The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is possibly the best configured digital SLR to date. While there are other cameras that offer some of its features, never before has one company packed so many advanced technologies into one model.
I have spent the past three weeks with the EOS 5D Mark II using and testing the camera thoroughly in a wide variety of lighting situations. How well does the Canon EOS 5D Mark II perform? Is it worth upgrading from your current camera? Did Canon finally match the low-light prowess of the Nikon D700? Read our full review to find out.
Review (Summary): "Road-testing a new DSLR is always a blast, especially when the improvements go beyond a new paint job and racing stripes. Canon's new EOS 5D Mark II, a 2nd generation 5D-series digicam, delivers a host of improvements along with the ability to shoot Hi-Def video with sound, which made the road-test experience a total blast-and-a-half. ...
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. ..."
Review (Summary):... 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 ...
Canon hasn't just taken the 5D Mark I and put a new sensor in it. There are many little improvements that make this camera more than just an updated EOS 5D. There is the new menu system, the implementation of Live View, the sensor shake anti-dust system, the larger and higher resolution screen, a higher capacity battery, and extra customizability. ..."
Review (Summary): "... Image quality, which is thankfully still the main reason any photographer buys a DSLR, was near the best I've seen in a range of shooting conditions, with the 5D Mark II really shining at high ISOs. ...
Simply put, the 5D Mark II produced some of the best image quality we've seen from a DSLR in a range of lighting conditions. In particular, for capturing images in low and mixed light at high ISOs, the 5D II is about the best tool you can find ..."
Review (Summary): "Sometimes this job makes me cry. I've been hanging on to the EOS 5D Mk II, and the awesome 85mm f/1.2 lens that arrived along with it, for as long as humanly possible, but on Monday it has to go back to Canon, where it will have the drool professionally cleaned off it ...
... I won't beat around the bush with superfluous details when you can look at the following sample images for yourself, but suffice to say that the EOS 5D Mk2 has by far the best image quality of any digital SLR I've ever used, and makes APS-C DSLRs look like compact cameras by comparison. The tonal range, depth of colour and the sheer level of fine detail are simply amazing. ..."
Review (Summary): "The EOS 5D Mark II of course features a full-frame sensor, but the resolution enjoys a considerable boost from the 12.8 Megapixels of its predecessor to 21.1 Megapixels. This in fact matches the resolution of Canon’s current flagship, the 1Ds Mark III, but it’s not the same sensor. The EOS 5D Mark II features a new CMOS sensor which employs an improved output amplifier, a more advanced color filter with superior light transmission, and other enhancements also seen in the recently announced EOS 50D. ...
It’s one of Canon’s most powerful DSLRs to date, capable of delivering superb image quality with decent handling and all the latest bells and whistles. The movie mode is also an excellent addition, and while it’s not a practical replacement for a camcorder for most amateurs, the results can be spectacular and independent film makers will love it. ..."
Field Test (Summary): "For my trip to a paradise called Bali, the Canon retailer gave me one of the very first Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera models, to take with me on my journey. I went through tropical rain showers, soggy primary forest, smoking craters and burning hot beaches to find out how the Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR camera performs. Have the good features, such as noise-free images and the wide viewfinder of the primary EOS 5D, been enhanced? And, equally important: have the inferior features, like the insufficient auto focus and dust-prone aspect of the original, been addressed? ...
... The A3+ and A2 sized prints show an amazing amount of detail. Noise ratio is excellent; ISO 3200 is fine at A3+ format and ISO 1600 is no problem for an A2 sized print. ..."
Preview (Summary): "Though no one at Imaging-Resource.com would say that 12.8 megapixels is insufficient, the new 21.1-megapixel sensor will likely be a welcome upgrade, especially to professional photographers who already use a 5D. ...
... the Canon 5D Mark II appears to offer the best of both of its competitors, with high resolution capture and what we expect to be very good high ISO performance. Your needs and your lens collection will help decide which way you lean; the big story is that for the first time you have a choice. ..."
Review (Summary): "Call us excited. The new Canon EOS 5D Mark II is one of the most anticipated D-SLRs of 2008. Not only does it have a 21.1-megapixel full-frame sensor, the camera is the first in its class to record 1080p high-def video. ...
... Here’s a shocker: DigitalTrends.com gives this Canon EOS 5D Mark II an Editor’s Choice award, even with the drawbacks enumerated. Going to the top line: This video-recording D-SLR is a true breakthrough with quality that’s far better than the Nikon D90. ..."
Review (Summary): "Much like many of you I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Canon 5D Mark II. Many things intrigued me and excited me about the camera, but the points that stood out to me personally were: Higher quality/range ISO, increase of resolution, full 1080p video support. ...
... In reality though at this price point, even with the limitations of the HD video mode, it's still an amazing deal. I've already shot footage that I could not shoot with rigs that cost me 3x the price of this camera and in higher quality no less. ..."/p>
Review (Summary): "The EOS-5D Mark II ($2699, body only) is Canon's "budget" full frame digital SLR. It's the long-awaited replacement to the immensely popular EOS-5D, and it offers a higher resolution sensor, live view, Full HD video recording, a larger/sharper LCD, HDMI output, and much more. ...
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. I'm not quite sure that it's the ideal camcorder replacement, due to the lack of continuous AF when you're recording a movie. I've spent time with all three of the "budget" full-frame D-SLRs, and I'd place the Mark II second on my list. ..."
Review (Summary): "Let's cut to the chase - the Canon EOS 5D Mark II does live up to its billing. 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). ...
Look through the viewfinder, and you'll instantly be reminded of what a full-frame DSLR is all about - an awesome, wide view. If you're accustomed to using Canon's popular 24-105mm f/4 L-series lens on an APS-format camera, be prepared for a bright, wide-angle experience. Although viewfinder accuracy isn't the Sony's 100 percent, the Canon's 98 percent is still impressive and beats the Nikon D700's 95 percent. ..."
Review (Summary): "The Canon EOS 5D Mark II was quite possibly Canon's most highly anticipated Digital SLR ever, and the scramble to get in a preorder line insured that very few 5D IIs would be found in stock any time near their first availability date in early December 2008. ...
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. I enthusiastically recommend the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. "
The Canon EOS-5D Mark II is destined to go done in the history books for its combination of a full-frame 21-megapixel sensor and 1080p HD video capabilities. While the video abilities will grab a lot of attention, let's not forget that this is a full-frame 21-megaixel camera with a 3.9fps shooting speed, from Canon, at only $2,699.
Luminous-Landscape got their hands on the EOS 5D Mark II for one-day and created a nice preview along with a video providing a hands-on look at the 5D Mark II along with a short video that demonstrates the DOF advantages of using a large image sensor to record video.
Review (Summary): "... Everybody knows I'm a speed junkie so for me the big question is how much can I "goose" that ISO and still capture a good picture? So how far could I go with the 5D Mk II? OK, folks - here it is - how about 3 stops higher than 800 ISO!!! Let me re-phrase, as Law and Order Jack McCoy would say, at 6400 ISO, I'd say I see the same noise characteristics as I see currently see on my 40D at 800 ISO. ...
...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...."
Review (Summary): "The Canon EOS 5D MkII is Canon's latest full frame DSLR. Externally it is very similar to the Canon EOS 5D. The only really obvious difference is the larger LCD screen and the chrome plated hotshoe vs. the black painted hotshoe of the 5D. Internally the EOS 5D MkII shows more differences, with the major hardware change being a 21.1MP sensor which replaces the 12.8MP sensor of the 5D. ...
The Canon EOS 5D MkII is a remarkably capable camera with excellent imaging capability, including the ability to shoot broadcast quality HD video and record sound in stereo. 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. ..."
Review (Summary): "The Canon 5D Mark II is a remarkable instrument. Not only is it a 21-megapixel camera that takes amazing photographs, but it is also one of the first of the "hybrid" cameras. It takes full 1080p High Definition video. As more and more photojournalists find themselves confronted with "multi-tasking" in their jobs, providing both stills and video, this is a major step that points the way to the future of the industry.
The camera uses Canon's CMOS sensor, which is processed by DIGIC 4 image processors before being written to the camera's memory card. The result is stunning images. ...
Continue reading this full article over at the Digital Journalist using the link below.
Review (Summary): "... 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)."
Continue reading the full preview over at DPReview.com
Review (Summary): "ow the 5D Mark II is here, and although it looks very similar from the outside, there have been some major improvements on the inside. The twin headline features are the 21.1 megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor, and the ability to record video at 1080p high-definition. Yes, you read that correctly - the Canon 5D Mark II can shoot HD movies ...
The new 21 megapixel CMOS sensor and expanded ISO range thankfully haven't compromised image quality in any way, quite the opposite in fact. 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. ...
Hands-on Preview: "Vincent Laforet, one of Canon's Explorers of Light, got to spend about 72 hours with a pre-production Canon EOS 5D Mark II and was totally blown away with it. So much so that Vincent thinks that this camera will not only change the course of his career but possibly the photography industry as well.
In his preview he looks at both the still and video image quality and states "The 5D MKII camera produces the best stills in low light that I’ve ever seen - what you can see with you eye in the worst light (such as sodium-vapor street lights at 3 a.m. in Brooklyn) - this camera can capture it with ease." and continues by stating "It produces the best video in low light that I've ever seen - at 1080p. A top commercial film editor who who regularly edits RED camera footage - and has seen the raw footage from the 5D MKII - says the 5D MKII is "far superior to the RED camera" in terms of low light performance…"
Review (Summary): "After a wait of close to 3 years, Canon finally released the replacement of the popular Canon 5D. The fact that it managed to survive so long in an environment where cameras are being "upgraded" every 18 months or so is a testament to how good it was. With the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon hopes to give us something that eclipses all that we could hope for in a DSLR and set new benchmarks. ...
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. ..."
Review (Summary): "Road-testing a new DSLR is always a blast, especially when the improvements go beyond a new paint job and racing stripes. Canon's new EOS 5D Mark II, a 2nd generation 5D-series digicam, delivers a host of improvements along with the ability to shoot Hi-Def video with sound, which made the road-test experience a total blast-and-a-half. ...
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. ..."
Review (Summary): "The 5D Mark II lists for $2699 for the body alone, or $3499 with the 24-105mm f/4L IS USM image-stabilized lens shown here. Overall we were much impressed with the 5D Mark II, which scored exceptionally well in our color and dynamic range testing, and produced excellent video quality (though without the level of control you'd expect from a dedicated camcorder). ...
Our lab testing revealed exceptional image sharpness and color accuracy, with acceptable automatic white balance results and outstanding custom white balance accuracy. Dynamic range was another strong suit for the 5D Mark II, where it outperformed our other test cameras by a significant margin. ..."
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