Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Review Date
September 29, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by
Jrainsphoto , Professional

Price Paid
$2600.00 at Best Buy

Photography Experience
11-20 years , People

Summary
WOW! That is my summary. I purchased this a few months ago and have not put it down since. I have used many pro-summer bodies and wanted to step up to full frame w/o mortgaging the house. This camera is beyond what I expected. I have used it for portrait work, weddings & commercial work and it shines in all. This is a wonderful camera. The images are amazing.

Strengths
Full frame sensor, weather sealing, 3" screen, wonderful feel w/ battery grip, fast response, extremely detailed images, wonderful low-light performance, bright viewfinder, gigantic image size

Weaknesses
Gigantic image size (I know I listed as a strength) makes your computer work a bit more (my Mac needs a bit more RAM now) anyway, battery has chip and aftermarket does not so they don't give any charge indication, a little heavy after carrying for 5 hours during wedding

Similar Products Used
Only used 1.6 crop sensor Canons before this 10D, 30D

Customer Service
No issues yet that needed CS

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Review Date
September 27, 2009

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by
gahspidy , Intermediate

Price Paid
$2700.00 at www.nextag.com

Photography Experience
6-10 years , Other

Summary
I have a Rebel Xti, 5D, and now the 5D mk2. The reason I bought the 5Dmk2 is that I shoot dance photography which is mostly in low light conditions and so the improved high iso quality and slightly faster FPS of the mk2 is what I was really after. The huge increase in resolution was welcome but more importantly the increased DR (Dynamic range) Overall, we have a camera with all around better image quality.
I have not used the HD video capabilities with this camera, and honestly really have no interest in that aspect of it at this point.
This camera is a lot more than just an improved version of the older model. It really is basically an entire new camera from the bottom up.
Obviously the sensor is different and much improved but we also have a new and more durable shutter, new and more powerful processor, new and improved battery and battery management, larger LCD screen, automatic sensor cleaning (which is something we missed on the original 5D) seemingly better build quality, and a host of new features in layout ,function and control.. Oh, and yes the HD video capability and live screen LCD.
First, the IQ (image quality) is fantastic and noticeably improved over the already capable and fantastic original 5D. I was able to shoot a flower in hard sunlight (just for the heck of it) and was shocked to look at it later on the computer to see that nothing blew out and the sensor handled the tough contrasty condition. There was no out of gamut color blow out, highlights were intact as well as detail in shadow areas. I was impressed. I am afraid now though that I may be tempted more often to shoot in poor conditions. . .not a good practice.
The resolution enables amazing detail within detail. Oddly enough though, it seems that capturing a sharp image seems to be more of a challenge. It is thought that perhaps because the resolution goes so deep, that focus must be dead locked in or details will appear a bit soft. So, do not expect to buy this camera and be amazed that everything is so sharp! Quite the opposite, you really have to think about your technique and make sure everything is right to ensure the potential of the resolution and IQ.
High iso quality is amazing. I tried 1600, 3200 and 6400 and while 6400 certainly has evident noise and lower IQ it is surely usable and welcome to have there if needed. 1600, and 3200 is very impressive.
What I like very much about this mk2 is the fact that I do not have to look at the digital display on the top of the camera ( which is now slightly larger than the previous model) to make adjustsments to ISO, WB, focus and drive, as well as other settings. I always found it difficult to see what WB icon I was setting in that little display. Especially in a dark room or theater it was so difficult to see even with the little backlight that is has. Now, everything can be viewe and set and adjusted form the large LCD screen at back. Simply press your funtion button on the back and the display will pop up large and clear on the lcd. then you can scroll through the various setting and make whatever adjustments you need, quick and easy. This was something I missed when I went from my Rebel Xti to the 5D. Everything was easy to adjust from the lcd screen and now so it is again with the mk2.
Also, the iso is now seen in the viewfinder as well and by simply pressing the iso button easily with the index finger I can make adjustments to iso while stilll looking through the viewfinder.
Here is another huge plus - I can now make all adjustments on my 580EXll speedlite from the menu on the cameras LCD. Even in a complete wireless setup, which is what I use at times. The digital display of the speedlite was sometimes a challenge to navigate through. Selecting funtions and making the setting changes could be quite a task especially in a darker room. So now having all the speedlite funtions shown on the large lcd in clear display with the ease of the dials and toggles of the camera, making setting changes is a breeze. This is great. I can even go into custom functions as well as being able to adjust the power of the slaves in a wireless set up. Everything can be done on the back of the camera. Perfect.
Another thing to mention, due to the extremly high resolution, RAW file sizes are huge. Approx 25-30Mb depending on setting and conditions. It may be that we don't need such large files for a particular assignment/task but would still like to shoot RAW to have the full IQ potential there for post processing .Canon has made it possible to shoot in one of three different RAW settings. RAW, RAW1 and RAW2. RAW is full 21 MP, RAW1 is approx 10MP and RAW2 is approx 6MP. All yielding the same great IQ but just reduced resolution and file size. Very useful and a welcome feature.
FPS (frame per second) has increased by almost one to now nearly 4fps which is nice, but also amazing considering the huge files this processor must work with at that speed. I was amazed to fire off 11-15 bursts at this speed in full resolution. There is an indicator in the viewfinder that tells you the available bursts to be had at any given moment. Once you have reached the limit, there is a few seconds pause during which no shots can be fired as the processor is busy writing the data to the card. You would absolutely want to use a memory card of very high read/write capabilities to handle the load the processor will be giving over to it. I have been using the Sandisk Exteme lll and lV cards with no problems.
There are a host of other little features that are mixed in now with the custom fuctions such as "highlight tone priority" which puts emphasis on the highlights and tries to avoid blowing them out during exposure, but at the same time you will have less detail in the shadow areas to work with. . ."Auto lighting optimizer" which aids in getting your subject exposed correctly, "peripheral illumination correction" which adjusts for the light fall-off at the edges of the frame especially with wider angle lenses. "Long exposure noise reduction" and "high ISO noise reduction". All these functions seem to work fine, but I prefer to do all my post processing later in LightRoom/Photoshop. Basically, thats what these features are, post processing. I have them off most all the time. "Long exposure noise reduction" I might switch on if using a long exposure on a tripod for a night scene, etc.
Well, so far I love the mk2 and welcome all the little changes in layout and funtion that I missed with the 5D.
There are some other neat little features packed in here such as having the camera automatically switch ISO for you according to conditions, etc. Too many other little things to get into her, but all in all this is a fine piece of work especially considering the price.

Strengths
Image quality, resolution, features and functions, HD video, live view screen, large LCD screen, battery and battery management system, heavy duty shutter mechanism, powerful and fast processor with 14 bit analog to digital conversion, price. . .

Weaknesses
I still wish Canon would place a mirror lock function switch on the back or side of the camera so as not to have to scroll through custom functions menus to get to it.
Not quite a pro grade body so be careful about bumping it around and avoid shooting in the rain unless you protect it.

Similar Products Used
Canon elan 7 35mm film slr, Canon Rebel XTi, Canon 5D

Customer Service
None needed

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Review Date
May 1, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by
Gary Berkley , Expert

Price Paid
$3600.00 at ShopDigitalDirect.co

Photography Experience
21+ years , People

Summary
The $3,600 includes camera, (2) batteries, chargers (AC & DC), cleaning kit & three year warrenty. Definately overpriced when I bought but none of the larger retailers had the product back in early January. I love the camera. It performs every bit as well as I hoped. Remarkable clarity, depth and functions, ie. ISO, format, etc. Very fast (I use Canon "L" series lenses) and down loads to my computer at 3 or 4 times the speed of my EOS 20D. With the higher density, cropping and working in PhotoShop is a whole new experience.

This camera is particularly good under low-light conditions. Totally functional (as is my 20D) in VERY humid, cold, dark, flash, hot, situations.

It's worth the price for me just for the depth and warmness of the shots. The full size (35mm) sensor coupled with superior build quality really clicks. Speed of multiple shots satisfies. So many variables to use (multiple focus points, dark or light bias, RAW, speed) makes it fun. The most oustanding quality is just that - QUALITY of the shot. IMO it comes up just a smidge short 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 film. I shoot that also.

Strengths
Versatality, highest quality digital pics available - for the price.

Customer Service
Have not used them.

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Review Date
April 23, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
3.20 of 5, 5 votes

Reviewed by
Photo_select , Intermediate

Price Paid
$2100.00 at Jacobs UK (GBP)

Photography Experience
6-10 years , People

Summary
Simply a stunning piece of kit and worth every penny. THANK YOU CANON !!!

Having now made the move to 1:1 from the 1:1.6 cameras the difference in quality is truly stunning.

I'm worried maybe Canon has done too much of a good job and might impact 1Ds sales.

Like many reaching the point where you are serious about your pictures and make the first significant investment in a body...all I can say is swallow hard and get yourself a Canon 5D MK2. You will never look back and wonder if you made the correct decision.

The focusing is accurate, the tone / contrast is on par with the 1Ds, it is light weight, fast enough for all but the most hardened sports photog and, having now spent some time with one, it is worth every penny of the extra cost.

I realise it is still early days for my review but I hold no hesitation in recommending the Canon 5D MK2.

Strengths
Where do you start....

- 3" screen clear and finally you can accurately review images before download
- Sensitivity of sensor truly stunning in all lighting conditions and exhibits amazingly low amounts of noise.

- Tone / contrast is really leaps and bounds above the rest, watch out 1Ds owners.

- Addition of HD movies, whilst at first I thought a useless gimmick, the quality and ease of use is astounding. That and the bonus of taking advantage of Canon's L-series glass really makes this stand out.

- Battery, despite all the new extras the battery simply keeps going and going. You can comfortable complete a full studio shoot with no worries about swapping out the batteries.

- For users upgrading from a 1.6 crop......it is worth every penny and more. Bright view finder makes manual focus a pleasure and the quality of the images simply take your breath away....so life like with the tones...

Weaknesses
Canon keeping so quite about such an amazing product.......

Early supply problems in Europe ...Canon UK had to intervene for me to get my camera.

Only "nice to have" would be an increase in the selectable AF points. Whilst I understand the reluctance to get too close the 1D series I think Canon should have improved this area a little to keep track of their main rival...Nikon

Similar Products Used
Owned Canon 20D for +5 years, test shot with 5D and 1D MK3.

Customer Service
Polite and very helpful (Thank you Canon UK).

Only used to address inital supply/ delivery problems

Since delivery no issues with Camera.

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Review Date
March 27, 2009

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
4.38 of 5, 8 votes

Reviewed by
jackthehat , Expert

Price Paid
$2099.00 at www.jackthehat.co.uk

Photography Experience
11-20 years , Other

Summary
There are already plenty of reviews across the internet for this camera so I will concentrate on some points that I feel have not been covered enough by most reviewers.

This camera has excellent image quality that is probably currently unsurpassed by any 35mm style DSLR. That includes the much celebrated Nikon D3 and D700. The Nikon cameras have slightly better performance at higher ISO but there is not much in it. However, people seem to forget that the resolution of the 5D Mark II is almost twice that of the D3 and D700. If you're making 16x12 or 20x16 prints then the sheer size of the 5d Mark II images will more than compensate for the slight increase in noise compared to the Nikon cameras. Even if noise is present in the 5D2 images, it will be much harder to see because of the huge resolution. If you compare 20x16 prints taken at 3200 ISO from a D3 and a 5D2, the 5D2 print will show slightly more detail and the noise levels will be similar. Overall, the print from the 5D2 should be superior.

The Nikon D3x has a similar resolution to the 5D2 but cannot compete at higher ISOs. Credit to Canon for such a remarkable performance from the sensor in the 5D2.

Autofocus: Not the strongest point of the 5D2 but still very good. Perhaps it's biggest drawback is the layout of the AF points. They are clustered in the centre of the frame and do not really help when focusing on a subject at the edge of the frame. Focusing first then recomposing is your only option. Other than that, the AF is quick and accurate and seems to perform quite well in low light. I have no major complaints.

Frame rate: People whine about the 3.9fps. Why? Have you shot at 4fps before? It is surprising how quick 4fps actually is, I was pleasantly surprised. In all my years I have never found a need to shoot at 10fps. Naturally there will be some specific times when a user might actually "need" 10 fps but they are rare. If you need 10fps, buy the 1D3.

Auto-ISO: This is one feature that is often overlooked. It is a revelation to me. Select a mode such as Av, Tv etc and set the ISO to auto. The camera then constantly monitors your focal length and makes sure your shutter speed matches or exceeds it. In other words, it will set a shutter speed fast enough to avoid camera shake but not so fast as to waste available light. In aperture priority you still have full control of the aperture. The camera will only increase the ISO when necessary. This is a fantastic feature and when used, it always uses the lowest ISO possible so you're always getting the best image quality available for that particular shot. I will be using this feature most of the time.

Exposure: Much more accurate compared to other Canon DSLRs I have used and owned. Other than that, nothing new to report here and certainly nothing to complain about.

Control layout:
1. Not as good as some people like to make out. The new joystick control is too near the lip of the screen which makes it awkward to move it to the left. It doesn't feel natural and, although I am getting used to it, it is nowhere near as good as it could have been and I would much prefer the simpler method of 4 arrow buttons. 4 arrow buttons could be operated quicker than the joystick with much less hassle.

2. Totally stupid on/off switch. It just feels all wrong. It is awkward to use with your right hand, it's in a silly place and it feels like it's ready to snap off. The on/off switch on the Rebel cameras (450D etc) is a far better idea and is easier to use with a much nicer feel. Sadly, this on/off switch idea has been used for years by Canon on its higher end cameras.

Overall, the camera feels very quick and responsive. When you think about how much data this thing moves when shooting, it's incredibly quick. Those who use the 3.9fps figure to brand this a slow camera are misleading you. This camera operates fast and there will not be many situations when you will be asking for more.

The 3" screen is clear and bright. The menus are in large fonts and are very easy to read, especially if you have been used to a 2" screen like me.

Build quality: For an expensive camera it is disappointing in a few areas. OK, it is not supposed to be built to 1D standards but I would have expected it to be constructed to a higher standard than the basic Canon models. Unfortunately, two areas let it down badly. The worst is the battery door. It is actually worse than the ones on my old 350D. It is made from the thinnest and flimsiest plastic. If anything untoward happens when the battery door is open, it will snap clean off. It really lets the camera down. Likewise, the memory card door is poor too. It feels cheap and can operate with a squeak. As mentioned earlier, the on/off switch also has a low quality feel to it. These three areas really let the camera down. The rest of it is constructed to a high standard to match the price tag. What would a few extra grams of plastic have cost at the production stage? For a few pence/cents, it would have made a complete difference.

So, all in all, this is still fantastic camera and will more than satisfy my needs. Just a little more thought around the manufacture and layout would have made it perfect. I'll give it a strained 9 out of 10. Definitely not a 10/10 camera but there is still no better option for the majority of advanced amateurs and wedding shooters.

Strengths
Superb Image quality
Very low noise at high ISO
Quick and responsive
Accurate exposure
Decent and accurate AF
Auto ISO function
Excellent viewfinder
Great screen
Excellent quality video function
Good battery performance with accurate capacity reading
Reasonably compact and lightweight compared to other full frame DSLRs

Weaknesses
Poor build quality in areas
Control layout could have beed designed better, particularly the silly joystick.
Stupid on/off switch
Mirror lock-up buried in menus as usual
Video files difficult to play on a Windows PC due to their sheer size. They play better on a Mac.
Poor layout of AF points (clustered around centre of viewfinder)

Customer Service
Never used

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