The new camera is equipped with a high-performance, high-magnification optical viewfinder providing 98 percent coverage. Professional photographers will also appreciate the enhanced 150,000-cycle shutter durability of the EOS 5D Mark II camera.

Canon has improved the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera's newly developed full-frame CMOS image sensor. Utilizing proprietary Canon technology, the company 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 EOS 5D Mark II 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 excellent color reproduction.

By applying the same kind of advancements in sensor design and image processing technology as the recently introduced EOS 50D camera, but at higher resolution and with larger pixels, the EOS 5D Mark II achieves the highest level of image quality of any EOS Digital SLR released to date according to Canon.

With the combination of its improved CMOS image sensor and the powerful new DIGIC 4 image processor, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 6400 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings - H1 and H2 - of ISO 12800 and ISO 25600, respectively, as well as a low-speed setting of ISO 50.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II: HD and SD Video Capture

Answering the question of where SLR technology is going next, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II features 16:9 Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 pixels and 30 fps as well as 4:3 standard TV quality (SD) 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. This allows skilled photographers and cinematographers to adjust image sharpness, contrast, color saturation and white balance, and have those settings apply to the movie image.

When 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. Moreover, the EOS 5D Mark II camera's HD video capability enables new levels of creative expression through its unfettered access to the complete line of more than 60 Canon EF lenses, which provide an incredible variety of visual effects including everything from ultra-wide-angle and fish-eye to macro and super-telephoto, including many large-aperture L-series professional lenses that can keep the main subject in razor-sharp focus while blurring the background beyond recognition.

The EOS 5D Mark II will record video up to 4GB per clip or a maximum continuous movie capture time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds, whichever comes first. Depending on the level of detail in the scene, a 4GB memory card can record approximately 12 minutes of video at full HD resolution or approximately 24 minutes in standard definition. Video clips are recorded in .MOV format using an MPEG-4 video compression and sound is recorded using linear PCM without compression.

The new camera features an input terminal for external stereo microphones as well as a built-in monaural microphone for convenience. To help show off those fantastic movies as well as still photos, the EOS 5D Mark II camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV.

Live View Shooting

For both still images and video, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera features Live View, one of the most sought after features in digital SLRs today. The 5D Mark II features three Live View AF modes - Quick, Live and Face Detection Live mode - for capturing either still photos or video, each with its own attributes. Quick mode automatically sets One-Shot AF using the camera's phase detection AF system. It also allows users to select the AF point, even while the Live View image is displayed. Although the camera's reflex mirror must be lowered briefly to take an AF measurement in Quick mode, it is the fastest way to set focus automatically when the 5D Mark II camera is set for Live View.

Live mode uses contrast-detection AF with the image sensor and here, as with Quick mode, users can change the AF point using the Multi-controller. Face Detection Live mode uses contrast AF to recognize human faces. When multiple faces are detected, the largest face closest to the center of the frame is targeted as the AF point. While Live View is engaged users can still change settings including the AF mode (Quick, Live, Face Detection Live mode), drive mode, ISO speed, Picture style, White Balance, and more.

Peripheral Illumination Correction

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera automatically conducts peripheral illumination correction when shooting JPEG images, a function that previously could only be accomplished through post-image processing using software such as Canon's Digital Photo Professional, which Canon supplies at no extra charge. Peripheral illumination correction evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout and reducing light fall-off at image edges. This new feature essentially eliminates one of the limitations of previous full-frame digital SLRs.

Auto Lighting Optimizer

Canon's enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer technology helps 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. In this type of scene, the 5D Mark II camera's Auto Lighting Optimizer technology preserves accurate exposure of the highlights while opening up the shadow areas for a more pleasing tonal rendition.

Canon's New Creative Auto Mode

Recently introduced with the new EOS 50D, Canon's "CA" Creative Full Auto setting can also be found on the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera's mode dial. This setting allows users to make image adjustments such as aperture or shutter speed through an easy-to-understand navigation screen on the camera's LCD menu, allowing them to "blur the background" or "lighten or darken the image." These easy-to-understand image options allow photographers to experiment with image options while still shooting in an automatic mode.

Two Small RAW Formats

For photographers seeking the flexibility and creative possibilities of shooting RAW format images, without the large file size, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera offers two more manageable file size options with sRAW1 and sRAW2 recording formats. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 10.0-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, retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images. Wedding and portrait photographers, in particular, will appreciate the options of variable resolution and file size which allow them to fine-tune the 5D Mark II's operation for their specific needs.

Silent Shooting in Live View

Canon has equipped the EOS 5D Mark II with two Silent Shooting modes in Live View which will prove particularly helpful to law enforcement officials, and for behind-the-scenes shooting on movie sets. In Mode 1, the camera will shoot with the mechanical shutter open at the beginning of the exposure, using the electronic 1st-curtain function of the CMOS sensor and a reduced shutter-cocking noise, allowing multiple shots to be taken with minimal noise. In Mode 2, to minimize shutter noise during single frame photography, shutter cocking does not occur until the shutter button returns to the half-way position after shooting.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System

With the introduction of the EOS 5D Mark II camera, the entire Canon EOS system is now equipped with the highly acclaimed EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II has been upgraded with a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera is compatible with Canon EF lenses and is scheduled for delivery by the end of November. The EOS 5D Mark II will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $2,699 US. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $3,499 US.

In Canada, the EOS 5D Mark II will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $2,799.99 . It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $3,649.99. The optional Battery Grip BG-E6 and Wireless Transmitter WFT-E4A, will both be available by the end of November. The estimated retail price of the Canon BG-E6 grip is $350.00 CAN, while the estimated retail price of the WFT-E4A is $1420.00 CAN.

New EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens

The new EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens is the successor to Canon's EF 24mm f/1.4L USM professional wide-angle lens released in 1997. Targeting professional photographers, the new EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens has been introduced to address the advancements high-resolution digital SLR cameras with re-designed optics and use of a new anti-reflection lens coating called SWC (Sub-Wavelength Structure Coating) to minimize ghosting and flare. Features such as dustproof and waterproof construction that have been adopted make this a high-performance lens with specifications that respond to the demands of professional users. A welcome complement to the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens is scheduled to be in stores this December at an estimated retail price of $1,699.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Specifications

Specifications	Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR
Type	Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera
Recording Media	CF Card Type I and II, UDMA-compliant CF cards, via external media (USB v.2.0 hard drive, via optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E4A)
Image Sensor Size	36.0mm x 24.0mm (35mm Full-frame)
Compatible Lenses	Canon EF lenses (35mm-equivalent focal length is approx. 1.6x the lens focal length)
Lens Mount	Canon EF mount
Sensor Type	High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor
Pixels	Effective pixels: Approx. 21.1 megapixels
Total Pixels	Total pixels: Approx. 22.0 megapixels
Aspect Ratio	3:2 (Horizontal: Vertical)
Color Filter System	RGB primary color filters
Low-pass Filter	Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor
Dust Deletion feature	(1) Automatic sensor cleaning (2) Manual cleaning of sensor (3) Dust Delete Data appended to the captured image
Recording Format	Design rule for Camera File System 2.0
Image Type	Still: JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), sRAW1, sRAW2, RAW+JPEG Video: MOV
File Size	(1) Large/Fine: Approx. 6.1MB (5616 x 3744 pixels) (2) Large/Nomal: Approx. 3.0MB (5616 x 3744 pixels) (3) Medium/Fine: Approx. 3.6MB (4080 x 2720 pixels) (4) Medium/Normal: Approx. 1.9MB (4080 x 2720 pixels) (5) Small/Fine: Approx. 2.1MB (2784 x 1856 pixels) (6) Small/Normal: Approx. 1.0MB (2784 x 1856 pixels) (7) RAW: Approx. 25.8MB (5616 x 3744 pixels) (8) sRAW 1: Approx. 14.8MB (3861 x 2574 pixels) (9) sRAW 2: Approx. 10.8MB (2784 x 1856 pixels) Exact file sizes depend on the subject, ISO speed, Picture Style, etc.
Recording Functions	With the WFT-E4A attached, image recording to the CF card and to the USB external media connected to the WFT-E4A will be possible as follows: (1) Standard (2) Automatic switching of recording media (3) Separate recordings according to image-recording quality (4) Recording images having the same size
Backup Recording	Enabled with optional WFT-E4A attached
File Numbering	Consecutive numbering, auto reset, manual reset. Possible to create new folders and select folders in the CF card
RAW + JPEG Simultaneous Recording	Provided (RAW/sRAW+JPEG also possible)
Color Space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Style	Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Def. 1-3
Image Processing Type	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, Color Temperature setting
Auto White Balance	Auto white balance with the image sensor
Color Temperature Compensation	White balance correction: ±9 stops in full-stop increments White balance bracketing: ±3 stops in full-stop increments Blue/amber direction or magenta/green direction possible
Color Temperature Information Transmission	Provided
Viewfinder Type	Eye-level pentaprism
Viewfinder Coverage	Vertical/Horizontal approx. 98%
Magnification	Approx. 0.71x (-1m-1 with 50mm lens at infinity)
Eyepoint	Approx. 21mm (from eyepiece lens center)
Built-in Dioptric Adjustment	-3.0 to +1.0m-1 (diopter)
Focusing Screen	Interchangeable (Eg-D: Grid lines, Eg-S [point of Focus], Eg-A standard focusing screen provided
Mirror	Quick-return half mirror (transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cutoff with EF600mm f/4L IS USM or shorter lenses)
Viewfinder Information	AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), Exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle), Flash information (flash ready, flash exposure compensation, High-speed sync, FE lock), Image information (Highlight tone priority, monochrome shooting, maximum burst, white balance correction, CF card information), battery information
Depth-of-Field Preview	Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
AutofocusType	TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
AF Points	9 (Cross-type)
Metering Range	EV -0.5-18 (at 73°F/23°C, ISO 100)
Focusing Modes	Auto, One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF)
AF Point Selection	Automatic selection, manual selection
Selected AF Point Display	Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD panel
AF-assist Beam	When an external EOS-dedicated Speedlite is attached to the camera, the AF-assist beam from the Speedlite will be emitted when necessary.
Metering Modes	35-zone TTL full-aperture metering Evaluative metering (linkable to any AF point) Partial metering (approx. 8% of viewfinder at center) Spot metering (approx. 3.5% of viewfinder at center) Center-weighted average metering
Metering Range	EV 1-20 (at 73°F/23°C with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Exposure Control	Program AE (Shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Creative Auto, Full auto, Manual exposure, E-TTL II autoflash program AE
ISO Speed (Recommended Exposure Index)	Automatically set, ISO 100-6400 (in 1/3-stop or 1-stop increments) Basic Zone modes: ISO 100-3200 set automatically Extension settable (with C.Fn.I-3-1): ISO 50 (L), 12800 (H1), 25600 (H2) High Tone Priority settable: ISO 200-1600
Exposure Compensation	Manual: ±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (can be combined with AEB)
AE Lock	Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved Manual: By AE lock button
Shutter Type	Vertical-travel, mechanical, Electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter
Shutter Speeds	1/8000 to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec. 1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode)
Shutter Release	Soft-touch electromagnetic release
Self-timer	10-sec. or 2-sec. delay
Remote Control	Remote control with N3-type terminal
External Speedlite Zooming to Match Focal Length	Provided
Compatible Flash	EX-series Speedlites
Flash Metering	E-TTL II autoflash
Flash Exposure Compensation	±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
FE Lock	Provided
External Flash Settings	Flash function settings, Flash C.Fn settings
Drive Modes	Single, High-speed continuous, Low-speed continuous, and Self-timer (10-sec. or 2-sec. delay)
Continuous Shooting Speed	Max. 3.9 shots/sec.
Maximum Burst	JPEG (Large/Fine): approx. 78 (CF)/approx. 310 (UDMA CF) RAW: approx. 13/approx. 14 (UDMA CF) RAW+JPEG (Large/Fine): approx. 8 (CF/UDMA CF) Based on Canon's testing standards with a 2GB CF card, high-speed continuous shooting, ISO 100 and Standard Picture Style Varies depending on the subject, CF card brand, image-recording quality, ISO speed, drive mode, Picture Style, etc.
Shooting Modes	Still photo shooting and HD 1080p video shooting
Focusing	Quick mode (Phase-difference detection) Live mode/Face Detection Live mode (Contrast detection) Manual focusing (5x/10x magnification possible)
Metering Modes	Evaluative metering with the image sensor (still photos) Center-weighted average metering (video)
Metering Range	EV 0-20 (at 73°F/23°C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Grid Display	Provided (Two-type grid displays)
Exposure Simulation	Provided
Silent Shooting	Provided (Mode 1 and 2)
LCD Monitor Type	TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor
Monitor Size	3.0 in.
Dots	Approx. 920,000 (VGA)
Coverage	Approx. 100% (viewing angle: approx. 170°)
Brightness Adjustment	Auto, 7 levels provided
Interface Languages	25 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, 15/15 Romanian, Ukraine, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)
Image Playback display Format	Single image, Single image + Image-recording quality/shooting information, histogram, 4- or 9-image index, magnified view (approx. 1.5x-10x), rotated image (auto/manual), image jump (by 10/100 images, index screen, by shooting date, by folder), slide show (all images/selected by date/folder)
Highlight Warning	Provided (Overexposed highlights blink)
Protect	Single images can be erase-protected or not
Erase	Single image, check-marked images or all images in the CF card can be erased (except protected images)
Direct Print Compatible Printers	PictBridge-compatible printers
Printable Images	JPEG images compliant to Design rule for Camera File System (DPOF printing possible) and RAW/sRAW images captured with the EOS 5D Mark II
Easy Print feature	Provided
DPOF	Version 1.1 compatible
DPOF Compatible Images	JPEG and RAW images Only JPEG images can be transferred as wallpaper on the personal computer screen
Custom Functions	Total 25
Camera User Settings	Register under Mode Dial's C1 and C3 positions
My Menu Registration	Provided
Interface USB Terminal	For personal computer communication and direct printing (USB 2.0 Hi-Speed)
Video Out Terminal	(1) Video OUT terminal: NTSC/PAL selectable (2) HDMI mini OUT terminal
Extension System Terminal	For connection to WFT-E4A
Battery	One Battery Pack LP-E6 AC power can be supplied via AC Adapter Kit ACK-E6 with Battery Grip BG-E6 attached.
Battery Check	Auto
Power Saving	Provided. Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 or 30 min.
Date/Time Battery	One CR1616 lithium-ion battery
Start-up Time	Approx. 0.1 sec.
Dimensions (WxHxD)	Approx. 6.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 in./152.0 x 113.5 x 75.0mm
Weight	Approx. 28.6 oz./810g (body only)
Working Temperature Range	32-104°F/0-40°C
Working Humidity Range	85% or less

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