Canon redefines the future of photography: 21.1 MP EOS 5D Mark II

Press release
EMBARGO: 17 SEPTEMBER 2008, 05:00 BST
Canon redefines the future of photography:
21.1 MP EOS 5D Mark II offers Full HD video
capture
Hi-res versions of these and other images can be downloaded from
www.canon.co.uk/press_centre
United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 17 September 2008: Canon announces
the full frame, 21.1 Megapixel EOS 5D Mark II: the first EOS with full High
Definition video capability.
Compact, lightweight and with environmental protection, the successor to the
EOS 5D boasts a newly designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to
25,600 for shooting in low light conditions. The new DiG!C 4 processor combines
with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at
3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames.1
Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot
uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps – for amazing quality footage with
outstanding levels of detail and realism.
The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1 Megapixel camera
opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers.
With its full frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the
EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera
equipment available – from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers.
1
When shooting in JPEG’s with a UDMA card with 2GB capacity or greater.
Enhancements from the original EOS 5D include:
-
Addition of Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, with a new Fluorine
coating on the low-pass filter
-
Larger 3.0” Clear View LCD with VGA resolution, a 170° angle of view and
anti-reflective coatings
-
Improved menu system including Quick Control Screen for more direct
access to common settings
-
Automatic peripheral illumination correction, utilising detailed EF lens
information to optimise JPEG images straight out of the camera
-
Magnesium alloy construction with additional environmental protection
-
UDMA memory card compatibility
“Professional photojournalists and wedding photographers already choose the
EOS 5D for its discrete size and outstanding image quality,” said Mogens Jensen,
head of Canon Consumer Imaging. “The addition of HD movie recording opens a
new chapter for EOS. It creates new possibilities for EOS photographers to capture
and share their stories and to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.”
Key Specifications:
•
New 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with improved EOS Integrated
Cleaning System (E.I.C.S.)
•
New Full HD 1080 resolution movie recording
•
3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
•
High performance DiG!C 4 processor providing superb image quality
•
Maximum 310 large JPEG images in a single burst with a UDMA card
•
3.0” VGA (920k dots) Clear View LCD
•
ISO 100-6400 (expansion from 50 up to 25,600)
•
9 AF points + 6 Assist AF points
Pricing & Availability:
The EOS 5D Mark II (body only) is available from end of November 2008 priced at
£2299.99 / €2999.99 RRP inc. VAT.
The EOS 5D Mark II, EF 24-105mm f4.0L IS USM kit is available from end of
November 2008 priced at £3049.99 / €3999.99 RRP inc. VAT.
–
Additional information
New CMOS sensor
The EOS 5D Mark II newly designed full frame 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
features ISO sensitivity from 100-6400, expandable to 50, 12,800 and 25,600.
Large 6.4µm2 pixels have been redesigned to capture more light and yield a better
signal to noise ratio to ensure lower noise images throughout the ISO range. The
full frame sensor has the same dimensions as a frame of 35mm film. This means
that wide-angle lenses stay wide, without the change in angle of view associated
with smaller sensor cameras. As well as benefiting from finer control over depth of
field, photographers moving up to the EOS 5D Mark II full frame format will find the
newly designed wide, bright 98% coverage viewfinder a joy to work with.
New DiG!C 4 processor
A new DiG!C 4 processor combined with 14-bit analogue to digital conversion
provides smooth gradations in mono-tonal areas such as skies, and highly
accurate colour rendition. As well as HD movie shooting, DiG!C 4’s high speed
provides for long uninterrupted continuous bursts of large JPEGs, near-instant
start-up times and immediate and fast review after shooting. DiG!C 4 also provides
for improved noise reduction algorithms, complementing the already low noise
images from the EOS 5D Mark II CMOS sensor.
HD video capture
The EOS 5D Mark II is Canon’s first D-SLR to incorporate full HD 1920x1080 video
capture. Once filming is started from Live View mode, photographers can fire off
either single or continuous stills, with video capture continuing after the final frame
is captured.
See everything
A new 3.0” VGA resolution LCD provides a wide 170º angle-of-view, providing
plenty of clarity for accurate focus checks in playback. The screen brightness can
automatically adjust to suit viewing conditions, extending battery life in low light and
improving viewing in bright conditions. A new dedicated Live View button switches
modes to display a real-time image on the LCD. This allows EOS 5D Mark II
photographers to enjoy simplified shooting from awkward angles. Simple
connection to a PC provides easy remote shooting.
Precision focus and metering
A 9-point auto focus system is supported by 6 additional invisible Assist AF points,
located inside the spot-metering circle to optimise subject tracking performance in
AI SERVO AF mode. For accurate exposure readings in tricky lighting conditions,
the spot metering circle covers just 3.5% of the frame.
Control
The EOS 5D Mark II redesigned menu system includes a new Quick Control
screen, for instant access to the most commonly changed settings. A new Creative
Auto mode allows photographers to cede control of key settings to the camera,
while retaining control over creative variables such background blur, drive mode
and image brightness. Custom user settings allow photographers to switch
between two completely different camera setups. This is ideal for changing quickly
between two different environments, such as switching from working inside a
church without flash to outdoors with fill-flash at a wedding.
Accessories
Shooting flexibility is enhanced with a range of new accessories. Shooting capacity
can be extended with either the high capacity 1800mAh lithium-ion Battery Pack
LP-E6, or Battery Grip BG-E6. A new optional Wireless File Transmitter – the K271
– offers external HDD and GPS compatibility along with the ability to transmit
images direct to computer or FTP server, or operate the camera wirelessly. Both
the BG-E6 and K271 feature a vertical orientation shutter release and other key
controls for comfortable portraiture work, with a substantial grip to help balance the
camera when used with long lenses.
For further information, please visit http://www.canon.co.uk/press_centre
– Ends –
Editors only
For Canon product images please visit www.canon.co.uk/press_centre
Reader enquiries
United Kingdom – 0844 369 0100 / www.canon.co.uk
Republic of Ireland – (01) 2052400 / www.canon.ie
For further information please contact the Canon Consumer Imaging Press
Office:
[email protected] / 01737 220 322
[email protected] / 01737 220 343
[email protected] / 01737 220 413
[email protected] / 01737 220 185
About Canon (UK) Limited
Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for the
home and office environments.
Canon has a global philosophy of Kyosei - living and working together for the common good, which
clearly demonstrates commitment to customers, staff and the environment shared by all.
Canon (UK) Ltd is the UK marketing and sales operation for the global company based in Tokyo, Japan.
In the UK Canon employs around 1,800 people in various locations including Ireland.
The main business focus for Canon (UK) Ltd is in two clearly defined market segments: Business
Solutions covering both the office and professional printing environments (including: multifunctional
printers, IT consultation, photocopiers, printers, large format printers, fax machines, document
management hardware & software) and Consumer Imaging (input solutions: film and digital SLR
cameras, digital still compact cameras, camcorders, binoculars, calculators and scanners; and output
solutions: Inkjet and laser printers, faxes, desktop all-in-ones and multimedia projectors). Broadcast
Division is an extension of our product portfolio covering the supply and servicing of professional
lenses and their accessories to the Television Broadcasting environment.