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The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Review

March 5th, 2010

#1 Professional DSLR Camera

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the most recent update the the highly popular and well regarded Canon EOS 5D. This is a camera whose extensive electronic attributes are designed to meet the needs of professional photographers and photojournalists, yet at the same time a skilled amateur photographer could also learn to use this model if and when they are ready to upgrade from a DSLR entry level camera. Although much heavier than the point and shoot digital camera, the Canon Eos 5D Mark II at two pounds is considered light weight for its class. The same can be said for the price, it will be a significant jump in cost from the entry level DSLR camera, but in its class, and taking into consideration all the features that are included, it should be considered a bargain.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Features

21.1 Megapixel Resolution: It is important to keep your pixel count at a level that matches the other capabilities your camera can produce. There is no need for a massive pixel count without the proper supporting devices that work with it. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is able to take full advantage of each one of the 21.1 megapixels Full Frame CMOS Sensor: The original Canon 5D was credited with being the first large, single plate full frame (36mmx24mm) CMOS sensor on a digital camera and the EOS 5D Mark II has continued to utilize these benefits. This works in tandem with the pixels, and functions similarly to the ways light will hit 35mm film (the same dimensions.) The light will hit the pixels at the same angle it used to hit the film, a perfect blend of pixel number and light sensor capabilities.

DIGIC 4 Image Processor: This is often referred to as the digital command center of a camera since it is where all the light data received can be speedily processed to create a clear, image with amazing photographic detail, with high quality color, face detection and video recording. Full

HD Video Recording: This EOS 5D MarkII camera is the first model that Canon has made that incorporates video recording into its large sensor, speedy processing and fast 30 frames a second shooting capabilities. Individual still shots can be taken while the film video is recording. Optional mono or stereo microphones can be connected to add an audio element.

Clear View LCD Screen: A 3.0 inch LCD screen, with 920,000/VGA resolution gives top quality viewing. It will adjust its brightness to the surrounding light condition. Other viewing functions include a Live View, where real time viewing can be used, including zooming, and a Face Detection Live setting.

Advanced Cleaning System: There is a low-pass filter found at the front of the CMOS sensor that with ultrasonic vibrations can shake off micro-dust particles. This system was designed specifically for the CMOS full-frame sensor. If any particles were to sneak past this, the accompanying Digital Photo Professional software can be calibrated to delete any dust spots.

ISO Speed and Exposure Controls: There are both manual and automatic speed adjustments, with manual options ranging from 100 – 6400 and automatic options with a range of 100 – 3200. Shooting in near darkness is possible with sensitivity up to 25,6000. The Canon EOS 5D MarkII has a variety of exposure controls like Program AE, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, and creative auto. Other settings include a more choices than found in the entry level DSLR cameras. In addition to the auto, custom, flash, daylight, shade and cloudy settings, there are also options for tungsten light, white fluorescent light, color temperature settings and automatic white balance.

Summary:

This model update was over three years in the making, which in electronic time seems like forever. Because of this, the modifications and improvements to the Canon EOS 5D Mark II go well beyond minor adjustments and give the consumer innovative and impressive features like massive light sensors, super fast processing, HD videos and a superior quality LCD screen. There is no question that this is a camera designed for the professional, and will serve them well for years to come. Amateurs who want to take their photography capabilities up to a higher level, and can afford the cost, will also benefit from this outstanding camera.

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astrophotography, best professional dslr cameras, equipment

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