- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How it compares
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
- 21 MP
- Full frame CMOS
- 3" LCD
Released September, 2008
Rated 79% by by DPReview (Feb, 2009)While there are still other cameras in its class with marginally higher resolution, marginally better high ISO performance, more advanced AF, faster performance, better weather sealing and more solid build quality - and the Sony A900's built-in anti-shake remains unique in the full frame arena - the 5D Mark II is certainly one of the best value for money propositions on the market for image quality - especially in RAW, where you really can see the benefit of all 21 million pixels.
Conclusion Check out the Canon EOS 5D Mark II
First reviewed December, 2011
Features Key features of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II
21 MP
Full frame
Rated 100% by by TrustedReviews (Apr, 2012)I won't beat around the bush with superfluous details when you can look at the following sample images for yourself, but suffice to say that the EOS 5D Mk2 has by far the best image quality of any digital SLR I've ever used, and makes APS-C DSLRs look like compact cameras by comparison.
megapixels
| 0 MP | 16.1 MP    | 30 MP |
EOS 5D Mark II by TYZ (Jul, 2012)The laptop is not something blazing fast, but I had no problem with 10 Megapixel RAW files.
EOS 5D Mark II by DPReview (Feb, 2009)The RAW comparison confirms what was seen earlier in the JPEG comparison - two sensors from the same manufacturer (designed little more than a year apart) with exactly the same resolution will produce resolution and sharpness indistinguishable from each other.
sensor size
EOS 5D Mark II by Anderlecht (Aug, 2011)The main things I love about this camera is the amazing build quality, full frame, large and bright viewfinder and the pictures the L lens takes.
EOS 5D Mark II by Michael-C.-Mundt (Nov, 2010)But I kept reading all the great things about Full Frame cameras... the increased detail of their sensors, the extra light gathering capabilities, better ISO performance.
viewfinder size
EOS 5D Mark II by c|net (Jan, 2009)Canon also reduced the spot meter size to 1.5 percent of the viewfinder.
EOS 5D Mark II by S.-Li (Sep, 2012)I still feel my father's canon film slr (FtB) has a better viewfinder, but this is a big step up over the cramp and dim viewfinder in the T1i.
body size
152 x 114 x 75 mm
139 x 80 x 37 mm
131 x 97 x 73 mm
EOS 5D Mark II by N.-Watson (Mar, 2011)The feel is very solid and heavy and durable compared to my prior Rebel.
focus points
| 0 | 61   | 70 |
EOS 5D Mark II by James-M.-Brown (Jun, 2009)I would have preferred more focus points than the 9 visible and 6 invisible points this camera provides, though in normal lighting conditions there has been no problem getting fast, accurate focus.
EOS 5D Mark II by M.-OLSON (May, 2012)Even though the Mark III has 51 Auto Focus points, vs the 9 points on the Mark II, I use the center focus anyway, so that was not important.
Performance Real world tests of Canon EOS 5D Mark II
DxOMark image quality
EOS 5D Mark II by Kenji-Yamamoto (Jul, 2012)This camera is absolutely amazing, impressive how it's works with low light and the quality of images are tremendous!
EOS 5D Mark II by Mr.-A.-Pomeroy (Aug, 2011)I was also impressed with the graceful way that the original 5D has aged - it is very old in digital camera terms, but the image quality is still very good as of 2010 - and I expect that the 5D MkII will grow old just as gracefully.
DxOMark low light performance
EOS 5D Mark II by Chris (Feb, 2012)The color composition and low light performance is where the 5D has a strong edge.
EOS 5D Mark II by Grant-BrummettBottom line is if you own a big L lens collection and do any shooting at all in the dark without flash and don't have a full framed camera the 5D Mark II is a must have addition!
shutter lag
| 0 ms | 104 ms | 200 ms |
EOS 5D Mark II by Tom-N-Carello--XeoniteDog (Jun, 2010)Cons: Shutter Lag when using 'Live View' (not a con for me, just wanted to make people aware), 30MB CR2 files fill up your space fast, Large sensor has more area for dust to stick to, so get a good Cleaning Kit and squeeze blower.
EOS 5D Mark II by J.-Smith (May, 2011)With Canon, if you're in Live View and you press the shutter - the shutter actually exposes the image and you're back to LV...no mirror slap (unless you're using flash).
continuous shooting
EOS 5D Mark II by c|net (Jan, 2009)For burst shooting, however, it's the slowest of all the new models, partly because of Nikon's significantly lower resolution and Sony's doubling up on the processors to maintain burst rates.
EOS 5D Mark II by AOV--Always-On-Vacation (Jan, 2009)The burst rate of 3.9 FPS is plenty for me and it is not likely that I will need the feature at all.
battery life
850 photos
350 photos
500 photos
EOS 5D Mark II by Michael-D.-Newcomer--Photography-Junkie (Apr, 2010)Battery life with this combination is amazing.
EOS 5D Mark II by Michael-D.-Newcomer--Photography-Junkie (Apr, 2010)The incremental battery life indicator on the top window is a lot more accurate than the old 5D.
Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors
pros
-
HD video -
Generic -
Full frame -
Gives you more flexibility when framing your shot -
Opaque -
75 mm -
152 x 114 x 75 mm -
1/8000 s
cons
-
Sep, 2008 -
79.0 -
3" -
920 k dots -
3.9 fps -
23.7 bits -
1 -
11.9 ev -
25,600 ISO -
9 -
No automatic HDR -
98% -
1,815 ISO -
None -
The screen is fixed in place -
Taking quality photos in low-light will require external hardware -
No geotagging included -
86.91% -
No automatic stitching
Reviews Word on the street
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 |  Rated by 314 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by Wilson-Wong (Jul, 2011) Rated 80% by by Joe |
Lens
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 100% by by J.-Moravec (May, 2010)Image sharpness with the 24-105 kit lens isn't as great as I expect from an L lens.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 100% by by Jethro (Sep, 2010)I was using the 24-105 F4L lens and the pictures were tack sharp and quite amazing.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 82% by by c|net (Jan, 2009)Usually I'm not a fan of the lenses that ship as part of kits like this, but I ended up liking the 24-105mm a lot more than I expected and think it's a good match for anyone looking for a first lens to pair with the camera.
Sensor
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 80% by by Silverback (Jul, 2009)Noise performance is great, super clean until 800, even 1600 ISO (by my standards).
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 100% by by Fisherman-Dan (Mar, 2010)And although you get used to it, the 1.6 crop factor of the sensor size is really a big difference on the wide-angle side.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 60% by by E (Apr, 2011)I've had the focus problems but continued using the camera because I shoot a lot of brides in dark rooms & loved the high ISO capabilities.
Focus
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 100% by by Max-Fawahl (Oct, 2010)Nikon wins in the fast focus and it is a very good camera but the Canon 5d MK II is simply awesome.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 80% by by focusfireThe only real mediocre aspect about this camera is the AI-Servo ... Auto Focus results in low keeper rates, try manually focusing.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 100% by by J.-Silberman--jsmail951Although the current AF system is old, it is still very good.
Video
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 80% by by S.-J.-Martin (Dec, 2009)This camera takes fabulous photos and HD videos.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 80% by by Glenn-Przyborski (Jan, 2009)Now the bad...I primarily purchased the camera for its ability to shoot great looking 1080P HD video for commercial TV projects.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 100% by by Christian-Bouchez--VIP (Dec, 2008)HD video is good but if you want to shoot video go buy a G video camera.
Image quality
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 100% by by Uncle-J (Sep, 2011)I have played around with a LOT of cameras, this camera produces, by far, the BEST image quality of any camera I have ever used.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 100% by by L.-Williams (Jun, 2010)Interiors shot using existing light without flash come out sharp and wonderful with great saturation and contrast.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Rated 100% by by Tommy-Digiovanni--Tdieg (Nov, 2011)I personally prefer the simplicity of it and I have had little or no issue shooting sports, dark concerts and fast moving kids.
Competition What else you should consider
 | 1 | Nikon D600 Best image quality as rated by DXOMark Nikon D600 vs Canon EOS 5D Mark II |
 | 2 | Nikon D7000 Most shots per battery charge Nikon D7000 vs Canon EOS 5D Mark II |
 | 3 | Canon EOS 5D Mark III Many many cross-type focus points 5D Mark III vs 5D Mark II |
 | 4 | Canon EOS 6D OK benchmarked shot to shot times 6D vs 5D Mark II |
 | 5 | Pentax K-5 Fastest rapid fire mode Pentax K-5 vs Canon EOS 5D Mark II |
 | 6 | Nikon D5200 Has a flip out screen Nikon D5200 vs Canon EOS 5D Mark II |
 | 7 | Nikon D7100 Highest resolution screen Nikon D7100 vs Canon EOS 5D Mark II |
 | 8 | Leica M9 Rated the best by consumers Leica M9 vs Canon EOS 5D Mark II |
New duel?
Let the battle continue or dare to compare.
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Answers Community Find out what the Sortable community is saying about the Canon EOS 5D Mark II
58
people have recommended the
Canon EOS 5D Mark IITop Canon EOS 5D Mark II experts at Sortable
Canon EOS 7D
- 17.9 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
7 more Sortable users recommended the 5D Mark II over the 7D.
View all discussions | View comparison 
Expert III
4
votes The 5D Mark II and 7D are both great choices for starting out as a professional. However, the 5D has a full-frame sensor, whereas the 7D has an APS-C (i.e. 1.6x smaller) sensor. So you will get /...
- 0 comments
- April 5, 2012
- Reply to: I want to be a professional photographer
Beginner I
2
votes I would have to agree with some of the other recommendations here, especially if you have EF-S lenses. The EF-S lens line and other Non Mfg lenses with the digital designations are designed 5D...
- 0 comments
- July 20, 2012
- Reply to: Should I upgrade to 5D Mark II, or buy better lens for 7D?
Expert III
2
votes I'd go with the 5D Mark II because it has a full frame sensor, which gives better image quality and less noise at high ISO. And although high ISO probably won't matter for shooting fashion since...
- 0 comments
- April 5, 2012
- Reply to: Portraits, fashion, and weddings
Nikon D7000
- 16.1 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
5 more Sortable users recommended the Nikon D7000 over the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
View all discussions | View comparison 
Beginner II
-1
votes Now days 5DmkII is a steal, is one of the best cameras out there, full frame, better IQ than D7000 and far better than 7D. anyway, u should keep the d7000 bc is a great camera, i love 5Dmkii but...
- 0 comments
- August 12, 2012
- Reply to: Should i sell nikon d7000 to buy canon 5d mark ii
Beginner II
-1
votes Dude... when?? like the beginning of time. theres no question about it. 5Dii has better iso performance
- 9 comments
- August 12, 2012
- Reply to: Serious hobby
Expert III
-3
votes Go with the 5D Mark II. It has a bigger image sensor and much better image quality at high ISO
- 0 comments
- May 2, 2012
- Reply to: Landscapes close-ups night shooting moody images
Nikon D600
- 24.2 MP
- Full frame CMOS
- 3.2" LCD
5 more Sortable users recommended the Nikon D600 over the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
View all discussions | View comparison 
Intermediate II
4
votes I'm basing this on someone who wants to get into taking video quite seriously... make short films etc. So here's a few thought grenades as a dissenting voice: I've heard the D600 has bad moire...
- 0 comments
- October 10, 2012
- Reply to: Video recording
