LCD Size:
3 inches
Resolution:
21.1 MP
Has
Video Recording
Ease of use
0
Show what experts say (4 reviews)
"This is clearly not a camera for casual shooters. The sophisticated photographer, though, or those eager to fully explore their photographic potential will appreciate the wealth of capabilities and topnotch performance provided here."
"The 5D Mark II is strictly a camera for people who know how to operate a complex digital SLR. The closest thing to a scene mode here is the "creative auto mode", which uses friendlier terms for aperture and exposure. In terms of manual controls, take your pick."
"This is a camera expressly designed for those who are very serious about their photography…"
"It's also aimed at the professional photographer looking for a smaller body."
Picture Quality
10
Show what experts say (6 reviews)
"I'm extremely pleased with the quality of the photos the 5D Mark II delivers."
"Like its predecessors, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II has the ability to capture amazing photos."
"We have always placed a heavy emphasis on image quality, and all other things aside this means the 5D Mark II has to receive our highest rating."
"Starting with image quality, the EOS 5D Mark II is capable of delivering fantastic-looking images, that are packed with detail."
"Sharpness and overall resolution scores surpass Nikon D700 by significant margin, but trail Sony A900."
"I think where the real strength of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II lies, is the amazing combination of high-resolution images with low-light performance…"
Low light
8
Show what experts say (3 reviews)
"Interestingly, the primary component in the comparatively weak performance of the 5D Mark II was its color accuracy under low light conditions, which consistently trailed the other cameras. Low-light image noise performance, on the other hand, was roughly equivalent to the other cameras, and clearly superior to the Canon 50D."
"The main nine-point AF system is so quick in good light that it is virtually instant, however it is considerably slower in lower light and I did find it hunting around a bit from time to time in late evening light conditions."
"Canon seem to have matched the low-light performance of the Nikon D3 and D700 whilst substantially increasing the resolution."
Video Quality
9
Show what experts say (6 reviews)
"Experienced videographers will no doubt be chomping at the bit at the prospect of being able to use all those different lenses in combination with such a high-quality sensor, but for the rest of us mere mortals, it may actually prove more frustrating to get some decent footage of the kids than by using a dedicated video camera."
"The most notable feature advantage the 5D Mark II has over its competitors is the movie-capture capability…. All things considered, it's a pretty nice implementation."
"Video was quite sharp in our testing, although not quite as sharp as the Canon HF S100 (an HD camcorder)…. One video guru from our sister site Camcorderinfo.com felt it was comparable to the output from a professional-grade Canon camcorder."
"Overall, I feel the 5DMk2 captures very nice video, both in HD or SD."
"The 5D will also sate your motion picture jones with lush 1080p video at 30 fps. Leveraging a full complement of large-aperture autofocus lenses, the resulting footage has a truly cinematic feel."
"There are a number of caveats which make it unsuitable as a replacement for a consumer camcorder, but video enthusiasts and independent film makers will love it. They’ll know how to work around the foibles and get the best from the camera."
Build Quality
10
Show what experts say (4 reviews)
"The top, front and rear of the body are constructed of magnesium alloy, the bottom and sides of plastic, all anchored to a stainless steel frame. Weather and dust seals...combine to offer improved weather resistance."
"But while it's clearly solidly made, it nevertheless doesn't feel quite as tanklike as the D700."
"Canon has upgraded the environmental sealing with strips and ridges around the various doors, flaps and compartments, along with the plastic surround on the hotshoe. There’s no specific mention of the degree of weatherproofing, but these seals are certainly a step-up from the original EOS 5D."
"Build quality is excellent and, best of all, the 5D Mark II-like the 5D-opens up the world of full-frame DSLRs to those of with smaller hands, less than Hulk Hogan upper body strength and modest bank accounts, and offers the opportunity to shoot comfortably with a full-frame camera."
Battery Life
8
Show what experts say (5 reviews)
"The Mark II uses a new battery pack, the LP-E6, which seems to last a reasonably long time…"
"This new battery is significantly more powerful than the 1350mAh pack in the 5D, and has greatly improved cold weather performance. One of the Mk2's new features is an option to keep track of the charge and overall condition of several batteries, and the charge level can now be expressed as a percentage, similar to Sony's InfoLithium cells."
"A new battery, the LP-E6, is introduced with the 5D Mark II, with capacity rated at 1800 mAh. Canon promises approximately 830 shots per charge when shooting with the viewfinder, or 200 shots using Live View. Extensive battery status information is available...including remaining power capacity, shutter count, and recharge performance."
"Canon’s developed a new battery pack for the 5D Mark II [which is] good for around 860 still shots under CIPA conditions, compared to 800 for the original 5D, or up to 90 minutes of video recording alone."
"A new battery pack provides between 750-850 shots per charge but that's not the only benefit of the new battery. You can also track several of the battery's data points including the remaining number of shots. A new battery grip is also available."
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