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Canon 5D Mark II Reviews and Resources

September 18, 2007 By Eric Reagan

Canon has, after much anticipation and rumors, announced the Canon 5D Mark II.  The 5D Mark II follows in the formidable foot steps of its predecessor with a full frame sensor, which packs in 21.1 megapixels and features sensitivity settings up to ISO 25,600.  Below you will find an abundance of resources, reviews and other information regarding the 5D Mark II and available accessories.

The Canon 5D Mark II is available (depending on supply) from the following trusted vendors:

Canon 5D Mark II (body only) – Amazon.com

Canon 5D Mark II w/ 24-105mm L lens – Amazon.com

Canon 5D Mark II (body only) – Adorama

Canon 5D Mark II w/ 24-105mm L lens – Adorama

Canon 5D Mark II (body only) – B&H Photo

Canon 5D Mark II w/ 24-105mm L lens – B&H Photo

Canon 5D Mark II (body only) – Ritz Camera

Key Features

  • New 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with improved EOS Integrated Cleaning System (E.I.C.S.)
  • New Full HD 1080 resolution movie recording
  • 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
  • High performance DIGIC 4 providing superb image quality
  • Maximum 310 large JPEG images in a single burst with a UDMA card
  • 3.0? VGA (920k dots) Clear View LCD
  • ISO 100-6400 (expansion from 50 up to 25,600)
  • 9 AF points + 6 Assist AF points

Photography Bay Review and Additional Coverage

Canon 5D Mark II Review

Canon 5D Mark II Low Light Demonstration

Canon 5D Mark II vs. Nikon D700 Brief ISO Comparison (Sample Images)

Canon 5D Mark II vs. Nikon D700 In-Depth ISO Comparison (Sample Images)

Canon 5D Mark II News

Full Manual Exposure for Video (via firmware update)

Firmware Version 1.0.7 Update

Black Dots Fix

DXO Mark Sensor Ranking

Canon 5D Mark II Reviews

Photocrati

A full-frame EOS DSLR gets even better-with 21.1 MP CMOS sensor and much more.

DC Resource

All things considered, the Canon EOS-5D Mark II is a very impressive digital SLR. For the Canon enthusiast who wants to step up to a full-frame body, it’s an excellent choice.

Neutral Day

It’s 21.1 megapixel sensor is capable of taking breathtaking imagery, it’s AF system is very fast and entirely competent (if a bit dated), and it’s ISO performance opens up possibilities likely not seen by most photographers, especially those moving up from prosumer level cameras.

MacWorld

For users who’ve been wanting a full-frame SLR, there’s no doubt that the EOS 5D Mark II is a great option. Kudos to Canon for taking a great camera and finding ways to make it better.

DP Review

We have always placed a heavy emphasis on image quality, and all other things aside this means the 5D Mark II has to receive our highest rating.

DCI

The full-frame sensor translates to superior flexibility when shooting wide-angle and panoramic scenes, the high megapixel count means more flexibility in cropping and editing files, and the extraordinary level of customizability allows users to tailor the camera features to precisely match their image style desires and shooting preferences.

Canon Professional Network

I can see some of the ‘weaknesses’ it has compared to the 1 series but, those aside, it is really good. For me, the image quality coupled with the size and weight of the camera are very, very appealing.

PDN Gear Guide

While there are some definite stumbles-in particular, the focus system in low light was disappointing-other features live up to the hype. As a very solid low-end full-frame camera, the 5D II is definitely no flash in the pan.

Photo.net

It represents an advance in features over the original EOS 5D and the overall image quality is generally higher-though that higher quality may only be revealed in large prints.

What Digital Camera?

Canon users may now have the resolution of the 1Ds Mark III in a smaller and much cheaper body, but it’s clear that the similarities end there. Rather than being a straightforward derivative of its pro sibling, the 5D Mark II has its predecessor as its template, but with its 50D sibling as a strong influence.

Steve’s Digicams

With superb image quality and performance, the new 5DMk2 can confidently continue to fill the gap between Canon’s entry/consumer-level and all out pro dSLR models.

B&H Photo

Priced under $2700, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is an impressive camera that enables the user to capture monstrous, pro-quality still and video image files for far less than half the price of Canon’s flagship EOS 1Ds Mark II.

Imaging Resource

The Canon 5D Mark II is indeed a premium digital SLR. It’s not just the very high resolution that makes it stand out, but the excellent high ISO performance, effectively giving you the freedom to shoot handheld in conditions where you’d normally need a flash or a tripod.

The Digital Picture

It is a great upgrade to all owners of non-1-Series bodies – and even some 1-Series body owners are going to want one.

Cnet Asia

The EOS 5D Mark II is a very good camera for enthusiasts who are looking for a full-frame option, and has all the bells and whistles which makes this shooter not only a decent still image shooter, but also an industry grade video camera, too, as long as you have proper equipment.

Roland Lim

The image quality is simply amazing with very high resolution and very good high ISO performance. As far as image quality is concerned, I think most users would be more than pleased with the 5D Mark II. However, in areas such autofocus, Canon still lacks behind the competition.

Photo Review

Image noise was barely visible in test shots taken at ISO settings up to 3200, regardless of whether they were short or long exposures. Beyond that point, the visibility of noise increased steadily, although colour accuracy and sharpness were retained right up to ISO 25,600.

Camera Labs

Canon’s EOS 5D Mark II is a powerful and feature-packed DSLR that represents a significant upgrade over the original 5D, and a tough rival in the growing ‘affordable’ full-frame market.

The Online Photographer (First Impressions)

I don’t find a thing to complain about with regard to the build-quality of the 5D Mark II body. You have to realize, however, that I consider lightness in a camera to be an asset, not a liability.

PopPhoto

It takes a great full-frame DSLR, the original 5D (Pop Photo’s 2005 Camera of the Year), boosts damn near everything, adds high-definition video capture, and turns in an overall performance that makes it a virtual steal (or at least as close as a steal comes in this price bracket).

Ken Rockwell

Any image defects you see are most likely due to your own lack of expertise, and you had better have some extraordinarily good lenses to take advantage of the resolution.

Phil Holland

The body and autofocus alone make it my camera of choice. However, if I shot more street work, shot weddings, or just needed to finally get rid of that pesky Canon D30 finally (you guys know you’re out there) I’d say the 5D Mark II is a great buy.

Pro Photo Home

The point here is to review the video mode for the regular purchaser of the cam. They will most likely be disappointed in the video mode. I didn’t bother to mention how “fiddly” the whole operation is compared to a proper pro camcorder with zoom controls, a shoulder mount, etc., etc.

PhotographyBLOG

There’s virtually no visible noise at all from ISO 50 all the way up to ISO 3200, with even the three faster settings of 6400-25600 producing perfectly usable images. Canon seem to have matched the low-light performance of the Nikon D3 and D700 whilst substantially increasing the resolution.

Anandtech

Resolution is as good or better at the same ISO as the original 5D, but the range is extended somewhere between one and three stops in a sensor with 65% more pixels.

Digital Rev (hands-on preview)

Whether you were thrilled with the idea of the HD movie recording or not, one thing is for sure and that’s the Canon EOS 5D Mark II has improved over its formidable predecessor and offers solid performance as a semi-pro camera.

Digital Pro Talk (hands-on preview)

I can’t wait to permanently get my hands on this baby. The phenomenally high ISO capabilities promise some unbelievable benefits especially to us event shooters.

DP Review (hands-on preview)

So here is the 5D Mark II, which punches high in terms of both resolution and features, headlining: 21 megapixels, 1080p video, 3.0″ VGA LCD, Live view, higher capacity battery. In other words, a camera that aims to leapfrog both its direct rivals, either in terms of resolution (in the case of the D700) or features (in the case of the DSLR-A900).

Canon 5D Mark II Sample Images and Video

PhotographyBLOG

Cameratown

What’s in the Box

  • EOS 5D Mark II Body
  • Eyecup Eb
  • Wide Neck Strap EW-EOS5DMKII
  • Stereo Video Cable STV-250N
  • USB Interface Cable IFC-200U
  • Battery Charger LC-E6
  • Battery Pack LP-E6
  • EOS Digital Solution Disk
  • Software Instruction Manual

Canon 5D Mark II Accessories

Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip

Canon LP-E6 Rechargeable Battery

Canon LC-E6 Battery Charger

Canon ACK-E6 AC Adapter Kit

Canon DR-E6 DC Coupler

Canon BGM-E6 Battery Magazine

Canon CBC-E6 Car Battery Charger

Canon WFT-E4A Wireless File Transmitter

Canon EG-A Focusing Screen (Standard)

Canon EG-D Focusing Screen (Grid)

Canon EG-S Focusing Screen (Super Precision)

Canon EW-5DMK II Strap

Canon 430EX II Speedlite

Canon 580EX II Speedlite

Canon STE2 Speedlite Transmitter

Canon RS-80N3 Remote

Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote

Canon RC1 Wireless Remote

Canon RC5 Wireless Remote

Canon 5D Mark II Resources

Instruction Manual and Software Download Page

Canon Digital Photo Pro v3.5.1 (for 5D Mark II RAW support)

Canon 5D Mark II Press Release

United Kingdom/ Republic of Ireland, 17 September 2008: Canon announces the full frame, 21.1 Megapixel EOS 5D Mark II: the first EOS with full High Definition video capability.

Compact, lightweight and with environmental protection, the successor to the EOS 5D boasts a newly designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in low light conditions. The new DiG!C 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames.

Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps – for amazing quality footage with outstanding levels of detail and realism.

The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1 Megapixel camera opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. With its full frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera equipment available – from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers.

Enhancements from the original EOS 5D include:

  • Addition of Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, with a new Fluorine coating on the low-pass filter
  • Larger 3.0” Clear View LCD with VGA resolution, a 170° angle of view and anti-reflective coatings
  • Improved menu system including Quick Control Screen for more direct access to common settings
  • Automatic peripheral illumination correction, utilising detailed EF lens information to optimise JPEG images straight out of the camera
  • Magnesium alloy construction with additional environmental protection
  • UDMA memory card compatibility

“Professional photojournalists and wedding photographers already choose the EOS 5D for its discrete size and outstanding image quality,” said Mogens Jensen, head of Canon Consumer Imaging. “The addition of HD movie recording opens a new chapter for EOS. It creates new possibilities for EOS photographers to capture and share their stories and to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.”

Key Specifications:

  • New 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with improved EOS Integrated Cleaning System (E.I.C.S.)
  • New Full HD 1080 resolution movie recording
  • 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
  • High performance DiG!C 4 processor providing superb image quality
  • Maximum 310 large JPEG images in a single burst with a UDMA card
  • 3.0” VGA (920k dots) Clear View LCD
  • ISO 100-6400 (expansion from 50 up to 25,600)
  • 9 AF points + 6 Assist AF points

Pricing & Availability:

The EOS 5D Mark II (body only) is available from end of November 2008 priced at £2299.99 / €2999.99 RRP inc. VAT.

The EOS 5D Mark II, EF 24-105mm f4.0L IS USM kit is available from end of November 2008 priced at £3049.99 / €3999.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Additional information

New CMOS sensor
The EOS 5D Mark II newly designed full frame 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor features ISO sensitivity from 100-6400, expandable to 50, 12,800 and 25,600. Large 6.4µm2 pixels have been redesigned to capture more light and yield a better signal to noise ratio to ensure lower noise images throughout the ISO range. The full frame sensor has the same dimensions as a frame of 35mm film. This means that wide-angle lenses stay wide, without the change in angle of view associated with smaller sensor cameras. As well as benefiting from finer control over depth of field, photographers moving up to the EOS 5D Mark II full frame format will find the newly designed wide, bright 98% coverage viewfinder a joy to work with.

New DiG!C 4 processor
A new DiG!C 4 processor combined with 14-bit analogue to digital conversion provides smooth gradations in mono-tonal areas such as skies, and highly accurate colour rendition. As well as HD movie shooting, DiG!C 4’s high speed provides for long uninterrupted continuous bursts of large JPEGs, near-instant start-up times and immediate and fast review after shooting. DiG!C 4 also provides for improved noise reduction algorithms, complementing the already low noise images from the EOS 5D Mark II CMOS sensor.

HD video capture
The EOS 5D Mark II is Canon’s first D-SLR to incorporate full HD 1920×1080 video capture. Once filming is started from Live View mode, photographers can fire off either single or continuous stills, with video capture continuing after the final frame is captured.

See everything
A new 3.0” VGA resolution LCD provides a wide 170º angle-of-view, providing plenty of clarity for accurate focus checks in playback. The screen brightness can automatically adjust to suit viewing conditions, extending battery life in low light and improving viewing in bright conditions. A new dedicated Live View button switches modes to display a real-time image on the LCD. This allows EOS 5D Mark II  photographers to enjoy simplified shooting from awkward angles. Simple connection to a PC provides easy remote shooting.

Precision focus and metering
A 9-point auto focus system is supported by 6 additional invisible Assist AF points, located inside the spot-metering circle to optimise subject tracking performance in AI SERVO AF mode. For accurate exposure readings in tricky lighting conditions, the spot metering circle covers just 3.5% of the frame.

Control
The EOS 5D Mark II redesigned menu system includes a new Quick Control screen, for instant access to the most commonly changed settings. A new Creative Auto mode allows photographers to cede control of key settings to the camera, while retaining control over creative variables such background blur, drive mode and image brightness. Custom user settings allow photographers to switch between two completely different camera setups. This is ideal for changing quickly between two different environments, such as switching from working inside a church without flash to outdoors with fill-flash at a wedding.

Accessories
Shooting flexibility is enhanced with a range of new accessories. Shooting capacity can be extended with either the high capacity 1800mAh lithium-ion Battery Pack LP-E6, or Battery Grip BG-E6. A new optional Wireless File Transmitter – the K271 – offers external HDD and GPS compatibility along with the ability to transmit images direct to computer or FTP server, or operate the camera wirelessly. Both the BG-E6 and K271 feature a vertical orientation shutter release and other key controls for comfortable portraiture work, with a substantial grip to help balance the camera when used with long lenses.

Filed Under: Canon Tagged With: 5d, Canon, canon 5d mark ii, digital camera reviews, mark ii, specs

 

Canon 5D Reviews and Resources

July 1, 2007 By Eric Reagan

The Canon 5D offers advanced photographers a lightweight, robust digital SLR that uses Canon’s superlative EF lenses without a conversion factor. Its full-frame 12.8 Megapixel CMOS sensor combines with Canon’s DIGIC II Image Processor, a high-precision 9-point AF system with 6 assist points, and “Picture Style” color control to deliver images of superior quality with enough resolution for any application.

Canon 5D Reviews

DPReview.com

Canon’s press material for the EOS 5D states that it ‘defines (a) new D-SLR category’, while we’re not typically too concerned with marketing talk this particular statement is clearly pretty accurate. The EOS 5D is unlike any previous digital SLR in that it combines a full-frame (35 mm sized) high resolution sensor (12.8 megapixels) with a relatively compact body (slightly larger than the EOS 20D, although in your hand it feels noticeably ‘chunkier’). The EOS 5D is aimed to slot in between the EOS 20D and the EOS-1D professional digital SLR’s, an important difference when compared to the latter is that the EOS 5D doesn’t have any environmental seals. While Canon don’t specifically refer to the EOS 5D as a ‘professional’ digital SLR it will have obvious appeal to professionals who want a high quality digital SLR in a body lighter than the EOS-1D.

Luminous Landscape

The bottom line then is this – the Canon 5D is an immensely satisfying camera. In a physical size, weight and form factor it is little different than the mainstream of 5 – 8 Megapixel APS sized cameras. But Canon has, with the 5D, provided photographers with a full-frame 35mm of sufficient resolution – 12.8 Megapixel – to meet the print and reproduction size needs of the vast majority of serious photographers. Image quality, whether at normal or at high ISO, is as good as it currently gets.

Photo.net

The Canon EOS 5D is the essential camera for everything that photographers used to do with 35mm film. It is more than good enough for most professional photojournalism applications, but still simple enough that a yuppie can get one to throw in the glovebox of his BMW SUV and take pictures at the school soccer game.

Digital Outback Photo

Pictures from ISO 100-400 are very low noise, ISO 800 is still very good. The shots at ISO 1600 and 3200 are just amazing at this level.

The 5D noise behaviour is likely the best we ever have seen. Canon raised the bar quite a bit here.

Digital Camera Resource Page

Overall the EOS-5D’s photo quality was excellent. The camera took well-exposed photos with accurate color and low purple fringing levels. As for noise? Well, there isn’t much, as you’ve hopefully seen in these tests. I took many photos at the big SF Auto Show back in November at ISO 1000 and above, and all of the pictures could be printed at 8 x 10 or larger. As is the case with all D-SLRs, Canon has the in-camera sharpening turned way down, and if you want things to be sharper you can either increase that, or just post-process in Photoshop.

Cnet

A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor, the Canon EOS 5D delivers great images and the familiar 35mm-film-format shooting experience for a comparatively low (though still hefty) price.

Steve’s Digicams

The bottom line is always image quality, and the 5D does not disappoint with its combination of 12.8-megapixel resolution, full-frame image sensor and low image noise. The 5D is capable of producing images rivalling the quality of the professional 1DS Mark II. Most pro’s will opt to shoot in RAW mode, using software tools to adjust for the desired degree of sharpness, saturation and contrast. But the 5D also produces high-quality finished JPEG images courtesy of its Picture Styles. While image noise is noticeable in midtone and shadow areas at sensitivities over ISO 800, ISO 1600 and 3200 produce very usable images.

Imaging Resource

Following in the impressive footsteps laid down by earlier members of the highly-acclaimed Canon EOS line of digital SLRs, the new 5D definitely upholds its EOS lineage. While a truly excellent photographic tool though, it doesn’t automatically represent a slam-dunk choice between it and a sub-frame camera — or even between it and the much more expensive EOS-1Ds Mark II. The 5D struck us as an odd mixture of consumer and professional aesthetics, a slightly uncomfortable fit in the current world of d-SLRs. For people addicted to ultrawide angle photography with a substantial investment in full-frame wide angle lenses, it will probably be a no-brainer. But for someone not already invested in wide-angle glass, you could buy an EOS 30D and Canon’s excellent little 10-22mm EF-S wide-angle lens and have more than just change to spare relative to the cost of the 5D body alone.

Let’s Go Digital

Impressive is the Canon EOS 5D certainly where image quality is concerned in combination with the new EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM lens. The sharpness is outstandingly high and the colour reproduction especially accurate. Picture Style lets you adjust it to your own taste. What’s more is the fact that the new Canon EOS 5D excels on noise and dynamic range. Moreover, ISO 3200 can be used perfectly for high quality prints and in light as well as dark areas the detail remains clearly visible. This is really impressive; you have to see it to believe it.

Canon 5D Accessories

Canon BG-E4 Battery Grip

Canon BP511A Rechargeable Battery

Canon Ee-D Focusing Screen

Canon 430EX Speedlight

Canon 580EX Speedlight

Canon RS-80N3 Remote

Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote

Introduction to Canon 5D DVD

Canon 5D Magic Lantern Guide

Where to Buy?

If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices.

Filed Under: Canon, Gear, Reviews Tagged With: 5d, Canon, dslr, eos, review

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