The camera was part of Canon's strategy to provide an affordable but capable camera to the entry-level market, bridging the gap for amateurs wanting to explore more advanced photography without the high cost typically associated with SLR cameras.

The EOS 5000 uses Canon’s autofocus technology with multiple autofocus points. It supports the Canon EF lens mount, allowing it to use a wide range of lenses available in the EF lens series. The camera offers several exposure modes including Program, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, and Manual modes.