The Canon EOS 5D Mark II, announced in 2008 and released in 2009, is one of the most influential cameras in Canon’s DSLR history. It was the world’s first full-frame DSLR to offer 1080p HD video recording, setting new standards not only for still photography but also for video production in the prosumer and professional markets. This camera helped blur the lines between still photographers and videographers and became a cornerstone for independent filmmakers, photojournalists, and enthusiasts alike.
Even years after its release, the 5D Mark II remains respected for its excellent image quality, rugged build, and groundbreaking video capabilities that paved the way for future hybrid cameras.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon 5D Mark II inherited much of the classic Canon DSLR body design but made several important improvements. It features a magnesium alloy body with a weather-sealed construction, offering durability and protection against dust and moisture — essential for professional use in diverse environments.
Weighing approximately 810 grams (body only), it is relatively compact for a full-frame DSLR, striking a good balance between portability and solid ergonomics. The camera’s button layout is thoughtfully designed for quick access to frequently used settings, including a large mode dial and dedicated buttons for ISO, autofocus modes, drive modes, and white balance. Its rear LCD screen, at 3.0 inches with 920,000 dots, was considered large and sharp at the time, providing a great platform for reviewing images and shooting video.
Sensor and Image Quality
At the heart of the 5D Mark II is a 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor (36mm x 24mm), which represented a significant resolution upgrade over its predecessor, the original 5D (12.8 MP). This sensor delivers outstanding image quality with excellent detail retention, broad dynamic range, and very good high ISO performance.
Dynamic Range and Color
The camera offers a dynamic range of approximately 11-12 stops, allowing photographers to recover shadows and highlights effectively during post-processing. Colors are rich and natural, with smooth gradations and very little color noise, even in challenging lighting conditions.
ISO Performance
The native ISO range extends from 100 to 6400, expandable to 50 (L) and 25600 (H). The 5D Mark II excels in low light, producing clean images at ISO 1600 and usable results at ISO 3200-6400, which was exceptional for its release period. The noise reduction algorithm strikes a good balance between preserving detail and controlling noise.
Autofocus System
The autofocus system on the 5D Mark II is a 9-point AF system with 6 assist points, which was modest compared to competitors with more AF points. However, the system is reliable and accurate, especially when paired with L-series Canon lenses that offer fast and precise focusing motors.
The autofocus performs well in good lighting conditions but can struggle slightly in low light or when tracking fast-moving subjects due to the limited number of AF points and relatively narrow coverage area. For studio, landscape, portrait, and many types of photography, it is more than adequate.
Video Capabilities: The Game-Changer
Perhaps the most revolutionary feature of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II was its HD video recording capabilities. It was the first full-frame DSLR to record 1080p HD video at 24 frames per second, with manual control over exposure, focus, and audio levels. This opened up new creative possibilities for still photographers who wanted to add video to their skillset and for filmmakers who wanted the shallow depth of field and image quality of a full-frame sensor at a relatively affordable price.
Video Specs:
- 1080p Full HD at 24 fps
- 720p HD at 30 fps
- MPEG-4 AVC / H.264 compression
- Manual exposure control during video
- Built-in stereo microphone and external mic input
The large sensor, combined with Canon’s superb EF lens lineup, allowed cinematographers and content creators to achieve the “film look” with smooth bokeh and excellent low-light performance. The 5D Mark II helped kickstart the DSLR video revolution, widely adopted in indie filmmaking, documentary production, weddings, and corporate video.
Usability and Handling
The 5D Mark II offers a well-rounded shooting experience. The optical viewfinder covers approximately 98% of the frame, with 0.71x magnification, giving a bright and clear view that is essential for accurate composition and manual focusing.
The camera supports various shooting modes including:
- Manual (M)
- Aperture Priority (Av)
- Shutter Priority (Tv)
- Program (P)
- Custom modes
The rear LCD is a major asset for reviewing photos and videos, navigating menus, and live view shooting. Live view mode offers contrast-detect autofocus, which, although slower than phase-detect AF, allows for precise manual focus using magnification, ideal for macro or studio work.
Build Features and Connectivity
- CF card slot: The 5D Mark II uses CompactFlash cards, offering fast write speeds suitable for large RAW files and HD video.
- Battery life: Approximately 850 shots per charge, depending on usage and LCD use.
- Ports: USB 2.0, HDMI output for external monitors, microphone input, and remote control port.
- Custom Functions: Highly customizable, with options to tailor autofocus behavior, exposure bracketing, and button assignments to the photographer’s workflow.
Strengths of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II
- Image quality: Its 21.1 MP full-frame sensor delivers excellent resolution, color, and low-light performance that rivals many modern cameras.
- Video capability: The pioneering full HD video with manual controls brought cinema-quality video to DSLRs.
- Build quality: Rugged magnesium alloy body with weather sealing makes it a dependable tool for professionals.
- Lens compatibility: Compatible with Canon’s extensive EF lens lineup, including top-of-the-line L-series optics.
- Ergonomics: Comfortable grip and intuitive button layout suit long shooting sessions.
- Dynamic range: Provides flexibility in post-processing to recover shadow and highlight detail.
Weaknesses and Limitations
- Autofocus system: The 9-point AF is limited for fast action or complex tracking compared to modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
- Video limitations: While groundbreaking, video recording on the 5D Mark II lacks features like continuous autofocus during video, higher frame rates (no 60 fps), and has a 12-minute recording limit per clip.
- No built-in flash: Requires external flash units for fill light, which is typical for professional DSLRs but worth noting for casual users.
- No articulated LCD: The fixed LCD can be limiting for shooting at awkward angles.
- No Wi-Fi or GPS: Lacks modern connectivity features, requiring tethering or card transfer for file sharing.
Legacy and Impact
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II’s release marked a paradigm shift in the camera industry. It was among the first to merge high-resolution full-frame imaging with advanced HD video capabilities, paving the way for hybrid photo/video cameras that are ubiquitous today.
Many famous documentaries, films, and news stories were shot using the 5D Mark II, showcasing its versatility. The camera remains a favorite for photographers who want a balance of image quality and robust video capabilities without moving into dedicated cinema cameras.
Is the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Still Relevant Today?
Although Canon has since released newer models like the 5D Mark III, 5D Mark IV, and the mirrorless EOS R series, the 5D Mark II still holds value:
- It offers a budget-friendly entry point for full-frame photography.
- Its video capabilities are still adequate for many YouTubers and indie filmmakers.
- The robust build and solid image quality make it a reliable backup or secondary camera.
- For enthusiasts starting in full-frame photography, it remains a useful tool.
Conclusion
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is a landmark camera that not only advanced full-frame digital photography but also revolutionized video capture in DSLRs. Its combination of high resolution, superb image quality, robust build, and groundbreaking video features made it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts.
While it has been superseded by newer models, its legacy lives on. It remains a strong option for photographers who value image quality and need solid HD video without breaking the bank. The 5D Mark II’s impact on hybrid photography and videography is undeniable, cementing its place in photographic history as a true game-changer.
