Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body only 21.1 Megapixel

I'm writing this review after using the camera for over 2 months. Some of you may have read my other camera reviews in the past and I am glad the reviews have been helpful to many.

I am a Canon/Nikon guy. I have lenses from both brand, from macro to telephoto, primes and zooms. I keep lenses from both brand because they offer the BEST in DSLR market. And I often upgrade to newer model if they offer significantly better performance/quality/Resolution.

For Canon, I've had D30, Rebel 300D, 10D, 20D, 5D, Rebel XTi, 40D, 1DS Mark III, and currently using 5D Mark II.

In Nikon camp, I've had D300, D700(full frame sensor), and when they put out D3x in end of 2008, I thought this was going to be pretty much the keeper for a while as I would not need any higher in resolution and performance. Interestingly, this was about the same time Canon released their 5D successor, 5D Mark II. I really liked the performance and image quality of Canon 5D. It was featuring Full Frame sensor at 12MP high resolution and very low noise in high ISO shooting. The main reason I downgraded this to Rebel XTi was the frequent dust spots on the 5D sensor that I had to either clean it really good often or do spot healing in photoshop. Both takes time, and if you are like me, I hate spending time doing this kind of stuff. I'd rather have lower performance camera with some kind of dust proof so I can shoot. I didn't expect much from EOS Integrated Cleaning System, but after using it for sometime w/o any dust spots on the sensor, I sold my 5D and kept XTi hoping for 5D successor to come with same EOS Intergrated Cleaning System.

They took too much time coming up with 5D Mark II, so I had to step into Nikon market getting D300 and D700. Wow! What a difference. Great image quality, low noise at high ISO, Sensor cleaning system, Faster frames/sec, well built, very well thought-out menus and buttons... One time, I needed to get into higher resolution images - 20+mp and my only option at that time was Canon 1Ds Mark III, so I got one but returned it back 5 days later because I thought 1Ds Mark III didn't justify $4500 over Nikon's D700 just for the extra resolution. There were rumors also that D3X was in the works. Well, you can read more about my Nikon reviews on my other review pages, but I'm writing all this to say one thing. Sure, D3X is much robust, faster, higher res. camera than 5D Mark II. But if you think about the features and affordable price compare to Nikon D3x or Canon 1Ds Mk2, it's not to hard to choose what's the winner here. I'd probably sticked with D3x if they only offered Sensor cleaning system... LOL.

So, is 5D a good camera? Yes, you bet!
It's a full frame sensor camera, which means your 50mm lens is working on the camera as 50mm. With crop sensor cameras, you multiply 1.6x to 50mm so 50mm becomes 80mm lens which sometimes is good and sometimes bad depending on the shots you are shooting.

For my type of work, I require best image quality and less-to-no noise. I compared the 5Dmk2 ISO image quality with my D700 and D700 has the winning quality all the time, and that's not surprising because they share about the same size sensor and 5Dmk2 is putting twice more MP than D700 - thus creating noisier images at high ISO. For my work, I always use ISO200 or lower and lighting is pretty much all controlled, but up to ISO800 is quite usable too. Anything higher will require some type of noise reduction.

I'm out of space, but also HD video is +.

The new Canon EOS 5D Mark II, is one of the best all around cameras you will ever buy, the quality and craftsmanship is second to none, the image quality rivals that of its bigger brothers the 1DS Mark III and the 1D Mark III. With FULL HD VIDEO capability you can't go wrong either.

It's a bit pricey, but it pays for itself with the first pictures or video you take.
It's also on the heavy side, but you get accustomed to it very fast.

This camera is a great replacement camera if you have the money or if you a pro photographer.

Bottom line, there's no rival for this camera it is truly a work of art.

I absolutely love this camera. It was everything I expected and more. For the money it is the best on the market. The 21 megapixel full frame sensor is awesome. I bought my from Pyxis Camera on eBay new in the box for $2,500 with free shipping. That was $400 less then I could have got it for locally. I would highly recommend them and the camera.

This is much more than your average DSLR. The ability to shoot 1080P broadcast quality HD makes this a very unique tool in the right hands.
In addition to the HD Video, the 21MP stills capability are nothing short of amazing. I have been shooting Medium format film for a number of years and I have to say that this camera is the first DSLR that is comparable in image quality. Canon has again taken ergonomics into consideration and like it's predecessors the 5DM2 is very easy to operate. I give this camera a 5 star plus rating!

Wow. It is the word that sums up every picture I take with this camera. I am a professional wedding photographer and I am totally blown away by the performance of the 5D Mark II. The ISO is no problem at 6,400 (why I got the camera in the first place) It is sooooooo great! Worth x2 what I paid for it!!

Camera is excellent in quality and beyond what we were hoping for. My wife is a photographer and has been shooting NIKON for about 8 years. This was a big jump for her to switch to a CANON and so far has been a pleasure for her.
Highly recommend this camera.

best camera ever. bought it mainly for the ISO 6400 capabilities. doubt i'll use 12,800 or 25,600 but the ISO 6400 is VERY clean. i'd have to do some tests, but i think it's better than my 40d at 3200. it doesn't focus as fast as my 40d but it focuses well once locked.

anyway, i shot two weddings this weekend, the ISO 6400 saved my ass on a lot of shots. i used a transcend 16gb card which worked great. it's slower than my extreme III cards, but i never filled up the buffer so it didn't matter anyway.

the battery lasted through both weddings and i didn't need to go to my backup battery. i LOVE the ability to register the battery in the camera and the ability to see how many shots you've taken on that battery..and a percentage of how much life is left.

the lcd is AMAZING!!!! on my 30d and 40d i can zoom in when chimping and ALL images look soft. the 5d II will let you know when you got a sharp picture or a soft one.

manual focus is easily done with live view and zooming.

the only improvement i could ask for is a better auto focus system...then again, if it had better AF it would be as good as the 1ds..and canon needs to sell those too.

I have bought several Canon cameras over the years starting with the FD. After buying the 10D and having to contend with the 1.6X focal length multiplier I waited until Canon just happened to release the 5D Mark II. The 1.0X focal length multiplier, the larger display, the 21.1 Mp sensor, the increased ASA latitude (50-25600), the increased battery life, and that all of my EOS EF lenses would fit the MARK II were just a few of the reasons I like and purchased the camera.

I haven't found anything that I dislike about it yet. While there are many differences between the 10D and the 5D, there are also many things that are familiar. It just takes time to learn and utilize the advances that Canon has made.

There are many good cameras on the market. Because of my experience with Canon cameras, I think it has to be one of the very best for the price.

The quality of workmanship and lack of some features of this camera are still not as good as the Nikon D700(I own both). The minimum you would expect from a semi professional camera is an eyepiece shutter which is a must when taking pictures from tripod. The built in pop up flash is also very handy feature on the Nikon D700 and would be nice to have it on this camera as well. However the 21MP images produced by the camera are excellent and they need very minimal color correction, most of the time none. All in all it is a good camera.

The Canon 5D Mark II is the newest camera I've added to my DSLR collection. I also own a Canon 40D and a Canon 5D, so I have a pretty good idea of what I am looking for in an upgrade.

I am impressed with the Canon 5D Mark II. It is just different enough than the 5D and 40D to make me want to sell off those other two cameras so I don't have to think hard on a photo-shoot. I like having a spare camera with an alternate lens so I don't have to much around during a wedding to get the right shot.

I think most of the main points and features has already been covered by other reviewers, so I won't go through them again. This camera has a nice LCD display, and takes great shots when set in AUTO mode. Manual shots are a bit more challenging - there are so many buttons and wheels to press to get things set up, one of the reasons why I like the 3 programmable buttons available.

I also own three decent L series lens, including a 24-105mm F4.0/L IS and a 70-200 F2.8/L which are probably the single most important pieces of equipment a photographer could have. Any of these lens coupled to any of the DSLR's made by Canon, will produce stunning photos.

For many people, I would suggest buying these good L lens, and starting out with a cheaper DSLR with the smaller sensor. You really can't go wrong.

What I don't like about Canon products, and I'm sure it applies to Nikon as well - you can't interchange certain products - like the battery grips. That really ticks me off.

I am also less than impressed with Canon's Special Promotions and Rebates. I filed rebates for cameras, lens, and flash units - and have NEVER received my rebates properly submitted. NEVER. That ticks me off too. It's only about $500 - but its the principle of the thing.

Canon, if you read these reviews and come across mine - I would REALLY like you to solve the rebate problems. I don't know how or why the problems exist, but I have all my documentation, invoices, photocopies of proof of purchases.... everything. Make me a happy camper, and I'll be more likely to write more reviews.

All in all, very impressed with the Canon 5D Mark II. Considering buying a second to be used as my spare to replace the 40D and 5D I already own.

Im professional photographer... I own photo studio, graphic and disigning studio andIm using only Canon equipment... Im using 1Ds cameras during my regular sessions, studio, outdoor, sports, actions photojournalism... I bought 5D Mk II just cuz I was replaceing my old Canon XTI which I used to take some pack shots, stock photos... I've seen lots of tests of 5D mk II before I decided to buy but test are tests... everything is different when you have camera in your ahnds and you can check everything by yourself... I received a camera and that was shock ! Camera is almost the same like 1Ds mk III, good, fast, strong construction, all you need is a grip... I've seen some articles about AF that is not good, and not to fast... one big BS... AF works great, without any problems, pictures are sharp, great colors, and this is really camera for ppl who knows something about photography... Thats full professional camera... Im even using " movie" option... just a sometimes :) and checked movies on 42" lcd... they look great... Yes I would recomend this camera to anyone whos taking care of picture quality.... great camera... Canon Again...

i'm really liking the new 5d mark ii. i haven't received my new lense that i've ordered, but to get the camera in mint condition is awesome. i can't wait to use it.

I am a filmmaker/videographer and I bought this primarily for the video function. The picture quality is unbelievable! The only reason I'm not giving this an "excellent" rating is due to the fact that there is no manual control for video. If you wish for any sort of control, go and buy manual Canon FD lenses, or Nikon, or whatever manual lens you can find. You'll need an adapter to attach it, like the FD to EF that I got. Once you do that, go on vimeo.com and search for the 5D MarkII tutorials, so you'll learn how to trick your camera into doing what you want. After you master these simple things, you will get amazingly awesome footage out of this camera! And if you're planning on using audio, be prepared to pretend that you're shooting on film because you'll be spending some time in post syncing sound. If you're still not scared off by all these hurdles, then buy this camera!

I was a little leary about buying a 5D Mark II from this seller, like you may be. Because it's a big purchase...but I was tired of waiting for Ritz to send the one I preordered. Anyway - I'm very happy I gave this seller a shot, and am enjoying the 5D Mark II now!

Well, lets get the one drawback out of the way. No auto-focus in live view. Other than that, this camera takes amazing pictures and videos. I have had it for about a week and have not regretted spending the hard earned money for it. I have taken some AMAZING shots in the worst lighting conditions and still came away with great shots. And, when lighting is ideal, lets just say the clarity is almost 3 dimensional. You will not be disappointed with this camera. It has been built to compete for years. Not like some cameras that become obsolete in a year. This is the future of cameras.

Prior camera experience: Canon 1Ds M2 then M3.
Love the M3, outside of high speed shooting, 5DM2 is better -
Due to superior ISO, compact body.
For quality video you need a very FAST card.

Tuc was very fast with his service with his next day turn around. He even called me long distance after I experienced some difficulty with the PayPal system and he walked me through it. His patience and assistance is very much appreciated during the crazy holiday rush. Thanks again Tuc! -Tony

I purchased a 2500 dollar camera from this seller and kindly asked for a refund for this camera since there was a misunderstand about the auction. I actually called them and asked for the refund on Tuesday. He told me I would get a refund on Thursday, however I was ask to leave a positive feedback before getting my refund. He even gave me step by step directions and what to type on the feedback! I don't understand why I needed to do that before getting the refund. I did not get my refund on Thursday afternoon and I called them again. They told me they had sent the request to their billing office. They said they are very sorry about the delay and said I should get it this morning. The person who I talked to even ask me to call back if I do not see the refund by 11 A.M. this morning. I called again today and talked to another person named Marc(ex207). He told me today there is a problem with the computer and wont be able to give me the refund until Monday. I am very tired of hearing their excuses of giving me back the refund. Then I asked why did I have to leave a positive feedback to get a refund. He told me that's not for the refund and is for closing the transaction correctly. That is such a non-sense since there is actually an option to do that on ebay(both party mutually agree to close the transaction?) After hearing that answer, I told him I will just file a claim on paypal. The response he gave me to that was "Then you wont get your refund on Monday, you just have to wait until we close the dispute.

" I think that's very rude and his tone of voice was very inappropriate. This is the worst transaction I ever had on eBay!!! I have been using eBay since 2003 and never had such a terrible experience before. After leaving the posting feedback, eBay asked me to do a survey for this seller. I posted how i felt about being asked for leaving a positive feedback for refund!!!! 2000 words are just too less to express my feelings right now. I want my REFUND!

It's a great camera, new, exactly what is specified, but it is a grey market camera not a USA waranteed version, they say this in the listing in more or less words but I somehow missed that, so the software is for asia not USA. I happen to already have the software so I wasn't worried, but it was a little annoying and I Can see it being frustrating for others. The instruction booklet is a different size than the standard usa Canon booklets, but it's still got all the info you need. The other stuff that came with it is of course of lesser quality, but hey it's free stuff that comes with a nice camera, so keep it or sell it back to ebay LOL. All in all a fine product from Canon and a worthwhile price when you can't even get one from the stores you can get one from these guys.

This is by far the best camera I have ever owned. Not only does it feel great in your hand when taking pictures, it takes just awesome pictures. You can take pictures with a high ISO and still get beautiful pictures.

Now the best part.... It also takes great video. Canon just released a firmware upgrade that fixed one of my only complaints about the video. Prior to the firmware upgrade, when you shot video you had no manual control over shutter speed, aperture, etc. The latest release of firmware solves that problem.

With this camera, you can get the "look" of a film camera. Something you can not easily get with a regular video camera.

Bottom line. This camera Rocks!

As a photographer, I purchased this camera to be able to move up to a full frame. I was also interested in its video capabilities. What I didnt know is that the video would be so nice that since I brought it, I have yet to do much still photography. The video is truly amazing and has gotten me interested in doing more video work in the near future.

The video camera that i once owned has now been sold to help pay back the money that I spent on this camera. I owned a panasonic DVX100-A, which was a pretty powerful video camera, but compared to the video images of the 5D Mark II, there is no comparison. The Mark II blows it away!

This isnt to say that the still images arent just as amazing. It is a wonderful DSLR, and is a major step up from my 40D, but the video is what puts this camera in a class of its own.

Bottom line is that the 5D Mark II is an amazing camera. The only reason I did not give it a perfect score is because its video functions are a bit limited by no manual controls (there are a few workarounds).

A lot of sales hype to push this camera has turned out to be only Hype.
Positives:
full frame sensor is the main feature that excels this body above the 10D
Ability to use wide angle lens full capacity is very helpful.
Extra bright and large viewing screen is very nice especially when checking for focus after the exposure.
Histogram showing both exposure and color balance is really nice.
Negatives: shutter noise is noticeably 3 times louder than the 10D. A critical disadvantage to wildlife photographers who need absolute quiet or wedding photographers who want to take some photos during the ceremony without being noticed. It sounds like my old Nikon F2AS.
Live view is basically useless. Auto focus in this mode might as well be non existent better to focus by hand. Do not rely on live view to check your focus. It's ok for checking composition or camera position with the grid lines but these errors are easily corrected in photoshop so its not critical to get it perfect just leave yourself enough room to crop and turn the image.
If you accidentally depress the focus button (af-on) when taking a photo it will lock you out and will not allow you to release the shutter. This button is placed right under your thumb and it's an easy mistake to make. Suddenly you camera doesn't work and you don't know why.
If you want to attach an external flash (not hot shoe) you will have a big hunk of rubber (the cover) flapping around while you shoot.
Auto focus has a mind of its own making the only reliable usable setting dead center. This is especially true with longer lens applications of 200mm and up.
simply focus your subject hold the shutter and then compose the shot.
Image sharpness drastically falls off when shooting in lower quality settings M1 M2 S1 S2
Only "Canon" batteries are allowed to communicate with the camera to show remaining battery life. Off market brands that cost 1/10th the price can be used in the camera but you have to guess how much battery life you have left.
Movie mode uses an unbelievable amount of memory and will fill a 1 gig card in just a few minutes of shooting time. Quality is no better than point and shoot cameras with video capability and auto focus just doesn't happen in video mode.
Count on extremely blurry video if you use this camera for that.
PRICE of this NON professional toy camera is extremely over the top.
Side by side photos with the 10D body and the 5D Mark II of the same subject blown up to 8x10 using the same lens, memory card, camera settings, lighting etc showed little detectable difference in sharpness, color quality and detail. While the 5D does produce a sharper image with greater detail in the shadows and fewer over exposed blowout images the difference could only be detected by the absolute purest.
All in all....the above being said I like the camera and even though I think it's overpriced Im going to keep it and work around the disadvantages and enjoy the full use of my wide angle lenses.
Im a photographer, I can use any camera and take a great shot.

because is the best camera...
you can made videos with the best quality...
the photos are profesional...