Photo answers review
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The anticipation of waiting for the Canon 5D replacement is finally over with the release of the Canon 5D Mark II. Hot on the heels of the 50D announcement, this new 21.1 Megapixel 5D Mark II model is definitely the one that many have been eagerly waiting for.
The EOS 5D Mark II features a newly designed 21.1 Mp CMOS sensor that promises to deliver a better signal to noise ratio than the previous 5D, ensuring lower noise images throughout the ISO range. The ISO sensitivity of the Mark II currently stands at 100-6400 but this is expandable to ISO 50, 12800 and 25,600. It’s not just the sensor and sensitivity that’s been improved; the viewfinder coverage has been expanded from 96% on the previous 5D to 98% on the new Mark II, offering brighter and wider coverage.
The newly developed Digic 4 processor that was first announced with the 50D has been transferred to the 5D Mark II, a huge step up from the Digic 2 processor found in the previous 5D. This faster processor enables you to shoot and record images at a much quicker frame rate – 3.9fps for up to 310 frames. The Digic 4 processor technology has also allowed HD video capture to be recorded on a 5D for the first time at an HD rate of 1920x1080, and is the first Canon D-SLR to do so. Filming is via the Live View mode and appropriately it’s been designed so that you can shoot single or continuous stills in this mode with the video continuing after the last frame has been shot.
The 2.5in LCD screen that was starting to look a little small on the old 5D has been replaced with a larger 3.0in screen with Live View, sporting a 9-point autofocus system with 6 Assist AF points. The menu system has also been refreshed, allowing you to gain access to the most commonly used settings more efficiently.
Unfortunately, current 5D owners who purchased the BG-E4 battery grip will be unable to use this with the 5D Mark II as Canon has released a new grip – the BG-E6. There’s also a new LP-E6 1800mAh battery pack for the Mark II, too, and you can expect to get 650 shots per battery – marginally less that the previous model.
Canon has also released a new lens in line with the 50D and 5D Mark II. The EF 24mm f1.4L II USM offers Canon users a wide-angle prime lens, replacing the existing EF 24mm f/1.4L USM.
Both products will be available from late November with the 5D Mark II priced at £2299.99 (body only), or £3049 with the EF 24-105mm f4.0L IS USM lens.
For more information be sure to check out the 5D Mark II news page.
Here's a demo of the video capabilities of this camera taken from ahikabaranews.com.
Specifications at a glance
21.1MP full frame CMOS sensor
DIGIC 4 processor
ISO range expandable to 25600
Full HD (1080, 30fps) movie recording
High-res 3.0” VGA LCD with Live View
3.9fps JPEG shooting up to card capacity
9-point AF + 6 Assist AF points
Magnesium alloy body