Canon EOS 5D Mark II:
21MP and HD movies:
Digital Photography Review
It’s official, Canon has announced the EOS-5D Mark 2. Featuring an unbelievable 21MP sensor that has an ISO range from 50 to 25,600, the same as the Nikon D3 and D700, as well as a full HD 1080p30 (1080p @ 30 frames per second) movie mode. Other key features include a new AF system with 9 selectable sensors and 6 assist points, though there’s no mention of whether they are cross type or not.
In addition there’s a new battery sporting 1800mAh, necessitating a new vertical release that’s not compatible with the old 5D’s grip or batteries. Also in the fold is a new wireless shooting grip supporting access to GPS capabilities, as well as the ability to upload images to an FTP server and control the camera remotely.
More information can be found at DPreview by following the link below.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II: 21MP and HD movies: Digital Photography Review.
Some commentary…
I think this looks like an awesome upgrade ot the 5D, and a damn good competitor to the Sony Alpha a900. In the range in question the 3-4 MP difference isn’t that much of a big deal, and the wider ISO range is a massive boost. So long as Canon has this priced accordingly I think they have a nice mid range full frame body going now.
The biggest down side that I see, right off the bat is the lack of f/5.6 cross sensitive sensors on all the selectable AF points, seems like the 40D, now 50D still have an edge in the AF department. And from a UI perspective, I’m not sure moving the LCD backlight button to the far right side of the controls from the far left was the best decision, I can see it getting pushed instead of the ISO/FEC button accidentally.
The 5D line does get the Camera User Settings (C1-C3) introduced on the 40D though, and that will be a nice upgrade, as well as what appears a dedicated release mode for bulb exposures. Here’s to hoping that the new grip doesn’t lack the AF-ON control that’s so conspicuously absent on the revised BG-E2N grip introduced with the 40D.
More to come as more details are released.
