The Canon EOS 5D is a nice evolution of the previous model with significant changes at the sensor, processor, or in the viewfinder with the ability to shoot movies in Full HD. However, these changes are primarily internal and the interface of the new model does not seem to have changed dramatically. The owners of a 5D will be immediately comfortable, but we would have liked the changes further.

 

 

 

 

 Canon EOS 5D Mark II test

The first notable change is the barrel of exposure modes. It is enriched by two additional customizable modes and the famous mode CA (Creative Auto), which appeared on the EOS 50D. If it may seem superfluous, the first two and can prove very useful to quickly switch to a mode set for night photography or black and white for example.

The Canon EOS 5D now has three modes C1, C2 and C3 customizable.

On the left shoulder, you will find 3 double commands to set the light metering, white balance, autofocus, the engine, the sensitivity and the flash exposure compensation. These dual controls (one button to change two parameters depending on whether the wheel or the wheel on the handle is used) are not obvious at first. Fortunately, help is displayed on the rear LCD panel for ease of handling. Attention those accustomed to the settings of the 5D will likely be a bit surprised at the change of use of the keys (same as the 50D). Indeed, the previous model, the pairs of settings are autofocus, white balance, motor-sensitivity and measurement of light-exposure compensation. It will therefore certainly a little time to get used to these changes.

The back of the case is largely occupied by a stately and comfortable 3-inch LCD (920,000 dots) VGA display. We note at the bottom of the screen a small cell that automatically adjusts the screen brightness according to ambient lighting. A convenient feature, but sometimes misleading to estimate (without using the histogram) exposure of an image.

We will detail the game menus in the next chapter, but it is interesting to note that the new  Canon EOS 5D has a display screen that allows you to adjust settings directly on the rear LCD panel. The INFO button. summarizes the various parameters of shooting (see above) and click on the Joystik can move on options. The values are then modified using the encoder. A new AF-ON is also emerging. It enables autofocus in Live View mode with contrast or conventional development without pressing the shutter button. On the left, the direct print button is stamped Desomer a new logo and moves easily in Live View mode.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II test 

Who says new battery grip generally said again. This is the case with the  Canon EOS 5D has a new battery grip BG-E6 (just under 300 euros).
Storage

The EOS 5D Mark II still retains its Compact Flash slot. Too bad the box still does not have a double slot to accommodate also SD / SDHC cards or other CF card in order to separate the raw JPEG or make a flurry of one card to another.

Conclusion

The Canon EOS 5D is a nice evolution of the 5D full frame DSLR first "affordable". Apart from the autofocus system and measurement of light, all the features of 5D were revised upward: full-frame sensor at 21 megapixels, sensitivity up to ISO 25600, dustproof, DIGIC 4, gusting to 3.9 frames per second, 98% viewfinder, LCD high-definition 3-inch 920,000 dots, Full HD video mode (1920x1080 pixels, 30 frames / s), mini-HDMI output, compatible with UDMA cards, auto focus adjustable automatic correction brightness, high-priority mode light and vignetting correction ... It was time to catch up to three years behind the previous model. This was done, and pretty way.

If the Canon EOS 5D now faces other competitors (Nikon D700, Sony Alpha 900), the case is once again a reference to the world of digital SLR for the first time with a full HD video mode with power separate sound. While this feature is still in its infancy (autofocus ineffective, handling of sensitive reflex camera mode, the built of poor quality, sensitivity ...), probably perfectible but probably presages the shift that all manufacturers will operate in coming months.

The image quality is at an appointment with a record definition and treatment of noise particularly effective and perfectly usable up to ISO 6400. A great performance that will be forgotten a few things as regrettable autofocus is not up to the claims of the case, the burst mode limited to 3.9 f / s or the lack of flash. Sports enthusiasts can thus forget the 5D Mark II in favor of an EOS 1D Mark III much more comfortable in this area.
The Canon EOS 5D is still a great case, relatively versatile, capable of good video and image quality rarely seen. It is therefore a recommended without hesitation.