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Canon Digital SLR Camera EOS 5D Mark II
 
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Canon Digital SLR Camera EOS 5D Mark II

by Canon
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
RRP: £2,299.99
Price: £1,579.00
You Save: £720.99 (31%)
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Canon Digital SLR Camera EOS 5D Mark II + SanDisk 16GB Extreme CF Compact Flash Cards 60MBS - Retail Pack + Canon Battery Pack Lp-e6 For The Eos 5d Mk Ii
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Technical Details

  • 21.1MP full frame CMOS sensor and 9-point AF + 6 Assist AF points
  • DIGIC 4 processor
  • ISO range expandable to 25600
  • High-res 3.0” VGA LCD with Live View
  • 3.9fps JPEG shooting up to card capacity and Full HD (1080, 30fps) movie recording
  See more technical details

Product details

  • Item Weight: 812 g
  • Boxed-product Weight: 2.3 Kg
  • Delivery Destinations: Visit the Delivery Destinations Help page to see where this item can be delivered.
    Find out more about our Delivery Rates and Returns Policy
  • Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required.
  • Item model number: 2764B015AA
  • ASIN: B001E97GIK
  • Date first available at Amazon.co.uk: 17 Sep 2008
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,892 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

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Product Description

Manufacturer's Description

The new menu layout and ergonomic controls make using the EOS 5D MkII a breeze.

The new menu layout and ergonomic controls
make using the EOS 5D MkII a breeze.
Click here for a larger image

Extend the boundaries of your photography
With its 21.1 Megapixel full frame CMOS sensor, 3.9 frames per second shooting and Canon's latest DIGIC 4 image processor, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II introduces professional resolution and high ISO performance to professionals or experienced semi-professionals who wish to push the boundaries of photography. The 3-inch Clear View LCD monitor with Live View and Face Detection Live AF Function make it easier than ever to get great results and, like all EOS models, the EOS 5D Mark II delivers powerful technologies in an intuitive and user-friendly design.

High Definition movie-making
As well as its outstanding still imaging capabilities, the EOS 5D Mark II enables you to bring your images to life in stunning quality movies by offering Full HD (1080p) video recording capability in its surprisingly compact and lightweight body. You can even shoot video directly onto memory card without losing the ability to capture still images. It is easy to view and share your movies and stills too thanks to an HDMI connection, which allows High Definition playback of footage and images on any HDTV.

Full frame quality & low light performance
The EOS 5D Mark II has a 21.1 Megapixel full frame CMOS sensor (36mm x 24mm) for the ultimate in creative shooting so you can take professional quality images that make beautiful prints even when reproduced at a large scale.

The camera's DIGIC 4 processor works alongside the sensor to provide high-speed high ISO performance, up to 6400, expandable to an incredible ultra-sensitive 25600, so you can enjoy improved performance and remarkably low noise when shooting in low light without flash. This powerful latest generation technology gives smooth gradations and natural looking colours, as well as split-second startup times and near-instant image review after shooting.

With full frame continuous shooting up to  3.9 fps and 3 auto focus modes, you'll  never miss that shot again.

With full frame continuous shooting up to
3.9 fps and 3 auto focus modes, you'll
never miss that shot again.
Click here for a larger image

Fast and Focused
The EOS 5D Mark II offers continuous shooting at 3.9 frames per second and when shooting JPEGs to a UDMA card, maximum burst is only limited by the card's capacity. It's wide-area Auto Focus (AF) system uses nine separate focusing points and 6 Assist AF points to lock onto subjects fast. As well as Manual Focus, the EOS 5D MkII offers three auto-focus modes: One-Shot AF, ideal for static subjects such as portraits and landscapes; AI Servo, great for moving subjects and keeps following the subject with predictive tracking until you take the shot; and AI Focus, which switches from One Shot to Servo when movement is detected. The center, cross-type focus point operates flawlessly in lower-light and lower-contrast settings.

Live View Function
The EOS 5D Mark II has a 3-inch Clear View VGA LCD screen offering 170° viewing angle so it is easy to use even in bright daylight.

Switching to Live View Function enables you to view your subjects directly on the LCD monitor. It's easy to magnify any part of the scene 5x or 10x for precise manual focus. You can even choose a grid overlay, perfect for keeping vertical or horizontal lines in your composition straight. Live View Function can be used remotely via a computer through a USB connection, and the included EOS Utility software.

In Live View Function you can action three Auto Focus (AF) modes: Quick mode, Live Mode and Face Detection Live. Quick mode uses the camera's standard AF system and is great for capturing action or for shooting in low light. Live mode is a contrast-based AF system that reads the sharpness of subjects right from the imaging sensor, and can be overridden by pressing the AF mode selection button. The target area for Live Mode AF is at the center by default, but it can be moved around most of the picture area with the cross keys on the back of the camera. Face Detection Live optimises the focus based on the faces it detects in the frame, making it easy to capture fast spontaneous portraits.

-  Customising the Portrait Picture Style lets you shoot with confidence. Click here for a larger image

Customising the Portrait Picture Style lets
you shoot with confidence.
Click here for a larger image

Choose your style
The EOS 5D Mark II allows you to change the look of your images by customising Picture Style settings for colour, saturation, sharpness and contrast, either in-camera or later with Canon's comprehensive software suite supplied. Six preset Picture Styles include Portrait, which provides a slightly sharp and crisp image with nice skin tones, Landscape, which emphasizes vivid blues and greens, and Monochrome to give you stunning black and white images. Canon also offers additional downloadable 'Picture Style Files' that can be installed into your camera for even more imaging options at your fingertips.

Unlock your creativity
The EOS 5D Mark II offers a choice of shooting modes. Full Auto allows you to use the camera to 'point and shoot'; Portrait, which ensures the background is out of focus and the foreground is pin sharp. Creative Auto Mode (CA) is a cross between the Basic and Program Modes allowing you to adjust the Flash, resolution, drive mode and Picture Style. You can set aperture and exposure via a slider that's adjusted with the Quick Control dial.

For more control over your images you can choose from five Program Modes.

The different modes allow you to control the look and feel of your images

The different modes allow you to control
the look and feel of your images.
Click here for a larger image

In Program AE Mode both the aperture and shutter speed are controlled by the camera but you can select other settings: With Drive Mode you can select from Single Shot, Continuous Shooting or Self-timer; Metering Mode allows you to specify the area of the image you wish the camera to use to calculate exposure; and White Balance setting means you can determine what the camera reads as white to allow for your specific lighting conditions.

Aperture Priority AE Mode (Av) mode automatically sets the shutter speed, but allows you to control depth of field by letting you choose the aperture.

Shutter Priority AE Mode (Tv) automatically sets the aperture and you select the shutter speed enabling you to change the appearance of motion in your shots.

Manual mode allows you to control both aperture and shutter speed so you have total creative freedom with your shots - great for difficult lighting situations or capturing subjects with different effects.

Bulb Exposure Mode (B) enables you to take long exposure shots using a cable release and tripod. The shutter remains open all the time your finger is on the shutter button.

In these modes you can change your ISO speed. This is the measure of the sensor's sensitivity to light. Altering it allows you to modify the exposure accordingly and gives you more freedom to be creative with your shots in different lighting conditions.

You can also pre-program up to three user-defined Custom Modes (C1, C2, C3). Using a menu system you can store the camera set up, including ISO metering pattern, white balance, shooting mode and custom function sets, so that you can automatically reselect that set up simply by choosing the appropriate Custom Mode on the dial. A sports photographer may have favorite settings for motor racing, gymnastics and tennis for example. Setting these as Custom Modes makes switching between them quick and convenient.

Reliable and compatible
The EOS 5D Mark II's robust magnesium alloy body has shutter durability of 150,000 releases and environmental seals making it highly reliable and equally suited to location or studio work. It is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards for convenient storage options. An Optional Wireless File Transmitter with External HDD and GPS compatibility is available.

Professional Software
The EOS 5D Mark II allows you to shoot in RAW format and the Digital Photo Professional software which comes free with it enables high-speed RAW image processing, fast previewing for real-time image adjustment and support for sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces. Because it is CMS (Color Management System) compatible, Digital Photo Professional allows for easy image layout and printing in Adobe RGB in conjunction with Easy-PhotoPrint and PictBridge printers.

A world of advantages from Canon technology

The EOS 5D MkII's Full Frame CMOS Sensor  & DIGIC 4 Processor combine to give  execptional performance.

The EOS 5D MkII's Full Frame CMOS Sensor
& DIGIC 4 Processor combine to give
execptional performance.
Click here for a larger image

In-built genius
The CMOS sensor lies at the heart of the EOS system. Indeed, Canon is the only camera manufacturer to produce their own sensor and years of imaging experience are borne out by the results - a range of sensors designed to perfectly match the performance requirements of each specific EOS model and superb clean detailed images with minimum noise.

The CMOS sensor's larger pixel sizes mean wider dynamic range for greater contrast and detail in shadow and highlight areas and a low-pass filter in front of the sensor suppresses the false colour and moiré that can affect high resolution digital photography.

It is extremely powerful and efficient so not only does it improve battery life giving you more shots per charge, but it also enables fast transfer of data to the processor allowing you to keep shooting continuously.

Power in your hands
Canon's latest generation of DIGIC processor, the DIGIC 4, is the brain of the camera and is responsible for the superb responsiveness of all EOS models. Faster and more powerful than it's predecessor, the DIGIC 4 processor gives exceptional performance and low noise at higher ISO speeds.

In the instant between your shot being taken and its appearance on the LCD screen, Canon's cutting-edge DIGIC technology, which was originally developed for Canon's Professional range, is racing to optimise your image.

DIGIC processors are able to analyse ultra-detailed image data gathered by the camera sensor then use this to swiftly reproduce the subtlest of tonal graduations and an exceptionally wide colour range.

When shooting in darker conditions, even if you are pushing the ISO to the limit, DIGIC processing applies sophisticated Noise Reduction algorithms - helping to eliminate graininess and preserve detail. The speed of DIGIC also means less processing time for long battery life and fast start-up times.

With over 60 lenses to choose from you'll never be short of creative options

With over 60 lenses to choose from you'll
never be short of creative options.
Click here for a larger image

EF & EF-S Lenses
Over 60 years of experience give Canon an inherent advantage when it comes to lens manufacture. EOS digital SLRs are backed up by the world's most comprehensive system of interchangeable lenses. From 15mm ultra wide angle to 800mm super telephoto, the 60+ lenses in the EF series cover all possible shooting requirements.

Canon lenses employ advanced optical expertise and micron-precision engineering to deliver unprecedented performance in all facets of the photographic process. Special optical technologies, such as aspherical, ultra-low dispersion, or fluorite elements are featured in the universally acclaimed L Series lenses. And Canon's Optical Image Stabiliser technology is featured in selected lenses to minimise the effect of camera shake.

Extend your lighting capabilities
Canon's extensive range of Speedlites can make it simple to get great results with your flash photography and can be used on or off camera to open up a range of creative possibilities. The Speedlite range is compatible with all EOS cameras and includes a choice of three standard models and two models for specialist macro use.

The self cleaning unit combats dust using ultrasonic vibrations

The self cleaning unit combats dust using
ultrasonic vibrations.
Click here for a larger image

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
This is not a stand-alone feature but a built-in system to minimize the effect of dust in high-resolution digital images - particularly appreciated by those photographers who need to change lenses frequently and in dusty environments.

Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit - A key element of minimising dust is preventing it from clinging to the front surface of the imaging sensor. To combat against this EOS cameras feature a Canon-designed Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. The low-pass filter at the front of the sensor shakes off dust automatically with ultrasonic vibrations, removing dust from the sensor assembly. A collar positioned around the sensor then collects the loosened dust. In addition to this a special coating on the front surface of the low-pass filter actually causes it to repel dust.

Dust Delete Data Detection - Any dust that still remains on the front of the sensor can be erased with software included in Digital Photo Professional software. A simple test shot of a plain, white object can be taken, using a menu setting. This Dust Delete Data image is analysed in-camera, and the location and size of any remaining dust is added to any subsequent pictures taken. This data is transmitted along with the image, whether JPEG or RAW, and can be either manually or automatically erased. This added software option ensures the cleanest possible image, perfect for printing or archiving.

Box Contains

  • EOS 5D MkII Body
  • Eyecup Eb
  • Camera Cover R-F-3Wide Strap EW-5DMKII
  • Battery Charger LC-E6E
  • Power Cord
  • Battery Pack LP-E6
  • Stereo Video Cable
  • STV-250N Interface Cable IFC-200U


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Customer Reviews

38 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.5 out of 5 stars (38 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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79 of 79 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars 5D Mark 2000, 23 Jan 2010
This review is from: Canon Digital SLR Camera EOS 5D Mark II (Electronics)
In the past I have owned the Canon 20D, and then more recently the 5D.

I've read reviews and craved this camera for a long time, and it is now finally in my grubby hands. Here's what I can say after only using it for a week:

Noticeable changes from the 5D:

- physical changes

1. It feels more sturdy and slightly bigger.
2. The screen is superb, automatically adjusts for ambient light conditions, and very clear. Zooming into photos is a real treat (if you managed to get it pin sharp, like from a tripod, it's especially stunning). I'd read about a new special coating on the screen (the same coating they now put on the front of the first sensor filter) to repel smudges etc, but it doesn't seem to do much. It does have a nice purple-blue sheen, but my nose still makes it messy after a while shooting. Note to self: shower more. Only kidding.
3. The sensor is full frame, 21MP and 14 bits per channel. This allows for smooth tones and lovely switches from light to shadow. Simply light years ahead of the 5D or any other camera (better in some comparisons I've read than even the 1Ds Mk III).
4. They moved the light button to the outside of the top lcd. Minor, but takes a second to remind myself about it.
5. The flash hotshoe is now bare metal instead of black (which ended up half metal anyway - lots of scratches from the 580 being put on and off.
6. The plastic flaps on the side that contain the ports are now way less awkward to use.
7. The main dial now has three custom fucntion sets there, which I have not used yet.
8. It's subtle, but the viewfinder is somehow more crisp - and slightly bigger. Just that bit more comfortable. And the autofocus points are that bit more easy to see without fiddling with the diopter.

- software changes
1. There is a handy feature called "highlight tone priority" in the custom functions that shifts the dynamic range to hold the highlights. It also makes the minimum ISO only 200, but I've tried it and it seems to work very well. Possibly a little more noise in the shadows, but nothing noticeable.
2. Speaking of dynamic range, I do a fair bit of HDR photography and the AEB functions are now nicely linked to the Exposure Compensation function. On one screen you can shift the exposure up or down a stop, as well as expand to bracket three exposures of +/- 2 stops. Lovely addition. As in the 5D you can shoot all three exposures automatically by using the timer.
3. Oh my god I love this feature: lens micro focus adjustment. Previously only available to lucky owners of the 1D series, this allows you to check the autofocus feature of any lens, and adjust the focus if you find it to be slightly soft (e.g. the focus is slightly behind or in front of the target). I spent 3 hours last night in full-on nerd mode, and finally figured out a way to do it simply. Skip the next bit if you're not a total optic nerd. The more in-focus an image is, the larger the file size. By varying the micro-adjustment from -20 to +20 in stages, you can later review the file sizes of the images and the one with the largest file size (if you keep all parameters the same) will be the setting with the most accurate focus. To do this, set up the camera and lens on a tripod and get it exactly perpendicular to a target. The target should fill the frame. I taped an old "start here" poster from a printer to the wall, and used a level to level the tripod. Tether the camera to a laptop and use live view shooting. Defocus the lens manually. Go into the custom functions and select the adjust by lens, and set it to -20. Then click the autofocus on the laptop to focus it. I repeat this focus click 3 times to make sure it is perfect. Then shoot 4 shots (to get an average reading). Move the micro-adjustment to -10 and repeat at intervals of 10 until you reach +20. Make sure to defocus the lens manually each time to make sure you force the autofocus to work through the problem again each time. Lets say +10 gave the largest average file size. Then go back and shoot at +5, +10, and +15. Lets say you decide +10 is still best, then go for +7, +8, +9, +10, +11 until you find the perfect focus. Nerds rejoice!! Actually it's not just nerdyness for the sake of being nerdy - I spent 3 hours on my 85mm f/1.2 last night and it is now WAY better than it was previously. It's razor thin depth of field at f/1.2 is now slightly behind where it was at it'd default (0) setting. So instead of a lovely in-focus image of an eyebrow and the tips of eyelashes, I now get the eyeball itself in clear focus. This is obviously a lens issue, but the fact that I can fix it in-camera without sending my lens off for re-calibration is a joy!!
4. In general the digic 4 system is vastly better than the digic 2 I was used to on the 5D. Menu surfing is fast and intuitive, and in no time I was used to it.
5. The main screen is now used a lot more than I realized - there is a whole lot of information that pops up between shots - and you can now navigate using the small adjustment knob, and change your ISO or metering mode that way (as well as the old way of looking through the viewfinder, or using the top lcd).
6. As much touted, you can now also shoot full HD video. This is a bit fiddly, and it's hard to get used to how to change aperture etc. Also because it's not raw (a format I use all the time) I now also have to learn about the picture style settings. Using zoom or changing focus while shooting is not advisable, because the noise of the lens (even the relatively quiet USM lenses) is simply deafening on playback. A mic can be added, which I think I would do if I got seriously into making movies on the 5D. Movie buffs are drooling over the chance to use wide aperture lenses that don't cost a trillion dollars, but for me the HD function is more of a gimmick for now. Although if I have some time on my hands, maybe I'll get into it some day. You can shoot still frames while recording, and on playback there is just a tiny glitchy moment when the camera returns momentarily to being a still frame device.

Overall this is a superb upgrade to the 5D. Aside from the size and name on the side, it's hardly the same camera at all.

Yes it's expensive, and yes the 7D seems to have similar quality photos in terms of bit depth and image size, but for me full frame functionality of this camera is the main thing. L lenses (especially the wide angle ones) only really make sense on a full frame camera. Although wildlife shooters might argue against me there.

The 5D was an amazing camera and I had years of joy with it. I look forward to years more with this one - and wonder what Canon will have to do in order to convince me to ever upgrade again.

Beg, borrow, steal. Get one!!
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31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Canon EOS 5D Mark II is easily my camera of choice over the Nikon D700, 2 Jan 2011
By 
Julian Evans "Jules" (Darkest Shropshire, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Canon Digital SLR Camera EOS 5D Mark II (Electronics)
I hope people will find this review useful. I'm one the few brave souls that has switched from Nikon to Canon in order to use this wonderful camera.

After reading many reviews and being sold the idea of owning a Nikon by a pro press photographer friend, I bought a Nikon D700 and used it for a year. I also had both 50mm f/1.4 and 70-300mm Nikkor lenses. During that year I took some good images and about 30 of them have found their way onto online stock libraries and been downloaded a few times, but I never really got on with the camera. Back in earlier years I shot weddings and portraits as a hobby and used Olympus bodies (OM1 and OM2). I did all my own processing too, so I'm not new to photographic principals. Making the switch to digital with the D700 was not a good experience for me though. Being used to to film and (as a graphic designer) daily processing high quality images on a Mac, I found 12 megapixels often a little too constraining on larger jobs (double-page spread backgrounds for instance). And the camera never really 'allowed' me to mess about creatively. It's too clinical, too exact, too Nikon. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that I fell out of love with photography for a while, and quite often left my camera at home when going out walking etc. I just knew that photographically I wouldn't get what I wanted.

OK, a lot of this has to do with my skills as a photographer, and my ability to use the Nikon to its full potential. But I think a great deal of the photographic experience is about the photographer's sensibilities, the ability to 'see' and create a striking image... without the camera getting in the way. The Nikon got in my way. I just had to sell it.

Enter the Canon EOS 5D Mark ii. Straight out of the box it's a different animal. It doesn't feel as tough as the D700 but it's forgiving, easy to use, intuitive and, above all, creative.

I have just one lens at the moment; an EF 85mm f/1.2 L ii USM. Images from it (and the camera) are staggering... and that's without any post processing.

The video is unbelievable and adds an extra dimension to an already wonderful product. RAW files are capable of use at A2 size and (despite what I've read online) you can save just RAW files on their own... not only in combination with a secondary JPEG. The manual is well written, easily understood and pocket sized.

I would use the word 'clunky' to describe Canon pro stuff. It's almost kind of 'loose' in a way. The Nikon D700 is clinical, something like a BMW... compared to the Canon, which is more like a Land Rover Defender. I know this all sounds a bit silly, but it's the way I think about things. I like to feel comfortable with what I use.

I know which car I would rather drive. And I now know which camera I would rather create with.

The Nikon D700 is a wonderful camera and no doubt it's right for many people. I'm not one of them.

So if you're the arty type, you prefer real ale and you react to things instinctively, I would heartily recommend the Canon EOS 5D. To my mind, the Nikon D700 is a hard working tool for photographers in a hurry... who probably don't like beer.

Finally: a word or ten about Amazon. I paid for express delivery and the camera took one day longer to arrive. Amazon refunded the difference between standard and express delivery immediately. These people understand the principle of retaining good customer relations. I trust them completely and would never hesitate to use them. Well done Amazon. I wish there were more companies like you on the net!
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66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Not perfect but suits me fine, 25 May 2009
By 
Vinman666 (Essex, U.K.) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   
This review is from: Canon Digital SLR Camera EOS 5D Mark II (Electronics)
I've owned the 5D Mk II for about 6 weeks now but have held off adding a review until I'd had a chance to really use it on a trip and in the studio.

Canon SLRs all have largely similar handling so if you're used to using one, the function of the buttons will be largely familiar though perhaps not located in the same place. While this means you can use it 'out of the box', a thorough review of the 200+ page manual (in a single language) is necessary to get the best out of it. It's a reasonably heavy camera and with an L series lens attached (and you'll need that quality of lens to go with the high-resolution sensor) you'll certainly notice it's been around your neck after a full day of shooting. On that subject the supplied neckstrap does draw attention, having the model number brightly displayed across it - the older ones just stated Canon EOS. On a recent trip to Paris I became uncomfortable at some of the attention it was drawing, eventually tucking it under my shirt collar to avoid being mugged.

First reaction on looking through the viewfinder is the size. This is my first full-frame DLSR and it immediately reminded me of film SLRs. As a spectacle wearer, I find I have to glance around at the corners of the frame since my first few shots surprised me with items around the edges that I'd not noticed at first, accustomed as a I have become to a smaller viewfinder image. It takes only a few minutes to get used to this and it's a reminder that the camera is a professional tool. The first major improvement from other Canon DSLRs is the rear LCD: bright, clear and detailed, it allows me finally to check detailed focus by zooming right in at full resolution. Checking focus is much more assured, leading to less missed shots. It automatically adjusts brightness for the light conditions which is great but I'd recommend using the histogram to check exposure as the auto-brightness can lead you to make assumptions about the brightness of the image itself.

Image resolution is fantastic if you have the highest quality lenses and your exposure is spot-on. The high resolution of the sensor does mean it is slightly unforgiving with regard to exposure and focus errors. In the early days of digital photography the old film experts used to recommend setting exposure compensation to slightly under-expose in order to avoid burning out highlights at all costs, assuming a similar situation to transparencies. In fact, SLIGHT over-exposure is preferable as this can be pulled back in a RAW file without introducing as much noise as brightening an under-exposed image. In my experience so far, in outdoor situations the metering tends to under-expose slightly so I've normally set the compensation to add 1/3 stop of over-exposure, occasionally increasing this to 2/3. In the studio using a flash meter and the camera on manual, exposures are bang-on so it seems to be that the matrix metering is under-exposing.

I mentioned noise in that last paragraph so let's talk about that next as it's bound to be one of the selling points of the camera. I'm afraid I've not used any of the latest Nikons so I can't make a comparison to high-ISO noise performance on a D700, which is the logical equivalent. What I can say is that the noise is significantly lower than any other Canon DLSR I've ever used (I've 3 other bodies). In fact one of the very first pictures I took was of my cat indoors. I was marvelling at the resolution of the image having loaded it into Lightroom but looking at the metadata suddenly realised that the camera default setting is automatic ISO selection and this image had been taken at ISO 3200. And I hadn't noticed because there was no noise!

What I've found since is that noise is only really noticeable between ISO 1600 and 6400 if the image is under-exposed or, if the image has a wide contrast range, in shadows. Setting the in-camera noise reduction to Strong reduces this with no obvious degradation to quality. The type of image I tend to shoot is landscape and portrait so light is generally either plentiful or the camera is on a tripod so low-light photography is not something I do regularly. However this takes me back to the weight with a heavy lens attached: on a number of occasions I've bumped up the ISO to get a faster shutter speed to avoid camera shake. In good lighting this has minimal effect on image quality.

Overall, the image quality is good enough for A3 sized prints without having to add significant sharpening and could probably be a lot larger still. With images taken using studio flash and a tripod, the amount of detail captured in clothing, hair and skin is incredible. Depending on the quality of the skin, this can increase the amount of post-production required!

In order to provide a balanced review, I have to say that anyone who shoots mainly sports or action might be disappointed with the maximum frame rate and the autofocus is not ideal for tracking moving subjects so I'll keep my 40D for those situations. Also the video mode is of no real interest to me (I still haven't tried it); the design of an SLR is not really suited to video and the lack of full autofocus would be an issue for me as I suffer from astigmatism. When focussing manually I tend to hunt backwards and forwards before finding the point of focus - not something you want captured on video! Occasionally I also miss a built-in flash, which is useful for a fill-in for outdoor portraits. Canon have recently announced a new compact flashgun which could be good as the 580EX takes up quite a big space in my bag.

To sum up, this camera provides the image quality of a 1DS Mk III at a lower price and probably better high ISO performance. For landscape and portraiture it's everything I want, but I've a fairly large set of Canon system lenses and accessories so swapping to Nikon is not an option. It's not ideal for everyone but hopefully this review will help you decide whether it suits your needs.
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