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Introduction
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01.Sample Photos
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02.Design
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03.Product Tour
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04.Hardware
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05.Durability
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06.Photo Gallery
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07.Image Quality
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08.Sharpness
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09.Color
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10.Noise Reduction
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11.Dynamic Range
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12.Low Light
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13.Distortion
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14.Video
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15.Usability
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16.Ease of Use
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17.Handling
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18.Controls
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19.Speed
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20.Features
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21.Extras
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22.Video Features
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23.Specs & Ratings
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24.Conclusion
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25.Comments
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Previous: Page 9
ColorNext: Page 11
Dynamic RangeNoise Reduction
Performance was strong, and the noise reduction processing is effective.
Noise Reduction (6.90)
We found that, even with the noise reduction system turned off, the 5D Mark II was able to maintain a noise level below 1% up to ISO 800, a very good result. With noise reduction on at the two highest settings, this sub-1 percent performance stretched out to ISO 3200, and even at ISO 6400, the top official setting, never became truly objectionable.
The individual color channels followed the same trend. More on how we test noise.
We found that in the battle against image noise, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is a warrior to be reckoned with. Compared to the other tested cameras, the 5D Mark II scored identically with the Nikon D700 and just a hair behind the leader in this category, the 12.3-megapixel Nikon D90. Compared to the other high-megapixel full-frame camera, the Sony A900, the 5D Mark II proved significantly lower in image noise.
With the noise reduction turned off, we found the Canon 5D Mark II performed slightly worse than the D700 across the ISO spectrum.
With noise reduction enabled, the Nikon D700 is less noise up to ISO 400, but the 5D Mark II proves superior beyond that point. In the chart below, the close race in overall scores becomes apparent. Higher scores indicate superior performance.
ISO Options
The 5D Mark II offers an official ISO range from 100-6400, and an expanded range from L (roughly ISO 50) through H1 (12800) and H2 (25,600), all at full resolution.
| ISO Comparisons | ||||
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| Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 50D | Sony Alpha A900 | Nikon D90 | Nikon D700 |
| ISO Low | ||||
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ISO 100
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ISO 100
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ISO 100
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ISO 200
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ISO 100
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ISO 100
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ISO 100
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ISO 200
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| Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 50D | Sony Alpha A900 | Nikon D90 | Nikon D700 |
| ISO 200 | ||||
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| Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 50D | Sony Alpha A900 | Nikon D90 | Nikon D700 |
| ISO 400 | ||||
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| Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 50D | Sony Alpha A900 | Nikon D90 | Nikon D700 |
| ISO 800 | ||||
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| Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 50D | Sony Alpha A900 | Nikon D90 | Nikon D700 |
| ISO 1600 | ||||
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| Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 50D | Sony Alpha A900 | Nikon D90 | Nikon D700 |
| ISO 3200 | ||||
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| Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 50D | Sony Alpha A900 | Nikon D90 | Nikon D700 |
| ISO 6400 | ||||
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| Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 50D | Sony Alpha A900 | Nikon D90 | Nikon D700 |
| ISO 12800 | ||||
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| Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 50D | Sony Alpha A900 | Nikon D90 | Nikon D700 |
| ISO 25600 | ||||
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| Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 50D | Sony Alpha A900 | Nikon D90 | Nikon D700 |
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.
Shop for the Canon 5D Mark II
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