Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Product summary

Model name: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Released date: September 17, 2008
Purchase options: Adorama | Amazon | B&H

Overview

The 5D Mark II Digital SLR is a professional body from the EOS range of DSLR cameras from Canon. It replaces the original EOS 5D and imports many of the stunning features that the 5D came to be known for. Picking it up there is obviously not much of a difference in terms of grip and weight. Both the 5D Mark II and the original 5D feels very much the same. However there are some obvious differences such as the 3” LCD screen with 920k dots resolution as opposed to the 2.5” 230k dots resolution of the older 5D. The view finder gives a 98% coverage for the frame with 0.71x magnification. The main mode dial has now got three custom modes in place of one the older model. There is also a new live view button.

Sensor

A 21.1 megapixels full frame CMOS sensor beats at the heart of this monster. What you get is stunning details and wonderful color saturation

ISO & Low light performance

The 5D Mark II has a very high ISO range of 25600 (H2). At that range noise becomes a very annoying proposition for any type of shooting. Surprisingly, the large sensor of the 5D Mark II handles noise at those very high ranges quite easily. Even when compared to the latest 5D Mark III the older system has less noise at ISO 6400 or even ISO 12800.

AF points & AF system

The 5D Mark II comes with a 9 point AF system. Out of curiosity and the love of the 5D systems it is fair to compare both the 5D Mark II and the Mark III. In both low light and normal bright light conditions, the 5D Mark III performs much better. It locks focus faster compared to the 5D Mark II but if you’re shooting a still subject that is not going to create as much of a difference. However when shooting moving objects, the 3.9 fps of the 5D Mark II along with its poor AF system is really going to make you feel sorry. This camera is not for sports photography or when you want to lock focus on fast.

Continuous shooting drive

Not going to win any prizes with its continuous shooting drive, the 5D Mark II is not designed for sports photography, at least if we are to go by its continuous drive speeds. At 3.9 fps this is even slower than the EOS 7D.

Video recording

The 5D Mark II is the first full frame DSLR to incorporate full HD video recording at 30 fps and 1080p.

Live View Shooting

For both still images and video, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera features Live View, one of the most sought after features in digital SLRs today. The 5D Mark II features three Live View AF modes – Quick, Live and Face Detection Live mode – for capturing either still photos or video, each with its own attributes. Quick mode automatically sets One-Shot AF using the camera’s phase detection AF system. It also allows users to select the AF point, even while the Live View image is displayed. Although the camera’s reflex mirror must be lowered briefly to take an AF measurement in Quick mode, it is the fastest way to set focus automatically when the 5D Mark II camera is set for Live View.

Peripheral Illumination Correction

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera automatically conducts peripheral illumination correction when shooting JPEG images, a function that previously could only be accomplished through post-image processing using software such as Canon’s Digital Photo Professional, which Canon supplies at no extra charge. Peripheral illumination correction evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout and reducing light fall-off at image edges. This new feature essentially eliminates one of the limitations of previous full-frame digital SLRs.

Auto Lighting Optimizer

Canon’s enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer technology helps ensure each picture’s subject is clearly visible by analyzing image brightness and automatically adjusting dark areas in images so that they appear brighter. This function is ideal in high-contrast situations such as urban landscapes captured on sunny days, where the tops of buildings are brightly lit while street level details are obscured by heavy shadows. In this type of scene, the 5D Mark II camera’s Auto Lighting Optimizer technology preserves accurate exposure of the highlights while opening up the shadow areas for a more pleasing tonal rendition.

Canon’s New Creative Auto Mode

Recently introduced with the new EOS 50D, Canon’s “CA” Creative Full Auto setting can also be found on the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera’s mode dial. This setting allows users to make image adjustments such as aperture or shutter speed through an easy-to-understand navigation screen on the camera’s LCD menu, allowing them to “blur the background” or “lighten or darken the image.” These easy-to-understand image options allow photographers to experiment with image options while still shooting in an automatic mode.

Two Small RAW Formats

For photographers seeking the flexibility and creative possibilities of shooting RAW format images, without the large file size, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera offers two more manageable file size options with sRAW1 and sRAW2 recording formats. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 10.0-megapixels with a file size that is approximately 25 percent smaller than a standard 21.1-megapixel RAW image. With the sRAW2 setting, resolution is 5.2 megapixels at less than half the file size of a standard RAW image, retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images. Wedding and portrait photographers, in particular, will appreciate the options of variable resolution and file size which allow them to fine-tune the 5D Mark II’s operation for their specific needs.

Silent Shooting in Live View

Canon has equipped the EOS 5D Mark II with two Silent Shooting modes in Live Viewwhich will prove particularly helpful to law enforcement officials, and for behind-the-scenes shooting on movie sets. In Mode 1, the camera will shoot with the mechanical shutter open at the beginning of the exposure, using the electronic 1st-curtain function of the CMOS sensor and a reduced shutter-cocking noise, allowing multiple shots to be taken with minimal noise. In Mode 2, to minimize shutter noise during single frame photography, shutter cocking does not occur until the shutter button returns to the half-way position after shooting.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System

With the introduction of the EOS 5D Mark II camera, the entire Canon EOS system is now equipped with the highly acclaimed EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II has been upgraded with a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance.

Weather sealing

The 5D Mark II comes with a weather sealed body. That survives a 10mm rain for about 3 minutes. For completing the weather sealing you will need a UV filter for your lens.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a full frame, don’t opt for the EOS 5D Mark II as there are plenty of other DSLRs in the market including the new Canon EOS 5D Mark III and even the D800/800E from Nikon. If nothing else you can also look at the 6D which offers better value for money.

Sample Images by 5D Mark II on Flickr

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Specs

Type	Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera
Recording Media	CF Card Type I and II, UDMA-compliant CF cards, via external media (USB v.2.0 hard drive, via optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E4A)
Image Sensor Size	36.0mm x 24.0mm (35mm Full-frame)
Compatible Lenses	Canon EF lenses
Lens Mount	Canon EF mount
Image Sensor Type	High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor
Pixels	Effective pixels: Approx. 21.1 megapixels
Total Pixels	Total pixels: Approx. 22.0 megapixels
Aspect Ratio	3:2 (Horizontal: Vertical)
Color Filter System	RGB primary color filters
Low-pass Filter	Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor
Dust Deletion feature	(1) Automatic sensor cleaning (2) Manual cleaning of sensor (3) Dust Delete Data appended to the captured image
Recording Format	Design rule for Camera File System 2.0
Image Type	Still: JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), sRAW1, sRAW2, RAW+JPEG Video: MOV
Size	(1) Large/Fine: Approx. 6.1MB (5616 x 3744 pixels) (2) Large/Normal: Approx. 3.0MB (5616 x 3744 pixels) (3) Medium/Fine: Approx. 3.6MB (4080 x 2720 pixels) (4) Medium/Normal: Approx. 1.9MB (4080 x 2720 pixels) (5) Small/Fine: Approx. 2.1MB (2784 x 1856 pixels) (6) Small/Normal: Approx. 1.0MB (2784 x 1856 pixels) (7) RAW: Approx. 25.8MB (5616 x 3744 pixels) (8) sRAW 1: Approx. 14.8MB (3861 x 2574 pixels) (9) sRAW 2: Approx. 10.8MB (2784 x 1856 pixels)
Recording Functions	With the WFT-E4A attached, image recording to the CF card and to the USB external media connected to the WFT-E4A will be possible as follows: (1) Standard, (2) Automatic switching of recording media, (3) Separate recordings according to image-recording quality, (4) Recording images having the same size
Backup Recording	Enabled with WFT-E4A attached
File Numbering	Consecutive numbering, auto reset, manual reset Possible to create new folders and select folders in the CF card
RAW + JPEG Simultaneous Recording	Provided (RAW/sRAW+JPEG also possible)
Color Space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Style	Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Def. 1-3
Image Processing Type	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, Color Temperature setting
Auto White Balance	Auto white balance with the image sensor
Color Temperature Compensation	White balance correction: ±9 stops in full-stop increments White balance bracketing: ±3 stops in full-stop increments Blue/amber direction or magenta/green direction possible
Color Temperature Info Transmission	Provided
Viewfinder Type	Eye-level pentaprism
Viewfinder Coverage	Vertical/Horizontal approx. 98%
Viewfinder Magnification	Approx. 0.71x (-1m-1 with 50mm lens at infinity)
Viewfinder Eyepoint	Approx. 21mm (from eyepiece lens center)
Built-in Dioptric Adjustment	-3.0 to +1.0m-1 (diopter)
Focusing Screen	Interchangeable (Eg-D: Grid lines, Eg-S [point of Focus], Eg-A standard focusing screen provided
Viewfinder Mirror	Quick-return half mirror (transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cutoff with EF600mm f/4L IS USM or shorter lenses)
Viewfinder Information	AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), Exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle), Flash information (flash ready, flash exposure compensation, High-speed sync, FE lock), Image information (Highlight tone priority, monochrome shooting, maximum burst, white balance correction, CF card information), battery information
Depth-of-Field Preview	Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
Autofocus Type	TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
AF Points	9 AF Points (1 Cross Type) + 6 AF Assist Points
Metering Range	EV -0.5-18 (at 73°F/23°C, ISO 100)
Focusing Modes	Auto, One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF)
AF Point Selection	Automatic selection, manual selection
Selected AF Point Display	Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD panel
AF-assist Beam	When an external EOS-dedicated Speedlite is attached to the camera, the AF-assist beam from the Speedlite will be emitted when necessary
Metering Modes	35-zone TTL full-aperture metering Evaluative metering (linkable to any AF point) Partial metering (approx. 8% of viewfinder at center) Spot metering (approx. 3.5% of viewfinder at center) Center-weighted average metering
Metering Range	EV 1-20 (at 73°F/23°C with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Exposure Control	Program AE (Shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Creative Auto, Full auto, Manual exposure, E-TTL II autoflash program AE
ISO Speed (Recommended Exposure Index)	Automatically set, ISO 100-6400 (in 1/3-stop or 1-stop increments) Basic Zone modes: ISO 100-3200 set automatically Extension settable (with C.Fn.I-3-1): ISO 50 (L), 12800 (H1), 25600 (H2) High Tone Priority settable: ISO 200-1600
Exposure Compensation	Manual: ±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (can be combined with AEB)
AE Lock	Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved Manual: By AE lock button
Shutter Type	Vertical-travel, mechanical, Electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter
Shutter Speeds	1/8000 to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec. 1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode)
Shutter Release	Soft-touch electromagnetic release
Self-timer	10-sec. or 2-sec. delay
Remote Control	Remote control with N3-type terminal
Zooming to Match Focal Length	Provided
Compatible Flash	EX-series Speedlites
Flash Metering	E-TTL II autoflash
Flash Exposure Compensation	±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
FE Lock	Provided
External Flash Settings	Flash function settings, Flash C.Fn settings
Drive Modes	Single, High-speed continuous, Low-speed continuous and Self-timer (10-sec. or 2-sec. delay)
Continuous Shooting Speed	Max. 3.9 shots/sec.
Maximum Burst	JPEG (Large/Fine): approx. 78 (CF)/approx. 310 (UDMA CF) RAW: approx. 13/approx. 14 (UDMA CF) RAW+JPEG (Large/Fine): approx. 8 (CF/UDMA CF) Based on Canon’s testing standards with a 2GB CF card, high-speed continuous shooting, ISO 100 and Standard Picture Style Varies depending on the subject, CF card brand, image-recording quality, ISO speed, drive mode, Picture Style, etc.
Shooting Modes	Still photo shooting and video shooting
Focusing	Quick mode (Phase-difference detection) Live mode/Face Detection Live mode (Contrast detection) Manual focusing (5x/10x magnification possible)
Metering Modes	Evaluative metering with the image sensor (still photos) Center-weighted average metering (video)
Metering Range	EV 0-20 (at 73°F/23°C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Grid Display	Provided (Two-type grid displays)
Exposure Simulation	Provided
Silent Shooting	Provided (Mode 1 and 2)
LCD Monitor Type	TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor
Monitor Size	3.0 in.
Monitor Dots	Approx. 920,000 (VGA)
Monitor Coverage	Approx. 100% (viewing angle: approx. 170°)
Brightness Adjustment	Auto, 7 levels provided
Interface Languages	25 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, 15/15 Romanian, Ukraine, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)
Image Playback Display Format	Single image, Single image + Image-recording quality/shooting information, histogram, 4- or 9-image index, magnified view (approx. 1.5x-10x), rotated image (auto/manual), image jump (by 10/100 images, index screen, by shooting date, by folder), slide show (all images/selected by date/folder)
Highlight Warning	Provided (Overexposed highlights blink)
Image Protect	Single images can be erase-protected or not
Image Erase	Single image, check-marked images or all images in the CF card can be erased (except protected images)
Compatible Printers	PictBridge-compatible printers
Printable Images	JPEG images compliant to Design rule for Camera File System (DPOF printing possible) and RAW/sRAW images captured with the EOS 5D Mark II
Easy Print feature	Provided
DPOF	Version 1.1 compatible
Compatible Images	JPEG and RAW images Only JPEG images can be transferred as wallpaper on the personal computer screen
Custom Functions	Total 25
Camera User Settings	Register under Mode Dial’s C1 and C3 positions
My Menu Registration	Provided
USB Terminal	For personal computer communication and direct printing (USB 2.0 Hi-Speed)
Video Out Terminal	(1) Video OUT terminal: NTSC/PAL selectable (2) HDMI mini OUT terminal
Extension System Terminal	For connection to WFT-E4A
Battery	One Battery Pack LP-E6 AC power can be supplied via AC Adapter Kit ACK-E6 with Battery Grip BG-E6 attached
Battery Check	Auto
Power Saving	Provided; Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 or 30 min.
Date/Time Battery	One CR1616 lithium-ion battery
Start-up Time	Approx. 0.1 sec.
Working Temperature Range	32-104°F/0-40°C
Working Humidity Range	85% or less
Dimensions (WxHxD)	Approx. 6.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 in./152.0 x 113.5 x 75.0mm
Weight	Approx. 28.6 oz./810g (body only)
Warranty	Canon 1 year limited warranty