Key Features
Feb 13 2009
Announced
21 megapixels
Resolution
Brand | Canon |
Sensor Type | Full frame |
Sensor | CMOS |
Weight | 850g |
MSRP | $2699USD |
Other similar cameras

Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Released May 22 2012 | 22MP resolution

Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Released Jun 14 2004 | 8MP resolution

Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Released Feb 22 2007 | 10MP resolution
Overview of the EOS 5D Mark II
Are you a photography enthusiast looking for a camera that can deliver the best shots? Look no further, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the perfect choice for you. One of the bestselling camera models in the industry, it has been used by many professional photographers worldwide. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II offers a wide range of features that can deliver outstanding results, including high-speed shooting capabilities, exceptional image quality, and detailed shots. In this article, we will dive deeper into the features of this camera and why it is the ultimate choice for photography enthusiasts.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Weather sealed | |
Dimensions | 152 x 114 x 75mm |
Weight | 850g |
Thickness | 75mm |
Weather Sealing
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the EOS 5D Mark II is an excellent choice.
Design and Handling
Main design features
View Finder | Optical (pentaprism) |
Screen Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Resolution | 920k dots |
Body type | Mid-size SLR |
Suitable for:
Photography | Above Avg. |
Videography | Above Avg. |
Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 920k dots. This makes the Canon EOS 5D Mark II not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.
Viewfinder
EOS 5D Mark II includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 98% and a magnification of 0.71x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Canon EOS 5D Mark II has a 21MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 21 pixels. Canon EOS 5D Mark II has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 which can be boosted to 50 - 25600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Feb 13 2009
Announced
100 - 6400
ISO Range
Sensor | Full frame |
Extended ISO | 50 - 25600 |
Max resolution | 5616 x 3744 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
79 / 102
Color Depth
23.7 / 26.5
Dynamic Range
11.9 / 14.8
Low Light ISO
1815 / 4505
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the EOS 5D Mark II is average
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: Full frame
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
Storage | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Microdrive |
Battery Life | 850 shots |
Battery Model | LP-E6 |
HDMI | |
USD | |
Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II supports Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Microdrive with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.
Battery
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II uses the LP-E6 model of battery pack. This is rated for 850 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 9 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II features a CMOS sensor
Yes the EOS 5D Mark II does have weather sealing.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II was announced on Feb 13 2009
No the EOS 5D Mark II does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The EOS 5D Mark II has a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to ISO 50-25600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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