The Canon EOS 5D Mark II improves upon the EOS 5D by
increasing the resolution by about 40% to 21.1 Megapixels and adds a
Live View feature that allows users to preview shots on the cameras High
resolution 3.0" LCD display. It even incorporates the ability to record
full motion HD Video with sound, so you can capture the action as well
as superb images.
The camera's 21.1Mp, Full frame 35mm-format (24x36mm) CMOS sensor
captures image files with incredible image quality and color accuracy,
and can capture JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG files. The camera also
incorporates Canon's acclaimed DIGIC 4 imaging processor that works in
concert with a high-speed DDR-SDRAM buffer to ensure quick performance
and fast image processing times. Performance enhancements enabled by the
DIGIC 4 processor include an incredibly fast full-resolution frame rate
of up to 3.9 fps, improved battery life, noticeably improved image
quality at all ISO sensitivities, fast start-up and reaction times, and
improved noise suppression at ISO sensitivities ranging from ISO 100 to
ISO 6400, plus the cameras sensitivity is further expandable to a range
of ISO 50 to ISO 25600.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II incorporates a high-fidelity (920,000
dot) 3" LCD screen and includes a 'Live View' feature that permits the
user to frame their shots on the LCD display, and adds framing functions
that are not possible with a traditional SLR viewfinder including the
ability to zoom in and navigate the preview image to ensure proper
focus, and a grid overlay to assist in proper composition. The Live View
focusing system also enables focus modes such as Quick mode, Live mode
and Face Detection Live mode. Furthermore, the Live View Feature enables
HD video recording that can capture true HD-quality (1080p) video at a
frame rate of 30 fps with Face Detection and sound.
The magnesium-alloy chassis of the EOS 5D Mark II ensures the
durability of the camera so users can take it on safari or to a press
junket and be assured that the camera can take it. In addition the
camera body incorporates extensive dust and weatherproofing features
including seals and gaskets where body panels and/or camera controls
meet. To further keep the imaging sensor free from dust, Canon's EOS
Integrated Cleaning System uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust
particles off of the sensor's low-pass filter each time you power up (or
manually when needed); this ensures that your images will be spot free
and reduces time needed for image retouching.
Other professional quality features found on the Canon EOS 5D
Mark II include 14-bit A/D conversion, a bright viewfinder (with 98%
image coverage), Auto Light Optimizer, Lens Peripheral Illumination
Correction, 9-point AF plus 6-point assist AF, 25 Custom Functions with
71 settings, and 5 metering modes (35-Zone EV, 8% Partial Spot, 3.5%
Spot, Center-Weighted, and Pre-Flash E-TTL II). Altogether, the Canon
EOS 5D Mark II has been designed to serve the needs and interests of
serious enthusiasts as well as professional photographers who are in
pursuit of the perfect image.