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THE BODY
Following the if-it-ain't-broke axiom, Canon didn't change much of the ergonomics from the original 5D. Same control layout (two command wheels and a tiny joystick to quickly maneuver the menus), and same magnesium-alloy chassis as the original.
What's new? The 3-inch 920,000-dot LCD (up from 2.5 inches and 230,000 dots). This larger screen meant moving the delete button to the left.
Look through the viewfinder, and you'll instantly be reminded of what a full-frame DSLR is all about -- an awesome, wide view. If you're accustomed to using Canon's popular 24-105mm f/4 L-series lens on an APS-format camera, be prepared for a bright, wide-angle experience. Although viewfinder accuracy isn't the Sony's 100 percent, the Canon's 98 percent is still impressive and beats the Nikon D700's 95 percent.
The standard viewfinder screen (EG-A) can be swapped out for a grid (EG-D) or, for photographers who focus manually, a Super Precision (EG-S) screen. Each of these optional focusing screens streets for about $45.
While there's no pop-up flash (we can't get over it), the hot-shoe is more rugged, with the addition of a rim that seals Canon's EX II-series Speedlites in place.
Despite the fact that many pros will use this camera, the 5D Mark II (like the Nikon D700) has only one CompactFlash slot. Canon's 1D and 1Ds cameras, however, have twin slots, which we find more useful for heavy shooters. The Sony? Both CF and Memory Stick PRO Duo slots.
Canon upgraded the shutter to boost its life expectancy to 150,000 cycles, up from 100,000 cycles. That makes it the same as the D700, leaving the Sony's 100,000-cycle shutter behind.
If dust keeps finding its way onto your imaging sensor, you'll appreciate the 5D Mark II's Integrated Cleaning System. It shakes the sensor each time you start up the camera so that any loose dust falls down to be trapped by a sticky surface below the sensor. Also, the low pass filter on the front of the sensor assembly has a fluorine coating to repel dust in the first place.
If all of that weren't enough (and sometimes it isn't), a menu option lets you create a dust map by capturing an image of a plain white surface large enough to completely fill the frame. That dust map data then becomes embedded in your future image files -- you can use Canon's Digital Photo Professional software (version 3.3 or later) to remove the dust spots from your images in postprocessing. Most people think of that Photo Pro software just for RAW conversion, but the latest version also works on JPEGs and TIFFs, so you don't have to shoot RAW to take advantage of dust mapping.
For all the similarities with its predecessor, the 5D Mark II uses a different battery. Not a small issue for photographers who have spares for their old 5D, as well as those stepping up to this model who have extra cells for their EOS 20D, 30D, 40D, or 50D. The new battery packs 1800mAh, up from 1390mAh in the BP-511A, and is rated for up to 850 shots per charge.
More bad news for those moving up from Canon's APS-sensor DSLRs with a bag of digital-only lenses: As with other Canon full-framers, this new one doesn't take that glass. In contrast, the Nikon D3, D3X, and D700 can go both ways.
VIDEO
This was the second DSLR to shoot video (beat to the punch by the Nikon D90), but is the first to go all the way to 1080p, 30-fps high-def. It is truly pro-caliber image quality. Even before production models were introduced, Canon pro Vincent Laforet shot a promotional video that was breathtaking for its rich detail.
Unlike camcorders -- even pro units -- which typically have tiny CCD sensors, this DSLR packs a full-frame CMOS. The result is the ability to control depth of field. Want a beautifully defocused background in your video? No problem. But just try that with a camcorder.
Also, you can use any Canon-mount lens, even a fisheye or a Lensbaby for outrageously creative footage.
The downside? Once you start shooting video, the aperture is locked and you’re stuck with slow contrast AF or manual focus. If you need to refocus during a scene, Canon suggests you do so manually. We found that difficult, since the viewfinder blacks out and all you have to go by is the live view on the LCD.
Due to file-size constraints, your HD clips are limited to about 12 minutes. Another drawback is the format of the video—you must use Canon’s proprietary software to convert it into a standard format before editing.
Nonetheless, the camera produces beautiful video footage. And clearly, this is just the dawn of video DSLRs.
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