Targeting photographers and cinematographers, the new Canon DSLR combines a full-frame CMOS sensor with Full HD 1080p video recording.
Canon today introduced the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera, the successor to the EOS 5D, introduced in 2005. Building upon the EOS 5D, Canon has coupled the creative power of a full-frame CMOS sensor in a relatively compact body (6 by 4.5 by 3 inches, 28.6 ounces), together with Full HD video capture that opens the door to a much wider range of imaging possibilities for photographers.
Among the advancements in the camera is the proprietary DIGIC 4 imaging processor that powers the camera's 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion for smoother color tones and improved gradation. The camera offers a full-frame 24 x 36mm, 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and continuous shooting at 3.9 fps for an unlimited number of full-resolution JPEGs to the capacity of the memory card or up to 14 RAW images in a single burst when using a UDMA CF card.
It also includes a 15-point Autofocus (AF) sensor with nine selectable AF points plus six additional Assist AF points (three center AF points sensitive to f/2.8 lenses) with enhanced light source detection and AF microadjustment for greater autofocus performance.
Additionally, the camera features a 3-inch VGA screen, four times the pixel count of the EOS 5D camera's 2.5-inch screen. The new camera is equipped with a high-performance, high-magnification optical viewfinder providing 98 percent coverage.
Utilizing proprietary technology, Canon has reduced noise and expanded the sensitivity of the CMOS sensor up to ISO 25600, which is three full stops higher than the ISO 3200 limit of the original EOS 5D camera. Although the individual pixel dimensions of the camera are the same as the 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor used in the EOS 1Ds Mark III digital SLR, the new sensor incorporates an improved output amplifier and a more advanced color filter that improves light transmission while retaining the color reproduction. The EOS 5D Mark II is promised to achieve the highest level of image quality of any EOS DSLR released to date.
The camera features 16:9 Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 pixels and 30 fps as well as 4:3 standard TV quality video capture at 640 x 480 pixels and 30 fps, both capabilities appearing for the first time in a Canon SLR camera. Video capture is part of the camera's Live View function, using the Picture Style that has been set for Live View still image shooting. The camera allows users to adjust image sharpness, contrast, color saturation and white balance, and have those settings apply to the movie image.
It'll record up to 4GB per clip or a maximum continuous movie capture time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds, whichever comes first. The camera includes a HDMI output for connection HD televisions. While recording video, the camera's rear LCD screen can be letter-boxed by a semi-transparent border to match the aspect ratio of the movie recording size. More than 60 Canon EF lenses can be used, including everything from ultra-wide angle and fish-eye to macro and super-telephoto lenses. If this is out of your league, it's worth noting that Nikon recently introduced its Nikon D90 DSLR with 720p video recording capability.
Furthermore, the EOS 5D Mark II automatically conducts peripheral illumination correction when shooting JPEG images, a function that previously could only be accomplished through post-image processing using software. This feature evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout and reducing light fall-off at image edges.
Canon's enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer technology aims to ensure each picture's subject is clearly visible by analyzing image brightness and automatically adjusting dark areas in images so that they appear brighter. This function is ideal in high-contrast situations such as urban landscapes captured on sunny days, where the tops of buildings are brightly lit while street level details are obscured by heavy shadows.
Recently introduced with the new EOS 50D, Canon's "CA" Creative Full Auto setting can also be found on the camera's mode dial. This setting allows users to make image adjustments such as aperture or shutter speed through a navigation screen on the camera's LCD menu, allowing them to "blur the background" or "lighten or darken the image." These image options allow photographers to experiment with image options while still shooting in an automatic mode.
For photographers shooting RAW format images, the EOS 5D Mark II offers two more manageable file size options with sRAW1 and sRAW2 recording formats. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 10 megapixels with a file size that is approximately 25 percent smaller than a standard 21.1-megapixel RAW image. With the sRAW2 setting, resolution is 5.2 megapixels at less than half the file size of a standard RAW image.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR is scheduled for delivery by the end of November 2008. The camera will be sold in a body-only configuration for $2700, while a kit version with Canon's EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens will be available for $3500.
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