A lens and a memory card are required but not included with this camera. Please be sure to purchase a lens and a memory card for this camera.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II (Body Only) improves upon the EOS 5D by increasing the resolution by about 40% to 21.1 megapixels and adds a Live View feature that allows users to preview shots on the camera's high resolution 3.0" LCD display. It even incorporates the ability to record full motion HD Video with sound, so you can capture the action as well as superb images.
The camera's 21.1MP, full-frame 35mm-format (24x36mm) CMOS sensor captures image files with incredible image quality and color accuracy, as either JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG files. The camera also incorporates Canon's acclaimed DIGIC 4 imaging processor that works in concert with a high-speed DDR-SDRAM buffer to ensure quick performance and fast image processing times. Performance enhancements enabled by the DIGIC 4 processor include an incredibly fast full-resolution frame rate of up to 3.9 fps, improved battery life, noticeably improved image quality at all ISO sensitivities, fast start-up and reaction times, and improved noise suppression at ISO sensitivities ranging from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, plus the camera's sensitivity is further expandable to a range of ISO 50 to ISO 25600.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II incorporates a high-fidelity (920,000 dot) 3" LCD screen and includes a 'Live View' feature that permits the user to frame their shots on the LCD display, and adds framing functions that are not possible with a traditional SLR viewfinder, including the ability to zoom in and navigate the preview image to ensure proper focus, and a grid overlay to assist in proper composition. The Live View focusing system also enables focus modes such as Quick mode, Live mode and Face Detection Live mode. Furthermore, the Live View Feature enables HD video recording that can capture true HD-quality (1080p) video at a frame rate of 30 fps with Face Detection and sound.
The magnesium-alloy chassis of the EOS 5D Mark II ensures the durability of the camera so users can take it on safari or to a press junket and be assured that the camera can take it. In addition the camera body incorporates extensive dust and weatherproofing features including seals and gaskets where body panels and/or camera controls meet. To further keep the imaging sensor free from dust, Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the sensor's low-pass filter each time you power up (or manually when needed). This ensures that your images will be spot free and reduces time needed for image retouching.
Other professional quality features found on the Canon EOS 5D Mark II include 14-bit A/D conversion, a bright viewfinder (with 98% image coverage), Auto Light Optimizer, Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction, 9-point AF plus 6-point assist AF, 25 Custom Functions with 71 settings, and 5 metering modes (35-Zone EV, 8% Partial Spot, 3.5% Spot, Center-Weighted, and Pre-Flash E-TTL II). Altogether, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II has been designed to serve the needs and interests of serious enthusiasts as well as professional photographers who are in pursuit of the perfect image.
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| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | Digital SLR with Interchangeable lenses |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Camera Format | Full-Frame |
| Resolution |
Effective Pixels: 22.0 Megapixels |
| Sensor Type / Size | CMOS, 36 x 24 mm |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: MOV |
| Bit Depth | 14-bit |
| Memory Card Type | CompactFlash |
| AV Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC/PAL |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2, 16:9 |
| Video Clip Length | Up to 12 Minutes |
| Audio Recording | With Video |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Auto & Manual |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 98% |
| Display Screen | 3" Rear Screen LCD (920000) |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | 100-6400 (High Sensitivity Mode: 50-25600) |
| Shutter |
Type: Electronic & Mechanical Speed: 30 - 1/8000 sec |
| Remote Control | N3-type remote (Optional) |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Metering Method | Spot metering, Center-weighted average metering, null |
| Exposure Modes | Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Kelvin, Manual, Shade, Tungsten |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Max Sync Speed | 1 / 200 sec |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 3.9 fps |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC Terminal |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Self Timer | 2 sec, 10 sec |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Connectivity | AV Output, HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi Capable (With Optional Transmitter) | Yes |
| Software Requirements |
Windows: 2000, XP, Vista Mac: OS X 10.3 or later |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1x LP-E6 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| AC Power Adapter | AC Adapter Kit ACK-E6 (Optional) |
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) Humidity: 0 - 85% |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 6.0 x 4.5 x 3.0" / 15.24 x 11.43 x 7.62 cm |
| Weight | 28.6 oz / 811 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Great videocam
I have just bought this camera and it has exceeded my expectations. This is a powerful, amazing and fun camera, but I want to highlight a few impressive features not mentioned by others:<...Read complete review
I have just bought this camera and it has exceeded my expectations. This is a powerful, amazing and fun camera, but I want to highlight a few impressive features not mentioned by others:
Still Shots:
First, this camera DOES have the ability to autofocus with teleconverters attached to EOS lenses. Usually this is not possible unless you have an f2.8 lens, but this camera offers a second way to autofocus in live view that uses its image sensor to scan through the focal point and home in on the focus. It also works in the 5X and 10X view live view so very precise autofocus can be achieved. This was a huge plus for me as I find it hard to manual focus with teleconverters. I use teleconverters with my Canon 100 -400 mm L lens. This focus method is not as fast as the quick focus so it is not so useable for sports but it works fantastic for most everything else. This way of autofocusing takes about 3 or 4 seconds.
Video:
Second, this camera DOES have the ability for manual setting of f-stop in movie mode, unlike reports by others, and it is quite easy to do. Here is the procedure: If you want maximum aperture to achieve a Bokeh shallow depth of field effect before the shot you simply cover the lens with your hand, which opens the lens and hit the exposure lock button. Then remove your hand and hit the exposure lock button again. The ISO and shutter speed will adjust to provide proper exposure but the f-stop will remain locked at max aperture. Now record. Similarly, if you want to have small aperture and deep depth of field before the shot you aim the camera at a bright light or shine a flashlight into the lens and hit exposure lock which closes down the aperture. Then remove the light and aim at your scene and hit exposure lock again and the aperture will remain locked at smallest aperture (which is an impressive f16 for video) and the ISO and shutter speed will adjust for proper exposure. After the shot the exposure lock is automatically released and you repeat the process to prepare for your next shot. Of course you can also lock on intermediate f-stop positions between these limits. Although focus during a shot is manual, you can use the image sensor autofocus mentioned above to set the initial focus very precisely before the shot. You can always view the camera’s selection of ISO, f-stop, and shutter speed at any point in time by half depressing the shutter button. The values are shown on the bottom of the LCD. Shutter speed ranges between 1/6 and 1/250 but values below 1/30 I don’t think are true because in video mode the frame rate remains at 30 frames per second. ISO ranges from 100 to 3200. I think you get the idea that this video cam is a lot of fun and easy to use. For all-around video use, where you don’t use the exposure lock, it generally makes very good selections of ISO, shutter, and f-stop on its own, trying to keep ISO as low as possible. The video camera can not do high shutter speed video so if your looking to stop action using still frames from video you will need to use a regular high end video cam.
Third, this camera offers true 1080p video with excellent low light sensitivity, which is normally only available on 80,000 dollar cameras. Most HD video cameras offer 1080i or in Canon’s case also 1080F, which is frame mode. Frame mode is almost as good as progressive but its actually created from an interlaced signal so it is not true 1080p. The low light sensitivity arises from the large full frame image sensor, which is much larger than high end 3CCD video cams. This may be the death nail for 3CCD video cams, but this approach does open the door for lower cost 4K Quad HD video and 3D video cams of the future. The files output from the camera are very high quality with low compression. As a result you will need a very good multi-processor computer to play them back or you will observe jumpy playback where it appears to be skipping frames. The movie file is fine. It is your computer that is at fault because it can’t keep up with the playback video rate. If you have this problem because you have a slower computer you may need to recompress (and slightly degrade) the movie file using a video program to get smoother playback.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Major Image Sensor Quality Problems
Right up front you should be aware that if you shoot a lot of photos in low light conditions like in dark wedding ceremony or reception venues, you're going to have "hot pixels...Read complete review
Right up front you should be aware that if you shoot a lot of photos in low light conditions like in dark wedding ceremony or reception venues, you're going to have "hot pixels" and some to many random blank pixels show up in the blacks as white squares. I shot such a wedding this past Sunday 3/8/09 at ISO 1600 and am now taking a break from "fixing" over 1200 images. My 5D Mk2 body is currently at the Jamesburg reair facility along with the "masses" (Canon technician's term)of its brothers being repaired. Based on research I've done on the web this really is a common problem, and I believe that as summer approaches in North America it will get worse for us. This is because many of the photographers that reported these problems already are in warm climates, Australia for example. Secondly, the problem in my camera became progressively worse as the night went on, and the camera warmed up, but then dimimished the next day after the cool down period. By the way, I shot with Live View off, and 2 second (short) review set.
On the plus, ISO 1600 in the Mk2 is as noise free as ISO 800 in my two 5D bodies, so Canon delivered on this promise. This is the reason I wanted the camera in the first place. All of the other virtues of the 5D are there, and the images are smoother, and it seems to handle highlights much better even with highlight tone turned off. But with this pixel problem that's kind of like saying, well, yes Mrs. Lincoln, but it was a good play.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
I shoot landscape photography and needed to upgrade my equipment. The 5D is the perfect camera for my needs. The images come out great, sharp and are easy to work with.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
use this camera to shoot music video's. Love the picture quality you get with the full frame sensor. If you plan to shoot video you need to purchase or make accessories that will smooth out your shooting motion or your clips will be jerky. I think the quality of the images make the learning curve worth the effort. You will probably not shoot professional looking video straight out of the box but it does not take very long to figure out what you need. The main obstacle to shooting great video is the ergonomics of the camera body when you hold it by hand. Get a rig, tripod, view finder and slider to begin with and you're on your way.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
Great in low light
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
Similar weight & feel to the 50D I have (which is now my backup).
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
This product is great at higher ISO's. We shoot alot of video and love the HD.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
This the most user friendly digital camera I have ever owned. I never even bothered opening up the manual until I got stuck using the video feature. It is amazing in low light which is why I decided to upgrade to this model from my Canon Rebel SLR instead of just buying a better lens. There is no better camera out there in the market today bar none.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
I specialize in underwater photography, nature, travel and architecture. The EOS Canon 5D Mark ll was the 1st digital SLR that I bought from Canon. I've been a Nikon shooter for 30 years. I bought this camera mostly for its high-end video capabilities. Once I began using it stills also it quickly became I go to number 1 camera. I had changed my order recently from a cannon 5D Mark lll back to another mark ll mostly because I shoot underwater and have an underwater housing for the Canon EOS 5D Mark ll and Canon EOS 5D Mark lll would require yet another housing. As an underwater photographer having backup is key. Plus now on shoots out in the field I can keep one body with a wide-angle lens and one body with a telephoto and I longer have to change lenses in the field as much. I am looking hard at the Nikon D800 or the Canon EOS 5D Mark lll for my next purchase. I will certainly enjoy of better autofocus system than the one on the Canon EOS 5D Mark ll.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
things are great about it
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
Photographing Baseball games and landscape
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
It's a very good camera, with a stunning quality and very comfortable in your hand
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
The canon 5D Mark 2 is one of the best canon ever made by Canon Cameras....i have buy one before 6 month an he is very simple to use .... I love it
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
Sure, the Mark III is the latest and greatest bleeding edge choice, and if you have the cash go for it... And be prepared to deal with various "improvements" as you field test the camera and report problems, such as the light leak already acknowledged by Canon. OR, just scoop up one of these proven performers before they are all gone. Buy it, charge the battery add a lens and card, and the thing will deliver the goods, including some gorgeous HD video.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
I use this camera for real estate photography professionally and mostly landscape and portrait in my free time. The full frame sensor is so superior to my previous DSLR in composition and picture quality. I used to be jealous of the color that Nikon's bring out until I got the 5D mark ii. The larger magnesium body not only feels sturdier in my hands, but brings me peace of mind knowing that if I drop it I'm not necessarily out $2000. The shutter is faster and quieter than my previous camera. It has amazing video quality and even without an aftermarket mic has decent sound. If you can afford it, you will not regret it.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
When investing in a full frame camera, I was deciding between the Mark II and the Mark III. The great word of mouth in the photographic community around the Mark II encouraged me to go with it, despite the difference in ISO and autofocus points. I have not been disappointed. Having already shot multiple events, I have been really happy with its performance in low-light conditions. It is incredibly intuitive (much more so than my old camera). I do think that the auto-focus is a little slow and can take a bit to grab. All in all, I am really happy with the purchase and would definitely buy it again.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
I already know full-frame sensors work exceptionally well in low-light conditions, but I was not prepared for just how well this camera works. It's unbelievable. You really have to try it to understand.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
This is an awesome camera. I had the Canon 7D previously and upgraded to the 5D mark II (so that my 7D is now my backup). I like it so much better.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
I already own some fast glass I have been using with the 7D. I really wanted the full frame.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
Debated between a 60D, 7D, 5DM3, and ended up with the 5DM2. No regrets. ISO, image quality, simply fantastic. Love shooting in FF now. Read all the reviews and all the concerns regarding AF,... not an issue for me. Simply love this camera.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
Everything about this camera has been perfect so far. Well, almost. The shutter stuck twice, and I had a little bit of a panic. But other than that it has been absolutely perfect. I love the way it captures light, so much better than the Canon 50d it is amazing what a big step up it is.
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Comments about Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (Body Only):
I am an amateur photographer and spend a fair amount of time honing my skills. I have a canon 40D and decided to move on to a full frame sensor. I am thrilled with the intense saturation and how much more light sensitive and therefore, more successful the shooting is indoors. So far, the only complaint is that I need a manual to figure out the video (which is not a feature I will use much).
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