Canon 5D MkII full review posted on DP Review [Archive]

wheelhot

Feb 16, 2009, 09:40 AM

As one would expect, it concludes that it's a damn fine camera! It can't quite match the D3/700 at the very high ISOs (it is very close) but at 21mp I'm not sure if that was ever a totally realistic expectation apart from by the Canon devotees.

Yup, to me the worst part in 5D MKII is the AF System!!! Out of all the things Canon improve, they forgot to improve on the very OLD AF system! How could they!!!! but oh well, Im not buying one anyway. :rolleyes:

To me the 5D MKII High ISO is on par with the D700 and that is cause you must take into account that the 5D MKII will produce more detail at higher ISO due to its 21 Mp, but as you all know, the higher the mp, the more visible the noise are so yea, to me it is a tie.

CrackedButter

Feb 16, 2009, 10:36 AM

Yup, to me the worst part in 5D MKII is the AF System!!! Out of all the things Canon improve, they forgot to improve on the very OLD AF system! How could they!!!! but oh well, Im not buying one anyway. :rolleyes:

To me the 5D MKII High ISO is on par with the D700 and that is cause you must take into account that the 5D MKII will produce more detail at higher ISO due to its 21 Mp, but as you all know, the higher the mp, the more visible the noise are so yea, to me it is a tie.

I couldn't care about anything in the new 5D once I read the AF system was the same one from the older model. What a joke, something which I'm not prepared to plunk down that kind of money for.

Oh... the lack of autofocus in the video feature is a bummer as well. I expect more, megapixels be damned.

wheelhot

Feb 16, 2009, 11:10 AM

Oh... the lack of autofocus in the video feature is a bummer as well. I expect more, megapixels be damned.

Well yea, but I expect nothing more from a first generation DSLR Video ^^, remember how crappy was the original Live View function and now it seem to be improved (well at least on the 50D and 5D).

I seriously dont understand.....why the heck Canon leave their AF system the same as last time, its as if.

A: "Oh crap! We forgot to change the AF System"
B: "Wtf, oh well we are humans and we already announce the product"

To me I would of course prefer the 1D AF system on the 5D or at least a stripped down version with less AF points (but not less Cross Type AF Points).

Any why is Nikon the only one that allows faster burst rate with battery grip? I want to see something similar in Canon lineup.

I can't believe that Canon markets their DSLR lineup as 40D/50D for Sports Photographer while the 5D is for studio or wedding. For crying out loud, camera stuffs is not cheap! We cant afford to have a specific body for sports and one for wedding, we need an all round camera!! This is not like mountain bike where there is a specific kind of bike for specific category. At this point I prefer Nikon strategy, lets hope Canon wakes up and revise back their strategy.

Not everyone wants to own a 1D/1Ds which is huge and bulky!

Padaung

Feb 16, 2009, 11:39 AM

I've just had to send my mkII back for repair.

Can't remember what it's called but the plastic lens thing that sits above the mirror just dropped out

went to change the lens and the plastic just dropped out with it, not impressed

A mate of mine has already had to send one back too. Not sure of the specifics but it was focusing related. Shop said to their knowledge it was a one off (not like the 1D mkIII issue).

Agree with the comment that the slight difference in noise at high ISO is offset by the resolution. The images really are incredible. My friend hasn't complained about the focusing speed, but he mostly does PR, portraits and weddings, never any sports.

From a Nikon user viewpoint, I hope they launch a D700x one day at about £2300. The D3/D3x pairing is great, but goddam! they would be a big, heavy pair to carry around all day (esp. at a wedding) and the frugal side to my character won't allow me to spend nearly £9000 in camera bodies alone.

I too love the speed boost feature that Nikon allow with the vertical grip, it is useful at times.

Nikon still need to update the 70-200 f2.8 asastp (as soon as sooner than possible).

-hh

Feb 16, 2009, 04:22 PM

I seriously dont understand.....why the heck Canon leave their AF system the same as last time, its as if.

A: "Oh crap! We forgot to change the AF System"
B: "Wtf, oh well we are humans and we already announce the product"

To me I would of course prefer the 1D AF system on the 5D or at least a stripped down version with less AF points (but not less Cross Type AF Points).

Having done some birding with my 20D, I've become far more sensitive to "non-landscapy" focusing needs. As such, the 5D / 5Dmk2 doesn't appear to really stand a chance of being an improvement.

I can't believe that Canon markets their DSLR lineup as 40D/50D for Sports Photographer while the 5D is for studio or wedding. For crying out loud, camera stuffs is not cheap! We cant afford to have a specific body for sports and one for wedding, we need an all round camera!!

I'd be willing to tolerate that approach just so long as the gear can honestly deal with the environment ... and the problem is that based on Luminous Landscape's latest trip report from Antarctica ... a "high" number of 5Dmk2 hardware failures ... my immediate preliminary conclusion is that the 5Dmk2 is not a landscape camera: it may very well be an unreliable 'studio only' camera that can't take being out on location.

At this point I prefer Nikon strategy, lets hope Canon wakes up and revise back their strategy.

Not everyone wants to own a 1D/1Ds which is huge and bulky!

Agreed on both. It almost seems time to buy a Nikon for telephoto work and relegate Canon to just landscapes/WA...but...if it can't take temperature or moisture swings, then its not a reliable enough tool to consider taking into the field, no matter how 'good' it might be.

Thus, my 5Dmk2 purchase plan is on hold, along with the additional $5K for an Underwater housing for it.

-hh

wheelhot

Feb 16, 2009, 05:00 PM

I'd be willing to tolerate that approach just so long as the gear can honestly deal with the environment ... and the problem is that based on Luminous Landscape's latest trip report from Antarctica ... a "high" number of 5Dmk2 hardware failures ... my immediate preliminary conclusion is that the 5Dmk2 is not a landscape camera: it may very well be an unreliable 'studio only' camera that can't take being out on location.

thats interesting, I totally forgot about people who use their camera gear in extreme situations XD, I just cant get of my mind damaging a camera gear. . .

Nikon still need to update the 70-200 f2.8 asastp (as soon as sooner than possible).

Haha, but the Canon 70-200 f2.8 is a few years older then the Nikon one, right no? The only thing that I dun like bout Nikon FF lens is it looks old!!! The design and construction just screams old design!!! Of course those lens produce great images, just what I meant is that Nikon lens fashion appeal is horrible in my humble opinion, especially their telephoto. Take note, Im just commenting on the looks of the lens, nothing about the photo quality, ergonomics or anything else that some people will find to make a point of argument.

luminosity

Feb 16, 2009, 05:51 PM

The 70-200 is based on the last version of the non-AFS 80-200, which is a fantastic lens. They pretty much look identical. I love the way they look, but that's just me :).

fiercetiger224

Feb 16, 2009, 06:39 PM

I've just had to send my mkII back for repair.

Can't remember what it's called but the plastic lens thing that sits above the mirror just dropped out

went to change the lens and the plastic just dropped out with it, not impressed

The thing that fell out is called the focus screen. That's the weirdest thing I've ever heard...A focus screen falling out? How does that happen? I accidently scratched mine the second week of having mine...But bought another to replace it. :o

As for the review, very spot on. The ISO performance is AMAZING for 21 megapixels. Yes, the D700 has marginally better ISO performance, thanks to a smaller 12 megapixel sensor. But you know what? The ISO performance of the 5DII is even BETTER if you use the sRAW setting. I started using sRAW 1 for sports shooting, and nothing gets better than that! 10 megapixels of sharp 5D Mark II images! :D

Cliff3

Feb 16, 2009, 07:16 PM

The 70-200 is based on the last version of the non-AFS 80-200, which is a fantastic lens. They pretty much look identical. I love the way they look, but that's just me :).

Actually, it's a clean sheet design. It has very little in common with either the 80-200 AF-D or the 80-200 AF-S.

luminosity

Feb 16, 2009, 07:22 PM

Actually, it's a clean sheet design. It has very little in common with either the 80-200 AF-D or the 80-200 AF-S.

Are you sure? I was under the impression that the optics are basically the same.

ralphbu

Feb 16, 2009, 07:22 PM

It happened to me too, early on, but it just slips back into place, no problem. Can't remember how I figured it out, but I know it became obvious when I looked at it.

I've just had to send my mkII back for repair.

Can't remember what it's called but the plastic lens thing that sits above the mirror just dropped out

went to change the lens and the plastic just dropped out with it, not impressed

Cliff3

Feb 16, 2009, 07:29 PM

Are you sure? I was under the impression that the optics are basically the same.

They are substantially different, and the 70-200 is closer to the AF-S version than the AF-D. Compare them at this link - they're all adjacent to each other: http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html#70-xxPro. Hogan's review suggests the 70-200 is a brand new design.

SWC

Feb 16, 2009, 07:31 PM

The thing that fell out is called the focus screen. That's the weirdest thing I've ever heard...A focus screen falling out? How does that happen? I accidently scratched mine the second week of having mine...But bought another to replace it. :o

Yeah I replaced mine as well but not because of a scratch. It is weird that it sell out. Only thing I can think is maybe when removing the lens he accidentally released the latch that holds it in place since its right behind the mount. I am loving the EG-D for landscapes though.

fiercetiger224

Feb 17, 2009, 12:00 PM

Yeah I replaced mine as well but not because of a scratch. It is weird that it sell out. Only thing I can think is maybe when removing the lens he accidentally released the latch that holds it in place since its right behind the mount. I am loving the EG-D for landscapes though.

Yeah everything on the 5DII is always sold out! Even the 5DII itself is still sold out! Every place that HAS it is asking for an outrageous price on it, like $1000 more than MSRP! Wonder why it's so popular right now. Probably because it's an amazing camera with 21MP at only $2699 :rolleyes:

peskaa

Feb 17, 2009, 01:32 PM

I've just had to send my mkII back for repair.

Can't remember what it's called but the plastic lens thing that sits above the mirror just dropped out

went to change the lens and the plastic just dropped out with it, not impressed

You sent a camera back because the focus screen dropped out? Something that can be simply popped back in, and is in fact designed to come out? (Okay, not that easily, but probably was a little loose from the factory).

Crazy. I'd have just put it back!

wheezy

Feb 17, 2009, 02:41 PM

vga4life

Feb 17, 2009, 04:25 PM

You sent a camera back because the focus screen dropped out? Something that can be simply popped back in, and is in fact designed to come out? (Okay, not that easily, but probably was a little loose from the factory).

Crazy. I'd have just put it back!

I am not inclined to trust someone who spends almost 3 grand on an SLR body and doesn't know what a focus screen is to evaluate said camera.

fiercetiger224

Feb 17, 2009, 05:07 PM

Just to clarify on the AF setup, it's not just carried over. They added the cross type sensors similar to the 40D/50D (although only on center, not on all points). It's not the speed demon of the 1D mkIII, but it's not the same as the original 5D either. Let's stick with facts from Canon and not comment carry-overs from forums where people didn't investigate.

I was curious about noise on the sRAW, and am actually quite excited about that feature. I can't wait to finally buy one, but money is tight, especially with yesterday's lay off :)

I'll tell you right now, sRAW 1 (10MP) on a 5DII is WORLDS better than my XTi. Much better ISO performance, not to mention full-frame. Oh and did I mention that shooting at ISO3200 is equivalent to the XTi's ISO 800? It's that amazing. So yes, it's really exciting because of the results that you get. I've been shooting sRAW for sports, and RAW for other stuff.

wheezy

Feb 17, 2009, 05:28 PM

I've just had to send my mkII back for repair.

Can't remember what it's called but the plastic lens thing that sits above the mirror just dropped out

went to change the lens and the plastic just dropped out with it, not impressed

Just an FYI (and I didn't know this until the DPReview), but that piece that fell out is actually user-interchangeable:

158340

peskaa

Feb 17, 2009, 05:39 PM

I am not inclined to trust someone who spends almost 3 grand on an SLR body and doesn't know what a focus screen is to evaluate said camera.

True. I'm suprised that these people can drop so much cash on a camera and not know some of the basics. Right now I'd kill for a 5D2 to go with my 1D3.

wheelhot

Feb 17, 2009, 06:58 PM

True. I'm suprised that these people can drop so much cash on a camera and not know some of the basics. Right now I'd kill for a 5D2 to go with my 1D3.

Whoa whoa, they don't need for any kiling. Summore if you get caught, you wont be able to take photos. Prisons dont allow photography as far as I know :)

SWC

Feb 17, 2009, 08:17 PM

True. I'm suprised that these people can drop so much cash on a camera and not know some of the basics. Right now I'd kill for a 5D2 to go with my 1D3.

I live in Delaware and drove to Waterford CT to get one (a 4 hr drive). Best Buy there had one in stock and was the only store on the east coast that had it at the time. Had a 40D previously that had a bad accident and needed replacing so rather than get the 50D (which is a step back from the 40D except for MP count IMO) or the 40D I've had since it came out figured now was as good of a time as any to jump on the full frame bandwagon. Won't really put it to the test until next weekend but romps around so far have proven to be awesome. Now if only I could find another LP-E6.

eyeon

Feb 17, 2009, 10:54 PM

I seriously dont understand.....why the heck Canon leave their AF system the same as last time, its as if.

A: "Oh crap! We forgot to change the AF System"
B: "Wtf, oh well we are humans and we already announce the product"

I'm sorry, but I truly never knew there was anything wrong with Canon's autofocus system, yet that seems to be a common complaint... I'd love if someone could help me to understand what's so bad about it???

SWC

Feb 17, 2009, 11:19 PM

I'm sorry, but I truly never knew there was anything wrong with Canon's autofocus system, yet that seems to be a common complaint... I'd love if someone could help me to understand what's so bad about it???

Nothing except for the fact it wasn't dramatically updated from the 5d MK I. I would like more AF points but it's not critical. It is definitely better than the x0D series.

fiercetiger224

Feb 18, 2009, 03:14 AM

I'm sorry, but I truly never knew there was anything wrong with Canon's autofocus system, yet that seems to be a common complaint... I'd love if someone could help me to understand what's so bad about it???

Really now. I use both Nikons and Canons, and I've never had ANY problems with either implementations of autofocus. Yes, Nikon has MORE focus points, but you know, sometimes more isn't better. Sometimes less is better. I DO wish Canon would update it with more focus points, but it probably won't happen until the 1Ds Mark IV. :( I love using the D300 I have at work. It's fast, and gets the job done. I personally own a 5DII, which I also love equally. If I had to choose, I'd rather use the 5DII, just because I like the ergonomics of it better. Fits better in my hands. Plus, I had already invested in L lenses, which are excellent.

People like to usually say something is better when it has a higher number. In this case, Nikon has more focus points, and Canon has more megapixels. Yes, it's definitely fact, but does that necessarily make it better? :rolleyes: Nope. Both companies make AWESOME cameras.

CrackedButter

Feb 18, 2009, 04:20 AM

Just to clarify on the AF setup, it's not just carried over. They added the cross type sensors similar to the 40D/50D (although only on center, not on all points). It's not the speed demon of the 1D mkIII, but it's not the same as the original 5D either. Let's stick with facts from Canon and not comment carry-overs from forums where people didn't investigate.

I've done research and I've have not heard anything about what you've just mentioned, give me the source please. Your reply sounds like an intelligent answer, you sound like somebody who knows what they are talking about but I want your source.

As far as I know, it is the same AF system.

I'm sorry, but I truly never knew there was anything wrong with Canon's autofocus system, yet that seems to be a common complaint... I'd love if someone could help me to understand what's so bad about it???

For me it is in low light where I have problems with the 5D yet when I use a 1D, I have no problems. I'm useless at manual for the kind of stuff I shoot so that isn't an option. :(

wheelhot

Feb 18, 2009, 04:22 AM

Yup, both companies make awesome products and as long as both remains competitive, accept the fact that they will leapfrogging each other for many years to come.

I'm sorry, but I truly never knew there was anything wrong with Canon's autofocus system, yet that seems to be a common complaint... I'd love if someone could help me to understand what's so bad about it???

Well there is nothing wrong with Canon autofocus system, early result shows that 50D 9 cross type AF points is more sensitive then 5D archaic AF points. And I read many tests and it seems that the only the center AF point found in the 5D is most sensitive to light, the rest AF points will go nuts when there is no proper lighting.
Also, the problem with 5D AF points is that it is placed much nearer to each other compared to 50D. The nearer AF points will make useful when precision is needed but for sports photographer, this is not good for them. That is why I mentioned earlier I cant believe that Canon is marketing 5D as a studio DSLR while 50D for action. Sports photographer who wants a FF need to use the very expensive 1D something, so yea...I prefer Nikon strategy right now.

I do hope future spec of 5D MKII will be more AF points, hopefully at least 9 cross type AF points and I dun mind the 6 invisible AF points.

wheezy

Feb 18, 2009, 10:34 AM

I've done research and I've have not heard anything about what you've just mentioned, give me the source please. Your reply sounds like an intelligent answer, you sound like somebody who knows what they are talking about but I want your source.

As far as I know, it is the same AF system.

It's in the features section of the Canon website:

Canon Link (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=17662#ModelFeaturesAct)

I'm pretty certain the cross-type is new to the Autofocus, I don't recall hearing about this newer technology until the 40D came out, and the original 5D was a few years before. Sadly, the 50D has cross-type on all whereas the 5D only has it on the center, which I find quite odd, and is the only disappointment I can see on the 5DII AF.

The main people complaining about the auto-focus are disappointed action shooters. A niche*. Nikon pleased them and Canon didn't. Canon has been the sport photo king for years now with it's 1.3 crop 1D Mark II/IIn/III series, (which rings in at 'only' 10MP), they didn't feel a need to make the 5DII the new sport hero - they already reign in that market with a different body. The only Nikon's you'll see on the sidelines are the disgruntled Canon shooters that want FF. (okay, that's just a baseless comment, no merit) Congrats to Nikon for grabbing that niche, but it's exactly that - a niche.

Just because they didn't double the point areas doesn't mean they did nothing with it.

158435

* I'm by no means saying sport photography is a niche, it's definitely a HUGE market, by niche I was referring to sport photographers that want FF. I would think the % that wants FF is small compared to those happy and making money with the 1.3 crop and the fantastic L glass.

CrackedButter

Feb 18, 2009, 11:44 AM

It's in the features section of the Canon website:

Canon Link (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=17662#ModelFeaturesAct)

I'm pretty certain the cross-type is new to the Autofocus, I don't recall hearing about this newer technology until the 40D came out, and the original 5D was a few years before. Sadly, the 50D has cross-type on all whereas the 5D only has it on the center, which I find quite odd, and is the only disappointment I can see on the 5DII AF.

The main people complaining about the auto-focus are disappointed action shooters. A niche*. Nikon pleased them and Canon didn't. Canon has been the sport photo king for years now with it's 1.3 crop 1D Mark II/IIn/III series, (which rings in at 'only' 10MP), they didn't feel a need to make the 5DII the new sport hero - they already reign in that market with a different body. The only Nikon's you'll see on the sidelines are the disgruntled Canon shooters that want FF. (okay, that's just a baseless comment, no merit) Congrats to Nikon for grabbing that niche, but it's exactly that - a niche.

Just because they didn't double the point areas doesn't mean they did nothing with it.

158435

* I'm by no means saying sport photography is a niche, it's definitely a HUGE market, by niche I was referring to sport photographers that want FF. I would think the % that wants FF is small compared to those happy and making money with the 1.3 crop and the fantastic L glass.

Okay that looks good, thank you. I'm not a sports photographer I just want the 5D to focus in low light when I want it to.

uptherighttree

Feb 18, 2009, 01:02 PM

Just an FYI (and I didn't know this until the DPReview), but that piece that fell out is actually user-interchangeable:

158340

The amazing thing is I spoke to someone at Canon about this and they said send it back...after reading this it's bloody annoying!

I know it can be popped back in as I did that but it was more the fact it fell out so easily that bugged me. Never had this problem with the mKI

wheezy

Feb 18, 2009, 02:23 PM

Okay that looks good, thank you. I'm not a sports photographer I just want the 5D to focus in low light when I want it to.

I'm still shooting on a 20D, which probably has the same AF as the 5D1, I'm pretty excited about the cross-type, especially cause I'm a Prime lens fan and my 135 2.0L should shine with that. I shoot center point focus 98% of the time so the other points can just go away and stop blocking my view :)

-hh

Feb 18, 2009, 03:28 PM

The main people complaining about the auto-focus are disappointed action shooters. A niche*. Nikon pleased them and Canon didn't. Canon has been the sport photo king for years now with it's 1.3 crop 1D Mark II/IIn/III series, (which rings in at 'only' 10MP), they didn't feel a need to make the 5DII the new sport hero - they already reign in that market with a different body.

...

* I'm by no means saying sport photography is a niche, it's definitely a HUGE market, by niche I was referring to sport photographers that want FF. I would think the % that wants FF is small compared to those happy and making money with the 1.3 crop and the fantastic L glass.

Understandable, but the counterpoint is that since the 5D* is a "prosumer", and that customer demogrphic is more generally interested in having good 'all around performers', so as to minimize the number of cameras he needs to justify to his wife. If the high end amateur ends up having to buy two bodies to get what he wants, he's more likely to say 'screw Canon' and go buy Nikon for the non-landscape half.

-hh

CrackedButter

Feb 18, 2009, 06:05 PM

I'm still shooting on a 20D, which probably has the same AF as the 5D1, I'm pretty excited about the cross-type, especially cause I'm a Prime lens fan and my 135 2.0L should shine with that. I shoot center point focus 98% of the time so the other points can just go away and stop blocking my view :)

Worth investigating. I have been looking at the prices for a second hand 1ds mk2 for the autofocus, if the 5D has been improved then I might consider it some more.

wheezy

Feb 18, 2009, 08:23 PM

Worth investigating. I have been looking at the prices for a second hand 1ds mk2 for the autofocus, if the 5D has been improved then I might consider it some more.

Sadly I won't be able to find the quote, it was in some article I read when the 5DII was announced, but a Canon engineer was being interviewed and he stated that the 5DII had the highest picture quality of any DSLR they've made to date, including the 1Ds III that's currently their top Portrait. Granted, the CMOS sensor in the 5DII is the same that's in the 1Ds III, I'd imagine it's just the introduction of the Digic 4 vs the 1Ds III Dual Digic 3 processors.

I'd love to somehow get my budget to grab a 1D IIn for action stuff (I shoot Drag Racing during the summer months here, and my 20D AF served me okay but I would love the speed of a better AF) and then the 5DII for weddings and portraits. I'd really really love to go FF, and from what another poster said the sRAW noise quality was incredible which is a good selling point. Although I understand that any current Canon offering is going to out-do my 20D on noise (which isn't bad by any means, sometimes my 3200 shots impress me with how they turn out).

wheezy

Feb 18, 2009, 08:26 PM

The amazing thing is I spoke to someone at Canon about this and they said send it back...after reading this it's bloody annoying!

I know it can be popped back in as I did that but it was more the fact it fell out so easily that bugged me. Never had this problem with the mKI

I had no idea that an interchangeable screen was even possible, so I would have been in the same boat as you. And after spending $3K I'd be a pinch hesitant on doing anything by myself, especially where a 'pressing' motion was needed.

However, the Canon rep not knowing that is pretty sad. I'm sure it's not a wildly popular feature, but they really should know the product top to bottom.

LittleCanonKid

Feb 18, 2009, 08:27 PM

Granted, the CMOS sensor in the 5DII is the same that's in the 1Ds III, I'd imagine it's just the introduction of the Digic 4 vs the 1Ds III Dual Digic 3 processors.
Really? DPReview says the sensor is actually different (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos5Dmarkii/page3.asp). Either way, both cameras offer great IQ, but I think they're a little out of my price range. :p

vga4life

Feb 18, 2009, 09:30 PM

I just use spot or partial metering and AF on the center point on my 5D1, but I'm not a sports shooter.

I never use the rest of the focus points or metering modes - habit from my film shooting days (Pentax Spotmatic F with a microprism focusing screen and a passel of SMC Takumar primes including the 85mm/f1.8. God, I loved that kit!)

The 5D2's AF system sounds fine to me.

iBookG4user

Feb 18, 2009, 09:36 PM

Why did I have to look at the review?! I'm going to have to keep telling myself that I'm happy with my 40D... :(
I'm saving for the 5D mark II now...

LittleCanonKid

Feb 18, 2009, 10:21 PM

Why did I have to look at the review?! I'm going to have to keep telling myself that I'm happy with my 40D... :(
I'm saving for the 5D mark II now...Seems like you're a pretty good saver, just looking at your list of glass. :D

wheezy

Feb 19, 2009, 02:41 AM

Really? DPReview says the sensor is actually different (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos5Dmarkii/page3.asp). Either way, both cameras offer great IQ, but I think they're a little out of my price range. :p

I stand corrected! I just assumed it was the same since the MP was the same, the FF was the same etc (similar to the Rebel/x0D carry-overs).

"The EOS 5D Mark II delivers an 8.3 megapixel jump in pixel count from the original 5D. This new sensor is said to be based on that of the EOS-1Ds Mark III (indeed it has exactly the same pixel count) but has several small changes, the hint being that it's actually slightly better." (DP Review Quote)

chocolaterabbit

Feb 19, 2009, 02:42 AM

I'm pretty certain the cross-type is new to the Autofocus, I don't recall hearing about this newer technology until the 40D came out, and the original 5D was a few years before. Sadly, the 50D has cross-type on all whereas the 5D only has it on the center, which I find quite odd, and is the only disappointment I can see on the 5DII AF.

The main people complaining about the auto-focus are disappointed action shooters. A niche*. Nikon pleased them and Canon didn't. Canon has been the sport photo king for years now with it's 1.3 crop 1D Mark II/IIn/III series, (which rings in at 'only' 10MP), they didn't feel a need to make the 5DII the new sport hero - they already reign in that market with a different body. The only Nikon's you'll see on the sidelines are the disgruntled Canon shooters that want FF. (okay, that's just a baseless comment, no merit) Congrats to Nikon for grabbing that niche, but it's exactly that - a niche.

Just because they didn't double the point areas doesn't mean they did nothing with it.

Nope, the 5D 1 already had the 6 AF assist points, the 9 main focus points, and the 1 single cross sensor at the middle. You just missed it. I believe that they did tweak the processor for better performance, however it has been discussed when it came out and it's not new.
As for your too many points argument, that's not the problem here. The problem is that the 5D2 has slow off centre sensors. I'm not worried about how many points there are, I'm worried about how fast the off centre sensors are, and reports have proven them to be slow. Centre sensors have always been fast since the 90s, it's only the side ones that make or break the AF.

edit: i should disclaim that i bought the D700 over the 5D2 after weighing the 2 up, as i believe the D700 felt better overall, and i never print large. the AF reports were also a major factor. also, i never used to use the side sensors either on my previous cameras, however as MPs increase, focus errors are going to be more prevalent, and i would rather not focus then recompose, if i can land a focus point on the subject, not to mention it is impossible for moving subjects.

clive wallis

Sep 4, 2009, 12:43 PM

I've just had to send my mkII back for repair.

Can't remember what it's called but the plastic lens thing that sits above the mirror just dropped out

went to change the lens and the plastic just dropped out with it, not impressedwe have just had the same experience with or 5 d today 1 luckily it was a back up camera because we whwere on location shooting a wedding What is the piece that fell out and was it a costly repair?