Excellent noise performance
Very accurate color in bright light
Not so much in low light, though
Introduction
Sensitivity was decent, color accuracy excellent, and noise levels low.
Comprehensive video testing and analysis by the staff of CamcorderInfo.com
Video: Low Light Sensitivity (4.96)
Compared to the competition, the Canon 5D Mark II performed quite well in our low light sensitivity test. The camera needed 13 lux of light to reach 50 IRE on our waveform monitor. This is better than both the Canon T1i and Panasonic GH1, which needed 26 lux and 17 lux respectively. It is also slightly better than the Canon HF S100 camcorder did with this test (needed 16 lux). Note: All our video testing on the 5D Mark II was done using a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens. More on how CamcorderInfo tests low light sensitivity.
A lot of factors make up a camera’s low light sensitivity. The quality and size of the image sensor is one aspect, but the aperture settings of the lens is another big component. Since all the video-capable DSLRs offer removable lenses, it would definitely be possible to achieve better low light sensitivity by using a faster lens (or vice versa). We tested the Canon 5D Mark II in Program mode with ISO set to auto. The settings chosen by the camera were as follows: 1/60 of a second shutter speed, f/4 aperture, 6400 ISO. Using the camera’s 12800 high sensitivity setting boosted its low light sensitivity even farther, but the resultant image had quite a bit of noise.
The low light sensitivity of various models are often different when using alternate frame rates. The table above lists the measured sensitivities for each recording mode available on the cameras and camcorder we tested.
Shop for the Canon 5D Mark II
Latest News
& Reviews
-
12-Feb-2012
Nikon S4300 First Impressions Review
We’ve put the slim touchscreen Nikon S4300 through its paces at CP+ 2012 in Japan, comparing it to the rest of Nikon’s lineup. Read on to see how we think the sub-$175 S4300 stacks up against the competition. Read More...
-
12-Feb-2012
Sony Cyber-shot TX200V First Impressions Review
Sony took the waterproof elements from the TX10, combined it with the sleek, glossy design of the TX100, and made a brand new Cyber-shot camera—the TX200V—that is one of the most stylish waterproof models we’ve ever seen Read More...
Top Rated Digital SLRs
-
$1,049.951Canon EOS 60D
The Canon EOS 60D is a top-notch camera in terms of performance, handling and flexibility. However, the performance of the kit lens leaves something to be desired. Read full 7-part review
$1,049.95TypesProsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels19.00 -
$589.952Nikon D5100
The D5100 is the latest entry-level DSLR from Nikon, with full 1080/30p video, an articulated LCD, and the same image sensor as the D7000. It lacks an internal focus motor, but we found it produced some of the most accurate colors we've seen yet. Read full 7-part review
$589.95TypesAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels16.2 -
$1,239.953Canon EOS 7D
The 18-megapixel Canon 7D delivers high resolution stills and full HD video in a well-built camera designed for serious photographers without the desire (or budget) for a full-frame model. Read full 7-part review
$1,239.95TypesProsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels19.00 -
$1,199.004Nikon D7000
The Nikon D7000 is a powerhouse camera at an excellent price. It offers a huge range of features that will make shooting quicker and easier for the experienced shooter, with lots of customizable options and quick control access. Read full 7-part review
$1,199.00TypesProsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels16.9 -
$569.995Sony Alpha SLT-A55V
The SLT-A55 is a well performing SLR, with a wide ISO range, good color and relatively low noise. . Read full 7-part review
$569.99TypesConsumerAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,1510 to 15 Megapixels15,> 15 Megapixels17
Features
-
DigitalCameraInfo New Year's Giveaway
Check back every day for the rest of 2011 to see what we’re adding to the grand prize package. It all starts with the Sony NEX-5N and ends with over $4000 in prizes! Read More...
-
DigitalCameraInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After a year of tireless testing and deliberation, we’ve made our selections for the very best cameras of 2011. Read More...
(add your own)