Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
by Canon
Our Price: Calculated in a shopping cart
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $2,679.00 (click here)
Category: Digital Camera
See more product details
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: CanonAudio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Model: 2764B004
Color: black
Product features:
- 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, wide range ISO setting 100-6400
- Includes Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens
- DIGIC 4 Image Processor; high-performance 3.9 fps continuous shooting; Live View Function for stills
- Full HD video capture at 1920x1080 resolution for up to 4GB per clip ; HDMI output
- Updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System specifically designed to work with a full-frame sensor
- Adobe Photoshop CS5 Upgrade [Old Version]
- Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 [OLD VERSION]
- Serif PhotoPlus X3
- Aperture 3
- NEXTO eXtreme3 160GB Digital Hi-Speed OTG Backup Storage
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
Customer Review: The Best DSLR So Far
Summary: 5 Stars
The 5D Mark II represents the future of digital SLR photography/videography. I was fortunate to purchase my kit with the EF 24-105 f/4L at its actual list price of $3,499 through Amazon and sold by 6 Ave Electronics on December 29, 2008. That offer was only available for about 6 hours. Now that I have used the camera for 6 months, I would even now pay a significant premium over the list price to have it. In my opinion it is worth much more than the list price in terms of advancements in low-light, low-noise and quick exposure setting features. It also has markedly improved picture quality over all other Canon DSLRs with the exception of the 1Ds Mark III ($7,000 street) which it at least matches.
This camera isn't perfect. The 5D Mark II does have a lower frame rate than some other very fine cameras at 3.9 frames per second. Nevertheless, this frame rate has been fine for my purposes, including wildlife and bird photography. I am able to catch hummingbirds in flight. Unless you are a professional sports or action photographer there is simply no need to consider the much more expensive 1 series camera bodies.
I would have preferred more focus points than the 9 visible and 6 invisible points this camera provides, though in normal lighting conditions there has been no problem getting fast, accurate focus. In very low light where the shot requires an ISO of 3200 or 6400 and no flash, the camera does sometimes have trouble, especially with moving or flat, low-contrast subjects. But considering that we wouldn't even be able to get an essentially noise-free image with another camera at these settings it seems a small criticism.
This camera also lacks an internal flash. Some people may feel this to be a loss, but with the extraordinary low-light capability of the 5D Mark II I haven't missed this feature at all. When I want to use a flash I can easily attach one, and that seems to be a rare event now. The ability to capture low light images without the exposure problems flash often causes is an enormous improvement for me. And when I need a flash I always have my 580 EX II available, though it does add some weight to this body.
The high resolution of this camera will show up flaws in any attached lens. Thus, you are going to have to use high quality glass to get the most out of the body. Those who are not able or willing to make an investment in "L" quality lenses would probably be just as happy with a 50D or similar bodies from other manufacturers. On the other hand, this camera's ability to register most Canon lenses and eliminate problems like peripheral illumination has proven remarkable during my use.
Notably, there are many other improvements over the original 5D, which was a wonderful camera that many people would still be very happy with. The Mark II's new display is outstanding; while a few other cameras now offer the same 3 inch high resolution LCD, the new display allows the user to enlarge the image enough to get a very good idea of what the final image will look like in print. When using auto ISO settings the camera makes very good choices to capture the best image possible. In fact, the algorithms this camera's DIGIC 4 processor uses for all its settings seem superior to any of the others I have looked at. And if you don't like the choices the camera makes, it is completely customizable, including 3 user settings on the main control knob.
Then too, you do have to read the manual and take time to learn the many controls and settings that are available. I am convinced that several of the negative reviews on this site are simply the result of not understanding the full capabilities of this camera. For example comments about the "sharpness" of photos fail to take into account that the camera comes with certain sharpness settings by default, but that these can be changed and images sharpened to an almost garish degree. Other comments about supposed failings of different portrait mode settings or white balance adjustments likewise seem not to recognize that nearly every setting on this camera can be modified to match the operator's desires. This is a highly advanced instrument which requires some study before taking it out into the field.
One way to judge a camera body is by the people who choose to use it. The outstanding professional photographer and professor of photography, Pete Souza was named official Whitehouse photographer earlier this year; his history-making first digital official Presidential portrait of President Obama was made using a 5D Mark II. Numerous photo journalists, wedding and event photographers and others who make their living with their equipment are using 5D Mark II bodies. I am also seeing this camera being used more and more by sports photographers, despite its 3.9 fps rate.
I have said nothing about the video capability. This was not a reason for my purchase, but I have been impressed by the quality of the videos this camera produces. I did not at first recognize what a game changer high def video capability in an SLR would become. It is interesting that Canon has now issued a firmware upgrade to allow full manual exposure control during videography which in my experience works very well. You must, however, have a good quality computer with a fast processor and high end video card to be able to edit the high def output.
Like any other camera, there are a few small things Canon could have done to make this an even more remarkable improvement over the original 5D. But taken as a whole, for my money this is far and away the best, most feature rich and useable DSLR available for professional and serious photographers.
More Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens reviews:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Description of Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
Compact, lightweight with environmental protection, EOS 5D successor boasts a newly-designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in near dark conditions. The new DIGIC 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames. Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps -- for amazing quality footage with outstanding levels of detail and realism. The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1-megapixel camera opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. With its full frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera equipment available -- from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers. Compact, lightweight with environmental protection, EOS 5D successor boasts a newly designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in near dark conditions. The new DIGIC 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames.
Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps -- for amazing quality footage with outstanding levels of detail and realism.
The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1-megapixel camera opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. With its full-frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera equipment available -- from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers.
Other improvements to the EOS 5D include:
- Addition of Canon?s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, with a new Fluorine coating on the low-pass filter
- Larger 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with VGA resolution, a 170-degree angle of view and anti-reflective coatings
- Improved menu system including Quick Control Screen for more direct access to common settings
- Automatic peripheral illumination correction, utilizing detailed EF lens information to optimize JPEG images straight out of the camera
- Magnesium alloy construction with additional environmental protection
- UDMA memory card compatibility
New CMOS sensor
The EOS 5D Mark II?s newly designed full-frame 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor features ISO sensitivity from 100-6400, expandable to 50, 12,800 and 25,600. Large 6.4µm2 pixels have been redesigned to capture more light and yield a better signal to noise ratio to ensure lower noise images throughout the ISO range. The full frame sensor has the same dimensions as a frame of 35mm film. This means that wide-angle lenses stay wide, without the change in angle of view associated with smaller sensor cameras. As well as benefiting from finer control over depth of field, photographers moving up to the EOS 5D Mark II?s full frame format will find the newly designed wide, bright 98 percent coverage viewfinder on a joy to work with.
New DIGIC 4 processor
A new DIGIC 4 processor combined with 14-bit analogue to digital conversion provides smooth gradations in mono-tonal areas such as skies, and highly accurate color rendition. As well as HD movie shooting, DIGIC 4?s high speed provides for long uninterrupted continuous bursts of large JPEGs, near-instant start-up times and immediate and fast review after shooting. DIGIC 4 also provides for improved noise reduction algorithms, complementing the already low-noise images from the EOS 5D Mark II?s CMOS sensor.
HD video capture
The EOS 5D Mark II is Canon?s first DSLR to incorporate full HD 1920x1080 video capture. Once filming is started from Live View mode, photographers can fire off either single of continuous stills, with video capture continuing after the final frame is captured.
See everything
A new 3.0-inch VGA resolution LCD provides a wide 170 degree angle-of-view, providing plenty of clarity for accurate focus checks in playback. The screen brightness can automatically adjust to suit viewing conditions, extending battery life in low light and improving viewing in bright conditions. A new dedicated Live View button switches modes to display a real-time image on the LCD. This allows EOS 5D Mark II photographers to enjoy simplified shooting from awkward angles. Simple connection to a PC provides easy remote shooting.
Precision focus and metering
A 9-point auto focus system is supported by 6 additional invisible Assist AF points, located inside the spot-metering circle to optimise subject tracking performance in AI SERVO AF mode. For accurate exposure readings in tricky lighting conditions, the spot metering circle covers just 3.5 percent of the frame.
Control
The EOS 5D Mark II?s redesigned menu system includes a new Quick Control screen, for instant access to the most commonly changed settings. A new Creative Auto mode allows photographers to cede control of key settings to the camera, while retaining control over creative variables such background blur, drive mode and image brightness. Custom user settings allow photographers to switch between two completely different camera setups. This is ideal for changing quickly between two different environments, such as switching from working inside a church without flash to outdoors with fill-flash at a wedding.
Optional Accessories
Shooting flexibility is enhanced with a range of new accessories. Shooting capacity can be extended with either the high-capacity 1800mAh lithium-ion Battery Pack LP-E6, or Battery Grip BG-E6.
A new optional Wireless File Transmitter
The WFT-E4 offers external HDD and GPS compatibility along with ability to transmit images direct to computer or FTP server, or operate the camera wirelessly. Both the BG-E6 and WFT-E4 feature a vertical orientation shutter release and other key controls for comfortable portraiture work, with a substantial grip to help balance the camera when used with long lenses.
What's in the Box
- EOS 5D Mark II Body
- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens
- Eyecup Eb
- Wide Neck Strap EW-EOS5DMKII
- Stereo Video Cable STV-250N
- USB Interface Cable IFC-200U
- Battery Charger LC-E6
- Battery Pack LP-E6
- EOS Digital Solution Disk
- Software Instruction Manual
Digital SLRs
Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
Bestsellers in Digital SLRs
Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera + Nikon 18-135mm AF-S Lens + Extra Nikon EN-EL3e BatteryNikon; Release date: 2009-11-30; Digital Camera
Leica DIGILUX 3 7.5MP Digital SLR Camera with Leica D 14-50mm f/ 2.8-3.5 ASPH Lens with Optical Image StabilizationLeica; Release date: 2006-11-15; Digital Camera
Best price: $3,999.00
Remanufactured Olympus EVOLT E500 8-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera with 17-45 mm and 40-150 mm Zuiko LensesOlympus; Release date: 2009-11-30; Mac; Digital Camera
Best price: $999.77
Price in other shops:
Olympus Evolt E330 7.5MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)Olympus; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Canon EOS 20D 8.2MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/ 3.5-5Canon; Digital Camera
NIKON D2HS SLR 4.1 Megapixel Digital Camera - BODY ONLY (Refurbished by Nikon U.S.A.)Nikon; Digital Camera
Canon Digital Rebel XT 8MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver)Canon; Release date: 2009-11-30; Digital Camera
Best price: $749.00
Pentax *ist DS 6.1MP Digital Camera with Pentax DA 18-55mm f/ 3.5-5.6 AL Digital SLR LensPentax; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
Nikon MF27 Databack for F5 35mm SLR Camera (4665)Nikon; Digital Camera
Nikon D300 inBrief Laminated Reference Cardby Blue Crane Digital
Blue Crane Digital; Blue Crane Digital; Published: 2008-03-07; Pamphlet; Book
Best price: $9.99
Price in other shops:
Similar Digital Cameras & Photo Products
Maximal Power DB CAN LP-E6 Rechargeable Replacement Li-Ion Battery for Canon Cameras (Black)Maximal Power; Digital Camera
Best price: $22.99
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR CamerasCanon; Digital Camera
Price in other shops:
SanDisk 16GB 60MB/ s Extreme Compact Flash Card SDCFX-016G-A61 (US Retail Package)SanDisk; Release date: 2012-02-29; CE
Best price: $47.94
Price in other shops:
SanDisk SDCFX-032G-A61 32 GB Extreme CompactFlash Memory Card 60MB/ SSanDisk; CE
Best price: $91.89
Price in other shops:
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR CamerasCanon; Release date: 2007-05-10; Digital Camera
Best price: $469.00
Price in other shops:
Fotodiox Dedicated (Bayonet) Lens Hood, for Canon EF 24-105mm f/ 4L IS USM as Canon EW-83HFotodiox Inc.; Digital Camera
Best price: $5.95
Price in other shops:
Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark II Digital SLR - Retail PackageCanon Cameras US; Digital Camera
Best price: $180.00
Price in other shops:
David Busch's Canon EOS 5D Mark II Guide to Digital SLR Photographyby David D. Busch
Course Technology PTR; Published: 2010-09-16; Paperback; Book
Best price: $17.55
Price in other shops:
B+W 77mm Clear UV Haze with Multi-Resistant Coating (010M)B + W; Digital Camera
Best price: $65.99
Price in other shops:
Transcend 32 GB Compact Flash Card 400X (Blue)TRANSCEND; CE
Best price: $54.99
Price in other shops: