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Canon EOS 5D Mark II: Amateurs Need Not Apply

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Think Canon's new pro-level DSLR that also shoots HD video is perfect for you? Odds are that it isn't, unless you've got mad skills.

Lens, Sensor, Memory, and Battery

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is priced just under $2,700 for the body only and just under $3,400 for the body and the EF 24-105 mm f/4L IS USM lens, which we strongly recommend (if you’ve decided to buy the camera, that is). If you have a couple of lenses that are already in the same focal length area, you should buy it anyway–it is that good a lens and will likely lighten your camera bag as well. We assume that if you are considering buying this camera, you already own at least one other lens.

The EOS 5D Mark II is equipped with a CMOS sensor that measures 24 mm by 36 mm, which is the same size as a frame of 35 mm film. The sensor has 21.1 million effective pixels, equaling the pixel count of the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III (an $8,000 camera). And while the camera has only nine focusing points, compared to the EOS 1Ds Mark III's 45, we did not find this to be detrimental to the operation of the camera nor did it inhibit us in our picture-taking ability.

The camera stores images on a compact-flash memory card. There is only one card slot. Power comes from one of Canon's LP-E6 batteries. You can also purchase a battery grip separately that carries two batteries and extends the picture-taking capability of the camera or you can carry an additional battery, which is something we would strongly recommend. Our testing indicated that we could capture 350-450 RAW images with a fully-charged battery.

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Cameras
Canon
17 Comments Comment from the forums
  • GeoMan 09 April 2009 21:42
    Must say I’m a little disappointed with this so called review. First and foremost this is a still camera aimed at the advanced armature/professional photographer with the added feature of being able to take HD video. That target market already knows a fair deal about photography and using cameras so why spend half the review bashing the camera on a feature that isn’t its primary function (video)? No quantification of noise at increasing ISO, in camera noise reduction, RAW versus JPG performance, dynamic range, bundled software and no comparison to its competition (Nikon D700, Sony Alpha A900)? If you want high resolution and excellent low light performance for static subjects go for the Cannon, if you want something that’s better at action/sports photography go for the Nikon.
    Reply
  • one-shot 09 April 2009 22:16
    For computers, I go to Tomshardware/Anandtech/Tech Report. For cameras, I go to DPReview.com. This "review" was lacking in so many ways compared to a more in depth review, which this camera does deserve. No ISO comparisons, no CA comparison, no falloff comparisons for different apertures etc. Tomshardware, please spend more time on camera reviews because not spending enough time is an injustice to the manufacturer's respective products and the reader.
    Reply
  • theuerkorn 09 April 2009 22:42
    I agree with previous comments. A bit basic and and comparisons are a bit out of place. I think an actual user report (rather than repeat specs) would have been better.
    Reply
  • theuerkorn 09 April 2009 22:43
    I agree with previous comments. I think a better format (than just repeating specs) would have been to put out some actual user experience. This is not the site for in-depth reviews anyway a la dpreview.com, but plain repeats of info that can be had from a spec sheet isn't useful either.
    Reply
  • Shadow703793 10 April 2009 05:36
    +1 for dpreviews. Agree with above that this was a cr@ppy review. This is a high end pro CAMERA, not a HD VIDEO RECORDER.
    Reply
  • zodiacfml 10 April 2009 09:52
    we already know and read dpreview and clearly this review is for amateurs done by an amateur. the review still had its purpose to amateurs like me and shows that it can't do video like a normal video camera and i agree those above that user experience format is a good idea.
    though i want to add that the problem with the video focusing can be minimized if we planned the shot by limiting the length of a shot to the focused subject, around 5 seconds per shot/clip.
    Reply
  • michaelahess 10 April 2009 10:46
    I'll stick with my D300. It cost less, probably has very equal quality, and video is just a gimmick on these things anyway. And 21mp? At that res, focus will limit the actual quality when you get to the pixel level anyway.

    Now as soon as they make a viable full frame focus lens, this will be awesome. Ya know, where the focal point is optimized for every pixel, not just your "subject".
    Reply
  • 10 April 2009 13:42
    I agree, I have a 5D and I upgraded to the Mk II and am quite happy with it. I like the tonal compression and the fact that it can fix the vignetting effect of some lenses. It store the vignette information of each lens and applies it to the image.
    I also like the way the ISO can auto adjust to keep the shutter speed to 1/30s in low level light.
    However I don't have a video camera and I didn't buy it to use the video mode. However it's there if I want to use it.
    Also the focus can be done manually and I read that focus is very important in video and pros use a focus puller to focus for them.
    That is, another person who focuses for the photographer. Therefore, an auto focus wouldn't be very useful.
    Also the ISO can't be changed in video mode. But you can't change it in a film camera either.
    In my view, if you take movies, then you use a specialist movie camera, like a RED One which does the job more effectively. The RED is probably not a good still camera either.
    Daryl
    Reply
  • marokero 10 April 2009 14:24
    A lot of my co-workers are adding this Mk II to their repertoire. Unfortunately one thing this camera carries from the original 5D is the same autofocus system, which isn't great for tracking action. Canon should've improved the autofocus in this new iteration, especially for low light scenes - pity, since the image quality is really good at the high ISOs these low light scenes require (as in weddings and other event photography).
    Reply
  • ohim 10 April 2009 15:10
    http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2326

    HD movie shot with Canon EOS 5D Mark III
    Reply