Canon EOS 5D Mk II Full Frame DSLR
21 Megapixel Sensor Delivers Highest Image Quality Of Any Canon DLSR
Sep 29, 2008
It was worth the wait for Canon’s update of an old favorite in their DSLR range, the 5D, now coming with the sensor from the top of the range 1Ds Mk III. Then Canon gave it a few tweaks, resulting in better ISO sensitivity than the 1D.
"The anticipation surrounding the launch of this camera model has exceeded our greatest expectations, and we believe our loyal customers will be awed by the level of innovation and features built into the new EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR. Once they have the chance to experience the camera, we believe they will agree that it was worth the wait," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
New Full Frame Sensor
The size of each pixel of the EOS 5D Mark II camera are the same as the 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor from the EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR, the new sensor features an updated output amplifier and an advanced color filter for better light transmission while retaining excellent color reproduction. By applying the same kind of advancements in sensor design and image processing technology as the recently introduced EOS 50D camera, but at higher resolution and with larger pixels, the EOS 5D Mark II achieves the highest level of image quality of any EOS Digital SLR released to date. This imbalance in the Canon model range suggests the replacement for the 1DsMkIII is not far away, possibly with even more resolution from its full frame CMOS sensor.
Video Capability
High definition video seems to be the latest development in DSLRs, providing photographers the opportunity to use a range of lenses not found on consumer video cameras. Many professional photographers with Canon systems have pre-ordered the 5D to satisfy customer desires for short video clips for Internet sites.
Electronic Shutter in Live View
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II comes with two Silent Shooting modes in Live View for those situations where the normal mechanical noise of the SLR mirror and shutter are unacceptable. This will appeal to law enforcement officials, and for behind-the-scenes shooting on movie sets. In Mode 1, the camera opens the mechanical shutter open at the beginning of the exposure, using the electronic 1st-curtain function of the CMOS sensor and a reduced shutter-cocking noise, allowing multiple shots to be taken with minimal noise. In Mode 2, to minimize shutter noise during single frame photography, shutter cocking does not occur until the shutter button returns to the half-way position after shooting.
Not a 1Ds Mk III
Despite some of the advances, the Canon EOS 5D Mk II still lacks the extent of features in the much more expensive Canon EOS 1Ds Mk III; here are some examples.
- There is only one memory card slot for a Compact Flash card; there is not a second slot for the emerging high capacity SD cards.
- The 1D has a different Pentaprism with a slightly smaller image than the one in its big brother.
- There are 9 autofocus points compared to the 45on the EOS1D.
- Similarly, there are 35 metering points on the EOS 5D while the EOS 1Ds Mk III comes with 65.
One strange inclusion on the Canon EOS5D Mk II is the"CA" Creative Full Auto setting introduced on the EOS 50D. This setting allows users to make image adjustments such as aperture or shutter speed through an easy-to-understand navigation screen on the camera's LCD menu, allowing them to "blur the background" or "lighten or darken the image." Most serious top end cameras do not have the pre programmed scene modes usually found on DSLRs intended for novice photographers.
It is not all bad news for 5D Mk II owners as it comes with an up rated rear 3 inch LCD screen, now with 92000 pixels screen. The lack of some of the 1Ds Mk III features means a more compact and lighter body, down to 800g compared to 1200 g for the 1D. The specs for the Canon EOS5D Mk II are still impressive and it still represents great value for money.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera is compatible with Canon EF lenses and is scheduled for delivery by the end of November 2008. The EOS 5D Mark II will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $2,699. It will also come in a kit version with Canon's EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $3,499.
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