The Canon 5D Mark II was clearly meant to compete with the Nikon D700 (no we haven’t forgot the Sony A900, but more on that in a future post). On paper we thought the Canon 5D Mark II looked like it might have an advantage in more than just a few categories. Keeping in mind the 5D Mark II cost less (right now) and shoots 1080 high definition video, Canon may have taken the advantage over Nikon again. For your convienience we’ve tabled the more important features of both cameras so you can compare for yourself.
You can order the Canon 5D Mark II now at:
Amazon (body only $2700 or with EF 24-105 L IS for $3500)
Adorama (body only $2699 or with EF 24-105 L IS for $3499)
As always, leave your thoughts in the comments.
Comparison after the jump…
|
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
|
Nikon D700
|
|
| Price | $2699 | $2800 |
| Sensor | • 36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor
• Full 35 mm size frame • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit) • 22.0 million total pixels • 21.1 million effective pixels • 3:2 aspect ratio |
• 36 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor
• FX format • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter • 12.87 million total pixels • 12.1 million effective pixels • 3:2 aspect ratio |
| Image Processor | DIGIC IV | Nikon EXPEED |
| A/D Conversion | 14 bit RAW | 14 bit RAW |
| Image Size | 5616 x 3744 (RAW) | 4256 x 2832 (RAW) |
| Auto Focus | • 9-point TTL CMOS sensor
• 6 “Invisible Assist AF points” • All points cross-type for lenses of F5.6 or faster • Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster |
• 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors)
• Multi-CAM 3500FX • AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature) • AF fine tuning possible • Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode |
| Metering | • TTL full aperture metering 35 zone SPC
• Metering range: 1.0 - 20 EV |
TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed) • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8, 15, or 20 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame • Spot: Meters approx. 4 mm dia. circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) |
| Exposure Compensation | • +/-2.0 EV
• 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments |
• +/-5.0 EV
• 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps |
| Exposure Bracketing | +/- 2.0 EV
0.3 or 0.5 EV increments |
2 to 9 frames
1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps |
| Sensitivity | ISO 100 - 6400
0.3 or 1.0 EV increments Auto ISO (100-3200) Expansion options: ISO 50 (L1) ISO 12800 (H1) ISO 25600 (H2) |
Default: ISO 200 - 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Boost: 100 - 12800 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps, HI2 = ISO 25600 |
| Shutter | • Focal-plane shutter
• 150,000 exposure durability • 30 - 1/8000 sec • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments • Flash X-Sync: 1/200 sec • Bulb |
• Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter
• 30 to 1/8000 sec (1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec • Bulb |
| Viewfinder | • Eye-level pentaprism
• 98% frame coverage • Magnification: 0.71x (-1 diopter with 50 mm lens at infinity) • Eyepoint: Approx. 21 mm • Interchangeable focusing screen (3 other types optional) • Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter |
Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism
• Built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1m-1) • Eyepoint: 18 mm (at -1.0m-1) • Focusing screen: Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen • Frame coverage 95% • Viewfinder magnification approx 0.72x with 50 mm f/1.4 lens |
| LCD | • 3.0 ” TFT LCD
• 920,000 pixels • Automatic 3 level brightness adjustment plus 7 manual levels • 170 ° viewing angle • Dual anti-reflection (’Clear View’) |
• 3.0 ” TFT LCD
• Approx. 920,000 pixels (VGA; 640 x 480 x 3 colors) • 170° viewing angle 100% frame coverage • Brightness adjustment |
| Live View | Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor
• 100% frame coverage • 30 fps • Real-time evaluative metering using CMOS image sensor • Best view or exposure simulation • Silent mode • Grid optional (x2) • Magnify optional (5x or 10x at AF point) • Three AF modes - Live mode / Quick mode / Face Detection • Live histogram (Luminance or RGB) • Remote live view using EOS Utility 2.0 (via USB or WiFi/Ethernet using WFT) |
Handheld mode: TLL phase-detect AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors)
Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area |
| Movie | • Available optionally during Live view mode
• 1920 x 1080 (16:9) up to 12 mins (Quicktime 1080p H.264; 38.6 Mbits/sec) • 640 x 480 (4:3) up to 24 mins (Quicktime 480p H.264; 17.3 Mbits/sec) • Max file size 4 GB • Quicktime MOV format (H.264 video, PCM sound) • 30 fps |
None |
| Flash | No built-in flash unit
• E-TTL II auto flash / metered manual • Flash compensation +/-2.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments • X-Sync: 1/200 sec • Hot-shoe & PC Terminal |
Manual pop-up type Guide number of 17/56 (ISO 200, m/ft.) or 12/39 (ISO 100, m/ft.) TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-900, 800, 600 or 400 • Auto aperture (AA): Available with SB-900, 800 and CPU lens • Non-TTL auto (A): Available with SB-900, 800, 28, 27 or 22s • Distance-priority manual (GN): Available with SB-900, 800 |
| Drive Modes | • Single
• Continuous: 3.9 fps * • Self-timer: 2 or 10 sec (2 sec with mirror lock-up) |
• Single frame
• Continuous Low [CL]: 1 - 5 fps (1 - 7 fps with Battery Grip) • Continuous High [CH]: 5 fps (8 fps with Battery Grip) • Liveview [LV] • Self-Timer (programmable) • Mirror-up mode |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
• AV out (video & audio *) • HDMI connector * • Microphone input * • PC Sync flash terminal • Communication terminal on base for WFT-E4 • InfraRed * |
USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector
• HDMI video out (version 1.3a, Type C mini connector provided) • Remote control 10-pin terminal • PC Sync flash terminal |
| Storage | • Compact Flash Type I or II (inc. FAT32)
• Supports UDMA cards * • Copyright metatag support • Canon Original Data Security Kit supported (”Original Image Data”) |
• Compact Flash (Type I only)
• UDMA supported • 36 characters of text can be input and stored in EXIF header |
| Weight | No battery: 810 g (1.8 lb) | No battery: 995 g/2.19 lb. |
{ 75 comments… read them below or add one }
5D Mark II specs are pretty awesome. I think after D3 took a lead by using EXSpeed in noise category, Canon really reloads its 5D with more improve hardware, such as Digic IV to get even. Can’t wait for the test. Price is right, and H264 HD is great addition. Only 9 points AF is slightly below D700, and yes, no internal crappy flash, this is gonna be a big sale. Can’t wait for Canon to insert an additional Mark 3 based on Digic IV, its really reclaim their lost ground to Nikon D3.
Everything is good except missing build-in flash. It is like meal on a plane, not good but everyone uses it.
It does seem like a really good deal, while at the same time, it seems a little less serious, more consumer, less pro.
On the other hand $2700!
It will be a lot of bang for the buck, but with the resolution requiring smaller pixel/photosite sizes I tend to think the D700 will have better noise handling. With the built in flash, more AF points, and faster FPS, I think the D700 is still going to be the better all-around camera. The new 5D will either be niche or for people who would rather win a “specs on paper” game. Despite this, I do think it will sell very well for Canon.
FYI - D700 is $2500 all day long on eBay right now.
Definitely agree, the D700 probably is superior to the 5D MK2, but (new)customers are going to be swayed by the feature set. On the other hand, the D700 pricing is going to drop quite quickly, well past $2500 I’d imagine. If it hits $2100, I’ll get one.
Check out the comparison at flicker! With both camera’s iso set at 6400, the MK II is much sharper, less noise with better contrast.
Love a link Erik?
would love a link too, canon images always seem to have increased sharpening on board. not really seeing like for like, optimised nikon pics are great.
Here’s the link-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikfive/sets/7215
7607357934354/-27k
Let’s try again-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikfive/sets/72157607357934354/-27ki
Damn, you might be right Erik! At the minimum the 5D MK 2 is even here. Thanks for the link!
thanks alot, should be interesting to see how nikon respond. I’m tempted to change to canon, but from the specs the d700 seems more flexible in ISO terms, i.e. Boost: 100 - 12800 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps, the 5D mark one image quality was on par with D3 in low iso shooting, and 1ds3 had greater fullwell capacity, so dynamic range tests should also be interesting….
It seems to me that the D700 is more designed towards sports and action photography with it’s 8 fps (with grip) and the MK II would be more suitable for landscape, macro…etc. both would be great for wedding photog’s and really the bottom line is, they’re both fine camera’s and the quality of the picture usually comes down to the eye of the artist.
All true, you’d be lucky to own either, the question is which one?
I have been using Nikon for over 15 years now, but can’t help to feel let down by Nikon’s latest offering. For the first time ever, I believe I might consider or have already considered switching brands. As a film-maker as well, having a full HD 1080 movie option is a dream come true. Was looking at investing in a D700 - but am so close in spending my money elsewhere. I wish Nikon could step up.
Duncan,
I don’t feel let down, but I think Canon got the upperhand on Nikon this time, mostly due to timing, and now Nikon is handicapped by the product cycle
If you do a lot of cropping (which a lot of us do) then having those extra mp’s make for a really sharp image in all sizes. If you’re in a position to need speed with the fps (spray and pray, as they say) then the Nikon (which makes great images as well) Might be your weapon of choice. I don’t do much action, so the Canon is right up my alley! It really comes down to what spec’s interest you and what type of photography you do. Two different camera’s with different needs. I have to say, this is the most civil forum I’ve been to! Those Nikonian and Canonite’s can get down right ugly!
“for different needs”….typo.
All good points, unfortunately I have an additional photographic need, and that is I typically feel I need whatever the newest camera is. Creates a bit of a problem.
Have you seen the video quality of the MKII?! Go to North Light Images and click the link for Vincent Laforet. At first, I debunked having video on a dslr, but this is well worth a second look! Never mind 8 fps, with video you get 30 at high definition and the sharpness, color and saturation are amazing!
That video has sold 1000 cameras all by itself. Very impressive.
“All good points, unfortunately I have an additional photographic need, and that is I typically feel I need whatever the newest camera is. Creates a bit of a problem.”
I couldn’t have said it better!
Hey when’s the D90 coming?
Just so you know the D700 has a sensor cleaner as well.
I think the ISO range from 50-25600 and it’s ability to shoot 1080P HD are my two biggest selling points. The weather sealing and 21.1 Megapixels are a plus but not so necessary…still cool nonetheless!
The FPS is not an issue for me, nor is the 9 point AF. I’ve shot weddings, sports, nature and portrait work and I rarely find myself using burst shots. I just try to find the right moment, and if I shoot 4 shoots in one second for 10 seconds and I can’t get a good shot…well then I need to rethink my career haha.
Dunno if the weather sealing is full or partial but I’ve taken my 30D up to snow capped mountains, the beach, and in the rain *knock on wood* it hasn’t broken yet.
And I must agree, this forum is THE most civil and professional one I’ve been on yet. Its so difficult to deal with forums where people get heated and angry over things that just are NOT that important. Canon, Nikon, they’re both great companies and they both make great cameras. I just talked two of my friends into getting the D700. Personally I’m a canon guy
and we’ll be regardless if they make a few mistakes or unfavorable decisions here and there. You gotta stick it out and have faith in what you use.
Minh,
What happens when your friends (and their new D700’s) see you get the new 5D?
The article is clearly in favor of the 5D2. However the D700 has many advantages that are not mentioned here:
- Weather sealed / professional camera
- Faster, more sensitive and more accurate AF
- Live view is (of course) also 100% coverage
- Virtual horizon
etc…
But… if Nikon could add the HD video to their D700, that would help…
I feel pretty confident that the next D700 is going to have HD video. The question is how much will Nikon take Canon’s bait with regards to the megapixels?
Hi, I want to shoot pictures for my son at playing baseball, swimming, basketball. I also want to shoot MLB at the stadium with good quality pictures. Which shall I get, the canon 5D Mark II or Nikon D90. (price is not a issue)
Thanks a billion
Even that the 5DII has 21mp and the D700 has 12mp then why the raw images of the D700 are heavier than the 5DII???? (D700 28Mb 5DII 21Mb) THINK ABOUT IT!!
Chris,
If budget isn’t an issue, the D700 would probably be better suited than either camera. I say that because given the conditions, and dynamic subject matter, the AF system of the D700 will serve you better in addition to the D700 being faster.
Excellent Forum. Very civil indeed.
I noticed a few comments about the speed of the MK II, supporting 21 mp probably has its limitations on bandwidth I’m guessing.
D700 is impressive in speed but like one of the comments said, it’s not the latest and greatest because of timing in the product cycle.
still don’t understand who needs 21.1 Megapixels …
still don’t understand who can say that a raw image of a 12.1 Megapixels’ camera can be heavier than a 21.1 Megapixels’ camera …
it is simply NOT possible !!!
1)still don’t understand who needs 21.1 Megapixels …
2)still don’t understand who can say that a raw image of a 12.1 Megapixels’ camera can be heavier than a 21.1 Megapixels’ camera …it is simply NOT possible !!!
3) Erik please be honest : d700 image on flickr is tiff not raw .. 5dii is tiff not jpeg. The photo have not the same “composition” and in some point d700 has less noise that 5dii …
4) I think that the two cameras are more or less at the same level …
1)still don’t understand who needs 21.1 Megapixels …
2)still don’t understand who can say that a raw image of a 12.1 Megapixels’ camera can be heavier than a 21.1 Megapixels’ camera …it is simply NOT possible !!!
3) Erik please be honest : d700 image on flickr is tiff not raw .. 5dii is tiff not jpeg. The photo have not the same “composition” and in some point d700 has less noise that 5dii …
4) I think that the two cameras are more or less at the same level and any kind of competition between nikon and canon is really stupid.
CD,
speed’s an issue, but I’ll assume it is deliberately dialed down so that the 1ds Mark IV can outperform, unless they go all dual processing units ala Sony on the A900
p4imi0,
It is getting silly to argue one camera is better…The way things are going now, cameras in the same category are very similar in IQ, there just aren’t big differences anymore.
I have been a shooting images in a professional capacity for a around 6 years now & I learnt on a variety of old Nikon film cameras.
My business partner uses Canon. It is clear Nikon are always a step behind Canon!
We bought a d700 when it first came out. Compared to the 3yr old canon 5d there is no real improvement. The d700 is a slightly faster camera possibly more well rounded but if your not needing sheer speed the canon is in a different league!
We have ordered x2 new 5d mk 2 based on their superior quality. We struggle with the 12mp for many of our larger commercial clients & the output needed, so the canon 21mp will be a huge benifit!
IMO, the Canon is made for the consumer, not pro-sumer… it looks cheap… and clearly made for bang ‘em out Wedding photographers… safe conditions and video to please their clients. It’s so obvious what this camera is targeted for.
Also, if the Nikon D3 12.1 mp took the top spot from the Canon 21mp (if they ever had it), what makes you think the 5D Mark II would take top spot over the D700?
Doesn’t make sense… and more pixels doesn’t mean better quality photos… Nikon and everyone else figured this out… and that’s why the sweet spot is 12-13 mp.
Stephen,
you are right more pixels doesn’t mean better photos….
on the other hand,
Without question Nikon will soon be increasing megapixels?
How high do you think they should go?
This is somewhat mundane. Here we go again, which one is better? I’m a Nikon shooter and stayed with Nikon when Canon was leading the race aggressively. Now that Nikon has developed several winners and seriously challenged Canon, I’m hearing the same Canon Fan boy crap that Nikon is always behind Canon. The bottom line is simply this… I seriously doubt the Canon 5D MK II is going to be so remarkable (like the Nikon D3) and beyond my wildest dreams that it will cause me to sell all my Nikon gear because it so superior. Get real! If your after pixel count and quality get a Leaf back or shoot medium format film, other wise it’s a personal choice… and remember it’s just a camera.
Now go shoot some pictures and have fun!
Richard,
Must you get so upset that the 5D MK2 is THE BEST CAMERA EVAH?
Seriously though, it’s a great camera, and undoubtedly the feature set and price will be perfect for many, many shooters. However if you have a D3 why on earth would you make a switch?
Hello!
I have canon lenses and would like to buy a Canon…BUT!!
Canon have never been nice at bright white things.(blue-white and too bright)
And everything also looking a bit too cold.(Have maybe look to much on Nikon D700/D3 photos vs all Canon)
First i look at 50D but no,it’s on the edge of the sensor.
Make an error and you have noise also at ISO 400 or less.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=29644138
Bad points
Needs decent optics to exploit resolution.
Face detection impractical due to slow AF.
“Auto Lighting Optimizer unremarkable.”
Lacking movie mode.
Cameralabs.com
Bad points:
“50D needs decent optics to exploit resolution.
Face detection impractical due to slow AF.
Auto Lighting Optimizer unremarkable.
Lacking movie mode.”
And D700 have only 12Mp,I cant decide if this is right,for me?
Maybe 21Mp make my computer to slow?
But
Enrique said:
“Even that the 5DII has 21mp and the D700 has 12mp then why the raw images of the D700 are heavier than the 5DII???? (D700 28Mb 5DII 21Mb) THINK ABOUT IT!!”
I also saw Erik’s flickr link,but i cant understand why both Erik and other say that 5DmkII is better!?!
“Check out the comparison at flicker! With both camera’s iso set at 6400, the MK II is much sharper, less noise with better contrast.”
LESS NOISE!!?
LOOK!! D700 have no noise,in comparison with 5DmkII at Iso 6400.
Sometimes sharper but i think thats a out of focus thing.
This bad photos cant tell me much.
And 900 Alpha have good photos at Iso 100 but then i dont want it.
Yesterday it was Canon 5DmkII and today i maybe back with Nikon D700.
No!
Canon have the lenses i want
(EF70-200 IS 4.0 and(in kit) 24-105 L IS),and i think this is what i will feel many times yet.
Thanks!
Jan
Thank you Jan!
I agree, this is a good forum. Very civil !
I am a Nikon user, but have to admit that Canon EOS 5D has better IQ than Nikon D700 and 3D. That is the only thing EOS 5D has over Nikon D700&3D, but the 5D is so far behind in technology.
The new EOS 5D MarkII uses different senser from the old 5D, but still using the same old AF system of the 5D.
I wonder if the new 5D II will have the same outstanding IQ of the 5D.
It would be nice if either Canon or Nikon can come up with the camera with the 5D’s IQ and the D700’s features, I would go out and buy it in a heartbeat.
As it is now, I don’t think any cameras is good enough for me to shell out $2,000-$5,000.
Spelling correction: “sensor” as to “senser”.
Hi!
First, the internal flash is no real selling point in this category of camera, espacially if you have ISO range at handthat is so far up the sky. Internal flash normally looks crappy, in that, most serious photographers will agree. It is only worst case that I use it, even with my EOS 40D. And really, external flashes do not come that expensive and do not weight a lot.
Second, image quality discussed so far is speculative, there are different formats, no standard environement. Unclear focus situatino etc.. There wi will have to wait. Can’t compare jpg to raw… (best example Pentax!).
For the rest, if you love the movie addition or won’t use it, thats subjective. From the specs it seems pretty much the same. Further tests have to reveal which one is really the best and for what purpose. If it is going (for me at least) the right direction and canon gains once more the upper hand (which was not the fact in the last year or so) I am most certain to put away my 40D and stop being jelous at those D300 und D700 out there, not talking about D3 or 1D Mk IIIs, these are (at least concerning the price) not in my range.
Well discussion round here. Big compliments!
Martin,
Agree on the internal flash, but on the D700 it does double as a remote. On the image quality–I have been amazed at early samples.
@ Martin the Nikon built in flash is very useful as fill flash in bright sunlight plus you can use it in commander mode to control other flashes .
The canon might be the one to go for if you shoot landscape or weddings
Maybe the better autofocus on the D700 in low light will give it the edge at a reception ?
The D700 imho is clearly the better allrounder
“Further tests have to reveal which one is really the best and for what purpose.” totally agree.
one things for sure the competition between Canon & Nikon in the DSLR market is good for the end users.
i have tested and shot with the beta test version of canon eos 5d mk11..
it is an amazing piece of kit..
but i would say the nikon d3 is probably still for me the greatest digital camera..
a real tank and super fast…the nikon wins in extreme low light as well..
now then hd video is a different issue..
and the canon wins over nikon…but probably not for long could be weeks or 6 months..
alan,
thanks for the feedback. Just curious how convincingly the D3 beats the 5D Mark II in low light–in your opinion.
The next Nikon D3x will most likely be around 24MP as Nikon messed up and put this as a resolution option deep inside the D3 firmware, unless they expected someone would find it hiding in there and leak rumors on the D3X.
I’ve always shot Nikon from Film-D70-D200-D300 and haven’t made that full-frame leap at the loss of a a few thousand dollars in DX lenses (smaller frame sensor lenses). I have looked at high ISO while salavating with the idea of what might be possible and have pushed my camera many times to HI+2 (6400 ISO) just to visualize what I might see if I had a low-noise full-frame sensor. I think the video option is absolutely amazing on the sample 5D II videos and I’m seriously considering jumping from Nikon into the 5DII kit and testing the Canon water for the landscape 21MP shots and video option. Thank God that these two companies are in competition with such a small pro-sumer market.
As for the guys shooting Full Page Magazines, Poster, Billboards, and larger, make sure to try a medium or large format film camera that can be scanned at 50MP to 150MP resolution before jumping into the next best digital camera. Hmm, maybe I should listen to myself and try film for a while too and let Nikon and Canon battle it out for a year….by that time they’ll add 1920/24f, GPS, Bluetooth, and WiFi as standard. Maybe Canon will go crazy and create a double-mount adapter camera that can take both Canon and Nikon lenses with full AF and VR (IS) functionality
I think it’s too early to tell if Canon 5Dmkii will really deliver. Yeah, tests are impressive but let’s wait and hear to opinion of real users (i.e. wedding photographers, professionals, etc.) On the other hand, I already heard that Nikon is finalizing the D700 successor (some people think it’s going to be D800) and I’m sure it will feature HD movie feature as well given that Nikon first came out with D-movie dSLR (D90) which - granted - is now far inferior to 5Dmkii (with only 24 fpm). From what I heard, however, the next FF Nikon will have 24MP resolution, wifi, and ISO ranging from 50 to 51,200!! Given superior image quality of Nikon cameras, I would not jump the ship just yet, but wait (unless you can’t wait, of course!) because I’m willing to bet that the next FF Nikon will “beat the crap” out of 5Dmkii in terms of features and quality - just look what D700 did to the 5D. I used to be a Canon user for years and switched to Nikon and I really think this was a good switch even in light of 5Dmkii. That said, D5mkii will probably be the best FF on the market (provided that it can deliver as the preliminary tests suggest) until Nikon comes out with the D700 successor.
Personally, i would opt for the 5D2 as its higher mp count would enable me to produce larger prints as opposed to my D700 - i would agree with Ben on this one.
I don’t think that medium format is an alternative as the lens range is severely limited - i own a Mamiya 7II. I’d prefer to go MF all the way because of its obviously superior quality to 35mm, but the lens range forces me to complement it with both a DSLR(D700) and a film camera(Nikon F6). No, i’m not a ‘professional’, just a passionate artist.
ed
ed,
that’s how I lean on the issue, the 5D mark II isn’t perfect, but it is an excellent value so long as you aren’t speed/focus centric. I want one, and only my allegiance to Nikon is holding me back. (or more specifically the lack of 5d mark II’s available–because if I pick it up–I’m buying it)
I am amazed at how civil everyone is in this forum. Nice to see people really conversing intelligently instead of insulting one another. After all a photography is an art and both of these cameras are milestones for their respective companies. In the end, results are the only things that matter. I am sure that there will be outstanding works of art from both. The good thing is that they keep pushing each other to amazing new heights. The true test is to get the camera do what you want it to do no matter what bells and whistles it has.
AG,
I’m pretty sure the civility is largely in part that most sensible people (as you’ve said) would feel incredibly lucky to have either camera, in addition in this case…both cameras have something incredible going for them (also both are incredible values relative to their flagship models.)
im also a nikon owner and until i saw the canon 5d mk2 i was 100% sure i want d700. i considered sony a900 becouse of its color and sharpness quality way above nikon d3 or d700. but this happends only at low iso. so i thought for what camera that can use only iso 100 or 200. anyways i shoot mostly in studio but i dotn want to close my camera in studio only, it needs some air from time to time or it dies like a dog withoug a fresh crap on a living green grass.:) so now there it is.. studio camera and outside camera in one canon 5dmk2. its super for studio at low iso, high mp etc. its super for outside, and has full hd filming. nice.. but how it is with higher isos in fact i found some tests but im still unsure.. is d700 really that much better then canon? the thing that makes me hold at that question is… d700=d3 which is more then 1 year old technology. so what now.. 1 year old technology or the newest hit from canon… i have only 2 lenses for nikon so its not so big problem to change them now.. but when i change ill stay at canon then for longer time and buy more and more lenses for it..
Hi
i cannot choose between those two - and i don’t really feel like waiting for this D800. I’m no spec hunter, so here’s my dilema as a user :
- 98% Vs 95% view finder (i hate crops)
- Nikkor lenses supposed to be sharper than canon’s (Zeiss is an option though AF still maters)
- And this MP Vs Noise reduction issue : i’m mostly to print picks bigger than 30×40cm and i cannot be sure the D700 12 mp can be a reliable choice - Nore can i be sure about the 5D mak II for low key works…
What am i to do? and please, don’t tell me to go back to my old film camera.
Needless to say that any help, suggestion, comment and advice would be highly appreciated!
Megarian: My logic similar to yours….
Charles: Advice between these 3? I would have a hard time giving it, but starting with very, very honest analysis of your shooting style would be step one, after that, if it weren’t for viewfinder I’d push you to the 5D 2, but who knows what you tend to shoot—do you need the D700’s AF? How’s your computer horsepower? Those 5d2 files are going to slow things down a bit, that could mean additional purchases down the line….
Thanx patrick
I finally came to the conclusion that technical differences between those 2 models - and related comments - do not justify the canon being almost 50% more expensive than the Nikon is (considering that i don’t mind HD camera functionalities, and that european consumers can get great deals at the moment with the £ break down… you can find the D700 for less than €1500 where the D5 MII stabilizes around €2300).
Besides - as far as i know - nobody has waited for 21mpx to proceed with big prints.
View finder : nikon is far clearer, and canon is not 100% anyway.
Surely, the D700 ain’t the camera of my dream, still it is the best value for my reality - uh…Sorry for those poor considerations…
So you’re absolutely sure about this Charles? Kudos for you in that case, because I have the darnedest time coming up with a concrete decision on this matter.
Not helping is I haven’t been able to get my hands on the 5D2 yet. Local camera store still not coming through for me. The D700 I know I like, would like to play with both though.
Sure Patrick
i had the opportunity to try both - here are my impression just in case you were interested in : you hardly feel any difference up to 800 iso (some may appear on sized prints, which i couldn’t test). Beyond, with very bad condition and poor tuning, canon seems to get slightly more noise than the Nikon does.
I was a canon user before - so i was pretty much used to its ergonomy. Have to say i got a bit upset with Nikon’s dashboard (some ‘i’d never flew an A380 before’ feeling like) though prehension is excellent and compensate better the heaviness of the camera than the canon grip does.
I guess this is also a question of test, but the D700 viewfinder is vey well designed, far more confortable (95%wise).
Last : price as i mentioned… + gossips about Nikon to re-evaluate its pricing within 2009 first quarter
Right - gotta go playing with my toy
Spelling correction : question of taste (and no question of test… mental setting i assume)
Previously we shot pure stock photos under completely controlled circumstances, along with some landscapes and I fell in love with the Canon 5D…..until we switched to weddings.
The D3 and its quickly bastardized child, the D300, became our weapon of choice for weddings. The layout of the Nikons is a clear winner - almost everything you need is in the form of physical switches, which I love.
The Canons feel cheap, including the 5D Mark II, and the control layout is just awful. It feels like a point and click camera with all the unnecessary animations and menu lag. Something that a weekend warrior with a big tax refund might purchase on a whim, whereas the D700 feels like a true professional camera - rugged, with a good button layout (except for the shutter)
But on the same token, having more f/1.2 glass options is a godsend and the extra MP means I can do more cropping and still maintain a decent print size, or I can put away imagenomic and shrink the image down a bit to remove some noise if I don’t need large prints. More MP doesn’t mean a better image, but the increased flexibility is just wonderful. In the past, I’d be hesitant to crop photos for fear that the resulting print size would be too small @ 300dpi.
I made the ($30,000) switch back to all Canons in part because I needed that extra size and Nikon’s product lineup had me furious. Had Nikon held off on the D700 and D90 instead of choking the life out of the D300 and gave the D700 a 24mp sensor, it would be an instant winner and would have given the D700 a much longer shelf life. The 5D Mark II would have looked silly standing next to it. Instead, I feel as though the lineup is mired with similar 12MP products and the next step up is $8000.
I agree totally, I love the Nikon “experience” much more, but….
I currently own a Nikon D50 and a D80 and the following equipment:
Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G
Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G
Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G
Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D AF
Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G
Sigma 10-20mm
Nikon SB800 speedlight
I have been considering a switch to Canon over the past year because there is something about the tone and clarity of 5D shots that I just can’t seem to get over. The forums on Flickr are overwhelming in their shouts of opinions and I thought I’d ask for help here instead.
I totally understand that by the glass I own alone it would make fiscal sense to buy the Nikon D700, but I still find myself drawn to the EOS 5D Mark II. I am NOT a wedding photographer, so event photography is not particularly an issue, but I am concerned about the AF issues that I’m hearing about with the Mark II.
My Flickr stream is here, if it gives any indication to my “style” of photography. I would really appreciate any help you guys could give me in making my decision.