The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is a full-frame DSLR with a 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 1080p Full HD video recording, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, DIGIC 4 processor, native ISO 100โ6400 (expandable to ISO 50โ25600), and a shutter rated to 150,000 actuations โ all in a 810g body using the Canon EF lens mount.
Key Specifications
- Sensor: 36.0 ร 24.0 mm full-frame CMOS, 21.1 megapixels, 6.41 ยตm pixel pitch
- Processor: DIGIC 4
- ISO Range: Native ISO 100โ6400, extended ISO 50โ25600
- Autofocus: 9-point AF system
- Burst Rate: 3.9 fps at full resolution
- Video: 1920ร1080 Full HD at up to 30 fps
- Shutter: 1/8000sโ30s, rated to 150,000 actuations
- Viewfinder: Optical, 98% coverage, 0.71ร magnification
- LCD: 3-inch, 920,000-dot fixed screen
- Lens Mount: Canon EF lenses โ full compatibility with the entire EF ecosystem
- Storage: CompactFlash (CF) card slot
- Battery: LP-E6, rated ~850 shots per charge
- Body: Magnesium alloy, weather-sealed, 152 ร 114 ร 75 mm, 810g
What makes the Canon 5D Mark II special?
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II was one of the first DSLRs to shoot 1080p Full HD video with a full-frame sensor, which made it enormously popular with independent filmmakers and videographers. That full-frame sensor advantage is real โ a 36.0 ร 24.0 mm chip with 21.1 megapixels and a 6.41 ยตm pixel pitch captures noticeably more light per pixel than smaller APS-C sensors, which shows in smoother gradients and better performance at higher ISOs.
Compared to the Canon 5D Mark III, the Mark II gives up a more advanced 61-point AF system, better burst speeds, and a dual-card slot โ but in terms of image quality for static subjects like landscapes and portraits, the gap is smaller than you'd expect. The DXO Score of 79, a color depth of 23.7 bits, and a dynamic range of 11.9 EV are figures that still hold up well for careful, tripod-based work. The Canon 6D is a lighter and more modern alternative with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, but the 5D Mark II's larger grip and more robust build feel more confidence-inspiring for extended professional use.
If you're coming from a crop-sensor Canon EF camera like the 7D or 80D, the 5D Mark II is a straight full-frame upgrade โ every Canon EF lens you own works perfectly. The weather-sealed magnesium alloy body also means it's genuinely usable outdoors in difficult conditions, not just on sunny days.
Who is the Canon 5D Mark II for?
The 5D Mark II suits photographers working in portraiture, landscapes, weddings, and documentary video. Its 21.1-megapixel full-frame sensor and weather-sealed construction deliver reliable results for controlled shooting situations. The 9-point AF system and 3.9 fps burst rate make it less suitable for fast action or sports photography.
