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Canon 5D MK II Full-Frame Captures HD Video
Posted Sep 17,2008

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The professional community has been eagerly awaiting news of the EOS 5D replacement, and today the long anticipated full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mark II was unveiled. The 5D was first released in 2005 with a palatable price point; its low weight and full frame sensor have made it a favorite tool for many National Geographic photographers.

The 5D MK II comes with an even larger CMOS sensor, 21.1 megapixels, 3.9 continuous frames per second, and an expanded ISO range compliments of the new DIGIC 4 processor. Live-view video can be captured at 1920x1080 pixels (30 frames per second) with stereo sound and individual clips lasting 4GB—about 12 minutes.  As an added benefit, still frames can also be captured while HD video recording is in progress!

Canon has even lowered the price of the 5D MKII to $2,699, with arrival scheduled at the end of November. More 5D MKII images and details after the jump.

Ken Geiger

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        From Canon:

  • 21.1 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion (16,384 colors/each of 3 primary color), wide range ISO setting of 100-6400 (expandable L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600).
  • Full HD Video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution for up to 4GB per clip with HDMI output for HD viewing of stills and video. For both still images and video, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera features Live View, one of the most sought after features in digital SLRs today. The 5D Mark II features three Live View AF modes – Quick, Live and Face Detection Live mode – for capturing either still photos or video, each with its own attributes. Quick mode automatically sets One-Shot AF using the camera’s phase detection AF system. It also allows users to select the AF point, even while the Live View image is displayed. Although the camera’s reflex mirror must be lowered briefly to take an AF measurement in Quick mode, it is the fastest way to set focus automatically when the 5D Mark II camera is set for Live View.
  • Next generation DIGIC 4 Image Processor for faster processing of fine detail and color reproduction as well as reduced image noise.
  • High performance with 3.9 fps continuous shooting, new shutter with a durability of 150,000 cycles and improved weather-resistant body.
  • Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video.
  • 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings for improved viewing and smudge protection.
  • Updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System specifically designed to work with a full-frame sensor.
  • Compatible with over 60 Canon EF/EF-S lenses and most EOS System accessories.

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Comments

Ibrahim Al Abdulwahab
Sep 17, 2008 9AM #

Although the frame per sec rate wasn't really improved to compete with or fall in between the 1D or 50D (Maybe they don't want to create the ultimate body with most reasonable price, and yes we know it's not for sport photography) but the ability to record a full HD movie up to 4GB is just a marvelous addition! it was a pure joy to watch the demo clips in canon jp website. For us armatures who would love to capture a video using his very wide aperture lens or super wide angel or that superb L glass telephoto is just a bonus!
can capture absolutely stunning moments!

Darren Coles
Sep 17, 2008 9AM #

After shhotong video for years, and taking pictures, video on a camera is quirky. The balance and feel is all wrong and subjected more to blur if you don't use a tripod unlike a video camera. I currently use the D40 and a XL2.

PuReWebDev
Sep 17, 2008 9AM #

There have been several sweet new slr's lately. I have a Canon, but have been considering the Nikon D90.

Gary Brown
Sep 17, 2008 9AM #

I was surprised to read that a full sensor camera might be compatible with the EF-S lenses since EF-S lenses are designed to work with the smaller sensors in the xxD series Canon cameras (20D, 50D, etc.) I checked the 5d Mk.II specs on the Canon website, and, unfortunately for those of us who money invested in EF-S lenses, they will NOT work on the 5D Mk.II, which has only the EF mount.

Paul Klatt
Sep 17, 2008 9AM #

How do I find out more info on the hd video feature? Will it work with final cut pro and If you have a 16GB memory card will the camera capture 48 minutes of video?

k.shoukath
Sep 17, 2008 9AM #

As you know that 5D Mk2 is 21 MP camera and technically we can't expect more frames from high resolution cameras. Kindly note that there is a DSLR 1D Mk3 from canon which provides 10 frames per second but it gives only 9 MP. high MP and more frames we can't expect at a time. The DSLR which provides more frames per second is designed for only sports and action photography purpose where no need more Mega pixels.

Kodak digital photo frame
Sep 17, 2008 9AM #

What other manufacturers of slrs are making the HD models? Is Canon going to own this market?

Ashley

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