The Canon 5DII
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 17 September 2008: Canon announces the full frame, 21.1 Megapixel EOS 5D Mark II: the first EOS with full High Definition video capability.
Compact, lightweight with environmental protection, EOS 5D successor boasts a newly designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in near dark conditions. The new DIGIC 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames.
Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps – for amazing quality footage with outstanding levels of detail and realism.
The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1 Megapixel camera opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. With its full frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera equipment available – from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers.
Other improvements to the EOS 5D include
- Addition of Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, with a new Fluorine coating on the low-pass filter
- Larger 3.0” Clear View LCD with VGA resolution, a 170° angle of view and anti-reflective coatings
- Improved menu system including Quick Control Screen for more direct access to common settings
- Automatic peripheral illumination correction, utilising detailed EF lens information to optimise JPEG images straight out of the camera
- Magnesium alloy construction with additional environmental protection
- UDMA memory card compatibility.
“Professional photojournalists and wedding photographers already choose the EOS 5D for its discrete size and outstanding image quality,” said Mogens Jensen, head of Canon Consumer Imaging. “The addition of HD movie recording opens a new chapter for EOS. It creates new possibilities for EOS photographers to capture and share their stories and to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.”
Key Specifications:
- New 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with improved EOS Integrated Cleaning System (E.I.C.S.)
- New Full HD 1080 resolution movie recording
- 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
- High performance DIGIC 4 providing superb image quality
- Maximum 310 large JPEG images in a single burst with a UDMA card
- 3.0” VGA (920k dots) Clear View LCD
- ISO 100-6400 (expansion from 50 up to 25,600)
- 9 AF points + 6 Assist AF points
Additional information
New CMOS sensor
The EOS 5D Mark II’s newly designed full frame 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor features ISO sensitivity from 100-6400, expandable to 50, 12,800 and 25,600. Large 6.4µm2 pixels have been redesigned to capture more light and yield a better signal to noise ratio to ensure lower noise images throughout the ISO range. The full frame sensor has the same dimensions as a frame of 35mm film. This means that wide-angle lenses stay wide, without the change in angle of view associated with smaller sensor cameras. As well as benefiting from finer control over depth of field, photographers moving up to the EOS 5D Mark II’s full frame format will find the newly designed wide, bright 98% coverage viewfinder on a joy to work with.
New DIGIC 4 processor
A new DIGIC 4 processor combined with 14-bit analogue to digital conversion provides smooth gradations in mono-tonal areas such as skies, and highly accurate colour rendition. As well as HD movie shooting, DIGIC 4’s high speed provides for long uninterrupted continuous bursts of large JPEGs, near-instant start-up times and immediate and fast review after shooting. DIGIC 4 also provides for improved noise reduction algorithms, complementing the already low noise images from the EOS 5D Mark II’s CMOS sensor.
HD video capture
The EOS 5D Mark II is Canon’s first D-SLR to incorporate full HD 1920×1080 video capture. Once filming is started from Live View mode, photographers can fire off either single of continuous stills, with video capture continuing after the final frame is captured.
See everything
A new 3.0” VGA resolution LCD provides a wide 170º angle-of-view, providing plenty of clarity for accurate focus checks in playback. The screen brightness can automatically adjust to suit viewing conditions, extending battery life in low light and improving viewing in bright conditions. A new dedicated Live View button switches modes to display a real-time image on the LCD. This allows EOS 5D Mark II photographers to enjoy simplified shooting from awkward angles. Simple connection to a PC provides easy remote shooting.
Precision focus and metering
A 9-point auto focus system is supported by 6 additional invisible Assist AF points, located inside the spot-metering circle to optimise subject tracking performance in AI SERVO AF mode. For accurate exposure readings in tricky lighting conditions, the spot metering circle covers just 3.5% of the frame.
Control
The EOS 5D Mark II’s redesigned menu system includes a new Quick Control screen, for instant access to the most commonly changed settings. A new Creative Auto mode allows photographers to cede control of key settings to the camera, while retaining control over creative variables such background blur, drive mode and image brightness. Custom user settings allow photographers to switch between two completely different camera setups. This is ideal for changing quickly between two different environments, such as switching from working inside a church without flash to outdoors with fill-flash at a wedding.
Accessories
Shooting flexibility is enhanced with a range of new accessories. Shooting capacity can be extended with either the high capacity 1800mAh lithium-ion Battery Pack LP-E6, or Battery Grip BG-E6.
A new optional Wireless File Transmitter –
the WFT-E4 – offers external HDD and GPS compatibility along with ability to transmit images direct to computer or FTP server, or operate the camera wirelessly. Both the BG-E6 and WFT-E4 feature a vertical orientation shutter release and other key controls for comfortable portraiture work, with a substantial grip to help balance the camera when used with long lenses.
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Kenny Gulley Jr.
...woah
Melinda Kerr
Is that all….
Quanta Costa?
Tania Rose
what? no pic?
Tania Rose
i need something to drool over
kimbaross
I start selling the house…
Marion Cullen
Good lord, will it cook me breakfast too?
Oh and any idea what the damage will be?
MissKristy
Oh baby drool
Actually…it means nothing to me LOL muhahaha
Mark German
5D mkII site (slow loading…): http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/
Press release: http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedat…17_5dmkii.html
DP review thing: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08…n_5dmarkII.asp
Destined Evolution (full moon): http://www.canon.com/moon/en/
Another (faster loading) Canon site: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co…odeli d=17662
Sample photos: http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos…_sample-e.html
Sample Movies: http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/02.html#01
More movie samples (from Korean Website):
http://www.canon-ci.co.kr/product/smov/pop01.html
http://www.canon-ci.co.kr/product/smov/pop02.html
http://www.canon-ci.co.kr/product/smov/pop03.html
http://www.canon-ci.co.kr/product/smov/pop04.html
From Canon Press Release:
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. The EOS 5D Mark II will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $2,699iii. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $3,499iv.”
Adriana Glackin
You are sooo lusting after the 5D Mark II, aren’t you? And by writing all this info up, you’re not trying to justify the purchase of it, are you?
Carmelh
Think its got your name written all over it Mark!!!
Mark German
Pre-Photokina 2008: Along with the EOS 5D Mark II, Canon has announced its latest addition to the EF lens family, the 24mm f/1.4 L II USM fast aperture wide angle prime. The new lens has undergone a complete redesign and now features 13 elements in 10 groups, including two high-precision glass-molded aspheric elements and two UD glass elements, plus a floating focus mechanism to maintain performance across the entire distance range. It also features Canon’s brand-new ‘Sub Wavelength structure Coating’ technology to minimize flare and ghosting, and is sealed against dust and inclement weather.
Link
Mark German
Ahmm…if this is correct – it will possibly be the clincher:
Compatible with over 60 Canon EF/EF-S lenses and most EOS System accessories.
Link
Mike Emmett
Ah, crap. There goes the kids education money…
clarkey
Oh, wow! I need to sell my car for this but then I’m without wheels! No piccies. :-(( Mark, you’re a terrible tease – sounds unbelievably fantastic.
John Robb
Won’t pass judgment yet, but the AF seems a let down.
Mark German
replied
Won’t pass judgment yet, but the AF seems a let down.
Gotta agree with you here, mate. That, and weather sealing, which I really wanted. ISO performance is going to be the big thing to consider over the next week or so.
Mark German
Cost – looks like under the $3k mark. US$2600
Marion Cullen
All that for that? Sounds almost too good to be true!
Mark German
The E-FS spec is very interesting.
One of the difficulties of moving to FF is the replacement of lenses. I am wondering what kind of vignetting will be present at the wide end.
Ross Jardine
DPreview Says no EF-S…..Canon EF lens mount (does not support EF-S lenses)
Mark German
replied
Hmmm…the Canon site says yes, other sites say no.
Travis Easton
Happiness
jerry alcantara
this is awesome…did you have any idea how much it will cost…thanks for sharing i have about to buy new canon….but i can wait for this.!
jerry alcantara
sorry..i just saw now the price….thanks again
transmute
I’m aroused
Ahmad Sabra
its a mistake…. only EF not EF-S
when u use an EF lens on a croped body, your only using the center of the lens…. EF-S lenses are designed different (smaller)... in other words if u use an EFS lens on a full frame body u ll see a small circular image… i was playin around with that the other day :)
Mark German
replied
Yup – which is why I was wondering what weird and wonderful method Canon had to allow support of EF-s lens. Just wishful thinking :)
Miriam Dobson
Ahhh, you’ve got me lusting after it now. That is a damn nice camera.
Travis Easton
Woo Hoo the Bates 10,000
Adrian Rachele
Just arrived in the UK. £2299
Being a Nikon guy, i’m not really excited. Then again the D700 just annoyed me, as i can not afford it, so it just sits there, teasing me. Bastards.
Adrian Carmody
geargeargeargeargeargeargeargeargear!
I’m happy for Canononers, it’s about time they got to be as excited as Nikon folk about their D3/D700/D300 generation cameras.
Full Frame… check
Sensor Performance… check
Sexy LCD… check
The FPS is a little disappointing, but hopefully it might be similar to the D300/D700 and bumps up with an optional battery pack.
I’d also be interested to see if options like fine tuning focus for lenses was slipped in without any big announcements
I love the 51 points of AF on the 300, and I don’t think I could be without it now. I’d have to see how Canon milks performance out of those numbers
The 24 1.4 is huge. Having to fall back on Sigma for a 30mm 1.4 or equivalent is okay, but having a “proper” Canon/Nikon variety is brilliant. Wide open and wide, the ultimate creative combination
I still think it’s short of the D700, which is my current gear lust love affair. It won’t effect my decision to stick with Nikon when I get my second body next year, but I’m glad Canon folks get to be as excited about new stuff as we do :)
Mark German
Has 10mp/5mp Raw options that allow for long long long bursts :)
Frame rate is fine for me, and, I think, for the market intended.
Has lens micro-adjustment.
Has ‘hidden’ AF points – not that I really care, since I only ever use one ;)
I think it is a different animal to the D700 – which is closer to the 50D, but with more features.
Christina Martin
sounds awesome but just got a new toy for Mr man so he won’t play with my camera…
A Casio Exilim EX-S10 digital camera…A little small for me but he likes it :)
Lenka
I was pretty curious about what are they going to announce at the end… this sounds great :) Now the question is where to get money for it… 8-|
Mark German
replied
Although unlikely, there may yet be more in store from Canon. This baby won’t be available till November sometime, and we’ll know by then. We’ll also have time to sell body parts :)
Hien Nguyen
looks like a good camera for the intended audience. I’d like one with an 85 1.2 to have a play!
Lack of pro weather sealing and maybe focus pointa seems the only let down for its intended purpose.
Mark German
replied
I thought so too, Hein – but looking at the proper specs, weather sealing seems to be quite good. Claimed at 10mm rain per 3mins (whatever that means haha)
The focus points don’t worry me at all – the 5D was always a studio/landscape camera. If you’re birding or sporting, you’d get a 1 series.
Remember also – the price :)
Hien Nguyen
yep, but it’s marketed to wedding photographers, and quite often we have to shoot couples running, jumping dancing… walking down the aisle etc. it would have been a real killer camera if they put the pro AF system in there as well.
for under 3k USD… it’s a bargain whichever way you look at it. competition is good.
Mark German
replied
for under 3k USD… it’s a bargain whichever way you look at it. competition is good.
Yup, that’s the kicker, isn’t it?
I suppose those wanting something like a 3D will opt for a 1mk3, which has the goods. I’m thinking we’ll see another 1series camera soon, though…at least, to catch up with Nikon in that space.
Lou Green
drool..dribble and drool some more…you’ve justified it to me.. let’s get those body parts sold..
Jan Piller
Oh I hope Santa has me on his “Nice” list this year. I shouldn’t expect so; I’ve been on the naughty list for so long now…....
Nikki Trexel
wow…..
24,600 ISO??? i have never heard of such a thing!!
so the question is…do you have one yet? :)
Mark German
replied
Well, it has registered ISO from 50-6300. Just like Nikon, anything over that has (optional strengths in Canon) noise reduction applied in-camera.
James Lyall
I think I’ll wait to see what the sample shots look like at 25,600 before I get too excited. For me, anyway, the high ISO performance is the big selling feature. None of the other stuff is particularly appealing.
Having said that, I already own a 5D, so the full-frame sensor is nothing new to me (and it’s amazing. Mark, you were idly wondering about vignetting effects earlier on. Really not that bad. I have some pronounced and dramatic vignetting on my 24-105 at the wide end up to about f/5.6, and my 70-200 shows some odd vignetting at 200mm, but the first time I ever noticed it was last weekend and I have had this stuff for a while now)
Lens microadjustment I can see how good that would be, but I have never had a problem with any of my lenses yet. Is this a common issue for other people?
And perhaps I am in the minority here, but movie-mode just seems wrong somehow on a large SLR. Am I too much of a purist?
On another note, what’s up with the price difference between the US and the UK? US pays about $2,500 and the UK pays about the same… but in pounds? That’s almost twice as much!
Mark German
replied
I think I’ll wait to see what the sample shots look like at 25,600 before I get too excited. For me, anyway, the high ISO performance is the big selling feature. None of the other stuff is particularly appealing.
The most important factor to me is the high ISO handling also. However – ISO2.6k is not going to look great straight out of the camera. For anything over ISO6400, Canon will have optional (4 strengths) of in-camera NR. Personally, I’ve always chosen to use NR on my workstation as opposed to using the little pea-brain of a camera. Incidentally – Nikon do exactly the same thing. Although D3 images look great at very high ISO, NR has been applied in-camera. The problem is, NR reduces detail – which is the trade-off. I’m not a pixel-peeper, but I’d rather a noisy image then a blurry smooth one :)
Having said that, I already own a 5D, so the full-frame sensor is nothing new to me (and it’s amazing. Mark, you were idly wondering about vignetting effects earlier on. Really not that bad. I have some pronounced and dramatic vignetting on my 24-105 at the wide end up to about f/5.6, and my 70-200 shows some odd vignetting at 200mm, but the first time I ever noticed it was last weekend and I have had this stuff for a while now)
Oh, I’m used to a FF :)
This new 5DII has another interesting feature, that allows you to adjust vignetting.
Lens microadjustment I can see how good that would be, but I have never had a problem with any of my lenses yet. Is this a common issue for other people?
Unless you have a pretty bad lens, I think this is another area where largely pixel-peeper are concerned. However, if you are cropping to a corner of a photo, you would want it as sharp as can be. May come in handy, but highly unlikely I’ll ever use it.
And perhaps I am in the minority here, but movie-mode just seems wrong somehow on a large SLR. Am I too much of a purist?
Ahm…I felt the same. But I’m changing my mind on this one. I am beginning to see how capturing short video clips during weddings/sports/wildlife and especially photojournalism could be a very cool thing. Of course, us photographers would need to learn another discipline :)
On another note, what’s up with the price difference between the US and the UK? US pays about $2,500 and the UK pays about the same… but in pounds? That’s almost twice as much!
Yes, anyone but the US and Japan usually gets screwed. Which is why if I buy (and depending on what it comes out at in Aus) it will more then likely;y be from the US. Yes, there is the warranty issue. But in all honesty (and after any bugs have been ironed out) – I’m willing to bet against anything going wrong with the thing. I have never had to send a camera back to a manufacturer before. If something need go wrong, well, I’d pay for it to get fixed :)
Globalphotos
Not bad price, sounds fab, Santa where are you??
Adrian Carmody
Actually, the D300 and 50D are the ones that are relatively close together model wise.
The 5DII looks like it is positioning itself in the middle ground between those cameras, and a bigger step up (features and price) to the Nikon D700 which is also Full Frame
Phineous Cas...
bit ofa bugga the dollars gone to shit
though can get them now for $ 5000 early released ones seems very expensive though its big in pixels