Canon EOS 5D Mark II review roundup

This one's been a long time coming, but we wanted to make absolutely sure you had quite enough reading material to make the most informed decision on this incredibly expensive (albeit quite valuable, as you'll soon find out) DSLR. Reviews the web over shout practically the same thing: the EOS 5D Mark II is astounding. In most every important area, the device simply excelled. Image quality was remarkable, the 1080p video capture was stellar (though the lack of Auto Focus was a legitimate knock against it) and low-light performance was simply awesome. Hailed as a respectable upgrade from the original 5D, it was found to strike "a great balance between resolution, quality and performance," and most outlets found it worthwhile even if you're not interested in capturing video. Frankly, we can't even begin to scratch the surface of all the nuances here, but we'll certainly point you in the right directions to get all the knowledge you need.

Read - PhotographyBLOG (5 out of 5)
Read - PopPhoto ("lives up to the hype")
Read - ArtByPhil ("an amazing deal")
Read - Digital Journalist ("a superb still camera, at a reasonable price")
Read - CameraLabs ("one of Canon's most powerful DSLRs to date")
Read - CameraTown ("a revolutionary camera")

[Roncore @ Dec 20th 2008 1:39PM]

::drool::

[loocas @ Dec 20th 2008 10:21PM]

*slips* ... *drools*

[planetMitch @ Dec 20th 2008 1:41PM]

The 5d mk ii is indeed a wonderfully fun camera - thanks for the reviews -- we've also got samples and more on the 5d wiki - planet5d.com

[eleazar123 @ Dec 20th 2008 3:15PM]

Thanks again for running that wiki. I know some people will think you are spamming the site, but It has kept me up to date without having to check multiple tech sites!

[Tohe @ Dec 20th 2008 2:30PM]

Superb camera. And the lack of auto-focus can be encompassed with auto-focus lenses.

[Tohe @ Dec 20th 2008 2:35PM]

The black dot issue should be fixed. But truth to be told, it only happens in a set of circumstances, and it is not as persistent as you make it sound. Just checkout the overwhelming video footage shot with the 5d out in vimeo etc, and let me know how many black dots you spot.

[Kobe_No_Means_No @ Dec 20th 2008 3:11PM]

Hi, I own the 5D2. It does have auto-focus in video mode. The default setting is "quick mode" which does not have auto-focus. You have to go into custom functions to change it to "live mode" in order to get auto-focus. I believe the reviewers may not have been familiar with the camera.

Hope this helps.

[kobe @ Dec 20th 2008 3:19PM]

Just to confirm what I said, auto-focus mode in video is explained on pg.123 of the 5D2 manual, which you can download from Canon's website.

The 5D2 is the only DSLR with auto-focus capability in video mode. The only other DSLR that currently offers video mode is the Nikon D90, which does not offer auto-focus in video mode.

[Rob Conway @ Dec 20th 2008 3:23PM]

haha! good job Kobe! you totally shit all over anyones complaints about this camera! if only i wasn't a broke ass dude i'd be buying this!

[White Rabbit @ Dec 20th 2008 3:53PM]

It is ok that there is no autofocus in video mode (even if there is) since you really don't want autofocus on a video camera. If a camera has autofocus, it is one of the first things a serious videomaker will turn off. So it really isn't a mark against it.

[Rauno @ Dec 20th 2008 9:00PM]

not in Custom Functions, but in Menu> Live View/Movie Func Set

[Bryant @ Dec 20th 2008 10:10PM]

I want to buy this as an alternative to my HV20. I need a DSLR :(

[neccessary @ Dec 21st 2008 2:34PM]

The EOS 5D Mark II does not really have autofocus in video mode, at least not continuous autofocus like that of a camcorder. At most you could call it Autofocus 'assist' as you need to hold down the AF-ON button in order for it to focus. I don't think its an issue of reviewers being unfamiliar with the camera, rather they're probably trying to point out that the camera does indeed lack true autofocus when shooting video.

[t-dot @ Dec 20th 2008 3:42PM]

When using pocket wizards to fire studio lights there are problems with the camera way overexposing some frames and the auto focus totally stops working ............. I am sure firmware will fix that along with the banding in sRAW1 and the black pixels on the right side of oxerexposed pixels ............ other than that I love mine { ( for the price )( alothough it is no where near a 1D series as far as build quaility) }

[sM42 @ Dec 20th 2008 10:26PM]

Um, if you're shooting with studio strobes, you should be in manual mode, which pretty much prevents the camera from over exposing unless you have your settings wrong. Where did you see this?

[Orappa @ Dec 20th 2008 4:11PM]

i orderd mine allready to abd i ahve to wait 6 mmonths to get it :(

[balls @ Dec 20th 2008 4:18PM]

6 months? Are you stateside?

[Orappa @ Dec 20th 2008 4:22PM]

Denmark :(

[balls @ Dec 20th 2008 4:18PM]

Where can I buy one?

All the usual places are backordered. I found a guy in the Ukraine that is selling one for $1500, I just to wire him the money. That sounds legit right?

[John @ Dec 20th 2008 4:53PM]

oh yeah man, that sounds totally legit. and it's a great deal too! almost half off of retail on the body alone. make sure you hurry and wire the shady foreign guy your money, and you should probably also email him your SSN and a few banking account and routing numbers. enjoy your new, legitimate camera!

[Mehul @ Dec 20th 2008 5:00PM]

Believe it or not. I got mine at a Best Buy. They got it transferred from another store and I had it the next day!

I'd recommend that you go to a BBY and ask the guy if you can do a web order or have it transferred from another store.

[Dan @ Dec 20th 2008 5:25PM]

All of these reviewers must never have to spend their own money on this thing. I wish I could afford one.

[Francois @ Dec 20th 2008 6:42PM]

Not that it matters or anything, but the photographyblog review was the second review I've read that says the 5D2's apearance is the same as the 5D. "...you'd be hard-pushed to tell the difference between the Mark II and Mark I if they were put side by side with the name-badge blanked out..." Eh? They have the same size and shape yes, but the design leans much more towards the current 1 series, like the pentaprism housing, which is in my opinion better looking. As I said it doesnt matter, but it irks me. That and the fact that some still think there is no AF in video.

Guess the biggest thing that irks me is that I will never be able to afford one.

[Igor @ Dec 20th 2008 6:56PM]

I've been enjoying the camera so far... http://www.flickr.com/photos/igorb/sets/72157611437372400/ just some shots from day 2 of having the camera, and the low light performance is very nice.

[Yem @ Dec 20th 2008 8:21PM]

Some perspective:
http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2008/12/sony-vs-nikon-v.html

[vqro @ Dec 21st 2008 12:58PM]

Thanks. This engadget post is totally biased in Canon's favor, as usual. There's plenty of other reviews that say different:

http://www.dreamtimeimages.com/blog/2008/12/01/5d-mark-ii-user-review-part-1/
http://dxomark.com

It's still a decent non-professional camera.

[Rauno @ Dec 20th 2008 8:40PM]

bought mine in 28th of november from Indianapolis, IN, USA...
so far i am very happy with it, did pics in beach and in nightclubs, wonderful toy ;)

[Dan @ Dec 23rd 2008 5:20PM]

Sir, how do you afford your rock and roll lifestyle?

[ace587 @ Dec 20th 2008 9:41PM]

nice, the first one will drop in price, perfect for me

[melo @ Dec 20th 2008 9:52PM]

Looks like a good follow-up to the 5D but with any of the new batch of DSLRs, I don't know any 'photographers' that would want or need to shoot video with an slr.. especially given the limitations on the video length. focus, etc. I'll stick to photos and leave the video to the videographers with real video cameras.

Also... as consumers dropping 3K+ for gear.. we need more solidarity in demanding better from manufacturers. Shipping these with any issues (ie. black dots) is ridiculous. Enough with the rushing gear out the door before it's ready. At these prices I fully expect my gear to do everything flawlessly... period. Contrary to popular corporate belief, it is not a race.

[Bryant @ Dec 20th 2008 10:12PM]

"I don't know any 'photographers' that would want or need to shoot video with an slr.. especially given the limitations on the video length. focus, etc. I'll stick to photos and leave the video to the videographers with real video cameras."

You'd be surprised. A number of videographers keep a Canon HV20 (now one of the later models like the HV30 or the new HF11) around as a backup to their pro cameras, but this does a good job of replacing the HV20 for that purpose, all while serving as an amazing DSLR.

[Ian @ Dec 20th 2008 11:35PM]

This is a good camera.

Here is a link to pictures I took last night.

All pictures were shot with the Kit lens, 3200 ISO, no tripod, standard NR. I uploaded the full resolution of the picture converted from the SRAW1 size.

Some pictures have slight mods such as brightness or sharpness but most are in the original format.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20133251@N00/sets/72157611458839554/

[Knives_Out @ Dec 21st 2008 11:59AM]

you would have had some really cool shots if you brought a tripod.

shutter speed is too low for handheld shooting on all pics.

[MaXxed @ Dec 21st 2008 12:01AM]

I have a 40D with all cross point sensors that focuses better, faster and more than the 5D in low light. I own both the 40D and 5D.

Three year old AF system from the 5D MkII. No deal.

[ronno @ Dec 21st 2008 12:59AM]

Aside from some focusing issues in low light with the outer af points, the camera has been pretty good thus far. Images to be about the same quality as my 1Ds3.
My notes can be found here:
afashionshooter.com