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.
Canon's first digital still camera from 1995 pictured next to the new
EOS-5D Mark II and the latest Digital Ixus compact
- 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.
Digital Camera Magazine's Ali Jennings, a long time EOS-1Ds Mark I owner,
tries out the 5D Mark II
- 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.
Corner vignetting can now be compensated for in-camera
- 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.
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