21.1 megapixel Canon EOS 5D Mark II with Full-Frame, Full-HD video
By Thomas Ricker 
posted September 17th 2008 12:30AM
posted September 17th 2008 12:30AM
After a brief tease, Canon just got official with its EOS 5D Mark II. The full-frame shooter updates the original 5D introduced back in 2005 with a 24 x 36mm 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 processor with 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion, and the ability to capture Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 video -- take that Nikon D90 and your paltry 720p. We're talking expanded 50-25,600 ISO range,15-point autofocus with 9 selectable AF points, 3-inch Live View LCD offering 4x the pixels of the original 5D, and a 3.9fps burst for unlimited JPEGs or up to 14 RAW images when using a UDMA CF card.
With regard to videoleaked predicted by RED CEO last week, the EOS 5D Mark II captures Full HD video at 30fps as well as VGA / 30fps for the first time on any Canon SLR. Of course, it works with any of Canon's 60 EF lenses (and whatever Carl Zeiss cooks up) for ultra-wide-angle, fish-eye, macro, and super-telephoto videography. Video can be recorded at up to 4GB per clip which is equivalent to about 12 minutes of Full HD video or 24 minutes in VGA. Video clips are recorded in .MOV format using MPEG-4 video compression and linear PCM audio. You can even record with external stereo mics attached to an input terminal.
At the end of November, Canon will sell the body-only for $2,699 or bundled with Canon's 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens for $3,499. Welcome back to the show Canon, we were starting to worry.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
With regard to video
At the end of November, Canon will sell the body-only for $2,699 or bundled with Canon's 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens for $3,499. Welcome back to the show Canon, we were starting to worry.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
150,000 shutter cycles... come on. HD video out, works well with Dragon stop-motion, beautiful! I can live with 3.9 fps for what is essentially a 1Ds in a 50D's clothing. This is a compact body for pro's who don't want to carry a brick everywhere they go.
1080p video!! 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, etc Compact Flash cards can't come soon enough
Far too much noise being made over the video capability.
What we've really got, in something like decreasing order of importance, is better high ISO performance, more pixels, high resolution LCD, 14bit processing, improved AF, and liveview ...
With the release of the D700 and a900, though, Canon no longer has the full-frame pro(sumer) niche to itself. For most of the features that really matter the cameras look pretty evenly matched. For the most important feature - image quality - we will have to wait for the reviews.
YES!! This rocks, period. Agreed, take that Nikon. I was really starting to worry about Canon too...Nikon's been pumping them out, but Canon seems to have much leaner release schedule. Man, I've been waiting for this!
Another Canon Rip Off in the UK
US: $ 2,699
• EU: € 2,499
• UK: £ 2,299
US: $2699 = £1,513.22
EU: E2499 = £1993.85
The UK price is a joke - (same for the 50D) even when you factor in the VAT. If its steet price is £1800 in the UK it has a chance to tempt me.
Nikon worldwide prices are much closer together ($/£ at about 1.8) for the D700 / D90 so why have Canon been so poor with the last 2 SLR UK prices.
thats F**king shocking, the exchange rate isnt $1:£1
What stops you from buying it from the US? I live in the EU and I do that all the time. Even with customs fees, it's cheaper...
"50-25,600 ISO range"
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I gotta say: congratulations, Canon, you've shown that you haven't been sleeping.
The resolution has been upped to the "you can't complain anymore" level, and if it's past DSLRs are any indication, then the IQ should be way up there. The video function may be a gimmick to some, but it's bound to be on nearly all DSLRs in the future, so why not just take it to the max and make it *work* from the start? I mean by using better compression (motion jpeg is really old/inefficient), allowing for better sound, better resolution (720p is available on many compacts). It doesn't matter if we're comparing this function to a much lower-priced camera: there *is* no other DSLR with video to compare *to*.
Introduce it a lower price point than it's predecessor (which is typical) and you make it even more attractive. Too bad it's still out of my budget, or else I'd get it in a heartbeat. I do HD video as much as I do photography, so having both in one package would have been great.
People seem to get stuck on it having "only" so-and-so AF points. I really don't mind, since I use only the center point anyways. Having 51 other AF points which I would never use would be way overkill.
I have little doubt that this will sell very well, unless there is some really big issue with it.
Yawn. I know it'll be a bit of a wait, but
the Red DSLR, er, DSMC, will blow away what
Nikon, Canon, or [cough] Sony have to offer.
http://www.reduser.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=47
looks good. esp with the 21.1mp range as the battle for the throne continues. i wonder what the top-secret Red answer to this is going to be.
Can wait to get mine!
You may get more information about the brandnew Canon EOS 5D Mark II by watching this video at http://www.canon-europe.com/thefutureofphotography/ - impressive details and pictures. Video becomes most exciting after 3 minutes!
You may get more information about the brandnew Canon EOS 5D Mark II by watching this video at http://www.canon-europe.com/thefutureofphotography/ - impressive details and pictures. Video becomes most exciting after 3 minutes!
Can I borrow $3,499 from one of you guys?
Why not give the Fed a call? They seem to be handing out free cash these days.
oooffff.
Who needs good AF, reasonable sync speeds, and usable fps rates when you have more megapixels!!!
who is buying this, on any other digital camera, for video work? any $500 camcorder is better suited for video work, just by virtue of its shape. i'd rather they sell this camera for $500 less, without the movie and live view 'features'. i wonder which model will sell more..
other than that, canon is still the market leader in digital cameras. they were the only high end camera maker that was also making video equipment, so no wonder they have all this expertise in lenses AND electronics.
1. You have to take into account, however, that if 5D Mark II were withouth video feature it wouldn't cost 500 USD less.
2. I shoot videos rarely, I hate to have a second device, I better take one more lens. But on those rare occasions when I want to shoot video, I would be very glad to have it in 5D.
Depth. of. Field.
As an independent filmmaker I'm really happy about this, b/c it will allow us to shoot really small budget films with whatever look we want - a couple prime lenses, a good tripod, and a really good sound person and you're rolling.
You're not going to get the same look out of a $500.00 video camera.
Nice jump overall for Canon. I think that this may the last upgraded were a manufacturer waited a reasonable amount of time between upgrades (3 years from 5D to 5D MKII). I can see that some of the features were dicated by what others were doing (Nikon) (HD video and super high ISO). By the looks of what is starting to happen with the 50D coming 1 year after the 40D I think the next iteration of 5D (5d MKIII) may come around closer than 3 years from now (maybe not a year from now like the 50D but 2 years would not be too far of a stretch).
The drive to put video on DSLRs is partly driven by the fact (as previously mentioned on this Engadget thread) that having the ability to do photos and videos at the same time is the difference of having a video of a once in a life time moment and not having it. Of course Nikon bringing video to their camera was probably one of the main reason why Canon had to follow suit. I also believe the same as many of you here that deep down even a Pro photog can only take so many smart comments from people with PS cameras that can shoot video when their $$$ DSLR can't do it.
Canon and Nikon are seeing the light and checking out where RED is going. Convergence of DSLR and Video with the ability to do both well in one unit.
RED is most likely going to bring the true unit that can offer an uncompressed RAW like equivalent for video and RAW picture capability in one body (I guess the storage requirements are a pretty big point that needs to be addressed (solid state HDs, etc.)
Two things that I did not see in the release that I would be curious about.
1) HOPEFULLY it will not utilize the same AF system as the 1DMIII, or we are all going to be spending a lot of time manually focusing to correct for their backfocus problem.
2) I have not seen any indication about vignette correction. I have had the privilege of knowing a few canon reps in my day and their explanation for the presence of vignette in the original 5 was two fold. One, the older EF film lenses projected light out at a rather severe angle, causing a shadow to be picked up by the pixel shaders around each diode set. This problem is something that they were working on with their new releases of lenses such as the 16-35 II. Two, for all you guys out there that shot pro film bodies like myself, you might notice that the new bodies are a LOT thicker. This is not just to accommodate for more electronics, but also to give the camera more distance for the light angle to narrow. Hopefully they have continued that trend in a very developed way or we are going to see more of the same.
Basic conclusions? Awesome body providing that they have corrected those issues and it seems to be at a great price. There will always be this Nikon/Canon, Ford/Chevy style debate, but as owner of both systems there are considerable benefits to both. One thing that is really hard to argue with is Nikon has some of the sharpest, best color projection glass on the planet. Folks that are aware of both systems would probably agree. SO? Nikon killer, probably not, but one thing is for sure, its about damn time!
wow. love the video mode. true it doesnt have the ergonomics of a camcorder, think about indie film: most takes won't run 10 minutes (unless you are an inspiring robert altman) and you're going to be using a tripod (or a harness of some kind). this is geared towards pros/hardcore-types and they'll have the inclination to use the capabilities correctly (ie, they won't be hand-holding the camera with a huge zoom following their kid playing soccer).
As usual, a living collection of online reviews for the camera can be found at http://www.dprguru.com/?model=530927760&mfg=0
At dprGuru, I don't actually write any reviews, but rather try to build an easy to search and user friendly database with links to leading online reviews, such that all the reviews for a certain camera model can alway be found at the same URL (above for the 5D MkII), or using a simple model/manufacturer search.
Where do i preorder :)
This is truly awesome. I feel it'll be worth the price, since you can omit a few other gadgets in exchange ie; camcorder,digital camera, and so on. i have a sony dsc-h3, and of course no fair comparision, i would swap it for this quickly. i own a PS3 a samsung 1080p 50 inch dlp, macbook 2.2 GHz and this would fit in just fine with them. good day all
What an upgrade from the original 5d. Sadly. much though I'd love one I don't make money from photographer and couldn't really justify the cost for my use. On the plus side hopefully there will now be lots of original 5Ds going second hand! Would do me fine.
Canon's site shows both EF and EF-S lenses as the last item on the features tab but in specs it only. Not that you should put anything less than the best L series lens on it But seeing that on the site is a shock.
"not to mention that the spot meter isn't even linked to the focusing point (only the center)."
Is this really useful? A point at 12% gray (Canon's metering standard ... it adds highlight margin to what would otherwise be 18%) or of known tone so that EC can be adjusted accordingly is seldom the same point as where you wish to focus. Spot metering will always place the tone beneath it at 12% regardless of how you'd actually like to expose it.
It's hilarious that while Canon devotees are bemoaning the dearth of autofocus points, "slow" burst fps, unnecessarily high pixel count and lack of full watersealing, Nikonians are praising this camera and *hoping that Nikon comes out with something to compete. I guess the grass really is always greener and whether you have the D700 or the 5d MkII, you'll never be satisfied...
>Seriously, the 9-point AF is very disappointing and 3.9fps is awful slow.
I'm a 5D shooter and I rarely have a need to use more than ONE AF point (the one in the middle) and same with a few of my 5D friends.
Also, only rarely have i wished the 5D was faster. I don't shoot sports, so the speed hasn't bothered me. Maybe if I shot with a 10 FPS camera for a while, I'd miss it if you took it away, but 3.9 FPS is more than adequate for most of the shooting that I've ever done.
>Far too much noise being made over the video capability.
but it's like this: if you have a choice between a competiting product, one with video and one without, it might tip you in that direction.
sorry to ruin your moment canon lovers, but why is it an accomplishment that a professional camera at its best needs an HD movie option, isnt that wat camcorders and movies are for? if your a videographer you dont use a DSLR... makes no sense canon, ive seen photos and while they are clear, its nothing that the d3 or d700 or d300 cant easily accomplish... i was looking for something new, didnt get it here..
I assume people have watched this....then read his blog about shooting whilst in movie mode. Amazing:
http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2086
you know, I don't know why people are really throwing this into the ring with the D90. They are NOT in the same category.
One is full frame, the other is not. No contest.
I love Nikon, but these two cameras should not be compared. If anything, this is a D700 competition.
21mp at full frame does sound fantastic, though.
Holy... that is some piece of kit. I want to see some detailed specs but, thats a sweet body. Santa? You listening?
I am not sure why this has gotten very little recognition, but one of the reasons I am looking forward to owning a 5D mark II in the near future is the convenience of an auto-cleaning sensor.
The original 5D didn't make such a feature, and if anyone has extensively used the 5D they know how dirty it can get, both in the viewfinder and on the sensor. With the 5D mark II giving us some weather-proofing as well as the auto-cleaning sensor feature common throughout the EOS line-up now, I think that using the new camera will simply be less frustrating.
That counts for a lot in my books.
Yeah yeah, I'm happy about all the other improvements too, but this hasn't be brought up much so I thought I'd mention it :)
I see detail and description for new eos 5d mark ii on blog http://www.cheapdslr4u.com for page http://www.cheapdslr4u.com/canon-eos-5d-mark-ii-211mp-full-frame-cmos-digital-slr-camera/ and i find orther on http://www.sakavan.com
I'm surprised the sensor is that large, I was expecting something around 15mp, I would certainly have traded some of those MP in for an even more improved ISO, and 3.9fps fell short of a lot of photographers expectations of at least 5fps. Auto focus points aren't close to Nikons but I can live with it.
So this on paper at least is no D700 killer, and that much talked about price difference will likely narrow upon the cameras actual release.
The original 5D had a film like quality to its images, this camera has big boots to fill, I'm curious to see how it all plays out.
Another multi thousand dollar camera.
Need:
Bigger hard drive(s). A faster computer. Upgrade photoshop. Study Photoshop more intensely. Larger capacity CF cards. Better lenses. New printer. More paper. More inks.
But are my images any better?????? !!!!!!!
I miss my medium format camera and Tri-X and my dark-room.
I just reviewed some of canon's video samples and it seems they are a BIG step ahead of Nikon on this. This biggest thing for me was the constant auto adjusting on Nikon's live view and from all the sample's I had seen, it appeared to be in the video as well. The canon samples look as they should.
and more review at http://2dayplaza.com with link :: http://2dayplaza.com/canon-eos-5d-price-list-comparison-check/
"Actually, I don't know why the 1Ds MarkIII is around, Canon has to drop the price of the 1Ds-III like a stone down to $5000 now if it's going to sell at all."
Couldn't agree more. I bought the 1Ds MarkIII about 6 months ago and it is an amazing camera, but why would anyone pay an extra $5,000 if you almost get the same camera with the 5D Mark II???
I love to see sample images get posted to see how the high ISO shots perform.
http://www.zahipedia.com/2008/11/05/the-canon-5d-mark-ii-in-action/