Canon EOS 5D Mark II

	Nikon D90 Comparison Summary
The full-frame Canon 5D Mark II has a higher megapixel count, a body that’s both more rugged and far heavier, and, of course, a substantially higher price tag than the more consumer-oriented Nikon D90. For still photography, the D90 held its own in most image quality tests, though the 5D Mark II video mode proved superior.
	Sony A900 Comparison	Page 18 of 21	Nikon D700 Comparison

	Comparison Specifications
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
Price	$2699 (body only)	$999 (body only)
Dimensions	6.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 in./152.0 x 113.5 x 75.0mm 28.6 oz./810g	5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in./132 x 103 x 77mm 22 oz./ 620g
Resolution	21.1-megapixels	12.3-megapixels
Processor	DIGIC 4	EXPEED
Sensor size/type	36.0mm x 24.0mm (35mm Full-frame) CMOS	15.8 x 23.6mm CMOS
Kit Lens	EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM	AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Viewfinder	Eye-level pentaprism, 0.71x magnification, 98% coverage	.094x magnification, 96% coverage
LCD	TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels	Super density, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels
Live View	Quick mode (Phase-difference detection) Live mode/Face Detection Live mode (Contrast detection) Manual focusing (5x/10x magnification possible)	Manual focus Autofocus: Face-priority, wide area, normal area
Shutter Speed	1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb	1/4000 to 30 sec., bulb
Burst Speed	Max. 3.9 shots/sec.	Max. approx. 4.5 shots/sec
Autofocus	9 AF Points (1 Cross Type) + 6 AF Assist Points	11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor)
Exposure Compensation	Manual: ±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (can be combined with AEB)	±5EV
Noise Reduction	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure
ISO range	ISO 100-6400 (in 1/3-stop or 1-stop increments), expandable to ISO 50-25600	ISO 200-3200 (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1-stop increments), expandable to ISO 100-6400 equivalent
Flash	External only	Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Media Format	Still: JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), sRAW1, sRAW2, RAW+JPEG Video: MOV	Still: JPEG, RAW (12-bit NEFl) RAW+JPEG Video: AVI
Movie Mode	Yes	Yes
Media Type	CF, UDMA compatible	SD memory card, SDHC memory card
Connections	USB, Video out, HDMI, WFT-E4A extension system	HDMI NTSC Hi-speed USB
Other Hardware	No	No

	Video: Comparison Scores
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
Video: Color & Noise	23.88	N/A*
Video: Motion & Sharpness	19.59	N/A
Video: Low Light Performance	27.6	N/A
Video Features	20.25	N/A
Exclusive - Video testing on the Canon 5D Mark II is provided by CamcorderInfo.com, the world leader in camcorder and video reviewing.

Performance
The hallmark head-to-head feature here is clearly video quality, and on that score the 5D Mark II proved superior in our testing for both resolution and color accuracy—in fact, the experts at our sister site, Camcorderinfo.com, said the results were comparable to a professional Canon camcorder, though some controls are lacking, particularly in maintaining focus on moving subjects. The one area where the Nikon video was superior was capturing high-speed motion, where the Canon suffered from some blurring and imprecision. When it comes to still photography, the test results in color accuracy and image noise were neck and neck, though the D90 outperformed the Canon in our resolution scores, and delivers 4.44 shots per second in burst mode to the Canon's 3.8.

Components
The D90 sensor provides 12.3-megapixel resolution to 21.1 megapixels for the 5D Mark II. For video shooting, the microphone input jack on the Canon is an important feature the Nikon lacks. For stills, the Nikon provides a pop-up flash and autofocus illuminator, which the Canon lacks. Screen quality is on a par for both cameras, and both offer HDMI out for connecting to an HDTV.

Handling
With lens attached, the D90 weighs about a pound less than the 5D Mark II, a very substantial portability difference, though we do prefer the deep, rubberized grip on the Canon to the more petite and plastic D90.

Controls
When it comes to light sensitivity, the Canon 5D Mark II far surpasses the Nikon; the Canon's highest official ISO is 6400 with an expanded range to 25,600, the Nikon tops out at an official 3200 and an expanded range to 6400. We prefer the easy navigation of the Canon menu system to the comparatively clumsy Nikon approach. Nikon does offer more hand-holding features for less sophisticated SLR users, including a selection of custom scene modes right on the mode dial and a built-in help system that serves as a surprisingly effective substitute for carrying the user manual.

	ISO Examples
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
ISO 50
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
ISO 100
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
ISO 200
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
ISO 400
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
ISO 800
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
ISO 1600
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
ISO 3200
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
ISO 6400
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
ISO 12800
	Canon 5D Mark II	Nikon D90
ISO 25600

NOTE: The images above are not used in our testing or scoring, but are included here to show real-world examples of the differences between cameras at the various ISO settings.

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Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera Review Navigation
Intro	Product Tour	Color	Noise
Resolution	White Balance	Sample Photos	Playback
Hardware	Controls	Design & Handling	Video Color & Noise
Video Motion & Sharpness	Video Low Light	Video Features	Canon 50D Comparison
Sony A900 Comparison	Nikon D90 Comparison	Nikon D700 Comparison	Conclusion
Specs & Ratings