Canon EOS 5DS vs Pentax K-m

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m
      73
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon EOS 5DS and the Pentax K-m, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon EOS 5DS was introduced in February 2015 and Pentax K-m was introduced in September 2008. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon EOS 5DS Highlights

      • 50.6 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 61 Focus Points (61 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 1,040k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Pentax K-m Highlights

      • 10.0 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 5 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 3.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon EOS 5DS
      4. Advantage of Pentax K-m
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon EOS 5DS and Pentax K-m.

      PROS

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 50.6 Megapixel
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 87
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots

      CONS

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.0 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      •   Price
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Weight - 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 64
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)

      Advantage of Canon EOS 5DS

      Canon 5DS
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon EOS 5DS over Pentax K-m.

      Canon EOS 5DS vs Pentax K-m
      Video Capture vs
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 50.6 Megapixel vs 10.0 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 8688 x 5792 vs 3872 x 2592
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 61 vs 5
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 2.7"
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,040k dot vs 230k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 96%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.71x vs 0.57x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 3.5 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/200 sec vs 1/180 sec
      Partial Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 2381 vs 513
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.7 vs 22.4
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.4 vs 11.4
      Higher DxO Overall Score 87 vs 64
      Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output Mini vs
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Dust Proof vs
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS 5DS.

      Canon 5D III
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      Full Frame

      22.3 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Panasonic S1
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Panasonic S1
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      1/2.33-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon 5D
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      Full Frame

      13.3 MP

      Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.8 MP

      Canon 5D IV
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      Full Frame

      30.4 MP

      Canon 5D II
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      Full Frame

      21.1 MP

      Nikon A
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony a6700
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      APS-C

      26.0 MP

      Fujifilm GFX 100
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      Medium format

      102 MP

      Sigma SD1 Merrill
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Advantage of Pentax K-m

      Pentax K-m
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-m over Canon EOS 5DS.

      Canon EOS 5DS vs Pentax K-m
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Built-in Flash vs
      Lighter 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz) vs 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 700 shots vs 1800 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-m.

      Pentax K-x
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      APS-C

      12.6 MP

      Pentax K110D
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Pentax K-01
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      APS-C

      16 MP

      Sony FX30
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      APS-C

      26 MP

      Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
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      APS-C

      25.73 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a6100
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Nikon D5600
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      WEAKNESSES Canon EOS 5DS Pentax K-m
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi[]
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon EOS 5DS has a 3.2" screen with 1,040k dot resolution and Pentax K-m has a 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Canon EOS 5DS has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderPentax K-m has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. Canon EOS 5DS has 100% coverage with 0.71x magnification and Pentax K-m has 96% coverage with 0.85x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Canon EOS 5DS features a 50.6 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36 x 24 mm and a total area of 864 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode. Pentax K-m features a 10.0 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Canon EOS 5DS is equipped with Dual DIGIC 6 processor and can take pictures up to 8688 x 5792 resolution. Pentax K-m can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3008 x 2000, 1824 x 1216 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Canon EOS 5DS has Canon EF lens mount and Pentax K-m has Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Canon EOS 5DS its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length. Due to APS-C sensor in Pentax K-m its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Pentax K-m

      Pentax K-m has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon EOS 5DS comes with LP-E6 battery pack with battery life of 700 shots and Pentax K-m comes with 4 x AA battery pack with battery life of 1800 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon EOS 5DS has two card slots - one for SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) and one for CompactFlash (UDMA 7). Pentax K-m has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS 5DS, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax K-m. Canon EOS 5DS can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Pentax K-m can shoot continuously up to 3.5 fps.


      Focusing

      Canon EOS 5DS has Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 61 (41 cross-type) focusing points and Pentax K-m has 5 focusing points. Canon EOS 5DS has detection range from -2 to +18 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Canon EOS 5DS ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Canon EOS 5DS and ±2 EV range on Pentax K-m. You can also do exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS 5DS and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Pentax K-m.


      Flash

      Pentax K-m has a built-in flash with maximum range of 11.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash. Canon EOS 5DS has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on Canon EOS 5DS and 1/180 sec on Pentax K-m.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon EOS 5DS body has dimensions of 152 x 116 x 76 mm (5.98 x 4.57 x 2.99") and Pentax K-m body has dimensions of 123 x 92 x 68 mm (4.84 x 3.62 x 2.68"). Canon EOS 5DS weighs 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz) and Pentax K-m weighs 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz).

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      152 mm

      116 mm

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      123 mm

      92 mm

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      116 mm

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      92 mm

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      76 mm

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      68 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon EOS 5DS and Pentax K-m

      Canon EOS 5DS and Pentax K-m for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      74
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      70
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      82
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Street Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      79
      •   Large Sensor
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      76
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon EOS 5DS and Pentax K-m and give them scores of 73 and 58 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      OVERALL
      73
      OVERALL
      58

      Sensor

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 50.6 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 87
      GOOD
      70
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.0 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 64

      Photo

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      75
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      BAD
      32
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      83
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   61 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      74
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      77
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon EOS 5DS

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      72
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 930 g (2.05 lb / 32.80 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 700 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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