Canon EOS 5D Mark II In-depth Review
August 2009 - Updated to reflect the additional manual control over video exposure introduced with firmware 1.10.
Back in August 2005 Canon 'defined a new DSLR category' (their words) with the EOS 5D. Unlike any previous 'full frame' sensor camera, the 5D was the first with a compact body (i.e. not having an integral vertical grip) and has since then proved to be very popular, perhaps because if you wanted a full frame DSLR to use with your Canon lenses and you didn't want the chunky EOS-1D style body then the EOS 5D has been your only choice. Three years on and two competitors have turned up in the shape of the Nikon D700 and Sony DSLR-A900, and Canon clearly believes it's time for a refresh.
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). Full detail below.
Key features / improvements
- 21 megapixel CMOS sensor (very similar to the sensor in the EOS-1Ds Mark III)
- Sensor dust reduction by vibration of filter
- ISO 100 - 6400 calibrated range, ISO 50 - 25600 expansion (1Ds Mark III & 5D max ISO 3200)
- Auto ISO (100 - 3200) in all modes except manual
- 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
- DIGIC 4 processor, new menus / interface as per the EOS 50D
- Image processing features:
- Highlight tone priority
- Auto lighting optimizer (4 levels)
- High ISO noise reduction (4 levels)
- Lens peripheral illumination correction (vignetting correction)
- RAW and SRAW1 (10 MP) / SRAW2 (5 MP)
- RAW / JPEG selection made separately
- Permanent display of ISO on both top plate and viewfinder displays
- AF micro adjustment (up to 20 lenses individually)
- Three custom modes on command dial, Creative Auto mode
- Image copyright metadata support
- 98% coverage viewfinder (0.71x magnification)
- 3.0" 920,000 dot LCD monitor with 'Clear View' cover / coatings, 170° viewing angle
- Automatic LCD brightness adjustment (ambient light sensor)
- Live view with three mode auto-focus (including face detection)
- No mirror-flip for exposures in Live View if contrast detect AF selected
- Movie recording in live view (1080p H.264 up to 12 minutes, VGA H.264 up to 24 mins per clip)
- Two mode silent shooting (in live view)
- New jump options in play mode
- HDMI and standard composite (AV) video out
- Full audio support: built-in mic and speaker, mic-in socket, audio-out over AV (although not HDMI)
- IrPort (supports IR remote shutter release using optional RC1 / RC5 controllers)
- UDMA CompactFlash support
- New 1800 mAh battery with improved battery information / logging
- New optional WFT-E4 WiFi / LAN / USB vertical grip
- Water resistance: 10 mm rain in 3 minutes
|
|
|
|
|
Feb 13, 2009
|
Dec 1, 2010
|
Oct 10, 2008
|
Sep 17, 2008
|
DPR regular Steve Badger says that there's 'no excuse to be bored' when there's a camera at hand. His love of photography began when he borrowed a friend's superzoom, and eventually invested in a DSLR system. His home on the east coast of Australia provides plenty of spectacular scenery, but he's eager to travel and grow as a photographer. See gallery
Canon has updated its Digital Photo Professional 4 (DPP) software to version 4.1.50. The update brings support for a couple of new lenses and several camera models, improvements to multiple functions, and compatibility with 64-bit native environments, among other things. The newest version, says Canon, incorporates feedback from both APS-C and older full-frame owners eager for 'the very latest Raw workflow solution'. Read more
A multimedia journalist by trade, Tim Matsui's still photography projects have taken him from native Alaskan villages to Brazilian Air Force training facilities. Matsui shares with us his journey in creating his latest documentary work, from its beginnings in still photography to the adaptations he made to turn it into a video production. Learn more about his work on 'The Long Night,' a documentary debuting this week that looks into human trafficking in Seattle. Read our Q&A
'What's in your bag?' is a question we ask a lot of photographers, because, well, we're nosy that way. Asking the very same question, photographer Thom Atkinson posed it (figuratively) to centuries of British soldiers. He's assembled what would have been the belongings and clothing of a dozen combatants, ranging from medieval to modern-day soldiers. Take a look and learn how it all came together in our Q&A. See gallery
George Probst has been fascinated with sharks his whole life, but it wasn't until he found himself newly single with some extra money in savings that his dream of diving with and photographing sharks became a reality. He hopes his photos will inspire others to see sharks in a light unlike their typical portrayal in movies and pop culture. Find out about his process and see his work. See gallery
The Fujifilm X-T4 brings image stabilization, faster shooting and a bigger battery to the X-T series. It's not without its shortcomings but we found it to be an excellent stills and video shooter.
With its unusual form factor can the Tourbox aid the editing process? Will its price and variety of tactile controls appeal to photo and video editors who would like to streamline their workflow?
The Panasonic FZ1000 II is a worthy successor to the company's first large-sensor, long-zoom bridge camera, and a value-conscious rival to the popular Sony RX10-series. It's just as fast as its predecessor but produces nicer JPEGs, has significantly improved controls and interface, and more.
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is a Goldilocks drone. It's not the biggest or the smallest model out there, but it delivers just the right balance of size and features.
Exposure Software's latest Exposure X5 app is a surprisingly fast, feature-packed and affordable alternative to Adobe's Lightroom – with no subscription required.
What's the best camera for shooting sports and action? Fast continuous shooting, reliable autofocus and great battery life are just three of the most important factors. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting sports and action, and recommended the best.
Believe it or not, there are still people that like to print out their photos and create photo books to send gifts to family members. We looked at five popular photo printing services and have chosen the best.
Video features have become an important factor to many photographers when choosing a new camera. Read on to find out which cameras we think are best for the videophile.
What’s the best camera for less than $1000? The best cameras for under $1000 should have good ergonomics and controls, great image quality and be capture high-quality video. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing under $1000 and recommended the best.
If you want a camera that you can pick up and use without having to page through the manual first, then this guide is for you. We've selected seven cameras ranging from compacts to full-frame, all of which are easy to operate.
Comments