The full-frame, 21.1-megapixel Canon 5D Mark II is in many ways an exceptional camera, and truly groundbreaking when it comes to video recording, where it not only holds sway as the first SLR to offer full 1080p movies, but delivers exceptionally high-quality results in the process. Considering its price ($2699 for the body alone, $3499 with the 24-105mm kit lens), size (over three pounds with lens) and lack of training-wheel features like preset scene modes and a pop-up flash, this is clearly not a camera for casual shooters. The sophisticated photographer, though, or those eager to fully explore their photographic potential will appreciate the wealth of capabilities and topnotch performance provided here. The full-frame sensor translates to superior flexibility when shooting wide-angle and panoramic scenes, the high megapixel count means more flexibility in cropping and editing files, and the extraordinary level of customizability allows users to tailor the camera features to precisely match their image style desires and shooting preferences.
Performance: Our lab testing revealed exceptional image sharpness and color accuracy, with acceptable automatic white balance results and outstanding custom white balance accuracy. Dynamic range was another strong suit for the 5D Mark II, where it outperformed our other test cameras by a significant margin. Image noise performance was first rate both in well-lit and dim shooting situations, though color accuracy fell off when shooting in low light. While Live View shooting is provided, and looks good on-screen, we still find the slow autofocus performance limits the usefulness of this feature in most situations.
Video Performance: 
The 5D Mark II is a solid video performer. The camera managed good color accuracy in both bright and low light and managed to capture crisp, sharp video in all of our tests. There was a bit of blurring present on its footage taken for our motion test, and the camera produced slightly higher noise levels than the other video-capable DLSRs we've tested, but overall it performed excellently in our tests. With the camera's firmware upgrade it offers all the necessary manual controls for video as well (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO). The only thing really lacking is a continuous, live autofocus feature.
Components: Build quality for the Canon 5D Mark II is impressive, with a rugged magnesium alloy chassis well sealed against the elements. The LCD screen matches the 3-inch 920,00-dot spec that's become increasingly popular in higher-end SLRs from several manufacturers, but that familiarity doesn't make it any less pleasurable to use when reviewing photos, reading menus or shooting with Live View enabled. The optical viewfinder is unexceptional but perfectly adequate, the battery delivers a respectable 800-plus shots per charge, and HDMI output (even without including the cable) is both appropriate and welcome for a camera shooting high-res photos and high-def video.
Handling: There's no getting around the fact that this is a large piece of gear – you're only likely to carry it with you if taking photos is high on the day's agenda – but that said, we were impressed by the balance of the camera in our hands and the expertly sculpted, rubberized grip that made a firm handhold easy in any shooting position. Overall we found the experience of shooting with the 5D Mark II similar in feel to using the full-frame Nikon D700, and more fluid and easy than the bulkier Sony A900.
Controls: The 5D Mark II provides a host of customizable features (including 71 custom function settings), with three Camera User Settings slots on the mode dial for instant access to the combinations you use most frequently. The Picture Style system is another strength for serious shooters, providing six preset combinations of sharpness, contrast, saturation and color tone settings plus the option to download others or create your own with included software. Another useful software feature is the option to shoot directly from your computer by connecting with a USB cable, a nice alternative to the extra expense of a remote control (though those are certainly available). |
