Tech.co.uk has posted a brief review of the Canon 40D:
An intelligent and well executed upgrade to the 30D. It’s well built and fast, with some genuinely useful extras such as Live View LCD and custom modes. A must buy for the keen amateur with a collection of Canon lenses.
[tags]canon, 40d, review[/tags]
Canon has, after much anticipation and rumors, announced the Canon 5D Mark II. The 5D Mark II follows in the formidable foot steps of its predecessor with a full frame sensor, which packs in 21.1 megapixels and features sensitivity settings up to ISO 25,600. Below you will find an abundance of resources, reviews and other information regarding the 5D Mark II and available accessories.
The Canon 5D Mark II is available (depending on supply) from the following trusted vendors:
Canon 5D Mark II (body only) – Amazon.com
Canon 5D Mark II w/ 24-105mm L lens – Amazon.com
Canon 5D Mark II (body only) – Adorama
Canon 5D Mark II w/ 24-105mm L lens – Adorama
Canon 5D Mark II (body only) – B&H Photo
Canon 5D Mark II w/ 24-105mm L lens – B&H Photo
Canon 5D Mark II (body only) – Ritz Camera
Canon 5D Mark II Low Light Demonstration
Canon 5D Mark II vs. Nikon D700 Brief ISO Comparison (Sample Images)
Canon 5D Mark II vs. Nikon D700 In-Depth ISO Comparison (Sample Images)
Full Manual Exposure for Video (via firmware update)
A full-frame EOS DSLR gets even better-with 21.1 MP CMOS sensor and much more.
All things considered, the Canon EOS-5D Mark II is a very impressive digital SLR. For the Canon enthusiast who wants to step up to a full-frame body, it’s an excellent choice.
It’s 21.1 megapixel sensor is capable of taking breathtaking imagery, it’s AF system is very fast and entirely competent (if a bit dated), and it’s ISO performance opens up possibilities likely not seen by most photographers, especially those moving up from prosumer level cameras.
For users who’ve been wanting a full-frame SLR, there’s no doubt that the EOS 5D Mark II is a great option. Kudos to Canon for taking a great camera and finding ways to make it better.
We have always placed a heavy emphasis on image quality, and all other things aside this means the 5D Mark II has to receive our highest rating.
The full-frame sensor translates to superior flexibility when shooting wide-angle and panoramic scenes, the high megapixel count means more flexibility in cropping and editing files, and the extraordinary level of customizability allows users to tailor the camera features to precisely match their image style desires and shooting preferences.
I can see some of the ‘weaknesses’ it has compared to the 1 series but, those aside, it is really good. For me, the image quality coupled with the size and weight of the camera are very, very appealing.
While there are some definite stumbles-in particular, the focus system in low light was disappointing-other features live up to the hype. As a very solid low-end full-frame camera, the 5D II is definitely no flash in the pan.
It represents an advance in features over the original EOS 5D and the overall image quality is generally higher-though that higher quality may only be revealed in large prints.
Canon users may now have the resolution of the 1Ds Mark III in a smaller and much cheaper body, but it’s clear that the similarities end there. Rather than being a straightforward derivative of its pro sibling, the 5D Mark II has its predecessor as its template, but with its 50D sibling as a strong influence.
With superb image quality and performance, the new 5DMk2 can confidently continue to fill the gap between Canon’s entry/consumer-level and all out pro dSLR models.
Priced under $2700, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is an impressive camera that enables the user to capture monstrous, pro-quality still and video image files for far less than half the price of Canon’s flagship EOS 1Ds Mark II.
The Canon 5D Mark II is indeed a premium digital SLR. It’s not just the very high resolution that makes it stand out, but the excellent high ISO performance, effectively giving you the freedom to shoot handheld in conditions where you’d normally need a flash or a tripod.
It is a great upgrade to all owners of non-1-Series bodies – and even some 1-Series body owners are going to want one.
The EOS 5D Mark II is a very good camera for enthusiasts who are looking for a full-frame option, and has all the bells and whistles which makes this shooter not only a decent still image shooter, but also an industry grade video camera, too, as long as you have proper equipment.
The image quality is simply amazing with very high resolution and very good high ISO performance. As far as image quality is concerned, I think most users would be more than pleased with the 5D Mark II. However, in areas such autofocus, Canon still lacks behind the competition.
Image noise was barely visible in test shots taken at ISO settings up to 3200, regardless of whether they were short or long exposures. Beyond that point, the visibility of noise increased steadily, although colour accuracy and sharpness were retained right up to ISO 25,600.
Canon’s EOS 5D Mark II is a powerful and feature-packed DSLR that represents a significant upgrade over the original 5D, and a tough rival in the growing ‘affordable’ full-frame market.
The Online Photographer (First Impressions)
I don’t find a thing to complain about with regard to the build-quality of the 5D Mark II body. You have to realize, however, that I consider lightness in a camera to be an asset, not a liability.
It takes a great full-frame DSLR, the original 5D (Pop Photo’s 2005 Camera of the Year), boosts damn near everything, adds high-definition video capture, and turns in an overall performance that makes it a virtual steal (or at least as close as a steal comes in this price bracket).
Any image defects you see are most likely due to your own lack of expertise, and you had better have some extraordinarily good lenses to take advantage of the resolution.
The body and autofocus alone make it my camera of choice. However, if I shot more street work, shot weddings, or just needed to finally get rid of that pesky Canon D30 finally (you guys know you’re out there) I’d say the 5D Mark II is a great buy.
The point here is to review the video mode for the regular purchaser of the cam. They will most likely be disappointed in the video mode. I didn’t bother to mention how “fiddly” the whole operation is compared to a proper pro camcorder with zoom controls, a shoulder mount, etc., etc.
There’s virtually no visible noise at all from ISO 50 all the way up to ISO 3200, with even the three faster settings of 6400-25600 producing perfectly usable images. Canon seem to have matched the low-light performance of the Nikon D3 and D700 whilst substantially increasing the resolution.
Resolution is as good or better at the same ISO as the original 5D, but the range is extended somewhere between one and three stops in a sensor with 65% more pixels.
Digital Rev (hands-on preview)
Whether you were thrilled with the idea of the HD movie recording or not, one thing is for sure and that’s the Canon EOS 5D Mark II has improved over its formidable predecessor and offers solid performance as a semi-pro camera.
Digital Pro Talk (hands-on preview)
I can’t wait to permanently get my hands on this baby. The phenomenally high ISO capabilities promise some unbelievable benefits especially to us event shooters.
DP Review (hands-on preview)
So here is the 5D Mark II, which punches high in terms of both resolution and features, headlining: 21 megapixels, 1080p video, 3.0″ VGA LCD, Live view, higher capacity battery. In other words, a camera that aims to leapfrog both its direct rivals, either in terms of resolution (in the case of the D700) or features (in the case of the DSLR-A900).
Canon LP-E6 Rechargeable Battery
Canon DR-E6 DC Coupler
Canon BGM-E6 Battery Magazine
Canon CBC-E6 Car Battery Charger
Canon WFT-E4A Wireless File Transmitter
Canon EG-A Focusing Screen (Standard)
Canon EG-D Focusing Screen (Grid)
Canon EG-S Focusing Screen (Super Precision)
Canon EW-5DMK II Strap
Canon STE2 Speedlite Transmitter
Instruction Manual and Software Download Page
Canon Digital Photo Pro v3.5.1 (for 5D Mark II RAW support)
United Kingdom/ Republic of Ireland, 17 September 2008: Canon announces the full frame, 21.1 Megapixel EOS 5D Mark II: the first EOS with full High Definition video capability.
Compact, lightweight and with environmental protection, the successor to the EOS 5D boasts a newly designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in low light conditions. The new DiG!C 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames.
Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps – for amazing quality footage with outstanding levels of detail and realism.
The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1 Megapixel camera opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. With its full frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera equipment available – from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers.
Enhancements from the original EOS 5D include:
“Professional photojournalists and wedding photographers already choose the EOS 5D for its discrete size and outstanding image quality,” said Mogens Jensen, head of Canon Consumer Imaging. “The addition of HD movie recording opens a new chapter for EOS. It creates new possibilities for EOS photographers to capture and share their stories and to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.”
Key Specifications:
Pricing & Availability:
The EOS 5D Mark II (body only) is available from end of November 2008 priced at £2299.99 / €2999.99 RRP inc. VAT.
The EOS 5D Mark II, EF 24-105mm f4.0L IS USM kit is available from end of November 2008 priced at £3049.99 / €3999.99 RRP inc. VAT.
Additional information
New CMOS sensor
The EOS 5D Mark II newly designed full frame 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor features ISO sensitivity from 100-6400, expandable to 50, 12,800 and 25,600. Large 6.4µm2 pixels have been redesigned to capture more light and yield a better signal to noise ratio to ensure lower noise images throughout the ISO range. The full frame sensor has the same dimensions as a frame of 35mm film. This means that wide-angle lenses stay wide, without the change in angle of view associated with smaller sensor cameras. As well as benefiting from finer control over depth of field, photographers moving up to the EOS 5D Mark II full frame format will find the newly designed wide, bright 98% coverage viewfinder a joy to work with.
New DiG!C 4 processor
A new DiG!C 4 processor combined with 14-bit analogue to digital conversion provides smooth gradations in mono-tonal areas such as skies, and highly accurate colour rendition. As well as HD movie shooting, DiG!C 4’s high speed provides for long uninterrupted continuous bursts of large JPEGs, near-instant start-up times and immediate and fast review after shooting. DiG!C 4 also provides for improved noise reduction algorithms, complementing the already low noise images from the EOS 5D Mark II CMOS sensor.
HD video capture
The EOS 5D Mark II is Canon’s first D-SLR to incorporate full HD 1920×1080 video capture. Once filming is started from Live View mode, photographers can fire off either single or continuous stills, with video capture continuing after the final frame is captured.
See everything
A new 3.0” VGA resolution LCD provides a wide 170º angle-of-view, providing plenty of clarity for accurate focus checks in playback. The screen brightness can automatically adjust to suit viewing conditions, extending battery life in low light and improving viewing in bright conditions. A new dedicated Live View button switches modes to display a real-time image on the LCD. This allows EOS 5D Mark II photographers to enjoy simplified shooting from awkward angles. Simple connection to a PC provides easy remote shooting.
Precision focus and metering
A 9-point auto focus system is supported by 6 additional invisible Assist AF points, located inside the spot-metering circle to optimise subject tracking performance in AI SERVO AF mode. For accurate exposure readings in tricky lighting conditions, the spot metering circle covers just 3.5% of the frame.
Control
The EOS 5D Mark II redesigned menu system includes a new Quick Control screen, for instant access to the most commonly changed settings. A new Creative Auto mode allows photographers to cede control of key settings to the camera, while retaining control over creative variables such background blur, drive mode and image brightness. Custom user settings allow photographers to switch between two completely different camera setups. This is ideal for changing quickly between two different environments, such as switching from working inside a church without flash to outdoors with fill-flash at a wedding.
Accessories
Shooting flexibility is enhanced with a range of new accessories. Shooting capacity can be extended with either the high capacity 1800mAh lithium-ion Battery Pack LP-E6, or Battery Grip BG-E6. A new optional Wireless File Transmitter – the K271 – offers external HDD and GPS compatibility along with the ability to transmit images direct to computer or FTP server, or operate the camera wirelessly. Both the BG-E6 and K271 feature a vertical orientation shutter release and other key controls for comfortable portraiture work, with a substantial grip to help balance the camera when used with long lenses.
Canon’s renewed its sponsorship deal with the NFL. Part of the excitement surrounding it gives you the opportunity to “Shoot Like a Pro” on NFL sidelines! You can enter the Shoot Like a Pro sweepstakes via the links provided below. [Read more…]
Cnet has posted a review of the new Canon Powershot G9:
The Canon PowerShot G9 is a solid enthusiast camera for those who want something compact to complement a dSLR. (read more . . . )
I am following the Canon G9 reviews on this page as they appear.
[tags]canon, powershot, g9, review, cnet[/tags]
It looks like the Canon 40D reviews are starting to trickle out now. Camera Labs has just posted their review:
Canon’s EOS 40D features many improvements over its predecessor and finally shows the pesky Nikon D80 who’s boss – albeit one which costs almost half as much again. Canon’s delivered a superb DSLR which handles beautifully, is packed with useful features and delivers great-looking images.
The Live View facility works well, especially when remote-controlled using a PC, and the silent-shooting modes prove it doesn’t have to make a racket either. The anti-dust system whether through luck or design also proved quite effective in our tests, with foreign particles rarely being an issue. And while our studio resolution tests proved some 10 Megapixel DSLRs resolved slightly more, it didn’t make a big difference in real-life. Ultimately the 40D most-impresses out in the field where it’s simply an extremely quick and capable camera which confidently handles almost any situation. Sure, the default settings could do with a slight boost in sharpening to unveil the finest details, but this is easily adjusted if desired.
I am following the Canon 40D reviews on this page as they appear.
[tags]canon, 40d, eos, review[/tags]
WyoFoto has a solid side-by-side set of test shots (100% files) that show the image quality of the Canon 40D directly compared to that of the Canon 5D.
The IQ I see in the 40D images from ISO 100-800 is 95% the match of the 5D. At 1600 the shadow noise of the 5D looks to be a tad bit better than the 40D, but not by a large margin. The 40D’s tonality and richness in color gives the 5D a real run for the money. The only area I see the 5D looking better is in low contrast highlight regions. It manages to pull out a tad more detail. The 20D does okay in the shadows, but in the midtones and highlights just can’t match the richness of the 5D or 40D. It’s images while pretty good have a flatter tonal appearance. This subtle richness gives the 5D images the 3D effect people often talk about. (Read *and see* more . . . . )
Follow Canon 40D news and reviews here.
[tags]canon, 40d, 5d, review, comparison, test, sample, photos, images, pics[/tags]
Overheard in the forums:
Base model: current 5D — $2000.
1) One stop ISO improvement with 14 bit RAW — add $500
2) High precision cross-type AF sensors on 11 spaced AF points — add $500
3) 16 MP — add $300
4) 100% viewfinder with on-demand grid lines — add $300
5) 50% less shutter lag — add $200
6) 5 fps — add $200
7) Weather sealing — add $200
8) 3″ high res LCD — add $100
9) TAv mode — add $20
10) Custom Button replacing Direct Print button — priceless. : )
(via DPReview.com forums)
[tags]canon, 5d, eos, mark ii, 6d, speculation, rumors, news[/tags]
The Canon 40D White Paper is now available for download in .pdf format. (White Papers are comprehensive documents detailing system enhancements — and the technological developments behind them.)
Follow the latest Canon 40D developments on this page.
[tags]canon, 40d, white paper, eos, specs, details, review, news[/tags]
A quick update here to let you know that B&H Photo currently has the Canon 40D in stock. B&H is a very reputable seller. This won’t last long. You can order the 40D from B&H via the following links:
Canon 40D with EF 28-135mm kit lens
[tags]canon, 40d, available, B&H[/tags]
It’s inevitable. It’s the next camera in Canon’s DSLR lineup due for replacement. The Canon 5D was announced on August 22, 2005. That’s 2+ years already. My guess is that the Canon 5D is a prime candidate for replacement at PMA 2008 (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) – that would make a 2 1/2 year life span for the 5D. Of course, it could also show up at Photokina 2008 (Sept. 23-28) instead, making it a 3 year ordeal.
The Canon Rebel and 10D-40D series have been on a consistent 18 month replacement schedule. The pro-level 1D and 1Ds series have been subject to longer replacement schedules overall. Being a first generation camera in its class, the Canon 5D has no precedent to follow. It is really more of a high-amateur/semi-pro level body. The 5D remains in a class of its own, although Nikon has began to apply a little pressure by finally entering the full-frame market with the Nikon D3. However, the 5D’s current price point at around $2500 is significantly less than the Nikon’s MSRP of $5000.
That said, 2 1/2 or 3 years is a long time in DSLR world. The Canon 5D is missing some features that are “standard” on the current generation of Canon’s other DSLRs:
I expect to see these features as a gimme and maybe a 2MP or so boost, up to 14-15MP. I imagine that there would be a few other tweaks along the way; however, I don’t really expect the current “form” to change a great deal. It’s most likely to be an evolution of the current generation 5D (e.g., 30D to 40D).
I imagine now that all the buzz of the Canon 40D and Nikon’s new cameras have died down, we’ll start to hear rumblings, rumors and speculations of the Canon 5D Mark II, 6D or whatever it’s called. I’ll update this post as word comes along. Stay tuned.
Follow the rumors for the Canon 5D Mark II on this page.
[tags]canon, 5d, mark ii, 6D, 4D, 3D, news, rumors, speculation[/tags]