Canon announces the full frame, 21.1 Megapixel EOS 5D Mark II: the first EOS with full High Definition video capability. 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” Clear View LCD with VGA resolution, a 170° 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, utilising detailed EF lens information to optimise JPEG images straight out of the camera Magnesium alloy construction with additional environmental protection UDMA memory card compatibility. “Professional photojournalists and wedding photographers already choose the EOS 5D for its discrete size and outstanding image quality,” said Mogens Jensen, head of Canon Consumer Imaging. “The addition of HD movie recording opens a new chapter for EOS. It creates new possibilities for EOS photographers to capture and share their stories and to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.” Key Specifications: New 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with improved EOS Integrated Cleaning System (E.I.C.S.) New Full HD 1080 resolution movie recording 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting High performance DIGIC 4 providing superb image quality Maximum 310 large JPEG images in a single burst with a UDMA card 3.0” VGA (920k dots) Clear View LCD ISO 100-6400 (expansion from 50 up to 25,600) 9 AF points + 6 Assist AF points Additional information 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% 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 colour 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 D-SLR 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” VGA resolution LCD provides a wide 170º 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% 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. 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. Pricing and Availability The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera is compatible with Canon EF lenses and is scheduled for delivery by the end of November. The EOS 5D Mark II will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $2,699. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $3,499. New EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens The new EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens is the successor to Canon's EF 24mm f/1.4L USM professional wide-angle lens released in 1997. Targeting professional photographers, the new EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens has been introduced to address the advancements high-resolution digital SLR cameras with re-designed optics and use of a new anti-reflection lens coating called SWC (Sub-Wavelength Structure Coating) to minimize ghosting and flare. Features such as dustproof and waterproof construction that have been adopted make this a high-performance lens with specifications that respond to the demands of professional users. A welcome complement to the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens is scheduled to be in stores this December at an estimated retail price of $1,699.
^^With the technology improving..^^ ..pretty soon, who needs a camcorder to record those videos. Just grab a telephoto or zoom lens, attach it to the camera body and off one goes with the recording. All the cameras need now is like a 50-60GB of hard drive/memory space.
full frame war the shocking part is the PRICE!! This gonna blow the water out of A900 and D700/D300. I mean, it only cost about 6 yonex rackets Now even noobs like me will make the leap to this camera
oops, my speed read misread the price, it's $2700,not $1700 Still $300 cheaper than 3k for A900 and D700
upon closer read, looks like the new 5DII has minor improvement over the old 5D. AF not as good as 50D, fps only 3.9. Good for wedding and portrait. I think canon want to keep the MKIII owners happy I would rate the nikon D700 still the best prosumer full frame dslr over the A900 and 5DII
^^Of course lah..^^ ...how to impress and satisfy cooler if the street price of the new 5D is around $2700...
If you wait another year you probably can get one at half the price. If you buy a used one a year later you might get it for a quarter of the price. Digital slr bodies are like pcs with guaranteed built-in obsolescene in prices. The more high tech and the more expensive, the harder their prices fall over time.
I think the AF is sufficient, 9 in diamond shape with center cross type and 6 assist. Its enough for what this camera intend for (IMHO, wedding, portrait, lanscape etc..) For sport, I prefer 50D or if I have alot of money 1Dmk3.
Unlikely, I would say. What was the 1Ds MkIII released at in August 2007? 8000 USD ? 1 year later what is it? 7400 USD on Amazon I don't think the Full-Frame DSLRs are dropping in value as fast as the smaller sensor models
^^Ah well...^^ ..with that rate of depreciation, i guess i have to wait another 10 yrs or more to be able to get a used 1DMkIII...... Unless, hehe, kwun is willing to sell it to me for half the price.....
The line between video and still camera becomes blur.... -------------------------------------------------------- Vincent Laforet, an international acclaimed photographer from New York, which also the Pulitzer winner has published a short review of Canon EOS 5D Mark II video aspect on his personal blog and a commercial-grade film is forthcoming. In reference to his article, Vincent was given a hands-on opportunity. It comes unexpected while visiting Canon’s HQ and had less than 72 hours to come out with a production level short film. Vincent is no film expert; a sudden assignment with little time for preparation is quite a challenge for anyone who has never shot a film before. The result? Nothing short of amazing according to Vincent. See what he has to say. “It produces the best video in low light that I’ve ever seen - at 1080p.” “you no longer need half-million dollar’s worth of high definition video cameras and lenses delivered by a truck with its own driver to shoot a high definition film in low light - you just need a $2,700 camera and a few lenses” “Everyone has been waiting for the video camera that can also take stills… here’s a still camera that can shoot stunning video.” His amateur opinion in film equipment may not favor or qualify him for a professional review, but was concurred with a top commercial film editor with expertise in the $20k RED camera. “the 5D MKII is far superior to the RED camera in terms of low light performance…” A $2,700 camera doesn’t turn you instantly into a production level film maker. A great artistry presentation comes a long way- Pair of God-gifted eyes, high quality lens, film crews and travel expenses just to name a few. But that’s not the point; video feature in Digital SLR has the potential to change the industry. The RED camera popularity relies greatly on its compatibility with SLR interchangeable lens; now imagine millions of D-SLR owners! Soon they can express their artistic ability in motion rather than still pictures without the cost or size of pro-level equipment. Its compact size and user friendly operation would benefit wedding photographer or photojournalist on the run - not having to purchase separate tools for filming purposes. In his reply to his reader, he called an amateur digital video camcorder Canon XH-A1 unusable garbage when it compares head-to-head with Canon 5D Mark II in night scene. Meanwhile, let’s take a quick peep at the film. EF Lenses used in the making of REVERIE: FD 7.5mm f/5.6 (converted to EF mount) EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM EF 50mm f/1.2L USM EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM EF 135mm f/2L USM EF 200mm f/1.8L USM EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM EF 500mm f/4L IS USM TS-E 24mm f/3.5L TS-E 45mm f/2.8 http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/ http://web1.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/movies/mov002.html http://web1.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/movies/mov001.html http://web1.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/movies/mov007.html http://web1.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/movies/mov004.html
^^Would..^^ ..someone be kind enough to give our kwun this camera so he can do a dry test run of the new features??..
No more illusion! Last week, I played with one for ten, fiftteen minutes. I m sorry, but I've got to say. What Vincent Laforet said here wasn't the whole story! He didn't tell us the dark side of the video part! The most ridiculous thing is that. Eventhough we can adjust the focus while recording (by pressing a button). The noise that comes from motor and gears will be clearly captured! (That is meaningless!) Canon didn't lie! We will be able to take pictures in video mode while recording. But you know, that move will ruine our video! Coz the video is gonna halt for about 1/4-1/2 second by the time we've pressed the shutter! (That is meaningless as well!) The only improvement that I can find from a 5D MKII is in the high ISO setting. I think it is the best Canon they've ever made so far! Pictures will still turn out fine at ISO 3200. (Just like ISO 640 on my 1D MkIII! But Still, not as good as a Nikon D3!) Other than that, everything is just like the previous version. A HD videostillcamera? No way!
We hear this 'amazing' 'mass film-making' thing everytime a cellphone or camera maker comes out with a new model... it began with the 1 MP camera on some new mobile phone. The truth is that any upward comparison with professional video cameras is unadulterated hogwash. A still camera is just a still camera that additionally shoots amateur video. Period In any case, who in their right commercial mind would shoot films (much less, professional video) in actual 'low light'? Even 'low-light' scenes are carefully and strategically lit with expensive lighting instruments. After all, a film is something made in maximum light and enjoyed in minimum light.
Its also very difficult to shoot a movie and do a decent job. Its hard enough to keep ordinary people (non photographers) looking at your photos for 5min interested throughout the 5min, making an interesting 5min movie is wayyy to hard. The family/friends you round up may pretend to be interested, but they are secretly bored after the 20th photo...