[Review] Canon EOS 5D Mark II

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. 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.


The built-in 36 x 24 mm full-frame CMOS image sensor in this Canon camera captures images with utmost precision and sharpness at 21.1 megapixels. The 14-bit ADC Digic IV image processor ensures you get crystal-clear images and Full HD videos with 1920 x 1080 resolution. The Canon 5D Mark II supports 3:2 aspect ratio.

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.

Weighing 810 g without any accessories, this Canon SLR camera dons a stylish and ergonomic design which minimizes physical effort and discomfort while using the mode dial, joystick and other buttons. The rugged features and the overall textured finish of the body not only looks good but also provides a very good grip.

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. 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 percent coverage viewfinder on a joy to work with.

An elegant 3 inch TFT LCD offers a resolution of 920000 dots to deliver vibrant images and also automatic brightness adjustment.

A new 3.0-inch VGA resolution LCD provides a wide 170 degree 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. Simple connection to a PC provides easy remote shooting.

The Canon EOS 5D supports CompactFlash Type I, II and UDMA cards for data storage. The Mark II SLR is powered by a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery (LP-E6). This camera can click up to 850 images when shooting with just the viewfinder and up to 200 images in Live View shooting mode at 23 degrees Celsius.

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 percent of the frame. The different types of focusing modes in this Canon SLR are One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF and Manual focusing modes.

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.

The shutter speed which ranges between 1/8000 - 30 seconds, allows you to capture images with different results while at the same time eliminating the possibility of missing any detail.

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.

The Canon EOS 5D features an assortment of Picture Styles which include Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome. In addition to this you also get the option of defining 3 different styles by setting the shutter speed, exposure, ISO and such.

The Face Detection feature automatically detects faces and optimizes the focus and exposure to capture images with extreme clarity. The self-timer offers a delay of 2 or 10 seconds, which gives you enough time to get in front of the camera for group photograph with your friends and family. The EOS 5D supports MOV format for recording movies in Full HD.

QUICK PREVIEW

• 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, wide range ISO setting 100-6400
• DIGIC 4 Image Processor; high-performance 3.9 fps continuous shooting; Live View Function for stills
• Full HD video capture at 1920x1080 resolution for up to 4GB per clip ; HDMI output
• Updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System specifically designed to work with a full-frame sensor
• Interchangeable lens camera
• 3-inch LCD

Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Reviewed by Garg Ankit Rating: 4.0