21 megapixels and full 1080 HD video recording from Canon's new full frame DSLR

The long-expected replacement to Canon's popular EOS-5D full frame DSLR, launched three years ago, was unveiled this morning and we've had a brief play with one at Canon UK's HQ near Reigate. You can read the official press release: Canon announce 21.1 MP EOS 5D Mark II, but here are the 5D Mark II key features and our take on the camera.

• New 21 megapixel CMOS sensor. It has the same resolution as the EOS-1Ds Mark III Canon flagship DSLR, but I was told that the microlenses have been improved to address corner vignetting issues, which suggests you should get marginally better image quality with the 5D Mark II.

• 100-6400 ISO range, expandable to 50-25600 ISO.
• New Digic 4 image processor. Once again, a features and image quality boost for the new 5D, promising improved noise management, faster processing (3.9 frames per second continuous shooting) and features like face recognition AF and full 1080 HD video recording.
• 1080 resolution (full HD) video recording, though in manual focus only. This mode is activated from live view mode.

• Built in lens profiling database so vignetting correction, for example, can be automatically applied specifically for the lens fitted.
• Integrated sensor cleaning system. A big deal, especially for such a large sensor that 5D Mark I owners found was quite susceptible to dust.

• 3 inch VGA (300K pixel or 900K dot) 170 degree wide angle of view LCD screen.
• As before, there is no built in flash, but the 5D Mark II does benefit from better sealing for adverse weather use.

Initial hands-on feel of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II are positive. The camera is about the same size and weight as its predecessor, the viewfinder is large and clear, and the light alloy body feels solid, but not excessively heavy, even with an optional grip fitted.

Official guide price in the UK is £2399, and EU€2999 for the rest of Europe, but expect dealers to discount immediately, probably in the direction of £1800, whcih is roughly the price of a Nikon D700 or a Sony Alpha 900. Availability is set for the end of November.

What's your response to the Canon EOS-1D Mark II news? Post your comments on our forum now.

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News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch

DPNow News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch
Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow: We were at the ... (more)

StuartR Re: News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch
Had an email pre-order offer from WarehouseExpress already....they didn't hang about! Off to read ... (more)

Ian Re: News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch
I saw on another thread some objection to video recording :) The hope was that by eliminating this... (more)

StuartR Re: News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch
Apart from the cost issue there will, no doubt, be the purist view that it's a semi-pro / pro stil... (more)

Ian Re: News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch
The message is that while the sensor is the same resolution as the 1Ds Mark III, the microlenses h... (more)

Josh Bear Re: News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch
One question I have is that I love the smoothness of the pictures the 5d produces. I have always be... (more)

Ian Re: News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch
I haven't tested these models, but looking at other testers' data, it seems that the EOS-1Ds Mark ... (more)

Josh Bear Re: News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch
thanks Ian. The Nikon sensor may be cleaner but not clean enough for me to get rid of my canon g... (more)

ash Re: News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch
Megapixels megapixels I cant see why its such a big issue! Excellent low light capability I can exc... (more)

Josh Bear Re: News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch
It isn't just about MP's. The camera is a significant improvement over the original 5D and there is... (more)

ash Re: News from the Canon EOS-5D Mark II full frame DSLR launch
Im sure its a great camera and it will be an improvement on the original in many ways. Enjoy your c... (more)