Just curious if there are any Canon 5D Mark ii owners around here. I do not own this camera since it's a little out of my pay grade but would love one some day. I have been looking at HD video cameras and my wife wants to replace the 300D she uses. Would be the best of both worlds to get the benefits of the 5D and be able to take 1080 HD video using the lenses I already own.

Just wanted to live vicariously through others hoping the price point will eventually come down a little.

Here is a link: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controll...p;modelid=17662

it seems to have the best resolution to date..the best High ISO noise as well..you do know the HD video only allows you to take i think its like 10min of video at a time. No matter how large your memory card is.
The camera is nice if you want FF. Its just a damn shame canon used the SAME old focus system that was in the old 5D instead of making something a bit better and making the camera that much better.

15 mins worth of continuous video iirc


OP: i'm looking to upgrade my body in the near-ish future. currently leaning towards the 5D2

I still hope canon surprises us on the 25th this month with a 3D

I know that was one of the major gripes that people were having and why some were just holding onto their original 5Ds.




Interesting...didn't realize that the max was 15 minutes. I wonder if that has to do with buffering.




I'm sure Canon will come out with something that will have everyone a buzz.

or they will release something stupid like a new rebel

The focus system is a big drawback, as 05X said.


To be honest, I'd still rather have a 50D.

Im actually going to sell my 50d and pick up the 5d2 next week. So ill let you know how it is..

3D speculations?

my pipe dreams:
5D2 sensor (same MP, low light characteristics as the 5D2)
no HD video capabilities
upgraded AF

now the real question is if it'll be a gripped monster like the 1's or will be the more traditional form factor like the 5

see they coulda cleaned up and made an AWESOME camera if they woulda made a new focus system that was like a 15 point with ALL cross type..none of that 9point and 3 invisible ones. 15 point layout coulda have had much better coverage for shooting especially when in vertical shooting position. Personally that is another reason I will never use anything but a 1Series unless canon comes out with a focus system like that with much better coverage over the frame. Granted 9point isnt bad on the 1.6crop beause its a much smaller area and it covers better but still the diamond pattern is not that great.


everyone has been talking 3D or 7D for years..but who knows...a perfect 3D camera to me would be
Built in grip body like the 1 series
15MP personally I would hope for 1.3x cause its a good compromise of reach and width or the 1.6x
8fps
Micro Adjust
15-18 point focus system with all points being cross sensative and the center being cross and diagonal like the 40D and 50D
3" VGA screen
Contrast detection AF in live mode
HD vid
Price it around $2400
but who knows..canons Idea of a 3D is probably a 50D with an 18MP sensor and no other updates. and same old ass crappy 9point focus system

i just can't see them making a *D model that is a crop - especially since 3 slides so nicely in between 1 and 5, which are both full.

1D is not FF its a 1.3x crop the 1Ds is FF

really? i was unaware. i retract my previous statement then..

yes there are 2 1D's
the 1DMKIII its 10mp, 10fps and 1.3xcrop $3500
the 1DsMKIII 21mp, 5fps, and FF $6500

yeah, i knew that, except for the crop factor. similarly, i was looking at the 1Ds2 as an alternative to the 5D2

One thing I always wondered about Canon, and I guess this applies to all, but why couldn't they have come up with some naming conventions for their cameras that actually make sense. I understand the progression from the 300D --> 20D --> 30D, etc. but once you get up into the 1Ds it is as confusing as hell.

Also, I guess I don't understand why they keep bringing out a new camera when basically all they are doing is boosting the megapixels and making changes to the sensor for less noise at higher ISOs. Honestly, for me, I will probably never make a wall size print so the 8.2 MP on my 20D will suffice. Plus, I got it 6 months ago for <$200 barely used. Granted I would like something full frame or 1.3 crop.

So my 5DII arrived today with my canon 24-70. I think im in love

ihy

According to my photo magazine you can only take 4 minutes of hd video with the cannon and 5 with the nikon d90
They also make some sweet hd video tripods to get a steady shot and also one that uses a counter weight at the bottom to supposedly make your vids less shakey

Canon 1080P..nikon 720P and AWFUL rolling shutter problem

If you want HD video, buy an HD camcorder. This swiss army knife approach can only end poorly, imo.

agreed. i don't like the current trend of canon putting HD video capabilities in their DSLRs. just because my iphone is capable of controlling an ICBM doesn't mean that it should be used that way.

Thats actually inaccurate You can get closer to 24 minutes of HD video at 1920X1080.

I disagree. Although a video enabled slr will never replace a true hd camcorder . It certainly doesnt mean its isnt capable of recording excellent hd video. It certainly isnt as easy to use as your everyday hd consumer camcorder. But in capable hands you can get some excellent results. Most of which rivals the quality of consumer hd camcorders currently on the market. Once again the video feature isnt for noobs but in hands that are willing and able to use it properly the results speak for themselves. JMO

I've been questioning some of the video from HD camcorders vs. the videos I've seen with the 5DM2...
Take for instance your link above to the NIN video, to me that is just awesome.
I went out to www.viemo.com and did a search for some video from the VIXIA camcorders (ones I'm considering buying) and I can't find any that are as good as the 5DM2 videos...

Examples:

5DM2
http://www.vimeo.com/3342835

The particular VIXIA camcorder I'm looking at is the VIXIA HF S100 and I can't find any video on those, as they are brand spanking new and not out yet...but I figured the previous models would compare...they don't really...

http://www.vimeo.com/videos/search:VIXIA

Why is this? What gives? Is it the MD2 lenses? I thought the HD camcorders would be better?

A lot of the videos on this site you need to play then stop and wait for it to stream load, otherwise its choppy.

Its a combination of many things.. the large Full frame sensor is excellent for for controlling noise at higher iso sensitivities in addition to letting in more light . Not to mention you can use Fast(low aperature) lenses that allow for better subject isolation. This can be done with professional series HD Camcorders but they are a bit more expensive. Check out this comparison between the 5D and Red(a $17500 pro hd camera)

Wow, after seeing that and reading your post, I think the 5DM2 is a better choice for me than buying say a 50D and then the VIXIA HF S100 camcorder, with the 5DM2 I'll have lenses to help me get awesome video in HD...what do you all think? 50D with one or two lenses $1500 + VIXIA HF S100 $1100 = $2600 (the price of the 5DM2 body roughly) then just get a few lenses...and I'll have some awesome HD video and a pro-ready camera...I don't need hours of video, just some good HD quality stuff, short and sweet looking!

Oh and its all in one piece of equipment...

I had a 50D and canon hg21 i decided to sell them and invest in one piece of equipment. Im just like you for the fact im not trying to make feature length films just short pieces. So for me the 5D2 was the perfect investment.It a great slr and in capable hands a excellent hd cam. just my 2 cents..

I'm SOLD! Guess I'm on my way to Epperson Photo and Video! Or B&H or who ever has the best prices!
How is this for the first lens to match up with it?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5839...5D_Mark_II.html

I can't find the lens he's talking about in this video however, a 24-205mm lens?
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EO...eo_review.shtml

I guess the hard thing is the manual focusing?

pretty sure he meant to say 24-105, which is the kit lens that ships with this camera

That's what I thought andykee, and that would be a good kit to start with don't cha think?

Yep its a great all around lens. Great Focal range,great IQ and it has IS which helps when taking video as well as stills.

I don't own a Mark 5D (my poor butt owns a 40D) , but if you are looking into buying one, try newegg.com they offer a 12month payment plan on anything over $1k
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16830120305

Thanks, this seems to be the better deal though, the kit, for me since I have no lenses already.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16830120307

This would be a great start. I think this is the best solution for me, unless I can get a consumer camcorder with very similar IQ as the 5DM2?

image quality

Of course, I figured this out before I could edit the post. Thanks, yeah now that I know I can get a certain IQ in the 5DM2, I don't want to give that part up...unless I can get it in a consumer camcorder from around $1k? Which you basically told me I need the pro quality ones, that are like $3k plus...

I think I'm ok with the fact I could own a very nice, camera, that also does some video. I've come 360 degrees on this, last week, I was all about keeping the two separate, and now I'm all about it in this ONE particular camera. The audio to me is fine, heard samples, the IQ is what blows me away. From all the samples I've viewed online, that is the kind of clips I'll be doing, I don't want hours of HD video in one movie, I want to put bits and pieces together, add some music here and there, etc...

This camera produced this video:
http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?ac...;articleID=2326

I know its a professional, with a list of major lenses, but if this can be done, I can create something of a amature like video, with similar style...as my art. Not comparing my work to Vincent Laforet, no way. Just saying I can do the clips, add music, bla bla bla, and make some pretty neat home videos, that are much more entertaining than the typical home video with boring audio and lots of fast fowarding.

I think the Mark II is the answer...maybe.

So where are all the 5D Mark II owners?

I got the permission and OK to purchase my dream camera!
So I'm looking online for the best price and free shipping/no tax...

http://www.nowinstock.net/digitalcameras/canon5dmarkii/

Looks like adorama.com has all that...$3499 for the kit is probably the best price?

be careful on stuff that seems to good on some odd sites..check the reseller ratings..Adorama is fine..but just dont fall for the ones that seem like crazy deals.

Yeah, you showed me that earlier and I've been using it, its easy to spot the scams.
$3499 seems to be the going rate on the kit...and $2600 for the body only.

Now I'm starting to think the Canon 24-70L f2.8 lens might be better for me to start with?
But the body and this lens puts me over what I told the wifey my new investment would cost us.

Here is my plan for lens purchases...

1. 24-70 f/2.8 (first lens for sure)
2. 100mm f/2.8 (macro for tanks shots)
3. 70-200 f/2.8 IS (to give me some range)
4. 50mm f/1.4 (just another solid Prime lens)

I think you need to slow down...Buy the camera and the 24-105 kit lens the 5D comes with..Learn how to use the camera first. Buying all kinda high end gear does not mean your gonna get great shots right off the bat. Stop looking ahead and planning things that you want to buy down the road and just learn the camera first. Personally I wouldnt waste my money on the Canon 50 1.4..it has subpar build, it is known to be soft at 1.4 and isnt really sharp till f2 and slow USM focus motor. if you want a 50 get the Sigma 50 1.4

Actually no, the best resolution (in a DSLR) is the D3x and the best high ISO is the D3 or D700...

I also agree that it makes sense to slow down. The 24-105 kit lens appears to be a very nice lens and I personally would stick with that.

...Nice first post to come to the aid of Nikon
I am sorry I dont see that Sony sensor in a over hyped and WAY WAY overpriced D3 with a sensor slapped in it with only a little bit more MP beating the 5DII...I have seen its ISO test and it is nothing to write home about once you get higher up in it. The 5DII I will bet has better high ISO noise then the D3 and D700 and with DOUBLE the amount of megapixles. So if its that clean with 21mp..I would bet it would BLOW them out of the water using sRAW file format.

it wasnt me, in case anyone's wondering

Just curious, why doesn't Nikon make their own sensors?
Canon does right?

yes Canon makes their own.

That probably wasn't the best choice for a first post but I have been reading the other forums as I am getting back into saltwater/reefing after a long hiatus. It's amazing how much has changed. Photography is something that I am a lot more familiar with.

Not trying to be a Zealot or fanboy here, just trying to represent the facts as I see them (which I hope is reasonably objectively). I'll say for the interest of full disclosure that yes I do shoot Nikon, a D300 with some nice glass.

That said, I stand by what I said. In terms of absolute resolution (notice I didn't say cost vs. performance) what I have read leads me to believe that the D3x win here. Sorry for posting a link to KR, I find him as annoying as the next guy, but I foundthis comparison interesting.

As far as the noise dpreview's tests show high ISO being where the D700 (and D3 as they are very similar) have an advantage over the 5D Mk II.

Now this is all strictly based on performance. If you NEED 21 megapixels than you get a lot more bang for the buck out of the 5D Mk. II. Personally I would take high ISO performance over megapixels, I shoot a lot of sports and lighting in indoor gyms tends to be crap.

Regarding the price of the D3x yes it is a lot of money and I won't be buying one anytime soon. However it is the same price as the 1Ds III when it came out (I heard that Adorama is sell D3x's in store for $7299). It's not meant for everyone, and IMHO it is the THE BEST at what it does. That is a high resolution studio camera. Yes it is not perfect at high ISO, but that is not what it's meant for. A side effect of more megapixels with current technology is noise. That's why the D3/D700 beat the 5D mk II when it comes to noise.

My take on the 5D mk II is if you need 21 megapixels (you probably don't) than the 5D is the better camera. If you need high ISO and weather sealing (be careful with the 5D around water) than the D700 is the better bet.



*place tongue in cheek* maybe they use the savings in R&D to make cameras that work 1D Mk. III anyone?

this oughta be good

LOL..Nikon has a FF 24MP camera compared to the 1DsMKIII that canon came out with about 3years ago and took them this long to catch up. I like How a link about the 1DIII focus added even though that has been sorted out already. Plus the D3x is what the 1DIII was priced at release..Now you can get the 1DIII for about $6000 so once again Nikon is behind the ball on that as well. I and MANY Nikon shooters I see think the D3x is a fail. It is basically nothing more then a D3 with a 24mp chip tossed in and added a $3500 price hike..GTFO

You can keep your Nikon