Ladies & Gentleman: Canon 5D MARK II

[gldiana]

It's FULL MOON!
http://www.canon.com/moon/en/index.html

"See the Future of Photography" videos: http://www.canon-europe.com/thefutureofphotography/

The name really was supposed to be 7D but I guess at the end marketing won and Canon decided to call the new camera the Mark II (since is the name is so positively recognizable why change it?).
Here it is in all its beauty:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=17662#ModelTechSpecsAct

Canon's website just updated Sept. 16th 10pm Mountain Time (Sept. 17th 6am GMT)

- Full Frame (of course)
- Processor Digic IV
- 21.1 megapixels
- Dust Deletion feature: Updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System specifically designed to work with a full-frame sensor.
- Image Type
Still: JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), sRAW1, sRAW2, RAW+JPEG
Video: MOV (Yes! Video! And not just regular video: 1080p the FULL High Definition Format, not like those 720p Nikons )
- File type: RAW, sRAW1, sRAW2, JPG
- AF Points 9 (Cross-type)
- Metering: 35 zones
- ISO Speed 100-6400 Extension 50 (L), 12800 (H1), 25600 (H2)
- Continuous Shooting Speed Max. 3.9 shots/sec.
- LCD Monitor TFT 3.0" Approx. 920,000 (VGA)
- Viewfinder Coverage approx. 98%
- Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction
Canon's exclusive Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction takes into account any light falloff in the corners of the frame and corrects it, making for a perfectly exposed image. Correction data are detected automatically on a number of Canon lenses and can be entered manually through included Canon EOS Utility software.

Price: $ 2,699

I want one!

Canon also announced a new lens, the 24mm f/1.4 L II USM

For 5D Mark II samples (Photos and Videos) see here: http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/02.html

[bob_r]

Personally, I'm disappointed with this offering. After almost 3 years, you would think they could have increased the shutter speed beyond 3.9. I'm also disappointed that they didn't increase the number of AF points, but glad to see they did make them the cross type. As for the video, I couldn't care less. I already have a video camera. I don't think this camera will compete favorably with the new Nikon offerings. What a shame.

Bob R

[gldiana]

I've been a little dubious about the video but the more I think about it the more I like it. First of all it's 1080p, which makes a lot of people happy, especially wedding photographers who can now shoot video without having to carry extra equipment and using the great L lenses (this at the end saves thousands of dollars). Nikon's is only 720p, Also, AFAIK Nikon's doesn't have sound, Canon's has a plug for an external microphone which leaves a lot of room for use of professional equipment.
On my trip to Japan I brought my videocamera and ended up not shooting more than half hour just because it's so annoying having to switch back and forth. Now with the 5D MkII I'll be shooting a lot more video and with better lenses than my current videocamera.
As for the AF, you're right, many people wanted more. It is better than the 5D, the sensors are cross-type and now we have 6 hidden sensors. A disappointment? I wouldn't push it that far, especially without having seen how they react. From my own point of view, in 99% of my shots I only use the center sensor so 9 cross-type or 27 makes little difference to me.
For the FPS I was really hoping to see 5 or 6 and inside stories pointed at that. The change in that, I'm sure, comes from the fact that Canon doesn't want to shoot itself in the foot by making a camera better than their 1D or IDs Mark III. the 5D MkII costs nearly half the 1D and less than 1/3 of the 1Ds. Again, since I don't shoot sports or wildlife (except for the occasional shot) little use for me.
With a price tag like this I don't see anybody jumping ship from Canon to other makers. The original 5D was $3999 when it came out, That's $1300 more than this one. Enough difference to also get a 50D

[bob_r]

I've been a little dubious about the video but the more I think about it the more I like it. First of all it's 1080p, which makes a lot of people happy, especially wedding photographers who can now shoot video without having to carry extra equipment and using the great L lenses (this at the end saves thousands of dollars). Nikon's is only 720p, Also, AFAIK Nikon's doesn't have sound, Canon's has a plug for an external microphone which leaves a lot of room for use of professional equipment.

The issue is that I'm buying a DSLR, not a video camera. Why am I required to pay extra for a feature that I don't want and that does nothing to increase it's capabilities as a DSLR? Why not add a phone while they're at it or possibly a built in GPS or a kitchen sink? All useful items, but not the purpose of a DSLR.
Bob R

[gldiana]

Well, Bob, the way I see it you're getting more for less. They could easily have charged the same amount without the video. Video mode in D-SLRs is where all the camera makers are heading.

To me the most important feature is low noise and high sensitivity to light. The 5D MkII has a native 6400 pushable to 25,00 ISO. To me that's a deal maker since I find the ISO 400 in my 30D to be excessively noisy at times. I had to discard so many photos in Japan just because of low light conditions, and half of my photos were saved by the 24-105 L which has an amazing Image Stabilizer.

[Photography~girl~]

So is this replacing the 5D then? I am going to get the 5D, but is this like the 'updated verson'?

[gldiana]

Yes. The 5D was released 3 years ago and right now it costs $2200 body only. It will have to drop at least $1000 for people to prefer it over the 5D Mark II.
That should make everybody happy.

[bob_r]

So is this replacing the 5D then? I am going to get the 5D, but is this like the 'updated verson'?

Just wondering, why are you going to go with a 5D for your first SLR?

[Photography~girl~]

So is this replacing the 5D then? I am going to get the 5D, but is this like the 'updated verson'?

Just wondering, why are you going to go with a 5D for your first SLR?

Cause that's the one I feel like God wants me to get. I did a lot of praying about it....

[bob_r]

- AF Points 9 (Cross-type)

Luca,

After reading the specs on DPReview again, I don't think all 9 points are cross-type. Are you sure about your info?

Bob R

Photography Girl,

Did you have that feeling before or after the new models were released?
If I didn't already own a lot of Canon lenses, I'd be looking a lot closer at the new Nikons.

[Photography~girl~]

- AF Points 9 (Cross-type)

Luca,

After reading the specs on DPReview again, I don't think all 9 points are cross-type. Are you sure about your info?

Bob R

Photography Girl,

Did you have that feeling before or after the new models were released?
If I didn't already own a lot of Canon lenses, I'd be looking a lot closer at the new Nikons.

uh...before I heard about it.[so I guess yes in a way] only checked out the new Canon 5D today. I'll deff get a Canon. I'm getting my camera from a local shop and he only sells Canons and I want to support his business. But I really feel like God wants me to get a Canon anyway. And that's what really matters. Just with this new canon 5D I'm wondering, will it like...replace the 5D now?

[bob_r]

uh...before I heard about it.[so I guess yes in a way] only checked out the new Canon 5D today. I'll deff get a Canon. I'm getting my camera from a local shop and he only sells Canons and I want to support his business. But I really feel like God wants me to get a Canon anyway. And that's what really matters. Just with this new canon 5D I'm wondering, will it like...replace the 5D now?

The new 5D MarkII is a replacement for the old 5D. Actually, I'm a big Canon fan and wouldn't consider going to the "Dark Side" (Nikon), and I was thrilled with the features on the new 50D. I will probably upgrade in the Spring and was debating on whether to go with a 50D or a 5D and was waiting for the specs to be released and for the hands-on reviews to be published. I wasn't thrilled with the specs for the new 5D and I think they tried too hard to keep from tresspassing into 1Ds MarkIII's territory. The problem is that many of the features on the 1DS MarkIII are becoming available on lower end Nikons. Nikon is also introducing features that are not available on any Canon, but let's hope Canon will incorporate some of Nikon's ehancements on their next releases.

The only reason I was questioning your decision to go with a 5D is because it's a rather expensive body and camera bodies have a history of being replaced about every 18 months. The real expense with an SLR is the glass. A good lens will produce excellent images on a Rebel as well as a 1Ds Mark III and bad glass will alway produce inferior images regardless of the camera body. Since you are just starting out, IMHO, it would seem a better choice to invest in good glass and a lesser body. By the time you have acquired some good glass, the 5D (or any other body) will probably be obsolete.

Bob R

[Photography~girl~]

uh...before I heard about it.[so I guess yes in a way] only checked out the new Canon 5D today. I'll deff get a Canon. I'm getting my camera from a local shop and he only sells Canons and I want to support his business. But I really feel like God wants me to get a Canon anyway. And that's what really matters. Just with this new canon 5D I'm wondering, will it like...replace the 5D now?

The new 5D MarkII is a replacement for the old 5D. Actually, I'm a big Canon fan and wouldn't consider going to the "Dark Side" (Nikon), and I was thrilled with the features on the new 50D. I will probably upgrade in the Spring and was debating on whether to go with a 50D or a 5D and was waiting for the specs to be released and for the hands-on reviews to be published. I wasn't thrilled with the specs for the new 5D and I think they tried too hard to keep from tresspassing into 1Ds MarkIII's territory. The problem is that many of the features on the 1DS MarkIII are becoming available on lower end Nikons. Nikon is also introducing features that are not available on any Canon, but let's hope Canon will incorporate some of Nikon's ehancements on their next releases.

The only reason I was questioning your decision to go with a 5D is because it's a rather expensive body and camera bodies have a history of being replaced about every 18 months. The real expense with an SLR is the glass. A good lens will produce excellent images on a Rebel as well as a 1Ds Mark III and bad glass will alway produce inferior images regardless of the camera body. Since you are just starting out, IMHO, it would seem a better choice to invest in good glass and a lesser body. By the time you have acquired some good glass, the 5D (or any other body) will probably be obsolete.

Bob R

ah, I see. well I thank you for your opinion.

[Edd]

Could I just ask a quick question for my own personal understanding ????

Autofocus points, Cross Type ??? seem to be better from what I read, but better than what and how do each function ?

Thanks in advance

Ed

[gldiana]

I might be wrong but I strongly feel like God doesn't care about any camera maker.