Canon EOS 5D Mark II

The legendary full-frame DSLR that changed video

Canon EOS 5D Mark II
79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 16
Price 14
Usability 17
Brand Canon
Model 3817B003

Key Features

SENSOR 21.1 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor
PROCESSOR DIGIC 4 image processor for fast processing
AUTOFOCUS 9-point AF system with 6 invisible assist points
PHASE DETECTION TTL secondary image-registration, phase detection
VIDEO Full HD 1080p at 30fps, H.264 MOV format
STABILIZATION None (relies on lens-based IS)
BURST RATE 3.9 frames per second, up to 78 JPEGs
VIEWFINDER Eye-level SLR, 98% coverage, 0.71x magnification
DISPLAY 3.0-inch Clear View LCD, 920k dots, fixed
CONNECTIVITY USB 2.0, HDMI mini out, NTSC/PAL video out
MEMORY CARD Single CompactFlash (Type I or II)
WEATHER SEALING Magnesium alloy chassis with dust/moisture resistance
BATTERY LIFE Approx. 850 shots per charge (LP-E6)

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✓ Present
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✓ Present
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ~ Limited Via main dial
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ~ Limited Via main dial
AF-ON Button ✓ Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✓ Present Rear wheel
Function (Fn) Buttons ✓ Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✓ Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✗ Not Present
Video Record Button ✗ Not Present Accessed via Live View mode
Drive Mode Control ✓ Present

How-to Use Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
 . 0 . +
 . 0 . +
 . 0 . +
|||||||►

The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Canon EOS 5D Mark II

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor Full-Frame CMOS
Resolution 21.1 MP
ISO Range 100-6400 (expandable to 25600)
Autofocus 9-point TTL
Shutter Speed 1/8000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 3.9 fps
Video 1080p @ 30fps
Stabilization None
Viewfinder Optical Pentaprism
LCD 3.0-inch Fixed
Memory Card CompactFlash
Connectivity USB 2.0, HDMI
Battery Life 850 shots
Weight 810g
Dimensions 152 x 113.5 x 75 mm