Canon EOS 5D Mk II Review
By Hamish Brown, 14th July 2009
Worth the wait?
In digital age terms, I was a long term user and a big fan of the Canon EOS 5D Mk II’s predecessor, the 5D. I spent far too much time scouring Canon rumour websites looking at the speculative guesswork and supposed leaks from official sources about the Mk II before it had even been announced (maybe I should get a life!). I don’t think anyone really expected this camera to weigh in at a whopping 21 megapixels, on a par in this respect, with its big brother, Canon’s flagship, the 1Ds Mk III (which is also at least double the money of this one…)
What you’re getting: 5D Mk II v 5D Mk I
- 21.1 megapixels CMOS Sensor v 12.8 megapixels
- ISO Range 50-25600 v 50-3200 Extended
- Full 1080p HD Video Recording v No video capability
- Live View v No Live View
- 3” LCD Screen v 2.5” LCD
- DIGIC IV Processor v DIGIC II
- Inbuilt Sensor Dust Removal v No dust removal
- 3.9 Frames Per Sec. v 3.0 FPS
First Crush
The first signs of my crush came about when I rented a body for the weekend, which is never a bad idea when parting with serious dollars, but really it was an unnecessary exercise, and more a manner in which to convince myself that I needed the camera, and feel a little less guilty pleasure if (when) I bought it. As lovely as the 5D (the original) was, and still is, there was something about the Mk II that felt like it had arrived.
The Movie Bit
It’s inevitably the first place anyone with a new Canon EOS 5D Mk II will go; the HD Video mode. Gimmick? Handy Feature? It’s a tough one. I was stunned at the quality of the HD from the off. I’ve always had a camcorder lying around the house, and always wished I could have a camcorder with an 85mm f1.2 attached, to get that whole shallow depth of field control going just like in the movies, without spending ten thousand quid.
The wishing was over.
I even took my new Canon 5D Mark II up town to where a mate works at Soho Video Edit Suite. I filmed him in a cafe, he took the card from the camera back to work, and called me straight away – to him it was stunning, couldn’t quite believe it was from a DSLR. Why him? Well he works with and looks at HD video all the time, and usually from cameras and lenses costing 10 times the price of the Canon. My gut reaction is that it’s a feature that will be used more by reportage photographers – it’s no gimmick for sure, but for me its primarily going to be a camera, however with an ace video bit on the side.
The Screen
Bits that were grabbing me were the new screen, half an inch here really does make a difference in comparison to the original 5D. You’ll get as accurate a rendition of your shots as you’re gonna get on a camera back, and zooming in to maximum gives a darn good idea of your sharpness – essential too if your not in the habit of lugging a laptop around when you shoot. There is a marked difference in the quality of the screen here compared to the older camera, and when you think that the original hung around for so long as it was so hard to beat, that should give you an idea of the improvement. And whilst we’re on the topic of screens – this one also offers a Live View facility – probably most handy when shooting still life at awkward angles where you cant get your eye in place, and of course in the video mode.
How does it feel?
You’d expect it to feel good, you’d feel let down if it didn’t. For a company that has as much experience in designing these things as Canon do, they have to get this bit right. They do. If you’ve ever held an SLR of any sort this will feel as it should, well balanced and everything under ones thumb (or finger).
Personally I added the BG-E6 battery grip, which doubles your battery power; but it’s got to be said in the six months that I’ve had the camera I’ve struggled to run them down on a shoot. There’s even a new addition to the menu called “battery info”, which tells you how many frames each battery has shot on its current charge, a % remaining charge indicator, and on top of that it’ll tell you when you batteries have suffered enough and need replacing. I’m no longer popping them on charge at every opportunity; I just do it as required. So simple an idea, it feels a little more trustworthy than the traditional indicators…
If you want to be a bit more discreet on the street – just remove the grip and blend in.
Proof that by having a great camera to hand, you can capture some great scenes
It’s not just about how many megapixels…
Even though we’ve got 21.1 megapixels, it’s about the sensor too. Whilst digital photography in its brief history very quickly began to excel at low ISOs, there was always the get much beyond 400 and start heading for noise. Certainly in the 35mm arena this is where great strides have been made across the board. The first pictures I took were with the ISO set to 1600, to say I wasn’t disappointed would be the understatement of the year – the files produced were beautifully sharp and detailed. I won’t pretend we’re in a no-more-noise situation, but in a comparison with 1600 films and up-rated Tri-X we’ve just surpassed the benchmark – the ISO range is 50 – 25600 in its expanded mode, 3200 does get noisy and even more so after that, but if you’re rating above 3200 then you’re looking to get something rather than nothing… and you can call it art or atmospheric.
White Balance…
It is so good it’s almost taken out of the consideration pile. I’d still use a grey card as an act of sanity / paranoia in set up situations, but for off the cuff, reportage and general shooting, you won’t need to make too many adjustments to the raw files colour-wise afterwards. Importing the files into Adobe’s Camera Raw I’m usually leaving the setting to ‘as shot’ I guess 90% of the time, as an accurate rendition of the scene I was shooting. If you like to colour correct tungsten lights etc you’re going to need a grey card or get good at colour correction work on whatever camera you’re using. The Canon 5D Mark II will let you shoot with confidence.
File size
There are three types of RAW file that you can utilise, RAW, SRAW1 (10MP), and SRAW2 (5MP). Likewise with the three sizes of JPEG. I’ve only used the main RAW file size and personally don’t have a need to shoot any smaller – half the excitement here for me was the big fat file sizes. The RAWs process out to be in the region of 60MB or so. The detail captured from the “full on” RAW is in my mind exceptional. I’m not totally sure of the necessity of smaller RAWs, but if you’re shooting quickly, or are in danger of filling your last flash card, then I guess you can downsize to accommodate. I’ll always be after the max possible, otherwise to me it defeats the object. I usually shoot RAW + small Jpeg (at the same time), and use the jpegs for editing (speed) and then go for the RAW file when I’ve made my choice. A2 prints are not a problem… there’s just that little bit more freedom from medium format and still a bucketful of quality.
Metering / Focus
The Canon 5D Mark 2 takes the same focus and metering systems form the original 5D – I’m assuming Canon’s thinking is “if it ain’t broke don’t…” and why not. Whilst focusing can always get smoother and faster (and is somewhat lens dependent), I think metering steps up its game in smaller increments. But Canon have being doing justice to both areas for some time…
Who wants to miss opportunities like this?
There are nine AF points in the viewfinder, (incidentally a 98% viewfinder) and three focus modes: One Shot – self explanatory; AI Servo – for moving subjects; and AI Focus which is One Shot switching to AI Servo if the subject starts moving. Be sure to switch the lens to AF first though!
We could possibly do with a few more focus points (we could also buy the 1Ds Mk III if that was a major concern), but I’ve never found that to be a major problem, locking the focus (half depress the shutter) and recomposing when necessary.
The metering modes offered are Evaluative – described as an all round metering mode suite of portraits; Partial – good when the background is much brighter than the subject; Spot, and good old fashioned Centre Weighted. I mostly prefer the Evaluative, with the luxury of the camera screen if things get tricky. If I’m in a studio, I’d be set to manual with a handheld flash meter.
5D Mark II Layout / Controls
At the risk of sounding patronising, there are only so many places these can go. SLR layout generally doesn’t get too many radical changes, more little refinements – possibly the biggest in recent times would be the addition of the viewing screen to the back of a DSLR, oh and the lack of a film chamber.
In comparison to the original 5D there’s an extra button on the left hand side called the Picture Style Selection Button, where you can quickly change the picture style you are using from Landscape to Portrait to Monochrome and so on, and then go in further if you wish to change sharpness, contrast, saturation and colour tone. These are relevant if you’re shooting jpegs as the camera will apply the instructions you set to the image in-camera. When processing a RAW file with Canon’s DPP software, the picture style will be applied. However you can return to the standard picture style should you wish.
In addition to the shutter release button on top you’ll find Metering, White Balance, AF, Drive, ISO, and a Flash Exposure Compensation button, neatly located next to the LCD panel showing your current settings. These are all controlled by the two wheels atop and on the back of the camera; the ‘main dial’ and the ‘quick control dial’ respectively. I use them both just as much, and would have to ask Canon why one is the main dial and the other the quick?
Just above the Quick Control dial you’ll also find a ‘multi-controller button’ – more of a neat little joystick – one press of this and you’re taken to the “Quick Control Screen”, where jogging back and forth around the screen you can change pretty much any of the settings you’re currently set to, just by using the either of the camera’s dials. Neat stuff, but being a little traditional, I always forget it’s there. A lot of the settings are customisable, and can be saved and then recalled via the mode dial (top left top plate) – same place you find your shooting modes – Aperture and Shutter Priority, Manual, Program, Bulb and two Full-Automatic modes.
Cleaning System
Had to mention this eventually – at its default setting, each time you switch the camera on and off, the camera cleans the sensor (shakes a little dust off all by itself, no more probing fingers and swabs!) Sensor cleaning like this wasn’t an option on the original Canon EOS 5D, so for me it is a little touch of genius, so that’s one less corner of my mind burning in the background. You will occasionally need to get it cleaned properly – and if you don’t know what you’re doing here, it’s best to get it done by a professional and preferably authorised service centre – it’s the one place you don’t want to leave a finger print on!
Everlasting Love
When talking about the layouts and controls earlier, there was a word I was searching for that I couldn’t quite get a hold of, until I started thinking about the menus. Pick it up switch it on, press the menu button and the rest just flows. There’s a logical simplicity here, I think the word I was looking for was intuitive. I think Canon have got this spot on.
The rental weekend turned out to be too long, and I couldn’t wait to get my own. I sold my 5D (regret that slightly, but if you look at the prices they go for, it speaks volumes for the original). In terms of a long term investment it’s a darn good bet, and going by the length of time the 5D hung around for, I think this will be around for a little while longer. No more looking over your shoulder every month to see how far you’re falling behind. It’s not about keeping up with the megapixels, it’s about cracking pictures. The Canon 5D Mark II is half the price of the flagship models by the major brands, yet delivers a quality that can only be separated from the tops guns by something other than the naked eye.
I just don’t recommend that if you make this camera your purchase, that you start perusing the L series list of lenses, that’s just dangerous.
Out of Ten?
It re-invigorated my passion for carrying a camera with me as often as possible, out of ten.
(34 votes, average: 4.15 out of 5)
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review spot on….. it’s a joy to use and images are inspiring and motivate you to shoot more!!!!!
Stuart LittlechildNot used video myself yet as I just know that will start me off and back into video I will go…. not too sure when I seen it had video but if your out shooting and can capture an incident or such live…then that can’t be bad can it ? at such great quality…..
Glad you liked the review Stuart! Try the video out this weekend and let us know what you think
RachelGreat article! have been deciding on my next purchase and this has tipped me over the edge!
Simon HelyerNice to read an article that answers all the questions i wanted to ask!
Totally agree, an absolutely brilliant camera. Up to the point of buying this, my favourite camera had been the Bronica ETRS down to the sheer usability factor. This just knocks it into a cocked-hat. And the resolution? Breathtaking! Just breathtaking. It gives you the opportunity to correct compositional errors by cropping post-shoot and still retain sufficient definition. Awesome!
Doug KissockThanks Doug & Simon.
OliverThis is a very helpful review with excellent pictures! I may have to move up to the MkII if it’s this good. Many thanks.
Simon RI’ve been using Canon mark 2 cameras since they first came into Britain in December 08. They still amaze me. The camera “feels” very natural in the hands even if you are moving up from a novice spec camera to a professional model and can handle the extra weight. First thing I noticed was the exposure seems to be much more accurate than in its parent model and then of course the extra pixels to work with make Photoshop work a dream if you have the computing power. I hate cropping and losing valuable pixels but it is now easy to clip detail shots from frames and enlarge them to quite large sizes. I give this 10/10 – it has more features than I need and the ones I do need are superb.
Rob TI have been searching for an unbiased review on the 5DMkII as up till now I have only ever seen partial tests and most of those on either pre-release models or an “hours hands on” which to be honest were not at all helpful. I have some nice lenses and do wish to upgrade from my Canon 40D and after reading your fabulous review, my mind is now made up.
Stephen BowdenMany thanks indeed for taking the time to write this and sharing. Also to Warehouse Express for linking.
Good reveiw and very helpful. I have been considering an upgrade for to the MK2 for a while.
I liked the pointer about the use of the live veiw function – thanks
It’s time to raid the piggy bank ….
Colin Keilgreat, thanks for the review, seems like im going to have to buy a couple of them now.
Karl Bratbyalthough my nikon D3 work is fine, which can be viewed at link below, just the canon looks pretty cool and small….
http://www.ilifephotoblog.com
Hi Hamish
Mike TaggMany thanks for your very thorough review of the Mark 2. I am looking to upgrade my Canon 350D and have considered moving to full frame-in fact the 5D mark 2.. I visited a dealer( a user of Canon equipment as a pro) a few days ago and he questioned why I was considered going to full frame-I am an enthusiast not requiring anything larger than A3. His recommendation was to upgrade to a 40D or 50D. If i still wanted full frame he suggested the 5D (available here at much lower cost) as while I would use L series lenses the results would be the same -I do not think that I wouls use the video facility other than for family stuff. I would be very grateful for any comment.
kind regards
Mike Tagg
South Africa
The review was most interesting and I agree with just about everything. I bought a 5D three years ago when I converted from film and wanted to stick with full frame. I also changed from Nikon (after 40 years) to Canon because Nikon didn’t do a full frame camera at the time (it was pre-D3, and that was too expensive anyway). I added a 5D Mk II in February and the improvements over the 5D are amazing. No, I don’t need 21 MP, but the potential to crop A3 prints from a partial frame greatly improves the flexibility. The viewfinder, screen, menu system, everything, are all so much better. You do need ‘L’ series lenses though. I have one ‘amateur’ Canon lens (28-105) and it simply doesn’t compare at 21 MP to my L-series lenses and 100mm macro. In answer to Mike Tagg’s query about the 5D – yes, the 5D will give excellent results with L-series lenses up to A3 or even bigger, but that camera is now 4-year old technology, and that’s a lifetime in digital camera terms. The Mk II is just so much better in every department. If you have L-series lenses, why use a half-frame camera? You are throwing away half the capability of the lens. If you can afford the Mk II, buy it. If you can cope with the size and weight, get the BG-E6 grip too, it transforms the handling.
David LoweI bought a 5D when it first came out and replaced it with the Mk2 as soon as that was available. I have a collection of L lenses plus a 50mm and 100mm macro.
David PrimeI agree with your reviewer that the results are stunning. The improved low light capabilities are excellent but I find the live view facility to be particularly useful, especially in macro photography. By using manual focus and live view and then the 5x and 10x magnification, you can be certain that the principal subject is in sharp focus (if it hasn’t flown away in the meantime!).
I just love what this cam can do, great pics great fab video, but hang on Guys, How the hell are you supose to edit the video footage. the only way i can get a Blueray on by plazma is by filming in NTSC and editing same in Ulead…..and its there we hit the problem, it just wont take 30fps ntsc is close, but still jerky on screen afer its been Rendered, No i cant afford an Apple mac or final cut, so that leaves me dead in the water HEEEELLLPPP…. Damn you Canon i hate you.
Arthur TrevittGreat review and after having mine now for about a month all I can say is fantastic. It certainly makes you carry a camera around more. The results are fantastic and you dont have to worry about croping heads etc off. Just cant wait now to add 70-200 f2.8 and 1.4 teleconverter to this star of a camera. Its worth working loads of overtime to get it.
Keith RobinsExcellent review-probably the best I’ve read. Initially after my 1d mkII I was disapointed with the feel of the 5D mkII, but this didn’t last long. I soon started to appreciate just how nicely balanced it is with the 24-105 lens on it and how inconspicuous it was providing you turn the strap over-my only gripe being I already had a canon kit that included the lens so the high cost of the body only compared to the kit was a bitter pill to swallow, but if I’m honest compared to the alternatives it still offers great value for money. OK so the low light performance and FPS rate doesn’t match the D700 and as the reviewer says we could do with more focusing points but what many mags fail to mention is that those extra pixels really come into their own when cropping, and if we’re all honest with ourselves how many shots do we take without cropping to some extent-very few if you’re anything like me!. Just think about it you can crop to less than 60% of the original frame and STILL have the same pixel density as the D700 and to me that’s a massive plus. There’s editing software on the market to get rid of/limit digital noise if that causes you a problem, though the 5d is still reasonable at ISO 3200 and 3.9 FPS is quick enough for me. I can see the advantages of the D700 but I find my 5D ticks all the boxes I need. I’ve not bought the grip but purchased an extra canon battery but have never found I had to change over part way through a shoot but it’s handy to have anyway – if I need wrist ache I just get the 1D out! Personally I think the Canon L series range is better than Nikon’s range too (more choice less cost) so that’s another plus. OK so the D700 might be quicker and work better in low light and if those are important to you then you need to factor that in, but as I’d already got canon kit the D700 got ruled out on cost alone. One final point if you do buy the 5D don’t buy any other flash except the 580ex mkII – I had a Metz which was unreliable due to connectivity issues which often resulted in eye watering full power flashes which wasn’t fun for either me or my subjects! All in all if you’re a “traditional” photographer and quality is a big issue for you then you’ll struggle not to choose the 5DmkII, especially if you buy it together with the 24-105 L series lens.
Adrian BarrieAm looking at this Canon though have been a Nikon user for years and its difficult to part with all my fantastic prime lenses etc. However the full frame aspect of the Canon cameras win me over, though i still haven’t made the leap, though closer to doing so! The Nikon D300 is full frame but costs much more and is only 12megapixel so still this Canon wins the day. I just HATE the fact that i have lost the real concept of 35mm photography by having to shoot on 1/2 frame Nikons (D200 now). I want a 28mm lens to be a 28mm lens! etc.
Video appelas also as am into video and have a top end camera (Sony PD170)
My only issue is i wont be able to edit this Canon in Adobe prem Pro as its 30 frames per sec….at least i don’t believe i can…..
Tony ArnoldTony
This was a fantastic review and certainly was one of the culprits that made me ditch Nikon.I shoot mainly landscape and architecture, for these reasons the 5d mk 11 is just the ticket. Superb live view and screen,the simulated exposure is a great help as well.This is a big step up for me as i have only been into photography for 3 years, but this camera is so easy to use compared to my nikon d300.The d700 is quicker and better in low light but that does not interest me, so this baby won the day and stole my heart.
A quick note to say the 16-35mm mk 2 and 45mm tse are just awesome.
I am a very happy man.
Gary Maunder
Gary MaunderI have a 5D which was around 3 years old when the Mk2 was released. To upgrade or not was eventually decided when I was thinking of buying a separate HD video camera. For a bit more I got the full upgrade in my full frame DSLR too.
After 12 months on the Mk2 the much better access to the many controls is the feature I would miss most. Access in a way which does not mean reference to the handbook even for the more obscure features. Live view was something I did not expect to use, but I have. It is especially helpful using the camera at arms length above my head to get a different view, or any view at all in a crowd.
AnthonyI recently added the 100mm Macro IS lens, a superb optic both in performance and handling.
Just a shame that Canon cannot supply the essential link adaptor 67C to allow me to use my Canon ringflash on this lens too. 3 months wait is not acceptable.
My poor original 5D has hardly seen any use since the Mk2 arrived.
I have to say this is the best camera I have ever used for my company Peterborough Wedding Photography.
On the last wedding I shot in Stamford, I got all of the stills done, then shot some video just for my own fun.
The bride and groom were so impressed with the quality and even mentioned that it was better than the video that had been done by another company on the wedding day.
This camera is top nothch full frame and always give results, if your using it in situations when you have to get “the perfect shot” it wont let you down, stick some L series glass on it to take full advantage of what this great camera can do.
Paul NicolsonAm torn between the 1DMkIV and the 5D Mk11, purely for the 10 fps for motor sport and whale breaching, I need help!!!!! Recommendations anybody?
Brian Roche[...] very strong indeed. The 5D Mark II is powerhouse in its own right (as Hamish Brown discovers in our 5D Mark II review), the EOS 50D is a great blend of performance and value, but 7D is positioned perfectly as a bridge [...]
Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR | Warehouse ExpressAaargh, newish to photography have been using a cannon 350D for two years and want to get better pics (definition ) soo have been deliberating and settling on the 5D Mark II BUT the Mark III is due out sometime this year apparently. Do I buy the Mark II before the Vat increase or wait for the Mark III?
Ralph Salmon[...] sure yet. I’ve since upgraded to the Canon 5D Mk II which I’m very happy with. I’d love to try out the new Canon 24mm TS-E (Tilt/Shift) [...]
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