Digital Home Thoughts: Canon EOS 5D Mark II Hands-on Preview

"Back in August 2005 Canon 'defined a new DSLR category' (their words) with the EOS 5D. Unlike any previous 'full frame' sensor camera, the 5D was the first with a compact body (i.e. not having an integral vertical grip) and has since then proved to be very popular, perhaps because if you wanted a full frame DSLR to use with your Canon lenses and you didn't want the chunky EOS-1D style body then the EOS 5D has been your only choice. Three years on and two competitors have turned up in the shape of the Nikon D700 and Sony DSLR-A900, and Canon clearly believes it's time for a refresh. So here is the 5D Mark II, which punches high in terms of both resolution and features, headlining: 21 megapixels, 1080p video, 3.0" VGA LCD, Live view, higher capacity battery. In other words, a camera that aims to leapfrog both its direct rivals, either in terms of resolution (in the case of the D700) or features (in the case of the DSLR-A900)."

If you're one of those people who have been patiently waiting three full years for an upgrade to the Canon 5D, your wait is over. And, from what I can tell, the wait is worth it: this is one bad-ass camera. 1080p h.264 video capture? Nice. Canon has stepped up with this camera and it gives the Nikon D700 a serious run for it's money - and surpasses it in some ways. The body-only list price of $2699 USD is even $200 less than the D700! So who's interested in this camera? Come on, raise your hand...