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Canon 5D MII Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Canon 5D MII

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    Main Features

    • 21MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 6400( expands to 50-25600)
    • 3" Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
    • 4 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • 850g. 152 x 114 x 75 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    • Replaced Canon 5D
    • Replaced by Canon 5D MIII
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon 5D MII Overview

    First introduced in February 2009 , Canon EOS 5D Mark II is a 21.0MP Advanced DSLR camera with a Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and Canon EF lens mount. Canon replaced the older Canon 5D with this model and later 5D MII was replaced with Canon 5D MIII. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Canon 5D
    Compare Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Canon 5D MIII

    Canon 5D MII Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Canon 5D MII is a member of Canon's 5D series of cameras. Canon's EOS 5D cameras are probably the best selling Full Frame DSLR cameras of all time in overall, very popular amongst Professional photographers and serious amateurs, even though their sales decreasing in recent years due to rising mirrorless FF cameras like Sony A, Nikon Z and Canon's own R series. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Canon 5D Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    2016 30.0MP - Full frame 7.0 fps 151 x 116 x 76mm 890g
    Canon 5DS
    Compare
    2015 51.0MP - Full frame 5.0 fps 152 x 116 x 76mm 930g
    Canon 5DS R
    Compare
    2015 51.0MP - Full frame 5.0 fps 152 x 116 x 76mm 930g
    Canon 5D MIII
    Compare
    2012 22.0MP - Full frame 6.0 fps 152 x 116 x 76mm 950g
    Canon 5D MII
    2009 21.0MP - Full frame 4.0 fps 152 x 114 x 75mm 850g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Canon 5D MIV vs 5DS vs 5DS R vs 5D MIII vs 5D MII

    Canon 5D MII has an Overall Score of 68/100 and ranked #66 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #181 out of 1223 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Canon 5D MII Physical Specs
    Canon 5D MII weighs 850 g (1.87 lb / 29.98 oz) and has external dimensions of 152 x 114 x 75 mm (5.98 x 4.49 x 2.95″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 774g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 75mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Canon 5D MII
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Canon 5D MII
    Min
    Average
    Max

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon 5D MII, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon 5D MII Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon 5D MII Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now let's compare Canon 5D MII size with the camera that it replaced: Canon 5D.


    Canon 5D MII vs Canon 5D Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Canon 5D MII and Canon 5D Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon 5D MII with its main competitors:

    Canon 5D MII Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs 5D MII Thickness vs 5D MII
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 6D
    Compare
    770g 80g lighter 71mm 4mm thinner
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 5D MIII
    Compare
    950g 100g heavier 76mm 1mm thicker
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 7D
    Compare
    860g 10g heavier 74mm 1mm thinner
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 5D
    Compare
    895g 45g heavier 75mm equal thickness
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 6D MII
    Compare
    765g 85g lighter 75mm equal thickness
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 80D
    Compare
    730g 120g lighter 79mm 4mm thicker
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 70D
    Compare
    755g 95g lighter 79mm 4mm thicker
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    890g 40g heavier 76mm 1mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Canon 5D MII has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Canon 5D MII will serve you well. If you attach one of these Canon 5D MII weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

    Canon 5D MII Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon 5D MII has a 21.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 4 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5616 x 3744 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. 5D MII has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 which can be boosted to 50-25600 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Canon 5D MII is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sony A7R IV with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon 5D MII vs Sony A7R IV or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    Canon 5D MII DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Canon 5D MII sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 79 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Canon 5D MII here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon 5D MII's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon 5D MII Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon 5D MII Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Canon 5D MII Lens Mount and Lenses

    Canon 5D MII has a Canon EF lens mount and currently there are 250 native lenses available for this mount. EF mount has the widest and most complete native lens offerings in the DSLR world which helps Canon to protect its place as the number 1 choice amongst professional photographers all over the world.

    Canon 5D MII doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 76 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 83 lenses with weather sealing for 5D MII that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

    Here are some of the most popular Canon 5D MII Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Canon EF Mount Lenses for Canon 5D MII
    Model Focal Length on 5D MII Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II
    50mm 35mm FF 130gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
    24-105mm 35mm FF 670gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM
    50mm 35mm FF 159gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
    70-300mm 35mm FF 630gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 15mm f2.8 Fisheye Lens Canon EF 15mm f2.8 Fisheye
    15mm 35mm FF 330gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM
    50mm 35mm FF 290gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 40mm f2.8 STM Lens Canon EF 40mm f2.8 STM
    40mm 35mm FF 130gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM
    70-200mm 35mm FF 1490gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Canon 5D MII Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Canon 5D MII LCD and Viewfinder

    Canon 5D MII has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 920k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    5D MII has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 98% and a magnification ratio of 0.71x. 98% coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

    Canon 5D MII Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect 5D MII to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Canon 5D MII is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 850 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Advanced DSLR Cameras

    Canon 5D MII
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Nikon D780 with its 2260shots is the model with longest battery life among Advanced DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Canon 5D MII vs Nikon D780 or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

    Canon 5D MII Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 6D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 1090shots Yes No No
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 5D MIII
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 950shots No No No
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 7D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 800shots No No No
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 5D
    Compare
    None 800shots No No No
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 6D MII
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 1200shots Yes Yes Yes
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 80D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 960shots Yes No Yes
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 70D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 920shots Yes No No
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 900shots Yes No Yes

    Canon 5D MII Video Features

    With Canon 5D MII, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps and save in and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Canon 5D MII will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    5D MII has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker. Canon 5D MII also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

    Canon 5D MII Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon 5D MII can shoot continuously at max speed of 4 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately 5D MII doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Focusing

    Canon 5D MII features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Canon 5D MII also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    User Manual
    You can download Canon 5D MII's User Manual here

    Canon 5D MII PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon 5D MII review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Full HD Video
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    21.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    920k dots LCD Resolution
    1/8000s High Shutter Speed
    Long Battery Life (850 shots)
    External Microphone Port
    Environmental Sealing
    0.71x magnification - Large Viewfinder
    Good Low Light ISO - 1815
    Top LCD Display
    Flash Sync Port
    AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)
    High Shutter Life Expectancy - 150000 cycles
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon 5D MII from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No Touch Screen
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Heavy Body: 850g
    Not so wide AE Bracketing Range: ±2 EV
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Canon 5D MII Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon 5D MII in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon 5D MII for Portrait Photography

    Canon 5D MII has a score of 65 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 21.0MP
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 5D MII for Portrait Photography

    Canon 5D MII for Street Photography

    Canon 5D MII has a score of 62 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization
    Large Body

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 5D MII for Street Photography

    Canon 5D MII for Sports Photography

    Canon 5D MII has a score of 76 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
    Good Battery Life: 850 shots
    Good Low Light ISO
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Average Continuous Shooting: 4.0fps
    9 Focus Points
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 5D MII for Sports Photography

    Canon 5D MII for Daily Photography

    Canon 5D MII has a score of 73 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Large Body
    850g
    Body Thickness 75mm

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 5D MII for Daily Photography

    Canon 5D MII for Landscape Photography

    Canon 5D MII has a score of 48 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 21.0MP
    Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 5D MII for Landscape Photography
    Canon 5D MII Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon 5D MII compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon 5D MII alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon 5D MII

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon 5D MII amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon 6D
    Canon 6D
    Compare
    Canon 5D MIII
    Canon 5D MIII
    Compare
    Canon 7D
    Canon 7D
    Compare
    Canon 5D
    Canon 5D
    Compare
    Canon 6D MII
    Canon 6D MII
    Compare
    Canon 80D
    Canon 80D
    Compare
    Canon 70D
    Canon 70D
    Compare
    Canon 5D MIV
    Canon 5D MIV
    Compare

    Canon 5D MII Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon 5D MII with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Canon 5D MII's price range.

    Sony A7R III
    Sony A7R III
    Compare
    Nikon Z7
    Nikon Z7
    Compare
    Sony A7 III
    Sony A7 III
    Compare
    Nikon Z6 II
    Nikon Z6 II
    Compare
    Nikon Z6
    Nikon Z6
    Compare
    Panasonic S1
    Panasonic S1
    Compare
    Panasonic S5
    Panasonic S5
    Compare
    Sony A7R II
    Sony A7R II
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon 5D MII
    Does the Canon 5D MII have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon 5D MII have RAW support?
    Does the Canon 5D MII have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon 5D MII have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon 5D MII?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon 5D MII?
    is the Canon 5D MII a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon 5D MII have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon 5D MII have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon 5D MII?
    What is the Weight of Canon 5D MII?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon 5D MII?
    Canon EOS 5D Mark II Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon EOS 5D Mark II
    Announced 2009-02-13
    Body Type Mid-size SLR
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Canon EF
    Number of Lenses 250
    Focal Length Multiplier 1x
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT liquid-crystal color LCD
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 920k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 98%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.71x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Max Flash Sync 1/200s
    Flash Modes no built-in flash
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 79
    DxO Color Depth 23.7
    DxO Dynamic Range 11.9
    DxO Low Light ISO 1815
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 36 x 24 mm
    Sensor Area 864.00mm2
    Sensor Resolution 21 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5616 x 3744
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Max Boosted ISO 25600
    Min Native ISO 100
    Min Boosted ISO 50
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 850g
    Physical Dimensions 152 x 114 x 75mm
    Battery Life 850 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model LP-E6
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Microdrive
    Storage Slots 1


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