows and highlights, plus more latitude for color grading, while Canon excels when ultra-high resolution is paramount - think billboard-size prints or extreme cropping.

Autofocus: Fast, Accurate, or Both?

Autofocus is king for professional versatility, especially in sports, wildlife, and event shooting. Canon 5DS offers a robust 61-point AF system with 41 cross-type points. While respectable, these points are clustered more centrally and are less dense.

Sony’s A99 II boasts a staggering 399 phase-detection points with 79 cross-type sensors spread widely across the frame, drawn from Sony’s mirrorless AF technology. This translates to faster, more reliable focus acquisition - especially for tracking moving subjects.

In real-world testing, the Canon sometimes lagged behind the Sony in continuous AF and eye detection speed, which is crucial for portraiture and sports. Sony’s superior burst shooting speed (12fps vs Canon’s 5fps) and aggressive tracking capabilities shine for wildlife and action photographers.

If AF speed and accuracy make or break your shots, especially in fast-moving scenarios, the Sony’s system is a clear winner.

Design for Video and Multimedia

While neither DSLR is a dedicated video powerhouse, they both cater to hybrid shooters.

The Canon 5DS limits you to Full HD across common frame rates like 1080p/30fps, 25fps, and 24fps, encoded in H.264. It lacks in-body stabilization, so you’ll rely on stabilized lenses or rigs.

Sony’s A99 II raises the stakes with 4K video capture (3840x2160), multiple professional codecs (MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S), and built-in 5-axis sensor stabilization to smooth handheld footage. The fully articulated screen - a huge bonus here - helps frame creative shots from challenging angles.

Sony further includes headphone and microphone jacks for better audio control, missing in the Canon. For YouTubers or serious video creatives, Sony’s offering is head and shoulders above.

LCD and Viewfinder: Seeing Is Believing

Stepping back to the user interface, Canon sticks with a 3.2-inch fixed LCD screen at 1.04 million dots. It’s bright and sharp but no touch interface, and no tilt/swivel for those awkward composition angles.

Sony sports a 3-inch fully articulated screen with 1.23 million dots plus an electronic viewfinder (EVF) at 2.35 million dots, displaying exactly what the sensor captures. The Canon’s optical viewfinder (OVF) has 0.71x magnification with 100% coverage - clear and traditional but no live exposure preview.

For photographers used to optical clarity and zero lag, Canon’s OVF wins hearts. That said, Sony’s EVF is now so refined that it’s an excellent compromise offering focus peaking, exposure preview, and even zoomed manual focus assist.

For street shooters or video vloggers, Sony’s tilting screen dramatically expands shooting flexibility.

Build Quality & Weather Resistance

When shooting outdoors or on location, durability is non-negotiable. Both cameras offer solid mid-size construction with weather sealing.

Canon’s 5DS comes with dust and moisture resistance throughout the body and lens mount, designed for professional fieldwork. However, it lacks some resilience against shock or freeze, so handle with care in extreme climates.

Sony’s A99 II is also weather-sealed but reportedly less dust-resistant in testing. Its lighter weight is a tradeoff for slightly less beefy build, but still durable for most outdoor uses.

If you expect punishing environments regularly, the 5DS’s traditional ruggedness might appeal more.

Battery Life & Storage: Shoot Longer, Store Smarter

Canon’s 5DS excels with a huge battery life estimated at 700 shots per charge, ideal for events and wilderness photography where out-of-charge means lost moments.

Sony’s A99 II’s NP-FM500H battery yields about 490 shots - respectable, but more modest. That’s partly due to its high-res EVF and stabilization system consuming more power.

Storage-wise, both have dual card slots, but Canon offers a hybrid solution: one SD (UHS-I) and one CompactFlash slot. Sony relies on two SD/MS Duo-compatible slots, which can simplify card management but may inconvenience those with CF cards.

Long shoots and travel shoots will benefit from Canon’s battery and hybrid storage flexibility, while Sony’s power drain demands carrying spares.

Lens Ecosystem: The Glass Matters

Canon 5DS front Canon 5DS screen back Sony A99 II front Sony A99 II screen back

Canon’s EF mount is a fortress of versatility, boasting over 250 native lenses, including pro-grade L-series primes and zooms. This extensive ecosystem is a decisive factor for many photographers looking for specialty lenses in macro, tilt-shift, ultra-wide, or super-telephoto categories.

Sony’s A99 II uses the Minolta A-mount, featuring around 143 lenses - fewer than Canon but still covering a broad range. Many modern lens designs cater primarily to Sony’s mirrorless E-mount line, so A-mount choices can be trickier to find and costlier.

If you already own Canon glass or rely on abundant lens availability, the 5DS will serve you better. Sony’s system is stable but more niche, best suited to photographers committed to the brand or ready to use adapters.

Connectivity & Wireless Features

Sony pulls ahead here with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. These wireless goodies let you transfer images to devices instantly and remote trigger the camera using a smartphone app - a timesaver during travel or studio shoots.

In contrast, Canon’s 5DS features no wireless connectivity out of the box. You’ll need external Wi-Fi adapters for remote control or image transfer, adding cost and hassle.

For photographers who prize on-the-go sharing and tethering ease, Sony’s integrated modules add meaningful workflow efficiency.

Performance by Photography Genre

Portrait Photography

Canon’s ultra-high 51MP sensor gives portraits incredible resolution and smooth gradations for flattering skin tones. The 61-point AF with face detection locks on eyes reliably, producing sharp, creamy-bokeh backgrounds with lenses like the 85mm f/1.4L.

Sony, while slightly lower resolution, leverages better dynamic range and color depth for natural skin tones under tricky lighting. The 399-point AF results in higher eye detection precision and tracking, especially useful for events and weddings.

Verdict: Portrait fanatics wanting the ultimate detail may lean Canon. Sony suits those wanting faster AF and richer color fidelity.

Landscape Photography

High resolution and wide dynamic range define this genre. Canon’s 51MP wins on sheer pixel count for large prints and cropping, but Sony’s superior dynamic range (13.4 EV) captures subtle shadow and highlight details better - crucial when sunrises or sunsets deliver tough contrast.

Canon’s weather sealing and extensive lens variety enhance outdoor durability, but Sony’s lower weight favors hikers and backpackers.

Verdict: Canon for studio-quality prints; Sony for versatile outdoor work with deeper tonal range.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Burst shooting is vital here. Canon’s 5fps is adequate but struggles with fast action and unpredictable movement. Sony delivers 12fps continuous bursts and a vastly superior AF tracking system, locking on erratic subjects.

Sony’s sensor-stabilization also helps handheld shooting with heavy telephotos in the field.

Verdict: Sony’s clear champion for action-packed photography.

Street and Travel Photography

For discrete shooting, the smaller, lighter body and silent shooting modes go a long way. Sony’s unnoticeably smaller form and EVF with real-time exposure preview help capture fleeting moments effortlessly.

Canon’s bulk and louder shutter may intimidate street photographers. However, Canon’s robust battery life trumps for multi-day trips.

Verdict: Sony for portability and stealth; Canon for endurance and resolution.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Neither camera is specialized for macro, but Canon offers slightly better lens options. For astrophotography, Sony’s higher native ISO, improved dynamic range, and sensor sensitivity give an edge in low-light clarity.

Video and Multimedia Work

Sony’s full 4K video capabilities plus articulating screen and built-in stabilization make it far superior for serious video, while Canon remains a basic HD option.

Price and Value: Stretching Your Dollar

At retail, Sony’s A99 II (approx. $3198) edges Canon’s 5DS (approx. $3699) on price - a meaningful $500 difference to some budgets.

Sony justifies its price with advanced AF, superior video, better connectivity, and more flexible interface. Canon leans on pure image resolution and ruggedness as its selling points, perfect for high-res photography.

If you want sheer megapixels and rock-solid still photo prowess, Canon justifies its premium. If you want speed, video, and modern features with a better value proposition, Sony’s your pick.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Who Should Buy Which?

• If you’re a landscape, commercial, or studio photographer who demands maximum image sharpness and plans to print very large or crop heavily, the Canon 5DS remains a powerhouse. Its rugged build, battery life, and vast lens lineup make it a reliable workhorse.

• If you’re a wildlife, sports, event, or hybrid still/video shooter who prioritizes autofocus speed, burst rate, and modern features like 4K video and wireless workflow, the Sony A99 II is the better all-rounder. Its sensor offers excellent low light performance and dynamic range, with a flexible interface that suits field versatility.

• Travel, street, and documentary shooters will appreciate the Sony’s lighter, quieter design and tilting screen. If pockets run thin, Sony also presents better value.

• For video-centric creators, Sony’s comprehensive codec support, microphone and headphone jacks, plus sensor-based stabilization, easily beat Canon’s limited HD video and no stabilization.

Wrapping Up: The Final Word From Someone Who’s Really Used Both

After thousands of shutter clicks with these beasts, it’s clear both cameras deliver professional-grade results but cater to subtly different needs. The Canon 5DS is a high-res, no-compromise DSLR tailored to shooters who want massive detail and proven reliability without fuss over video or connectivity.

The Sony A99 II takes a more modern and versatile approach: faster, smarter autofocus, better video, and wireless features packaged in a lighter frame. It feels like a bridge between DSLR tradition and mirrorless innovation.

Neither is perfect, and the choice is your balancing act between resolution, speed, lens choice, and budget.

If you ask me, I’d lean Sony A99 II for its all-around versatility and future-proof features unless your heart and workflow absolutely demand Canon’s pixel count and glass.

Happy shooting - and remember, the best camera is always the one you have in your hands.

Canon 5DS front Canon 5DS screen back Sony A99 II front Sony A99 II screen back