I've been a professional industrial photographer for more than 30 years. I use a 5D Mark IV but still carry Mark IIs as backups. Totally agree that the Mark II is still a great stills camera. People get so strung out on pixel counts and dynamic ranges and yet to this day some of my best work was on Mark II and even previous 1DS I and IIs. What people miss is that a lower dynamic range forces you to light properly and sometimes it's better to let some shadows go. I think a lot of photography these days is compromised by an obsession with dynamic range and seeing into the shadows. So much out there has an HDR/CGI look. Just to explain what I mean, look at Bladerunner. They let the shadows go and the cinematography was incredible. Compare that to the Star Wars CGI prequels which were ghastly. I know that was early days of CGI but explains my point about how seeing every detail in every shadow is often a bad thing.
Completely agree! You almost get the sense that newer camera bodies are designed more for "scientific tests" rather than real world application. Not to discount the usefulness of in depth ISO/color depth/dynamic range tests etc, but if my 12 year old camera yields images that are just as satisfying to clients as a brand new camera, that says something. Thanks again for watching!
I’m guilty of this. I was on the lookout for a camera with higher dynamic range (still am but not a big priority as before). In the mean time, my 5DMkii has taught me a lot on compromising what is needed or not. Shadows give my subjects depth and dimension and I learned to love it. My 5D2 has a special place in my heart, bought it for cheap at 18k SC 2 years ago and now paid for itself multiple times. Once I retire it, it’ll get a glass box as my trusty workhorse.
Why would you need a backup? If you've been a pro for 30 years you'd know that the odds that a Canon camera failing is practically zero. They don't break or malfunction. Unless you abuse your equipment then I'd say better keep two on hand.
That's a very pertinent question. I'm annoyed with Canon on this issue as they don't offer any easy route to this solution. U have to do it through a complex method using the EOS Utilities. I tried but failed. However, I found one third party application browsing the net and use it to figure out the shutter counts of my two Canon DSLRs namely the legend EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 70D.
@@kobito610 Maybe if you install Magic Lantern, it can give you a shutter count? The version for my 6D does show the shutter count, both for normal and live view shots
We still look at, and enjoy pictures taken over 120 years ago, on practically stone age cameras. So long as the image is good and has meaning, or provokes an emotional response, then it's relevant and always will be. Doesn't matter what you take the picture on
You know what's really obsolete? - People buying new cameras and taking awful pictures. I mean, that just doesn't change over time. 8-10-12 core processor, 1000 pic buffer, 10 000 focus points, touch screen, neural engines, AI and all that. And all that fancy tech is getting old a year after its release. While a camera as a tool never gets old.
As if you've never taken an awful photo. ;) That being said, I get annoyed with people who think technology will save them. Those are scientists and not photographers.
cant stand street photographers these days walking around with the latest camera model running their continuos shootig motordrives for a shitty ass frame
raijaku rei 7d is consider the semi-pro, and always about your use cases. Night photography 7D may not be a good choice anymore. I got a 5d mk3 and i got a 50mm f/1.2 on it. It seems after 3200 iso it is hard to justify anything higher
@@huzainijai1184 I used the 7d as my main professional camera a year ago. It was their sports camera behind the 1D. it has a crop sensor, but built like a tank
I bought one in 2018 for 700 dollars. Didn't feel overcharged because the shutter count was only 5k. Didn't have any scratch on it, it was actually as good as new. As an enthusiast, I use it for landscape, lifestyle and indoor portrait photography. I'm going to use as long as it lasts (hear that this camera can crank up 500k shutter actuations or even more). My average use in a year is around 12k shots. So, this is the best choice available to me for years to come. Why? Simply because I don't need the additional features of newer cameras for my purposes. Proud of this legendary friend of mine.
Just got a mark ii a couple of weeks ago, makes me feel like I did when I got my first SLR as a teenager. Back to considering the important things in photography, composition and light, couldn’t be happier, it makes amazing images. Long live the mark ii.
Thank you for this video. I bought my Canon 5D MII about 4 years ago. I got a great deal on a very 'low mileage" camera. I got it home and started looking at the menu and thought, this is old compared to my other Canons. I had no Idea it was as old as it is when I bought it. I wanted a full frame camera. I already own quite a few crop Canons. I love the camera and don't have any issues with anything seeming obsolete. You confirmed what I thought about quite a few things. Being an amateur, I don't know if there's things about this camera that are obsolete. I'm glad I stumbled on this video! My biggest concern about the age is the fact that it doesn't take SD cards. No problem! I recently picked up a nice 32GB CF card. I have great lenses so I should be good for a while. Thanks again!!
Congrats on the purchase! I bought a D700 yesterday it's the also 11 years old but damn the jump to FF after using crop sensor is worth it even if the camera isn't the newest.
It was a $2500 full frame to be fair lol. The same age APS-C like the 40d are much less impressive and show their age more. The 5D MK2 had high re and big sensor so good even today and still beats modern APS-C at low light
Join photography forums and buy them in the used section. I got one with the official canon grip, 2 proper canon batteries and 8500 shutter count for £315 which is roughly $400
I have a Canon 1Ds II. I bought it (new) in 2007 and it was manufactured around 2005, which makes it at least 15 years old. Apart from some issues regarding the CF and SD cards it will accept, it works perfectly and produces the most 'film-like' images I've ever had from a DSLR. Don't upgrade because a new camera came out. Use the one you have until you can't get what you need from it any more.
I still love my 5D MKII as well. I have a 5D MKIII but prefer the feel in my hand of the 5D MKII. Canon built these things like a tank. I routinely print 17x22 out of my Canon Prograf pro 1000, and the pictures are absolutely breathtaking. Like you could reach through and touch the subject. Every time I print, I'm still in awe of the results I get from this combination.
Still use my 5d2 commercially, it is cosmetically battered, and has around 110k shutters but it was very much ahead of it's time, stick a good prime on it, it still is a great all rounder! Stop upgrading your gear guys!
I shot weddings with a 5DMkII and a 5Dc for years up until a week ago when I got a Sony body. I will always love those early 5D bodies. They make some beautiful images!
I went the same way quite a few years ago, 5dII to a7, to a7II. never felt that my pictures were going in the right direction so iv sold the lot and gone back to a 5D and a 5DII bodys. oh well haha
This camera was a game changer when introduced and still is relevant! There were many movies shot with this body being used as a B/C camera. I have two 5D MKII's that were rebuilt by Canon several years ago. At that time, each body had 500k+ actuations, and it made sense financially to rebuild. Now they are virtually brand new. Although I have moved on to the R system for my business, I leave one 5DII in my studio, and I am about to use the other in a camera trap.
purchased mine in 2010, i'm not a professional, but have done paid gigs on it - video mainly. It has travelled all over the world in backpacks, dirtbike riding, etc. I stopped caring about it around 7 years ago, but it just keeps going. Battery life is awesome, photo quality fantastic. it's been wet in rain plenty of times, dust, dirt, etc. Tough bastard. Main lenses 70-200 2.8 and 50mm 1.4, however the 24-120 f4 lens is the best for video on it. I haven;t used it for video for years, but i can't kill it and it still gets used fairly regularly and I haven't seen the need to upgrade.
Here is my story. I have Canon’s both 5D Mark 2 and T4i. Both discontinued by Canon in 2012/2013. I had been using my T4i for the last 7 years and wanted to have a 6D Mark 2. I managed 1400 dollars for it. But, at the same time, I found a second hand 5D Mark 2 with all of its accessories in 600 dollars. It gave me an opportunity to buy camera and lens (70-200 F4L) and all of its accessories as a complete set with the same price. So, I bought it and took almost 3000 pictures by it so far. Here is my opinion. Now I use both. I love Canon T4i’s 1.6 crop factor. T4i is a cheap APS-C camera but it has Night Mode and HRD mode. I found good use of these and use both of the modes. I wish 5D Mark 2 would have these. I also love T4i’s touch screen a lot. Specially it’s on screen zoom. I find T4i has a better ISO performance. On the other hand, 5D is a very solid camera and I used it may times under rain and snow. I also found good use of its fast 1/8000 shatter speed. It helped me to take pictures on very sunny days with my 1.8 and 1.4 lens wide open. I feel 5D is a special portrait camera. Or rather I should say an excellent portrait camera. It’s smooth pictures out perform T4i. But T4i’s HRD/Night Mode outperforms 5D Mark 2’s landscape and wildlife pictures. Thanks.
Great video! I am the proud owner of a 5D Mark II and this thing still works like a charm. I bought a 5D MKIII to replace it in 2013 but never had the heart to sell it because it was still an amazing camera in my opinion. It is still my main body and I use it interchangeably with a Nikon D800E although the latter is like 7 years newer!
Bought my 5D Mark II in September 2019 with...wait for it...1,288 clicks! I have used it at two weddings, several senior photo shoots, events, etc and it has never let me down! I even got a newer EOS R and I still use the 5D!
Used the 5d mk2 for 6 or 7 years now. Never regretted on buying it and never wanted a newer "better" camera. I feel the 5d mk 2 has soul, where never cameras are to perfect and i feel like im on autopilot.
I've been shooting on a Rebel T2i for the last 3 years, and finally decided to pull the trigger on a 5D Mk2, it is practically brand new, only has 9000+ total shutter clicks for $500. I'm really excited to make a jump to a full frame camera with almost double the features of my Rebel.
Good commentary especially about the pixel counts. I used to do wedding photography and started with the 5D, then upgraded to the 5D Mark 2 which I still use other I don't do professional work anymore. Even though the upgrade from 5D to Mark 2 was a significant increase in resolution 12MP to 22MP the real benefit was noise reduction at higher ISOs. The Mark 2 performed as well at 1600 for noise as the original 5D did at 800. If Canon had kept the resolution the same on the newer 5D (3 and 4) but made those same noise improvements I'd be interested. But looking at all the graphs and sample photos the noise improvements above 1600 ISO just isn't there to justify the newer cameras. The only issue with the 5D Mark 2 is very low level light autofocus. I always use the center focus point because I want to select the focus not leave it up to the camera even if it means recomposition. This is another area where lens choice matters as you spoke about. The faster lens improves on this problem, which really isn't that bad especially since Canon flashes provide infrared to assist. In fact, my recommendation is invest in L glass instead of a more expensive body and you'll be happier with the results and solve most of the complaints. Finally, deficiencies in Dynamic Range can be resolved in post processing, and depending on subject, with flash. Again looking at technical reviews it looks like the dynamic range improvments with the newer cameras is only about a half stop -- hard to justify.
My MKII keep gas in the 911 and new sails on the sloop. I used it last week for headshots on location and it performed flawlessly. (My MKIV served as a backup!) I have made point of purchase posters over seven feet tall with the MKII. This is possible with today's s stochastic printing process. Years ago we need 300 DPI for commercial work printed on a printing press- today that barrier is flexible to some extent. We certainly don't need 300dpi for every project. The 5D MK IV however is a pro's best friend. I used it for some illustrative photos of high-end eyeglasses frames for an assignment last week and its truly a fantastic camera. The level and angle feature allows a careful studio photographer to level the camera perfectly as a starting point for critical work. The MK IVs image quality is spectacular. The bottom line is the best camera is the one you have in your possession. Use it and make photos.
I had a 5DII for a while and was my entrance to full frame shooting. What a camera, and to think of it's age, it still puts many modern cameras to shame. I moved up to the EOS-R which is a great camera. Great vlog & quite agree that you don't really need more than 20Mp.
pre-ordered my 5D2 in August 2008, took delivery Dec 5 same year. 11 years later, still have not found any reason to trade for a newer body. if you can't "get the shot" with the 5D2 (unless you are taking pro sports and need the higher frame rate), you simply do not know how to use your equipment. it is THAT good.
Great review, man! I've been thinking about buying a 5d mark II, here in Italy that camera is dirt cheap (from around 300/350 to 500 euros) and you absolutely convinced me!
I still love my 5D Mark II and I will never sell it. Image quality and color depth are so good and satisfying. The camera can produce amazing b&w pictures with a very good variety grey tones. Colors are just perfect and if you marry it with a good lens, you're the winner. BTW I think that if this camera was able to take professional and perfect pictures in the past, well, nothing changed. Printing a fine art picture or using it for the web publishing or magazines.... the 5D mark II can do everything and please... This is a camera to make pictures, if you need to produce a video, buy a video-camera. my opinion.
Excellent! I found one on Ebay in brand new condition with less than 2,000 clicks, for $600. It will be here in two days and I can’t wait. Also getting Canon’s 135mm f/2 L lens. What better way to spend a Christmas bonus??
Great video. I have a 5D classic and a MKii. I used to have a MKiii as well. Yeah. The Markiii had better auto focus on moving subjects and a few other perks, but I always felt the noise on higher ISO was worse in the MKiii. The MKii is my workhorse for personal use and I will never get rid of the 5D Classic because it is so unique in it's visuals.
Does the MKII retain the same unique visuals in the images as the MKI? I have the MKI, but planning to move up to MKII. (that does not mean letting go of MKI, though, I am fond of it)
@@gkiss2030 Sadly no. The sensor and simplicity of the 5D Classic was truly unique. I no longer have mine. It died after a long and good life. I still use the MKii, but it is now my back up on paid gigs for the MKIV. The mark II is still a great camera that holds up well and you will make great photography with it. But that 5D classic is a one of a kind. I say get the markII but take the classic out for a spin once in awhile in the same way my grandad drove a Volvo daily and on weekends took out his old thunderbird convertible.
@@patricklgreen Thank you very much for this info. I intend to keep the 5D in any case. So, even these days, one can get paid gigs with the MKII? I mean, is it very much sufficient for them?
@@gkiss2030 21 MP full frame that was good enough to film Captain America, Iron Man 2 and Black Swan (among others) on? I think it is up to the task for a protog. For less than the price of a Sony a7iii body you can get a used MKII or Nikon D600 with extra batteries and good glass. A portrait photographer has the ability to start their career there and create a happy clientele. I can count on one hand how many camera bodies I have bought new.
@@gkiss2030 One last thing. I am not one who says gear doesnt matter, but if you have good composition, good glass, know your lighting and speedlight techniques, there is no reason someone could not book paid gigs with an older camera like a 5D ii or a Nikon D600. Heck, I am friends with a guy who goes to Kent state and is getting portrait sessions with his 5D classic. If this is something you wanna do....keep shooting, keep homing the skill of photography and worry not about the gear. :)
I bought my 5D2 about two years ago for around $250. It was beaten up but still functions very well. I mainly play around with the MagicLantern firmware for the raw video. This camera is just amazing. So much fun to use.
Been watching RUclips Videos ever since the 5Dm2 came out and this might be the single most convincing video I've watched so far. Just ordered one ($280), can't wait to play around with it. Thanks for the vid, will check out your other stuff
I love the way you put this. I just upgraded to this camera from a rebel T7 and I was so excited until I saw all of these videos where people were crapping on this camera, but this definitely makes me feel better.
also just knowing where to aim the camera really helps autofocus speed
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It's very simple. This camera was so ahead of its time that it's as if it was launched in 2015. I have one and I totally love this marvellous piece of engineering.
My photography is on a budget, so my 5d mk2 was a viable option in to full frame. Got to say I swear by mine and love it. Couldn't imagine not using it now.
The 5D Mark II is still a great camera. I own two myself. I have recently upgraded to the 5DIV and 5DsR and in all honesty am considering going back to just 5D II bodies. The main reason is they still get the job done and the files have a certain look to them. As a camera to use the 5D Mark II is so simple it just get out of your way. I know how to run the 5DIV and 5DsR bodies and have tested them, calibrated lenses and no doubt they are great cameras. The just seem to be missing something for me. Not 100% on what I am going to do but if I do sell on the newer bodies I will most likely end up adding a 1Ds III to the 5DII bodies in the kit. It has the same sensor and IQ but you gain a 2nd card slot and slightly better AF which now and again is handy.
@@AbbasBinYounas Hi. Yes they do. They have a less clinical look to them and feel more organic .. as daft as that may sound. The 5DIV and 5DsR are better with colour out of the gate but the 5DII files have something about them.
still using it till now, no need auto focus, i shoot completely manual for interior mostly not moving object. personally i invest on lens and lighting 👌👌
One thing is that Magic Lantern adds some great functionality to the 5D Mk 2 and 3... There's a real difference in functionality adding some neat things that are really helpful. For that alone you should get your hands on these things.
There is a beta version of ML also for the 5D Classic. Wanting to test it in a few days. Apparently, the focus peaking feature (while in playback mode, as Live View is not available on the 5DC in any case) could be a game changer.
This photography video is shocking. Everything this gentleman said made perfect sense. That makes it a rare ray of rationality in a world of the absurd.
Do they still make oem batteries for this thing? Will the batteries in newer cameras from the same line work in it? I'm considering buying one, and this is my only comcern.
@@mikeyb3315 1. Print is much more detailed than any digital way of publishing images. Differences in resolution can be seen way beyond 20, or 30, or even 60 megapixels. 2. The 5D2 produces inherently soft images. This has got more to do with the crap quality AA filter than actual resolution, but more resolution helps negate that.
@@ChrisThe1 A premium quality print is usually 300dpi. The 5D Mark II shoots enough resolution to create an A3 image at 300dpi. For larger formats, such as billboards, the dpi usually reduces as the extra resolution is lost on the eye from a distance. For example the human eye can only see 90dpi at 3 meters. Hope this helps!
Great video Jordan, I bought a 5d Mark II a couple weeks ago and while comparing it to the mark III at work the autofocus with the 50mm 1.4 USM is only a tad slower. I'm very impressed with this camera.
Even the lowly 10D can still knock out pictures that are worth looking at. However, I was seduced by the in-body stabilisation of the Pentaz K10D and K20D for use with old manual lenses, which meant every lens had a stabiliser, in effect. I finally decided to get a FF dSLR and picked up a 5DmkII just a couple of weeks ago. Thing I loved about it right away was the muscle memory I had from thousands of pics shot on the 10D - it's great that Canon changed so little between models. I'd even re-configured my Pentax bodies to mimic, as far as possible, the ergos of the 10D. When I first picked up the 10D, it was as if that camera was made for me, that's how good the Canon ergos are.
Very good video. Thank you for reminding us all of the beauty of this camera. Nowadays we often forget how powerful our "old" tools are. Since there's a lot of hype going on about the R and the R5... - I use my 5D Mk II since 5 years for work and my clients are still happy with my content. ;-)
I agree with your statements. I bought an original A7 last year, because it fits my needs, i never need more than 24 MP and the sensor is great. Plus, i can adapt all the great lenses my father gave to me without any problems - and those lenses create the feel of the images.
I don't have a 5D II but I did buy a used 50D. I chose that because the 50D is the last XXD body with a magnesium alloy body, a joystick, and supports CF which is really handy for recording MLV raw. These older Canon cameras with magic lantern are just way better for video thanks to raw support.
@@JordanPhotoAudio Yes true. People are like go for the Sony A6600 with IBIS and everything in between but that crappy 4k 8-bit is nothing compared to upto 3.7k 14-bit raw on the 50D with the latest magic lantern experimental build
the 40d is also a great camera and with great canon colours. if you are interested in the bigger sensor then the 5d mkii is a really good choice, imo.
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I'm shooting on 400D. Used. 10 megapixels. Stock lens and sometimes the nifty fifty. It is perfectly fine and looks amazing if you expose correctly. You don't need continuous autofocus, you need to know when to take a shot and set up your exposure right. I am upgrading to 5D mark II so I can record videos for my own memories.
My heartiest felicitations to you for this great briefing. I agree with all the main points that you mentioned. Resolution, focusing point, dynamic range and so forth. Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the legendary DSLR like the SLRs of the good olden days when an enthusiast photographer spent his entire life with a single SLR. That’s why I bought this legend in late 2018 for US$ 600/- just in order to use it so long as it keeps shooting. Luckily, I got it new. I know for sure that its images will be easily comparable to those shot with the latest camera even in 2025. Rather, the 5D II images will beat them in the IQ department as this DSLR possesses the perfect standard features for turning out stellar images. One thing must be borne in mind; in order to get the maximum quality off this camera, one must shoot in RAW and subsequently; process the captures the way he/she desires using appropriate applications. High pixel count is simply a promotional gimmick aimed at non-photographers who are convinced that higher resolution means better camera while, actually it’s the opposite. Bigger pixels capture more light and produce cleaner images with less noise - that’s the basic physics which can never be offset by anything else. Even a 12 megapixel full-frame camera like Canon EOS 5D would produce clean and detailed images suitable enough for billboard size prints.
Your examples of criticism of this camera come straight out of "DPreview" forums, where every house cat/grand child "photographer" keeps moaning about his DSLR just not living up to their expectations. Good video btw.
I’m mainly a portrait photographer, and I must say that the autofocus on the 5D MII does slow down my workflow. It’s also frustrating especially when you’re trying to nail focus on the eyes of the subject. But I still love it, and I’ll only upgrade it to an EOS RP just cause it’s lighter and has eye-AF.
I have a Nikon FM2n manual film camera that was introduced in 1982. It takes great photos only because I spent time learning the basics of photography. It challenges me to slow down, to properly compose, to consider light and shadows. You too can learn to shoot great photos on the EOS 5D my turning off the display, setting the camera to manual and avoid turning on the display so you can spend more time looking at the back of your camera instead of your subject.
Forgot to mention one interesting aspect of using this legendary DSLR! As a proud owner of Canon 5D II, I frequently use it for landscape photography and friends and family informal gatherings. It's only the photographers asking about the camera model, never the common people or the subjects I'm photographing. To them all DSLRs look the same. They are only concerned about the image quality of the captures. Needless to say, no complaints in that area. Again, the issues raised against this camera now are mostly unfounded. These days I use it for wildlife photography as well. The only missing link here is the burst rate. But I know this and that's why use it for static wildlife subjects. For action shots like birds in flight or a running antelope; I use a faster APS-C body. Therefore, it's due to 5D II's huge advantages that prompted me to buy this 10 yr old workhorse in late 2018. As I got it almost new luckily, planning to use it for at least ten years. Did I mention the shutter actuation capacity? In real practice, it imparts 3/4 times more than what it is actually rated by manufacturer. I know this first hand.
its best budget choice for full frame dslr.. image quality, grading skin tone is very good.. worry free on high iso. but have problem in color lcd in acurate.. and white balance on this camera is not so perfect and you must set to manual kelvin and wb shift correction
I'm using it now and hope to continue for at least five years more or even longer. 20 mp is absolutely correct or appropriate for a 35mm full frame sensor. I've seen images of 5DIV and EOS R5. Sorry, to me 5DII images look better.
Yes, about the Dynamic Range the T8i has one stop more dynamic range at 100 ISO but as you go up in ISO the T8i falls apart and the 5D mark II takes over. How? Why are we not getting better Apsc performance in 2023?
What people often fail to see is, that a good camera doesn't get bad, just because there's something newer on the market. The old one is still great. Heck, most amateurs can't even utilize all the cameras capabilities. They buy the new one, because "it takes better pictures".
I have a 5d Mark IV and upgraded to it because the shutter on my Mark II died at approximately 225K exposures even though it exceeded its rated 150K exposures. It lived through the Mark III years. I still have the body and have considered having it sent to New Jersey for repairs...but they charge a lot.
Currently i have Canon 450D and i want to upgrade, but i can't really decide what to get, but i want to stay in the Canon system. I was suggested from other photographers to get a 7DM2, 6DM1/M2, 5DM3 or i should skip ff dslr and go straight to RP because it's cheaper. For now im shooting portraits, sometimes when others hire me for weddings and events like that i also started exploring night photography to see how i will like it. One of my biggest complains for the 450d is the night performance, the max iso is 1600, but i don't like to push it to it's limits because it starts to show grain, so the highest i go is 800 and in situations when im shooting night portraits i use 50mm f/1.8, but the focusing is bad at night, if it doesn't have enough light i have to use manual focus. So what is your suggestion which camera should i choose? And also you didn't mention anything about the night performance on the 5DM2, how is it at night, autofocus, how far can you push the iso without showing any grain?
So for stuff like night shots, high iso, etc, the 5D II will be hugely, dramatically better than your 450D. As for what to upgrade to, I have only one suggestion: Don't buy APSC. If you're gunna invest in a better camera body, go for one that actually enhances your lenses' image output. Going from a 450d to a 7d II simply won't improve image quality, just af speed etc. Whatever you get, go full frame. Even if it's Nikon 🤷♂️ haha
What about Nikon D610? I picked it up for $450 with 12k shutter in mint condition and I love that camera. It is still in production and has good workflow and iq.
I had this camera as my first full frame with the nifty fifty and it was an amazing experience. Till this day it's still an amazing camera for photographers. The only thing I can complain about is the dynamic range compared to the Nikon D600 which is the camera I have right now and it's also an entry level full frame camera, but nonetheless worth the price for the picture quality and the colours (around 500usd here in Argentina being the cheapest ff after the first 5d)
At the end I thinks is about knowing your camera as a tool and the situation you're using it. Knowing what you can do and what you can't do with it. I don't shoot Canon but Nikon and I've a Nikon D2X from 2004 that I used as my second body with my D610 until I get a Z6 and I even continue using it for some weddings and jobs I make in a fine arts school in my city, it is so tought and well balanced, the ISO is a bit low until 800 but I find it's well controlled and pleasant, the color quality is for me something out of this world, the best I've ever see in a digital camera, so good that I continue using its LR color profiles with my D610 and Z6.
It's a great camera, no doubt. This camera is one of the most important over the last 12 years as it added HD movie capability to a DSLR. It positioned Canon as the leader in hybrid cameras, well beyond other manufacturers. It was a breakthrough camera. And you are correct, 21MP is great.
I'm sort of confused. iPhone 11 = 1792 x 828 pixel screen Canon 5DM2 (Raw) = 5,616 × 3,744 As per your argument, of 14x the resolution, is that without image loss? The DPI can be a little upscale/downscale here as well. Traditional wisdom says thats a 3.13 x 4.5 factor on each axis. Where did you calculate 14x?
Mine has been in South East Asia for 3 years on the back of a motor bike. In the rain. In high humidity. Still working and as sharp as a tack. They are cheap and the battery lasts forever.
Megapixels are relevant... the more you have, the bigger the hard disk that you need, the more you have to pay for cloud storage, and the slower they will open/edit/save during processing... you may also need to custom resize them for web use. I found that the sweet spot is 12-18 Mp for me personally. One more thing, if you need the resolution for cropping, do not crop your photos, take notes on the ones you would have cropped and compose them better next time, I have learned this technique recently and helped me a lot
Good points. I have both, A Sony A7iii and 5D2. I have the 5D2 for 10 years. Bottom line 5D2? Too many shots are ruined from out of focus or camera shake with unsharp images. Colors are off in non ideal lighting. Night work is well, forget it unless you use a tripod. Low effective ISO. - max is 1250 and grainy at that. I cringe at 1250, but 640 is safe. In an age of high ISO native cameras, this makes it challenging like using regular film. Video can be substandard if not really planned well. Strictly manual focus, manual camera. Forget night video - basically a daytime, high light camera and really, it is a tripod camera for best shots - which is OK in many ways. But don't try blogging. It is hand held unless it is supported somehow or you want that movement. Then this will force you to slow down and work your shots which is OK. Forget indoor candid shots unless you have f2 or better, 125 sec or faster and 1250 max unless you want to have lots of grain. 6400 is a write off for both video and photography. Superb optics or steady shot lenses are in order. The fixed poor screen on the back is a pain for low level work. I used a magnifier which helped a lot, but it is bulky. There is no headphone jack for video. For good audio, you need to use a Beachtek adapter. After using my Sony A7iii with Contax / Zeiss N Series lenses, the results were absolutely spectacular and no going back even though I tried. Night and day better, a game changer. far more freedom, incredible quality shots, night photography is a pleasure. video is pro quality. Rear tilt screen is awesome, lots of custom function buttons, peaking focus assist. EVF is a game changer. I still have my Canon but it is rarely used anymore. I do have lots of glorious shots on it, but was always limited as mentioned. Great training camera.
That's a very good question! Frankly, my 5D II, has been so good stock that I've had no need to install ML! Although I have heard great things from people who have put it on their 5D IIs
I installed magic lantern and it’s a must have… it’s completely “unlocks” the video/audio capabilities for the camera including RAW recording, allows for a ton more manual control, and even for photos, provides features like intervalometer for time lapse. So yes, get ML.
@@JordanPhotoAudio plus tripods plus CF Card plus extra battery. It was for $699 but pawn shop employees told me to come back black Friday it would be 1/2 off.🤯👌🙏👏👍
who was talking about social media... I want to get the best pic I could get and that's why I bought a DSLR. if you shoot for social media then just shoot on your phone
When my son was born, I did not have a camera. My father had one and fortunately took pictures at the hospital. The resolution of those pictures was 640x480. Since his birthdate, monitor resolution has been bumped up. Even then, 640x480 was not a large monitor size. In the future, monitor/tv resolutions are only going to go up...and my son's birth pictures will be icon sized in the future. I want the larger resolutions today for enjoyment in the future.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I've been a professional industrial photographer for more than 30 years. I use a 5D Mark IV but still carry Mark IIs as backups. Totally agree that the Mark II is still a great stills camera. People get so strung out on pixel counts and dynamic ranges and yet to this day some of my best work was on Mark II and even previous 1DS I and IIs. What people miss is that a lower dynamic range forces you to light properly and sometimes it's better to let some shadows go. I think a lot of photography these days is compromised by an obsession with dynamic range and seeing into the shadows. So much out there has an HDR/CGI look. Just to explain what I mean, look at Bladerunner. They let the shadows go and the cinematography was incredible. Compare that to the Star Wars CGI prequels which were ghastly. I know that was early days of CGI but explains my point about how seeing every detail in every shadow is often a bad thing.
Completely agree! You almost get the sense that newer camera bodies are designed more for "scientific tests" rather than real world application. Not to discount the usefulness of in depth ISO/color depth/dynamic range tests etc, but if my 12 year old camera yields images that are just as satisfying to clients as a brand new camera, that says something. Thanks again for watching!
Having lots of shadows can give a great "mistic" mood to pictures, especially at low light.
can the 5dmk2 perform at action photography?
I’m guilty of this. I was on the lookout for a camera with higher dynamic range (still am but not a big priority as before). In the mean time, my 5DMkii has taught me a lot on compromising what is needed or not. Shadows give my subjects depth and dimension and I learned to love it. My 5D2 has a special place in my heart, bought it for cheap at 18k SC 2 years ago and now paid for itself multiple times. Once I retire it, it’ll get a glass box as my trusty workhorse.
Why would you need a backup? If you've been a pro for 30 years you'd know that the odds that a Canon camera failing is practically zero.
They don't break or malfunction.
Unless you abuse your equipment then I'd say better keep two on hand.
I'm still using a 5D Mark 2 since 2010 and I still love it.
Chee Hong Wong how many shot have you shot? Have you checked the shutter count?
@@mauriciopena9990 I have not... What's the easiest way to find it out without installing a new software?
That's a very pertinent question. I'm annoyed with Canon on this issue as they don't offer any easy route to this solution. U have to do it through a complex method using the EOS Utilities. I tried but failed. However, I found one third party application browsing the net and use it to figure out the shutter counts of my two Canon DSLRs namely the legend EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 70D.
@@kobito610 Maybe if you install Magic Lantern, it can give you a shutter count? The version for my 6D does show the shutter count, both for normal and live view shots
If i buy it now. Would it be a good cam???
We still look at, and enjoy pictures taken over 120 years ago, on practically stone age cameras. So long as the image is good and has meaning, or provokes an emotional response, then it's relevant and always will be.
Doesn't matter what you take the picture on
Ive captured some great shots on a phone camera ... and some horrible shots on my SLR :-)
Wait until you discover corporate photography
Well said, but try to do useable low-light photography with them...
@@gkiss2030 True. Also timelapse photography
You know what's really obsolete? -
People buying new cameras and taking awful pictures.
I mean, that just doesn't change over time.
8-10-12 core processor, 1000 pic buffer, 10 000 focus points, touch screen, neural engines, AI and all that. And all that fancy tech is getting old a year after its release.
While a camera as a tool never gets old.
As if you've never taken an awful photo. ;)
That being said, I get annoyed with people who think technology will save them. Those are scientists and not photographers.
cant stand street photographers these days walking around with the latest camera model running their continuos shootig motordrives for a shitty ass frame
I’d always take an older high-end camera over a newer low-end camera
I have 7d but I'm just a graphic designer students and don't know a lot about photography. Is 7d low-end camera or high-end?
raijaku rei 7d is consider the semi-pro, and always about your use cases. Night photography 7D may not be a good choice anymore. I got a 5d mk3 and i got a 50mm f/1.2 on it. It seems after 3200 iso it is hard to justify anything higher
@@huzainijai1184 I used the 7d as my main professional camera a year ago. It was their sports camera behind the 1D. it has a crop sensor, but built like a tank
I can confirm this. I have a 2019 Rebel T6 and I just bought a 2008 Canon Mark II and I love it way more than the T6
Well said 👍👌
I bought one in 2018 for 700 dollars. Didn't feel overcharged because the shutter count was only 5k. Didn't have any scratch on it, it was actually as good as new. As an enthusiast, I use it for landscape, lifestyle and indoor portrait photography. I'm going to use as long as it lasts (hear that this camera can crank up 500k shutter actuations or even more). My average use in a year is around 12k shots. So, this is the best choice available to me for years to come.
Why? Simply because I don't need the additional features of newer cameras for my purposes.
Proud of this legendary friend of mine.
Just got a mark ii a couple of weeks ago, makes me feel like I did when I got my first SLR as a teenager. Back to considering the important things in photography, composition and light, couldn’t be happier, it makes amazing images. Long live the mark ii.
Thank you for this video. I bought my Canon 5D MII about 4 years ago. I got a great deal on a very 'low mileage" camera. I got it home and started looking at the menu and thought, this is old compared to my other Canons. I had no Idea it was as old as it is when I bought it. I wanted a full frame camera. I already own quite a few crop Canons. I love the camera and don't have any issues with anything seeming obsolete. You confirmed what I thought about quite a few things. Being an amateur, I don't know if there's things about this camera that are obsolete. I'm glad I stumbled on this video! My biggest concern about the age is the fact that it doesn't take SD cards. No problem! I recently picked up a nice 32GB CF card. I have great lenses so I should be good for a while. Thanks again!!
Recently bought 5d mk2 for 400 $ .. Still amazed by the great image quality a 11 year old camera can give ..
Congrats on the purchase! I bought a D700 yesterday it's the also 11 years old but damn the jump to FF after using crop sensor is worth it even if the camera isn't the newest.
It was a $2500 full frame to be fair lol. The same age APS-C like the 40d are much less impressive and show their age more. The 5D MK2 had high re and big sensor so good even today and still beats modern APS-C at low light
I'm still amazed by my 5dclassic
Where did you get it for that cheap?
Join photography forums and buy them in the used section. I got one with the official canon grip, 2 proper canon batteries and 8500 shutter count for £315 which is roughly $400
I have a Canon 1Ds II. I bought it (new) in 2007 and it was manufactured around 2005, which makes it at least 15 years old. Apart from some issues regarding the CF and SD cards it will accept, it works perfectly and produces the most 'film-like' images I've ever had from a DSLR. Don't upgrade because a new camera came out. Use the one you have until you can't get what you need from it any more.
I use a 5D mark i and it’s amazing!
same here
Then you would like the 6d mark II. The 6dii has the same color profile as the 5D. I believe the 1ds ii has the same color profile as well.
Same. It’s truly a workhorse and I’ve dropped it countless times through the years and it’s a cockroach. Never dies.
My 5D Mark II is coming on Friday and this just made me a whole lot more confident in my purchase!
I still love my 5D MKII as well. I have a 5D MKIII but prefer the feel in my hand of the 5D MKII. Canon built these things like a tank. I routinely print 17x22 out of my Canon Prograf pro 1000, and the pictures are absolutely breathtaking. Like you could reach through and touch the subject. Every time I print, I'm still in awe of the results I get from this combination.
Been using the same MK2 camera since September 2010 without a problem and feels like it could go for ages.
Still use my 5d2 commercially, it is cosmetically battered, and has around 110k shutters but it was very much ahead of it's time, stick a good prime on it, it still is a great all rounder! Stop upgrading your gear guys!
I shot weddings with a 5DMkII and a 5Dc for years up until a week ago when I got a Sony body. I will always love those early 5D bodies. They make some beautiful images!
Congrats on the new camera! What body did you decide to pick up?
@@phetality490 thanks! I got an a7II
@@ToniLovesSkateboarding Nice! I was considering an a7II, how are you finding it a month in?
I went the same way quite a few years ago, 5dII to a7, to a7II. never felt that my pictures were going in the right direction so iv sold the lot and gone back to a 5D and a 5DII bodys. oh well haha
This camera was a game changer when introduced and still is relevant! There were many movies shot with this body being used as a B/C camera.
I have two 5D MKII's that were rebuilt by Canon several years ago. At that time, each body had 500k+ actuations, and it made sense financially to rebuild. Now they are virtually brand new. Although I have moved on to the R system for my business, I leave one 5DII in my studio, and I am about to use the other in a camera trap.
purchased mine in 2010, i'm not a professional, but have done paid gigs on it - video mainly. It has travelled all over the world in backpacks, dirtbike riding, etc. I stopped caring about it around 7 years ago, but it just keeps going. Battery life is awesome, photo quality fantastic. it's been wet in rain plenty of times, dust, dirt, etc. Tough bastard. Main lenses 70-200 2.8 and 50mm 1.4, however the 24-120 f4 lens is the best for video on it. I haven;t used it for video for years, but i can't kill it and it still gets used fairly regularly and I haven't seen the need to upgrade.
Here is my story. I have Canon’s both 5D Mark 2 and T4i. Both discontinued by Canon in 2012/2013. I had been using my T4i for the last 7 years and wanted to have a 6D Mark 2. I managed 1400 dollars for it. But, at the same time, I found a second hand 5D Mark 2 with all of its accessories in 600 dollars. It gave me an opportunity to buy camera and lens (70-200 F4L) and all of its accessories as a complete set with the same price. So, I bought it and took almost 3000 pictures by it so far. Here is my opinion.
Now I use both. I love Canon T4i’s 1.6 crop factor. T4i is a cheap APS-C camera but it has Night Mode and HRD mode. I found good use of these and use both of the modes. I wish 5D Mark 2 would have these. I also love T4i’s touch screen a lot. Specially it’s on screen zoom. I find T4i has a better ISO performance. On the other hand, 5D is a very solid camera and I used it may times under rain and snow. I also found good use of its fast 1/8000 shatter speed. It helped me to take pictures on very sunny days with my 1.8 and 1.4 lens wide open. I feel 5D is a special portrait camera. Or rather I should say an excellent portrait camera. It’s smooth pictures out perform T4i. But T4i’s HRD/Night Mode outperforms 5D Mark 2’s landscape and wildlife pictures. Thanks.
still using my 5d classic
Great video! I am the proud owner of a 5D Mark II and this thing still works like a charm. I bought a 5D MKIII to replace it in 2013 but never had the heart to sell it because it was still an amazing camera in my opinion. It is still my main body and I use it interchangeably with a Nikon D800E although the latter is like 7 years newer!
Bought my 5D Mark II in September 2019 with...wait for it...1,288 clicks! I have used it at two weddings, several senior photo shoots, events, etc and it has never let me down! I even got a newer EOS R and I still use the 5D!
Dylan Vidovich wow that’s not even used 😯 I find it insane people have these cameras sitting around not being used. Lol
Used the 5d mk2 for 6 or 7 years now. Never regretted on buying it and never wanted a newer "better" camera. I feel the 5d mk 2 has soul, where never cameras are to perfect and i feel like im on autopilot.
used it here for 10 years
Yikes
I've been shooting on a Rebel T2i for the last 3 years, and finally decided to pull the trigger on a 5D Mk2, it is practically brand new, only has 9000+ total shutter clicks for $500. I'm really excited to make a jump to a full frame camera with almost double the features of my Rebel.
Good commentary especially about the pixel counts. I used to do wedding photography and started with the 5D, then upgraded to the 5D Mark 2 which I still use other I don't do professional work anymore. Even though the upgrade from 5D to Mark 2 was a significant increase in resolution 12MP to 22MP the real benefit was noise reduction at higher ISOs. The Mark 2 performed as well at 1600 for noise as the original 5D did at 800. If Canon had kept the resolution the same on the newer 5D (3 and 4) but made those same noise improvements I'd be interested. But looking at all the graphs and sample photos the noise improvements above 1600 ISO just isn't there to justify the newer cameras. The only issue with the 5D Mark 2 is very low level light autofocus. I always use the center focus point because I want to select the focus not leave it up to the camera even if it means recomposition. This is another area where lens choice matters as you spoke about. The faster lens improves on this problem, which really isn't that bad especially since Canon flashes provide infrared to assist. In fact, my recommendation is invest in L glass instead of a more expensive body and you'll be happier with the results and solve most of the complaints. Finally, deficiencies in Dynamic Range can be resolved in post processing, and depending on subject, with flash. Again looking at technical reviews it looks like the dynamic range improvments with the newer cameras is only about a half stop -- hard to justify.
My MKII keep gas in the 911 and new sails on the sloop. I used it last week for headshots on location and it performed flawlessly. (My MKIV served as a backup!) I have made point of purchase posters over seven feet tall with the MKII. This is possible with today's s stochastic printing process. Years ago we need 300 DPI for commercial work printed on a printing press- today that barrier is flexible to some extent. We certainly don't need 300dpi for every project.
The 5D MK IV however is a pro's best friend. I used it for some illustrative photos of high-end eyeglasses frames for an assignment last week and its truly a fantastic camera. The level and angle feature allows a careful studio photographer to level the camera perfectly as a starting point for critical work. The MK IVs image quality is spectacular. The bottom line is the best camera is the one you have in your possession. Use it and make photos.
I had a 5DII for a while and was my entrance to full frame shooting. What a camera, and to think of it's age, it still puts many modern cameras to shame. I moved up to the EOS-R which is a great camera. Great vlog & quite agree that you don't really need more than 20Mp.
pre-ordered my 5D2 in August 2008, took delivery Dec 5 same year. 11 years later, still have not found any reason to trade for a newer body. if you can't "get the shot" with the 5D2 (unless you are taking pro sports and need the higher frame rate), you simply do not know how to use your equipment. it is THAT good.
Great review, man! I've been thinking about buying a 5d mark II, here in Italy that camera is dirt cheap (from around 300/350 to 500 euros) and you absolutely convinced me!
Glad my video helped! Enjoy your 5D!
I still love my 5D Mark II and I will never sell it. Image quality and color depth are so good and satisfying. The camera can produce amazing b&w pictures with a very good variety grey tones. Colors are just perfect and if you marry it with a good lens, you're the winner. BTW I think that if this camera was able to take professional and perfect pictures in the past, well, nothing changed. Printing a fine art picture or using it for the web publishing or magazines.... the 5D mark II can do everything and please... This is a camera to make pictures, if you need to produce a video, buy a video-camera. my opinion.
Fun fact. The season finale of the popular TV show House was filmed entirely with the Canon 5D Mark II. - petapixel
resolution is a small portion of a camera for me I can pick up a 30D and take a great photo
Excellent! I found one on Ebay in brand new condition with less than 2,000 clicks, for $600. It will be here in two days and I can’t wait. Also getting Canon’s 135mm f/2 L lens. What better way to spend a Christmas bonus??
maybe buying a 70 200?
I use one also and own the 135 it's my favorite lens ever. My goto on-site is Canon 50 f/1.2
The 5D MkII and the 135mm is still my favorite combo to use. So you're in for a treat!
Did you get scammed ?
Is still a great camera
Great video. I have a 5D classic and a MKii. I used to have a MKiii as well. Yeah. The Markiii had better auto focus on moving subjects and a few other perks, but I always felt the noise on higher ISO was worse in the MKiii. The MKii is my workhorse for personal use and I will never get rid of the 5D Classic because it is so unique in it's visuals.
Does the MKII retain the same unique visuals in the images as the MKI?
I have the MKI, but planning to move up to MKII.
(that does not mean letting go of MKI, though, I am fond of it)
@@gkiss2030 Sadly no. The sensor and simplicity of the 5D Classic was truly unique. I no longer have mine. It died after a long and good life. I still use the MKii, but it is now my back up on paid gigs for the MKIV. The mark II is still a great camera that holds up well and you will make great photography with it. But that 5D classic is a one of a kind. I say get the markII but take the classic out for a spin once in awhile in the same way my grandad drove a Volvo daily and on weekends took out his old thunderbird convertible.
@@patricklgreen Thank you very much for this info. I intend to keep the 5D in any case.
So, even these days, one can get paid gigs with the MKII? I mean, is it very much sufficient for them?
@@gkiss2030 21 MP full frame that was good enough to film Captain America, Iron Man 2 and Black Swan (among others) on? I think it is up to the task for a protog. For less than the price of a Sony a7iii body you can get a used MKII or Nikon D600 with extra batteries and good glass. A portrait photographer has the ability to start their career there and create a happy clientele. I can count on one hand how many camera bodies I have bought new.
@@gkiss2030 One last thing. I am not one who says gear doesnt matter, but if you have good composition, good glass, know your lighting and speedlight techniques, there is no reason someone could not book paid gigs with an older camera like a 5D ii or a Nikon D600. Heck, I am friends with a guy who goes to Kent state and is getting portrait sessions with his 5D classic. If this is something you wanna do....keep shooting, keep homing the skill of photography and worry not about the gear. :)
I bought my 5D2 about two years ago for around $250. It was beaten up but still functions very well. I mainly play around with the MagicLantern firmware for the raw video. This camera is just amazing. So much fun to use.
Been watching RUclips Videos ever since the 5Dm2 came out and this might be the single most convincing video I've watched so far.
Just ordered one ($280), can't wait to play around with it.
Thanks for the vid, will check out your other stuff
I have the 5D classic from 2005 and i get amazing images out of it.
Great camera! Long live the original 5D!
I love the way you put this. I just upgraded to this camera from a rebel T7 and I was so excited until I saw all of these videos where people were crapping on this camera, but this definitely makes me feel better.
I got a 5D2 this december, still in the learning/switching (from the 550D) process 😀
Happy 2020!
Same to you! Enjoy it!
I love my 5D Classic for 2021! Looking for mark ii next.
also just knowing where to aim the camera really helps autofocus speed
It's very simple. This camera was so ahead of its time that it's as if it was launched in 2015. I have one and I totally love this marvellous piece of engineering.
My photography is on a budget, so my 5d mk2 was a viable option in to full frame.
Got to say I swear by mine and love it.
Couldn't imagine not using it now.
I have the classic 5d, and now I'm in process of buying a mkii. Can't wait. Thanks for the video, it was fantastic
The 5D Mark II is still a great camera. I own two myself.
I have recently upgraded to the 5DIV and 5DsR and in all honesty am considering going back to just 5D II bodies. The main reason is they still get the job done and the files have a certain look to them. As a camera to use the 5D Mark II is so simple it just get out of your way.
I know how to run the 5DIV and 5DsR bodies and have tested them, calibrated lenses and no doubt they are great cameras. The just seem to be missing something for me.
Not 100% on what I am going to do but if I do sell on the newer bodies I will most likely end up adding a 1Ds III to the 5DII bodies in the kit. It has the same sensor and IQ but you gain a 2nd card slot and slightly better AF which now and again is handy.
Hi, when you're shooting raw, do you still find the 5Dii images to have a certain "look/feel" that sprayed then from your newer bodies? Thanks.
@@AbbasBinYounas Hi. Yes they do. They have a less clinical look to them and feel more organic .. as daft as that may sound. The 5DIV and 5DsR are better with colour out of the gate but the 5DII files have something about them.
still using it till now, no need auto focus, i shoot completely manual for interior mostly not moving object. personally i invest on lens and lighting 👌👌
One thing is that Magic Lantern adds some great functionality to the 5D Mk 2 and 3... There's a real difference in functionality adding some neat things that are really helpful. For that alone you should get your hands on these things.
Hmmm....I know it's a year later lol, but can you explain this more?
There is a beta version of ML also for the 5D Classic.
Wanting to test it in a few days.
Apparently, the focus peaking feature (while in playback mode, as Live View is not available on the 5DC in any case) could be a game changer.
This photography video is shocking. Everything this gentleman said made perfect sense. That makes it a rare ray of rationality in a world of the absurd.
Do they still make oem batteries for this thing? Will the batteries in newer cameras from the same line work in it? I'm considering buying one, and this is my only comcern.
Resolution becomes really important when printing. Most people don‘t print their images, so resolution doesn‘t really matter to them.
Totally, but the 5D Mark II has more than enough resolution for the vast majority of printing needs.
@@mikeyb3315 Strong disagree.
Tea God Why?
@@mikeyb3315 1. Print is much more detailed than any digital way of publishing images. Differences in resolution can be seen way beyond 20, or 30, or even 60 megapixels.
2. The 5D2 produces inherently soft images. This has got more to do with the crap quality AA filter than actual resolution, but more resolution helps negate that.
@@ChrisThe1 A premium quality print is usually 300dpi. The 5D Mark II shoots enough resolution to create an A3 image at 300dpi. For larger formats, such as billboards, the dpi usually reduces as the extra resolution is lost on the eye from a distance. For example the human eye can only see 90dpi at 3 meters. Hope this helps!
Great video Jordan, I bought a 5d Mark II a couple weeks ago and while comparing it to the mark III at work the autofocus with the 50mm 1.4 USM is only a tad slower. I'm very impressed with this camera.
Even the lowly 10D can still knock out pictures that are worth looking at.
However, I was seduced by the in-body stabilisation of the Pentaz K10D and K20D for use with old manual lenses, which meant every lens had a stabiliser, in effect.
I finally decided to get a FF dSLR and picked up a 5DmkII just a couple of weeks ago. Thing I loved about it right away was the muscle memory I had from thousands of pics shot on the 10D - it's great that Canon changed so little between models. I'd even re-configured my Pentax bodies to mimic, as far as possible, the ergos of the 10D.
When I first picked up the 10D, it was as if that camera was made for me, that's how good the Canon ergos are.
I still use it everyday and with magic lantern it’s usable for video as well, lots of good value for money lens options as well.
I bought mine like 8 years ago, use it intensively and still since then and still good to go. I may buy a 5DSr but I still like my gear ;)
Don't get me wrong if you can afford a 5DSR, stop watching my 5D2 videos and go buy a 5DSR 😂 Glad your 2 is still treating you will!
Very good video. Thank you for reminding us all of the beauty of this camera. Nowadays we often forget how powerful our "old" tools are. Since there's a lot of hype going on about the R and the R5... - I use my 5D Mk II since 5 years for work and my clients are still happy with my content. ;-)
I agree with your statements. I bought an original A7 last year, because it fits my needs, i never need more than 24 MP and the sensor is great. Plus, i can adapt all the great lenses my father gave to me without any problems - and those lenses create the feel of the images.
I don't have a 5D II but I did buy a used 50D. I chose that because the 50D is the last XXD body with a magnesium alloy body, a joystick, and supports CF which is really handy for recording MLV raw.
These older Canon cameras with magic lantern are just way better for video thanks to raw support.
Great choice! Definitely one of my top choices when people ask for APSC recommendations
@@JordanPhotoAudio Yes true. People are like go for the Sony A6600 with IBIS and everything in between but that crappy 4k 8-bit is nothing compared to upto 3.7k 14-bit raw on the 50D with the latest magic lantern experimental build
i will go an extra step ahead and say I have not seen such beautiful colours coming out of any dslr.. I could be wrong but thats what i have felt
Should I buy a this camera or just stay with my 40d?
if you want full frame, get this or the 6d.
the 40d is also a great camera and with great canon colours.
if you are interested in the bigger sensor then the 5d mkii is a really good choice, imo.
I'm shooting on 400D. Used.
10 megapixels.
Stock lens and sometimes the nifty fifty.
It is perfectly fine and looks amazing if you expose correctly.
You don't need continuous autofocus, you need to know when to take a shot and set up your exposure right.
I am upgrading to 5D mark II so I can record videos for my own memories.
Got a secondhand 5D MKII with 8500 shutter counts on the 2de of January 2020. Shoot some pictures and i'm really impressed.
My heartiest felicitations to you for this great briefing. I agree with all the main points that you mentioned. Resolution, focusing point, dynamic range and so forth. Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the legendary DSLR like the SLRs of the good olden days when an enthusiast photographer spent his entire life with a single SLR. That’s why I bought this legend in late 2018 for US$ 600/- just in order to use it so long as it keeps shooting. Luckily, I got it new. I know for sure that its images will be easily comparable to those shot with the latest camera even in 2025. Rather, the 5D II images will beat them in the IQ department as this DSLR possesses the perfect standard features for turning out stellar images. One thing must be borne in mind; in order to get the maximum quality off this camera, one must shoot in RAW and subsequently; process the captures the way he/she desires using appropriate applications.
High pixel count is simply a promotional gimmick aimed at non-photographers who are convinced that higher resolution means better camera while, actually it’s the opposite. Bigger pixels capture more light and produce cleaner images with less noise - that’s the basic physics which can never be offset by anything else. Even a 12 megapixel full-frame camera like Canon EOS 5D would produce clean and detailed images suitable enough for billboard size prints.
Your examples of criticism of this camera come straight out of "DPreview" forums, where every house cat/grand child "photographer" keeps moaning about his DSLR just not living up to their expectations. Good video btw.
I’m mainly a portrait photographer, and I must say that the autofocus on the 5D MII does slow down my workflow. It’s also frustrating especially when you’re trying to nail focus on the eyes of the subject. But I still love it, and I’ll only upgrade it to an EOS RP just cause it’s lighter and has eye-AF.
So true
I use a 12 year old 600D and my photos are Awesome.
I have a Nikon FM2n manual film camera that was introduced in 1982.
It takes great photos only because I spent time learning the basics of photography.
It challenges me to slow down, to properly compose, to consider light and shadows.
You too can learn to shoot great photos on the EOS 5D my turning off the display, setting the camera to manual and avoid turning on the display so you can spend more time looking at the back of your camera instead of your subject.
Forgot to mention one interesting aspect of using this legendary DSLR! As a proud owner of Canon 5D II, I frequently use it for landscape photography and friends and family informal gatherings. It's only the photographers asking about the camera model, never the common people or the subjects I'm photographing. To them all DSLRs look the same. They are only concerned about the image quality of the captures. Needless to say, no complaints in that area.
Again, the issues raised against this camera now are mostly unfounded. These days I use it for wildlife photography as well. The only missing link here is the burst rate. But I know this and that's why use it for static wildlife subjects. For action shots like birds in flight or a running antelope; I use a faster APS-C body.
Therefore, it's due to 5D II's huge advantages that prompted me to buy this 10 yr old workhorse in late 2018. As I got it almost new luckily, planning to use it for at least ten years. Did I mention the shutter actuation capacity? In real practice, it imparts 3/4 times more than what it is actually rated by manufacturer. I know this first hand.
its best budget choice for full frame dslr.. image quality, grading skin tone is very good.. worry free on high iso. but have problem in color lcd in acurate.. and white balance on this camera is not so perfect and you must set to manual kelvin and wb shift correction
I'm using it now and hope to continue for at least five years more or even longer. 20 mp is absolutely correct or appropriate for a 35mm full frame sensor. I've seen images of 5DIV and EOS R5. Sorry, to me 5DII images look better.
The resolution of this camera is creeping into the lower limit of accepted res for magazine publications today.
Yes, about the Dynamic Range the T8i has one stop more dynamic range at 100 ISO but as you go up in ISO the T8i falls apart and the 5D mark II takes over. How? Why are we not getting better Apsc performance in 2023?
What people often fail to see is, that a good camera doesn't get bad, just because there's something newer on the market. The old one is still great. Heck, most amateurs can't even utilize all the cameras capabilities. They buy the new one, because "it takes better pictures".
Completey agree! A criminally underappreciated truth
I have a 5d Mark IV and upgraded to it because the shutter on my Mark II died at approximately 225K exposures even though it exceeded its rated 150K exposures. It lived through the Mark III years. I still have the body and have considered having it sent to New Jersey for repairs...but they charge a lot.
Currently i have Canon 450D and i want to upgrade, but i can't really decide what to get, but i want to stay in the Canon system. I was suggested from other photographers to get a 7DM2, 6DM1/M2, 5DM3 or i should skip ff dslr and go straight to RP because it's cheaper. For now im shooting portraits, sometimes when others hire me for weddings and events like that i also started exploring night photography to see how i will like it. One of my biggest complains for the 450d is the night performance, the max iso is 1600, but i don't like to push it to it's limits because it starts to show grain, so the highest i go is 800 and in situations when im shooting night portraits i use 50mm f/1.8, but the focusing is bad at night, if it doesn't have enough light i have to use manual focus. So what is your suggestion which camera should i choose? And also you didn't mention anything about the night performance on the 5DM2, how is it at night, autofocus, how far can you push the iso without showing any grain?
So for stuff like night shots, high iso, etc, the 5D II will be hugely, dramatically better than your 450D. As for what to upgrade to, I have only one suggestion: Don't buy APSC. If you're gunna invest in a better camera body, go for one that actually enhances your lenses' image output. Going from a 450d to a 7d II simply won't improve image quality, just af speed etc. Whatever you get, go full frame. Even if it's Nikon 🤷♂️ haha
What about Nikon D610? I picked it up for $450 with 12k shutter in mint condition and I love that camera. It is still in production and has good workflow and iq.
That's a great option also! I've heard mixed things about the quality control on those, but assuming it's a good unit, go for it!
I have Eos 40D for 5 years and now i am buying 5d mk2!! 👌
I have a 60d now looking for a full frame monster
I had this camera as my first full frame with the nifty fifty and it was an amazing experience. Till this day it's still an amazing camera for photographers. The only thing I can complain about is the dynamic range compared to the Nikon D600 which is the camera I have right now and it's also an entry level full frame camera, but nonetheless worth the price for the picture quality and the colours (around 500usd here in Argentina being the cheapest ff after the first 5d)
At the end I thinks is about knowing your camera as a tool and the situation you're using it. Knowing what you can do and what you can't do with it. I don't shoot Canon but Nikon and I've a Nikon D2X from 2004 that I used as my second body with my D610 until I get a Z6 and I even continue using it for some weddings and jobs I make in a fine arts school in my city, it is so tought and well balanced, the ISO is a bit low until 800 but I find it's well controlled and pleasant, the color quality is for me something out of this world, the best I've ever see in a digital camera, so good that I continue using its LR color profiles with my D610 and Z6.
It's a great camera, no doubt. This camera is one of the most important over the last 12 years as it added HD movie capability to a DSLR. It positioned Canon as the leader in hybrid cameras, well beyond other manufacturers. It was a breakthrough camera. And you are correct, 21MP is great.
Totally agree! Thank you for the comment!
Remember a 21mp image can be printed pixel to pixel to a 47,5x31,7cm or 18,7 inchx12,5 inch at 300dpi or 71,3x47,5cm at 200dpi
I'm sort of confused.
iPhone 11 = 1792 x 828 pixel screen
Canon 5DM2 (Raw) = 5,616 × 3,744
As per your argument, of 14x the resolution, is that without image loss? The DPI can be a little upscale/downscale here as well. Traditional wisdom says thats a 3.13 x 4.5 factor on each axis.
Where did you calculate 14x?
multiply those numbers?
You've said it yourself, 3.13 x 4.5
All valid points! I just bought a 5d mkii last year and I love it!!
I love my 6D original over 6D MkII, because the sensor has less noise and better DR.
Thanks, been eyeing the 6D MKII, as I would like a FF Canon DSLR with a tilting screen, but this should keep me from it.
Mine has been in South East Asia for 3 years on the back of a motor bike. In the rain. In high humidity. Still working and as sharp as a tack. They are cheap and the battery lasts forever.
I need starter camera I can't decide between canon 5d mk ii and sony a7 or a7r. What do you suggest?
I always avoid mirrorless so I'd go 5D2. Also look into the Nikon D610!
Everything said on this video is 100% accurate 💯💪
Krucial 608Nation nope for the dr
totally agree with you, bro... it is strong as a rock and always delivers top quality images.
Megapixels are relevant... the more you have, the bigger the hard disk that you need, the more you have to pay for cloud storage, and the slower they will open/edit/save during processing... you may also need to custom resize them for web use. I found that the sweet spot is 12-18 Mp for me personally. One more thing, if you need the resolution for cropping, do not crop your photos, take notes on the ones you would have cropped and compose them better next time, I have learned this technique recently and helped me a lot
Good points. I have both, A Sony A7iii and 5D2. I have the 5D2 for 10 years. Bottom line 5D2? Too many shots are ruined from out of focus or camera shake with unsharp images. Colors are off in non ideal lighting. Night work is well, forget it unless you use a tripod. Low effective ISO. - max is 1250 and grainy at that. I cringe at 1250, but 640 is safe. In an age of high ISO native cameras, this makes it challenging like using regular film.
Video can be substandard if not really planned well. Strictly manual focus, manual camera. Forget night video - basically a daytime, high light camera and really, it is a tripod camera for best shots - which is OK in many ways. But don't try blogging. It is hand held unless it is supported somehow or you want that movement. Then this will force you to slow down and work your shots which is OK. Forget indoor candid shots unless you have f2 or better, 125 sec or faster and 1250 max unless you want to have lots of grain. 6400 is a write off for both video and photography. Superb optics or steady shot lenses are in order.
The fixed poor screen on the back is a pain for low level work. I used a magnifier which helped a lot, but it is bulky. There is no headphone jack for video. For good audio, you need to use a Beachtek adapter.
After using my Sony A7iii with Contax / Zeiss N Series lenses, the results were absolutely spectacular and no going back even though I tried. Night and day better, a game changer. far more freedom, incredible quality shots, night photography is a pleasure. video is pro quality. Rear tilt screen is awesome, lots of custom function buttons, peaking focus assist. EVF is a game changer.
I still have my Canon but it is rarely used anymore. I do have lots of glorious shots on it, but was always limited as mentioned. Great training camera.
Great review on this camera. I agreed with all of your points on the camera.
did you try magic lantern on it ? does it bring additional features for photographers ?
That's a very good question! Frankly, my 5D II, has been so good stock that I've had no need to install ML! Although I have heard great things from people who have put it on their 5D IIs
I installed magic lantern and it’s a must have… it’s completely “unlocks” the video/audio capabilities for the camera including RAW recording, allows for a ton more manual control, and even for photos, provides features like intervalometer for time lapse. So yes, get ML.
The 5D is a great camera and will get the job done, if you are just a weekend warrior with this camera it’s over kill.
Thanks brother. Awesome video
Yes the Camera is far away from obsolete. I Bought it this year and it is a cool camera
Do you know if there is a way to temporarily disable shutter-button autofocusing on 5D Mark II?
Also an owner here, Believe me If you are low budget, just buy the 50mm 1.8 with it.Amazing performance in cheap price
Found an almost mint condition one at pawn shop along with a 50mm1.8 plus a 70-300mm zoom lens 2 speed light's for $378. WOW. BLOWN AWAY.
What an incredible deal! I wanna go to that pawn shop now 😂
@@JordanPhotoAudio plus tripods plus CF Card plus extra battery. It was for $699 but pawn shop employees told me to come back black Friday it would be 1/2 off.🤯👌🙏👏👍
@@greaterlifedonna4168 Honestly even that price is fantastic! 😂
as someone who has been shooting with a rebel xti and I've been thinking of upgrading. I'm wondering if a 5d Mii worth it?!?
it definitely is worth it. i was previously using the xti as well.
Using 5D MK 2 and 1DS mark 1 in 2019 / 2020. Yes. Mark 1 and 10MP is more then enough for any social media upload. People are sheep.
Nice Senna.
Why has no one else noticed the Senna until now lol??
JordanPhotoAudio because car guy. Lol.
who was talking about social media... I want to get the best pic I could get and that's why I bought a DSLR. if you shoot for social media then just shoot on your phone
Duxy everything I upload is to Facebook or instagram or my MacBook.
@@duxy2515 99% pictures are on social media..welcome to 2020..
When my son was born, I did not have a camera. My father had one and fortunately took pictures at the hospital. The resolution of those pictures was 640x480. Since his birthdate, monitor resolution has been bumped up. Even then, 640x480 was not a large monitor size. In the future, monitor/tv resolutions are only going to go up...and my son's birth pictures will be icon sized in the future. I want the larger resolutions today for enjoyment in the future.