CANON EOS 5D MARK II

Four years ago in 2005, Canon pushed the envelope in the professional camera range to develop one of the best mid-range DLSR packages ever to hit the market.  The Canon EOS 5D was the first of its kind to offer a large CMOS sensor, about sixty percent larger than those in most DSLRs of its time and comparable to the frame size of a 35mm film, rendering this camera the first full-frame DSLR in a standard sized SLR body.   In 2009, Canon replicated its aggressive camera packaging, adding a fantastic bundle of features to the widely popular EOS 5D to birth a brilliant upgrade: the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II, like its predecessor, pushes the bar on the mid to high-end class camera range. For a professional camera under U$ 3,000.00, it delivers the best value for your money with this wealth of improvements:

Image Resolution:

This wonderful baby boasts a 21.1 megapixel sensor, matching its lofty cousins in the EOS 1D series, but at the fraction of their prices.  Image quality is hands-down superb with Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor.  Images come packed with more detail and at lower noise levels than the earlier 5D.  In this aspect, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II certainly outclasses others of its kind.  There had been some alleged black dot issues concerning the initial models.  Canon, however, had fixed the problem earlier in the camera’s introduction; so, this old news shouldn’t deter anyone from considering this rather drool-worthy gadget.

Screen Quality:

The Mark II flaunts a vast improvement over the venerable 5D with a bigger and brighter 3½” screen that gives greater clarity and a broader 98% viewfinder coverage. Its high resolution LCD monitor allows users to see fine details during live composition or after- shot reviews.   Its water-repellant, glare-proof screen is smudge-proof as well and conveniently offers access to most camera settings, including the ISO values and battery life.  The camera’s top screen is also an improved version.

Movie Mode Feature:

Canon has pulled out their big guns with this feature.  You will be hard put to find a Movie Mode feature in DSLRs.  After all, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is only the second, after the Nikon D90, to offer this hallmark.   The movie mode is the best in the category, even trumping older camcorders with its 1080p full HD-quality.  A firmware update released in June 2009 allows adjustment of the aperture, ISO settings, and shutter speed before or even during the filming process.  At the current price level, what can beat the Mark II with this competitive feature?

Video enthusiasts and independent filmmakers are sure to fall for this special point.  Although, it cannot really replace a camcorder, experienced video takers can work around the Mark II’s limitations to own both an awesome professional stills shooter and great video cam in one neat little package.

Other Notables:

Mark II comes equipped with Lighting Optimizer that corrects underexposed shots to produce brighter images. A face detection system rescues subjects from backlit environments.  Its DIGIC 4 processor backed up by a 25,600 ISO sensitivity will give beautiful tones and colors, and allow pictures to be taken even when the sun goes down.  Moreover, a plethora of photographic modes would squeeze the best photo outcomes.

While being a little heftier than the senior 5D at a little over two pounds, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II packs a punch with its two-pound solidly made frame.  Its myriad features, handling ease plus the improved dust and weather sealings make this camera one of the best pro camera buys you’ll ever make.  Indeed, Canon’s little engineering marvel presents tremendous value, assuring you great pictures time after time.