Canon EOS 5D Mk II – Features

The Canon EOS 5D Mk II is an outstanding Full Frame DSLR that has improved over time, not least because many of the early user complaints have been successfully addressed by Canon in consecutive Firmware releases.

The Canon EOS 5D Mk II is a Full Frame still and video camera with a 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, impressive ISO range and universally acclaimed picture quality.

“The Canon EOS 5D Mk II is one of the best cameras in the world.”

TR – Trusted Reviews

Its fast DIGIC 4 image processor allows for 3.9 fps continuous shooting. The sensor generates dust free images with the EOS Integrated Sensor Cleaning System, which is complemented by the Dust Delete Data Detection tool, part of Canon’s DPP Software. The wide viewing angle of the 3.0” Clear View LCD monitor makes Live View for still photography and full HD video very comfortable.

It has a rugged, weather resistant magnesium alloy body that at 28.6 oz (810g) is still quite a lightweight for a full frame DSLR. The optional battery grip facilitates handling the Canon EOS 5D Mk II when it is equipped with larger, top heavy lenses.

EOS 5D Mk II Full Frame CMOS Sensor

The Full Frame, 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor offers a standard ISO range from 100 to 6400 that can be expanded down to ISO 50 and upwards to ISO 12800 and ISO 25600 making it ideal for low light shooting. The 36x24mm sensor frame is the same size as the frame of a traditional 35mm film making it ideal for Full HD video and true for shooting with wide-angle lenses.

Dust Free Images

The sensor is equipped with a dual action dust protection system. Coating on the front surface of the low-pass filter increases its dust resistance by preventing dust from sticking to the sensor while ultrasonic vibrations shake off dust automatically.

The Integrated Cleaning System is backed up by a post processing software solution. Dust that still remains on the sensor is easily removed in post processing using DPP software’s Dust Detection Delete function, which can remove dust spots automatically from single or multiple image files be they JPEG or RAW.

Autofocus

The Auto Focus system of the Canon EOS 5D Mk II consists of 9 AF points that are user-selectable and supported by an additional 6 horizontal and vertical AF assist points. The central AF point, inside the spot metering circle, is cross-type and is sensitive to vertical lines at an aperture of f/2.8, horizontal lines at f/5.6. It optimizes tracking performance in AI SERVO AF mode.

AF points can be selected manually or via the dedicated AF On button.

DIGIC 4

The DIGIC 4 processor, newly introduced in the EOS 5D Mk II, has dramatically reduced processing times for continuous burst modes, Full HD video shooting, writing to UDMA cards and fast review after shooting. It also enabled new features like Face Detection Live mode, lens peripheral optimization, and through its 14-bit A/D conversion supports and enhances the noise reduction efforts of the CMOS sensor and finer tonal gradation.

3.0″ Clear View LCD Viewfinder

The new 3.0″ Clear View LCD viewfinder has a number of features that make shooting much easier in low light conditions or from awkward angles. The VGA resolution (920,000 dots) and the 170 degree viewing angle are enhanced by automatic brightness adjustment for low / bright light photography and extended battery life. You can simply switch on real time images with the dedicated Live View button.

Live View

Live View on the Canon EOS 5D Mk II makes full use of the 3.0″ viewfinder. Live View mode is used for HD video shooting, Quick mode, Live mode and Face Detection Live mode.

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Video Capture With The EOS 5D Mk II

Intending to buy the Canon EOS 5D Mk II for its video features? You will not be disappointed. Through a number of Firmware upgrades Canon has expanded its original video and audio specifications to make the camera an extremely useful video tool.

Video shooting is done in Live View mode in Full HD (1080p, 1920 x 1080 pixels), Standard HD (720p, 1280 x 720 pixels) and VGA (640 x 480 pixels). Filming can be temporarily interrupted for single or continuous still capture.

Settings for NTSC, PAL and movie production have been integrated. The original 30 (29.97) fps in Full HD (1080p) have been expanded to include 24 (23.976) fps and 25 fps. Standard HD (720p) and VGA shooting rates are 50 fps and 60 (59.94) fps. Video is recorded in MOV format with H.264 codec.

Audio input is via the built-in mic or an external stereo mic (via a 3.5mm jack). Audio input can be controlled manually through the camera’s Quick Control Dial.

As the camera is very memory hungry, max. run times for clips are 12 minutes for Full HD and 24 minutes for VGA, obviously also depending on audio input.

Canon EOS 5D Mk II Accessories

A range of accessories specific to the EOS 5D Mk II supports and enhances its shooting flexibility in still and video mode.

Battery / Battery Grip

Canon LP-E6 High Capacity replacement Lithium-Ion Battery (1800 mAh) helps extend the camera’s usability away from a power source.

The Canon Battery Grip BG-E6 doubles the battery life of the EOS 5D Mk II. The battery grip also lends extra support to camera handling when using large lenses or for shooting portrait style pictures.

For more details on the Battery Click Here, and on the Battery Grip Click Here.

Flash

The Canon Speedlite 580EX II flash light is supported by Canon’s E-TTL II flash metering system. This allows you to control the flash from the camera menu. With E-TTL II, the exact same 35-zone metering sensor used for measuring ambient light by the EOS 5D Mk II is also used for flash metering.

It is great for bounce flash (it has a 180 degree tilt-and-swivel head) and at IOS 100 has a max guide number of 141 ft/43m. The Speedlite 580EX II has an AF-assist beam for AF even in total darkness on subjects as far as 32 ft/10m from the camera.

Click here for more details on the Speedlite 580EX II.

Wireless File Transmitter

The Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E4A) for the EOS 5D Mark II is compatible with Wi-Fi Protected Setup to connect easily to a wireless LAN access point for secure image transfer (802.11b or g) where USB transfer is not possible or inconvenient. It allows for wireless batch transfer of entire folders of photos for distances of up to 492 ft. (150m) as well as remote wireless operation of the camera.

Like the Battery Grip BG-E6, the WFT-E4 also features shutter release and other key controls for comfortable portrait style work and supports camera handling for work with long lenses.

Click here for more details on the Wireless File Transmitter.