Canon 5D Mark 2 review in 2021. Thoughts from a professional photographer after 12 years use.
Вставка
- Опубліковано 16 лип 2024
- I bought this Canon 5d mark II in 2009 and have used it all over the wolrd on a variety of assignments in my life as a professional photographer. Here I talk about the camera, show some photographs and discuss the good and bad points. I talk about whether the camera is still relevant in 2021. Hope you enjoy the video. Roy
- Навчання та стиль
Still using my 5DMKII professionally even in 2022. Still love that mechanical shutter sound every time I take a picture. And with great lenses it creates beautiful pictures straight out of the camera. Shutter count is close to 400.000 images but still alive and well. I recommend this camera for anyone who loves photography or want to learn. Yes you have to work a little within the confines of an older camera but it’s a great teacher in that way. Thanks for this video!
This is exactly why I bought one. I'm trying to start a small photography business with it. The only thing that worries me is the one card slot. I thought I read somewhere it had a CF and SD slot, but now to my understanding, there's only a CF slot.
With you having said that would it be a poor choice to buy a used camera from mpb with a high shutter count of over 100000 or 200000???
This camera is all you need still til this day.
@@andrewwagner2097 no it wont. Trust me. That really doesn’t matter. The shutter can actually double that. Speaking from current experience
5d II was my first full frame DSLR, absolute beast even now, I've only just moved on to a mark III
I bought my 5D Mark II when it first came out. I love it and still use it today!
Yes David! Thank you for your comment! All the best. Roy
And the best part is how easy it is to find a used one in great shape for very little money. I still have my Mark I but I haven’t used it in a bit.
Hi David, I love it too. Could you please tell me how can you transfer your files to the new computers around? I have a Mac and I'm not able to transfer photographs anymore
@@ernestobenini8559 Hi Ernesto, I have had trouble with this myself, these days I use an a simple external card reader I bought off Amazon. It’s way faster and seems to be able to read some files I can’t get directly off the camera. I am also a Mac user. The files I have had the most trouble with have been ones where the card fills up while I am filming, I have found those to be not usable. Also, here is an old UA-cam where I was using the 5D MII to vlog with if you are interested. ua-cam.com/video/1fDGxP3_UcY/v-deo.html The card filled up on me twice while filming. Hmm, and now I am thinking I should revive this old channel and start vlogging again. :)
I bought a used one just a week ago! I still don't have a Canon lens yet so I've been using manual m42s but I like how it renders colors so far. Looking to get that 50mm 1.8 stm that everyone raves about
I have a 5D MK2 and it has made me a ton of money in the corporate world. The only reason I would move to an R type of Camera is the flip screen. I love that it syncs with all kinds of strobes and speed lights, it has a very low noise threshold in high ISO overall its a very well made camera and the color is unbelievable. For Video I do have a C200 and a GH5 which I also love. Don't fall for the latest fab. Get a MK2 and explore the possibilities.....
I hear many say they perfer the the look this gives than newer stuff like a m50
Great camera....I have the 5D mark iv version
I have been an amatuer amatuer photographer (yes twice intentionally). I have just bought a 5D2 and it really is my first 'real' camera and I am looking to make the most of it. Really appreciate your knowledge here. Thank you!
For me, these cameras still carry some magic and feel, character, that is mostly absent in today's mirrorless "perfect" sensors. Those cameras are so technically perfect that alot of the images look fake, or like an illustration to me. I just saw the winners of the latest Nikon competition, and while very beautiful, the winning images all looked quite artificial. I'll always have a spot on my shelf for the 5D Mk 2. Colors, character, build quality, that satisfying shutter sound, and very simple menus with little useless video setting clutter...
Cheers!
Thanks for this. I know what you mean about the artificial look. I wonder what is at the heart of it? Increased dynamic range and post production so we are seeing more detail in the shadows and highlights? Or is it maybe in the higher resolution or colour? Or a mixture of all of this and more?? Who the heck knows but it’s interesting to explore the thought. Thanks for your thought provoking comment. R
I like your style, it’s sincere and direct, and I hope your channel grows up fast in numbers! Thank you!
This is so kind of you to say. I want this channel to be a big part of my future! Your comment really helps inspire me to push forwards
Hi Roy, I love to hear your real world experiences as a professional photographer with these oldies but goodies. Thanks for the great content and info.
I try to steer clear of video talk but I remember getting my first Mk2 and making a few videos just because I could and then looking at the results and being totally blown away! HDvideo on a full frame sensor was unheard of!
It's great to hear from your video (and in the comments) that like me, some of us still have cameras we bought years ago and loved them then, and still love them now. And there are also those coming up who are just discovering those little gems now!
it is very heartening to find that these cameras are not being retired just yet. lots of life left in them! thanks for your comment. All the best. Roy
I bought my first full-frame camera in 2021 - a 5DII and I'm still very happy with it. Took me long enough to get one, as I was using Canon and Pentax APS-C bodies to good effect, but the FF itch had to be scratched eventually.
A year later I bought a Nikon D600, largely because I had a drawerful of legacy Nikon glass, and that's been a good one too.
Both cameras together provide me with all I need or want for my general range of photography.
Glad to find your channel brother - good stuff. I have fond memories of the 5Dii.
From one tiny UK photography channel to another - I wish you every success 🙂
Subscribed straight back! Thanks man! When I get a bit of time I will have a look through your vids. Same wishes back to you. R
Hi Roy. Great channel. Absolutely love your approach. Keep on posting. I’ve got a weird addiction to watching editing videos. I find others approach the same task differently and I find it fascinating. Good luck !!
Cheers Mark! Great to hear you are enjoying the videos. Working on more content soon! All the best. Roy
Great video. I still have my 5D from 2006. It takes nice photos and I feel it’s still great for portraits especially. These “slower” cameras are great to remind us to slow down and focus on composition lighting, backgrounds, etc. and for me the body, size and handling of the camera as well as the color is really magic
Thanks. I agree completely that a slightly slower camera makes us a little more considerate and avoids machine gun like over shooting.. all the best. Roy
Agreed!
I love these videos. Thanks for the way you create these with an eye towards both nostalgia and how the gear could be used today. I briefly had the 5D II a few years ago as I moved into full frame DSLRs. I enjoyed seeing how I could work with low light more. For me, I found myself limited on raising blacks, since it would create banding in the shadows. If that was able to be fixed with firmware updates or something, I probably could have gotten many more clicks out of it. Learning through that experience, though, has made me a better photographer as I was forced to learn more about lighting and post processing. Cheers!
Cheers Brian! Much appreciate your comment. With regard to raising blacks. Do you print much of your work? Inkjet or otherwise? Often this is a great way of understanding how far (or not very far) you can push and pull an image in post production in order to get a great looking final print. I raise my shadows as much as the next man but its worth us all remembering that blacks and shadows are indeed blacks and shadows for a reason.. its where there is less light. Often successful photography is as much about what we don't see as what we do see. In a round about way what I'm trying to say is don't be scared of shadows and dark areas! Hope that make some sense and just my opinion so not in any way a criticism or judgement on your ability.
Thank you brother. I’ll be buying this camera this week. You give me enthusiasm about improving the quality of my channel.
Cheers man! Good luck for the future
Fantastic videos so far. You speak from experience and don't waste time with jokes and memes. Very refreshing. Good luck with the channel-I'm off to enjoy the Mark II I've just picked up.
Cheers JLongTom! Great name by the way! I really appreciate hearing this kind of feedback. Hope you enjoy your Mark II and good luck with your photography. Roy
@@RoyRiley Ha, just a nickname I acquired when living in South Africa. Comes from the tall beer can, not the interesting fish, but you take what you're given. You're welcome. There's a lot of good stuff on youtube, but people that really know their stuff still stand out.
Thanks Roy I have this camera and like you say it’s still very usable if you understand the limitations. Really enjoy your videos appreciate your time on this video
With the new Adobe super resolution setting in LR/PS in makes the older tech with RAW files even better value now. another great video Roy.
This is a really good point. Cheers. Hope well. R
Thanks for a cool video. I bought my 5d used 12 years ago for all the reasons you are talking about and am still using it professionally :) love the full frame and not spending 10 times more on new gear
Cheers man. Glad it’s still working for you! All the best. Roy
Great to hear you and Thanks for the vidéo . I have bought my 5D Mark II in 2010 . I love this camera and still use it today! I prefer to keep it again for long time
Nice! Thanks for your comment. All the best and good luck with your photography. Roy
Cool video Roy. Interesting to hear about the Canon 5D mk2. I recently sold my Mk1, and now regret it as there is something special about the files it produces.
Cheers! I didn't ever own the mk1 but rented a few times and there are still pictures shot with it in my portfolio today. might look to pick one up one of these days. Seems like both cameras are lots of bang for the bucks!
Very nice, loved to hear you talk about the past
Thank you! Sometime I feel like a dinosaur.
Enjoyed the video. I bought a 5D2 as an affordable way for me to move up from my 70D to a full frame camera. As someone who's used the 70D for some time, I can say it's a very good crop sensor camera, but I still get a lot more dynamic range and cleaner pictures with the 5D2 (especially skies and in low light.) I really love the camera and am in no hurry to move on. In my camera bag, the 5D2 is the main camera and I've hung onto the 70D as the backup camera since it can use the same lenses and batteries. I mostly shoot landscapes so the slower camera isn't a problem for me, though I have gotten some pretty good wildlife with it as well.
Cheers Kevin! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. All the best. RR
Hi Roy, just found your channel, please keep your review’s honest and to the point. So many presentations are actually advertisements. Thank you very much.
Thanks Steve! I always try my best to keep these things honest and based on personal experience. It’s a challenge to avoid making content that does not feature any adverts or sponsorship in any way because we all need to make a living and that is the primary way to monetise this kind of content. I’m planning on growing the channel over the next few years so We will see how it all plays out.. thanks for your comment and support. RR
I won one of these in an online auction for $520.00. Bid on it on a whim and to my surprise I won. It came with lenses and a lot of other stuff which was easily worth more than the camera alone. The camera was essentially new. The neck strap had not even been out of the plastic wrapper. As you say, the camera is a bit slow for things that run around. For this sort of thing the 7D is far better and has a better focus system too. Aside from that and the single card issue, there's nothing wrong with one of these. One of the best things about photography is that if you don't buy the new gear you can buy it later for a fraction of what it cost new when others have abandoned it in favour of the latest new stuff from the eternal tidal wave of new and "better" stuff.
More fun to use one of these to run around after stuff that moves. It’s a challenge.. With an R3 every frame is a keeper.. maybe that might be dull.. you tell me?
No question, the Canon 5D II was a game-changer. Revolutionary.
Cheers George! I remember when it first came out and that helicopter film dropped from Vincent Laforet!
Thanks Roy, I enjoy your perspective. I'm not saying anything new, but it still surprises me how easily we convince ourselves that if we're not using the bleeding edge technology we're not going to be able to make decent images. As you said about the 5diii, there is almost nothing, that the vast majority of us do, that you couldn't do really well with that camera - and they go on forever.
Cheers Nigel! Really appreciate your feedback. Hope life is treating you well. R
Love the style and info. I had a Mark ii back when I worked as a pro in U.K. as well as a DS. Now retired in USA although still shooting for stock. I intend to get another Mark ii thanks for reminding me how great these little chaps are. Subscribed and will look forward to more videos.
Thanks Paul! How is the stock game for you? Lots of people are getting tired of the ever decreasing payments but others seems to be still doing very well.. Take a look at the 5d Mk3.. in my opinion its still a cracker with a few worthwhile additions to the Mk2
@@RoyRiley hey Roy. Yes the stock situation is a shadow of its former self. I find making direct approach with a specific image to an appropriate client works well. I am starting a refresh to my whole library and putting them all with Getty. As I am now resident in Tennessee I have started to put together a comprehensive coverage of the state as well as Alabama which is just an hour away from me. I will look into the Mark iii as you suggest. Thanks for the tip.
@@paulisemonger280 cheers Paul! I have had similar luck when going direct to a client. Nice work!
“New” Canon 5Dm2 owner here. Trying out the dark side being a Nikon and Leica guy. Inspiring video therefore subscribing! Keep up the good work Roy!
Thanks Alan! Wishing you the very best with your Canon!. Roy
Thanks Roy great video. I have a 5D Mark ii and love it. It's old but still a great camera. Keep up your great videos
Cheers RR!
Great to hear you about the TRUE capabilities of an equipment! They are not affected by time, market, concurrence, etc.
In a moment Canon is changing its production lines and objectives, your message is of remarkable importance!
Keep growing. I just subscribed.
Greetings from Brazil.
Hello Brazil! Thank you for your subscription and your wonderful comment. I am pleased you find value in what I do. Photographers take photographs. cameras are just tools!
@@RoyRiley Yes sadly the market try to make you feel outdated ... I don't want my camera to focus on the animals' eyes and take the photo on its own...
Keep pushing!
@@julioamaral4391 All of this said I am currently testing the R5 and holy smoke it is good! Everyone has to make his or her own choice. It is worth remembering that for some these things are tools of the trade and as such if your trade is to get sharp pictures of animals at high speed then better AF will help you in your quest! I remember being totally against Auto focus back in the mid 90's I honestly thought it was utter rubbish. It was only when I went up against a Reuters photographer armed with an EOS 1 at a football match that I realized I had the wrong tool for the job! If however you do not wish to take highly sharp images of athletes or animals at high speed then it is of course non essential! Each to their own! Take it easy out there. R
@@RoyRiley Many thanks I truly appreciate your words.
I totally agree new technological features can improve our results! And I like many of them. I only think that the market exagerates launching small refreshes for equipments still new and up to date... (Few months after I bought Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS II, they launched the version III, in which I could not find any important improvement). Now I use a 70D and a 5D Mark 4, I am getting good results with both focus systems including birds in flight, albatrosses and penguins.
Surely there will be a moment to migrate to a new mirrorless body!
Looking forward to watching your next video,
Best and keep safe!
I bought a used but beautiful 5D II a couple of months ago for $464 USD (very minor nicks in the finish and that's it as far as signs of use are concerned). It's my first full frame camera.
I have to say that coming from a Canon Rebel SL2, the 5D is intimidating. But I'm slowly learning things as I need them, and that's kept my enthusiasm high. I miss the flip up/out back screen as well as the touch screen. But since I got this camera primarily for family portraits, those shortcomings are minimized while shooting from a tripod. Now what I need is a very good lens (currently limited to the nifty fifty 1.8).
Thank you for confirming that this camera is still relevant in 2021 as a high quality camera. This is the first video of yours that I have watched, but I look forward to many more.
As an amateur photographer and an avid Canon fan (having owned Canon Pellix, FTb, AE-1, EOS A2E, etc. over the years) I had waited for an inexpensive Canon full-frame DSLR when the digital age started. So 5D Mark 2 answered my prayers when I bought it in 2010.
Though I recently acquired an EOS R, I have no intention of giving up the 5D Mark 2!!
Also, not only that I can use ALL my EF lenses with the mirrorless EOS R, it opens up newer possibilities - such as using polarizing or neutral density filters for extremely wide lenses without being scared of vignetting!!
Excellent video on the old workhorse!!
Also like your no-hoopla style!
Thank You! Really appreciate your feedback and thoughts. Recently been playing with the R5 and very impressed with that camera. All the best. Roy
Hi Ron can you believe it I solved the problem just now! I remembered I have a second M42 mount, simpler without those bronze-coloured sensors or 'teeth' on the back, and mounted that with the lens, and it works! That really makes my day, Great talking to you, thanks for everything, and hope to see more of your images in the future!
Great news! Always satisfying to get these things to work. I am impressed with the quality of some of the older lenses. I am using an old Russian 50mm and it’s very good. Uganda was the location for some of the images. Also various other locations. It was a successful project. Take care out there and good luck with your work. Thanks for your comments! All the best. Roy
Thanks for your videos, I've seen quite a few now and after watching your first one on the 10D or D30, I forget, I decided to dig up my first DSLR, an 8 megapixel Rebel, and give it to my 5 year old daughter, she loves it and is really getting a hang of taking pictures, i'm surprised just how well her pictures are with such an old camera and how quickly she got used to it, she doesn't use any other electronics. Thanks again, just subscribed. P.S. I dind't know you only had 4k subs, based on how well you film and how well you lay out your script you would have at least half a million subs, i'm shocked really, just saw that now.
Thanks Alvaro! Hopefully the half million are just a few clicks away! We will see… glad you are enjoying photography and cameras with your daughter. Maybe you will create a spark for her to enjoy creativity through her life. I always like the way young children have no limits to how they operate and the speed with which they pick things up. Think of an idea. Make it happen and move on to the next thing! At least that’s how my kids operate! Cheers for the subscription and comment. Much appreciated. RR
Roy
Thanks I can hear the passion you have. My eos1ds recently failed and I needed to replace it. Based on this video I got the 5d mark ii.
I live in Zimbabwe and I often go to incredible wildlife areas like Mana pools or Gonarezhou- some of the truly last wild areas in Africa. Having to shoot with my old canon 20 d was killing me. This video made me realise I can afford a decent quality camera. Although the slow speed is a negative I have only ever once required fast shutter with lion rarely hunting during the day. Birds aside I think it’s a good idea to go for this camera. Thanks for your advice, great channel
Good luck with it! I’m sure you will make many beautiful and historic images with the Mk2. Still a great great camera! RR
Bro I would’ve never guessed you have 1.5k, that’s crazy, your content is so high quality
Very kind man! Like an oak tree, I'm growing slowly.. very slowly!
Your production quality shocked me when I saw your subscriber number! Keep grinding, you're gonna be big (:
Cheers! Good to hear this kind of feedback!
It's like on Instagram, where a great artist has like 60 followers, and if you're a girl with 2 crap photos you get instantly 300. 🤷🏻♂️
Oh wow. Yeah I thought you were a big tuber when I saw the quality
I got my Mark II 10 years ago, i still use it very frequently and still haven’t felt the need to upgrade. It makes beautiful images and and I find it versatile enough. I shoot everything on it, except street, for that I use my discreet rangefinders....Thank you for the video. Please making more.
Thank you! Agree. DSLR can be a bit cumbersome for street
Ive been using my 5dmk2 in a professional application for 3 years. I mainly use it for videography paired with a shoulder mount and a Helios 442 manual lens and the usage is very manual i agree. A big seller for me was the colours straight out of the camera being fantastic, i do corrections to suit a projects aesthetic but it's never major corrections. I like how the videomaking is strictly between you, the body and the glass with zero handholding or assists and its purely up to you how it looks.
YES! basic film making machine that looks amazing in the right hands. Good luck with it all. R
@@RoyRiley Roy, I know this vid is now 2 yrs old, but Im into photography now for only 3 years, and Im using the Rebel T7. Im looking to upgrade, but money is TIGHT, so if I upgrade I need to get more bang for my bucks. I can use some of the same lenses from the T7 on this one so that will save me a little more $$. My question is is this camera worth the upgrade then, or is there another one, with more tech but around the same price range as this, that would be as good, or better. I cant kill the bank, no one is buying my landscape, flower or bird shots, so Im working on a tight budget.
Just found you Roy. Like your style, have subscribed. I find modern day cameras like a 24 programme dishwasher, on which you only ever use one setting. I don't shoot video, or sports. The 5D mkIi gives me all that I need. Keep up the quality work.
Thank you David! Its always nice to hear positive feedback!
I still use my 5dmk ii and mkiii and keep enjoying shooting with both. Your video reassured me that old cameras still give photographers the satisfaction of creating photos.
Important not to get too fixated on all the latest gear!
Just found you. I still have my 5D mk2 and everything you covered was so on point, love the channel, subbed!👍🇦🇺🇬🇧😎
Thank you. I appreciate the feedback and your subscription.. ling live the mark 2!
My 5D Mark II was my first photography camera. I still use it today for almost all my photography needs. I also installed the Magic Lantern software into it and turned it into a DSLR that shoots RAW video!
Nice! Still a great camera. Good to hear it’s going strong
Very informative. I like how politely you speak.
Good job. I just subscribed ☺
Welll how lovely of you to say such nice things! Thank you for your subscription! Jolly splendid of you. Wishing for an utterly beautiful 2022 for you and your family. RR
Really plesant to hear you. I enjoyed this video.
Thank You!
This Canon learn me Photography! This is amaizing camera for learn )) And i love very much! Thank you for this rewiew, it's a pleasure to hear it)))
Nice one! Cheers. Roy
I also have a 5D Mark ii that I purchased in 2009. And I agree with most of your comments. Currently scheduled to travel to Africa next year and am thinking about the new Canon R series. I love my Mark ii but hated the slow speed. I live in Alaska and shoot lots of wildlife and nature. I thought your presentation was concise, to the point and interesting. I am now a subscriber. Cheers.
Thanks Raymond! Means a lot man! Me too about the R series. Had the R5 on loan for a while but just not quite in the right place to pull the trigger just yet. I have not tried the R6 but keep wondering if that is actually the better option despite the lower MPixels. It’s very rare that anyone asks me for a file bigger than 20mp can produce. Good luck in Africa when you get there. All the best and thanks for your subscription. Roy
surely if you shoot lots of wildlife and nature the 5dmk2 must be more than capable then???
I recently bought this camera as my first full frame DSLR (mostly shoot film 135/120 and modern m43). The image quality is superb. And I manage just fine with a couple of cheap primes and the center cross point af point.
Excellent overview. Thanks for that !!
Much appreciated. Thanks. Good luck with your photography. R
Great video, I have the 5D4 currently but ran a 5D2 for the best part of 10 years and I'm still surprised at just how capable it is. For someone looking to move into full-frame as cheaply as possible, I think the 5D2 provides incredible performance for the kind of prices they're available at these days. Stunning images at the start too! :)
Cheers Paul! Really appreciate your opinion and perspective. Any thoughts on going mirrorless?
@@RoyRiley It's not a move I'm in a rush to make to be honest! I'm not someone who changes equipment regularly; I tend to find gear that works well for me and that I trust, and I'll stick with it for a good few years. The main things that would be an advantage for me moving to the R5/R6 are a live histogram in the EVF and full-time dual-pixel AF (along with the eye AF), but for the moment they'd just be advantages rather than being things I 'need'. I'm incredibly happy with the 5D4, it's doing absolutely everything I want and as a long-time 5D series user I feel comfortable being able to take it into less than ideal conditions. I suspect I'll have another few years left with the 5D4, although next time I do upgrade the logical step at that point would be to mirrorless. :)
@@paulnichols393 the eye focus was the only reason I upgraded from DSLR to mirrorless. It’s a fantastic feature. Also being more sports orientated the fps in electronic is near overkill (I don’t mind the slight warping in the R7). Your right however with the love histogram and I do like the digital focus distance & focal length I guess when you’re ready the pending R5ii would be the masterpiece to pick up. The bodies Canon have now are awesome, I’m just waiting for a R100 type model as a 2nd body
I bought it!thank you for your video!
Good luck with it all! Best wishes. Roy
Good info and reflection, thank you.
Thank you. Appreciate your feedback and thanks for watching. RR
Best review I've seen of this camera hands down! Happy owner of one of this cool things. New subscriber here, regards from Spain!
Thank you IG. Appreciate your comment and your subscription. Glad you enjoyed the video. Wishing for some Spanish weather as it’s cold and raining here in the UK today. All the best. RR
@@RoyRiley Sunny and nice golden hours my friend;) 💪with your channel!
I bought my 5DmkII in 2011 new, still use it, and see no need to replace it.
Glad to hear it is still going strong. Long live the 5DmkII !
Hi Roy, greetings from Sydney Aust. Just did a family portrait shoot the other day with this camera & flash. Yes it can be a little slow to use for certain conditions but the results are stunning! There is something about the pictures everyone loves especially using the 85 1.8 lens.
Totally agree. I have that lens and it really is a beauty. Very under rated in my opinion.
I find your channel very informative !!!!! After revisiting this video review I came across 5D mkii with only 28k shots on it. Excellent bargain for a back up to my trusty Mk3. These cameras are so well built but it's a shame the big camera companies feel compelled to update every couple of years in my opinion it's not needed.
never getting old🤘🎥🔥
Thank you! R
Brilliant video and great story about a classic camera. I've only just recently swapped a Nikon D3 for a D810, and to be honest, I'm missing the quality of the D3 already. The performance these days had improved dramatically, but I think the build quality has gone the opposite way. Just subscribed. Keep up the excellent content. Stay safe :)
Cheers! The D3 was and still is an amazing camera. Nikon loaned me one for a while when they came out and I totally loved it but could not afford to change from Canon at the time. Built to last!
Great video ! Just bought one along with the 50 mm 1.4, having a lot of fun for not much money. Will be my vacation and portrait camera, I use my Fuji Xpro 2 for street, cheers !
Nice set up! Love that Xpro 2. Want one badly!
I've upgraded from *5D Classic* (keeping it) to Mark II recently and here are my 2 cents: MII has a real lot to offer in technology, the Classic has nothing close to it. BUT! The next things really disappointed me and annoy on a daily basis: *1) AWB.* It is true. Which means that it always makes the white white. While the Classic's AWB shows the real world colours at the moment of capture. That is why the Classic is so unique and absolutely wonderful in colours. In professional use it makes no difference as you edit RAWs anyway. But in my daily fun photography I'm always pleased with the Classic's AWB and can easily share unedited pictures, while with Mark II I almost never get the colours I want with AWB. The only way around it is the manual WB or corresponding presets. I find myself using Cloudy preset most of the time (no matter the weather) to get pleasing colours. Maybe it's just me, but that's what I came to after couple of years with the Classic. *2) AV* calculates the shutter speed as 1\focal length which is not enough in most cases, especially with unstabilized lenses. Modern cameras (say, my 80D) try keeping 2\focal length by rising ISO, but Mark II keeps the lowest ISO possible with 1\FL. So you often get shaky pictures and have to manually dial the higher ISO to stay safe, which eliminates the time saving on auto ISO, speaking of which... *3) ISO* - in Auto it goes only to 3200, while manually you can get as high as 25600! Why not doing Auto at least up to 12800? But that is not the worst thing. 3200 is mostly enough to get decent signal
oise ratio... But the worst thing is NO AUTO ISO in M mode! It stucks at 400 or you can have full manual control, which brings us back to 5D Classic... Yes, you can go for TV mode to keep the shutter speed, but then it often randomly closes the aperture... While the best scenario in low light is to open the aperture, keep the shutter speed at 2\FL and let AutoISO do the rest. But not with Mark II. In all other ways it's a great camera, especially with Magic Lantern installed. So I keep both Classic and MII and use them depending on the agenda. P.S. LifeHack how to get AutoISO in M mode in another comment.
5D mark ll is still one of the greatest Full Frame cameras, even if tehre is Sony A1, R4 and etc. By the way i am fan of your music and whatching your chanel on russian) Good luck!
would this camera be good for reference for artist to replicate real life colors when they dont have time for models to pose for extended period of time
@@williambo5989 Pretty much. Although, the photographer would have to consider surrounding and set everything up beforehand.
Completely agree about using cloudy setting. Way more useful than AWB. The less post processing the better. I cut my pro teeth on Transparency. ‘Click’ and you know you have the image nailed, or not. I still do not look at the screen to check to see if the image is ok. I call it the digital twitch and see modern pros doing it all the time whilst missing additional shots that present themselves whilst they look at that screen.
I've not long traded my mk 2 in for the 1dx mk 1 as I needed higher shutter rates but really loved it. Matched with the mk 3 I found them great for shooting weddings. The video on both 5ds is much easier to get to than the 1dx. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers Ben!
hey mate, i found your channel while looking for 85 mm 1.8 reviews. Also planning to buy some 5d mark 2 since I'm having this enthusiasm on old camera system. Recently, I got a 5d classic which is fantasitic. Since it lacked the video, I'm also leaning to buy some mark 2. I subscribed since I noticed you're that channel that tackles the creative aspect of photography, not just that specs and technicals, cheers mate!
Thank You! Glad you are enjoying the channel. All the best. R
Great video, I bought this camera a year ago for portraits, it's a great camera for the money I paid. The only thing I don't like about it is the CF card, I pushed it too hard into the card reader , inserted back into camera ; caused my menu screen not to show anymore.
Great upload! Keep making video’s!
Thank you! Lots more to come.!
Had a 5d mkii great camera and thinking I should have kept it now. Nice review by the way.
Thanks! Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. All the best. Roy
Still love my Mark 2! I also have the original 5D and keep returning to these old beasts as the colors coming out of these are still so damn good. Keep it up
Is there a big diffrence between these 2 in color? How do u compare them colorwise to the 1ds mk2?
@@alexcornofficial somewhat. I like the colors of the 5D Mk II as well, but the Mk I just has something magical imo.
Actually recently acquired one of these for free in a gear swap and was just going to sell it. Although after putting a nice prime on it, I found the images extremely unique. They bestow a 35mm/digital blend that I enjoy. A clean rustic hued image that doesn't look dated.
Agreed. I’ve been playing with some low light wide aperture footage caps with old school ML raw firmware and my 35 & 85 primes
My first FF camera was a Sony a7iii. I love vintage cameras. They make you appreciate the new technology better but also help you improve your photography by overcoming those technical shortcomings. And the COLIRS?! this is what sold me. On my way to buy one now. 😁
Sony A7Iii very capable camera too. Just because the 5dii isa bit old does not mean in any way that it’s inferior.. just a bit slower maybe!
Just bought one a couple months ago. Love it for photography. Spent the big money on lenses no regrets.
Wise!
My son just gave me his 5d mark II and 50mm 1.8. He switched to a Fuji xt4 for video use. I think I got the better camera in this deal. I’ve been tweaking my settings and I find the jpegs to be outstanding. Wonderful colours. I’m quite happy with it and I look forward to getting to learn it. Centre point focus is fast enough for me and that’s all I need. I have an 85mm 1.8 on the way and can’t wait for some portraits with that but honestly the 50mm 1.8 I could probably use that exclusively and be happy.
Good news! That’s a great combination. I once shot a two week travel feature with exactly that set up plus a 15mm fisheye! Was a great lightweight and very capable outfit. Good luck with your new camera, I wish you many happy frames. Roy
Lovin your videos I’m just catching up and well enjoying them 👍👍👍well done ✅
Nice man! I am really pleased you like the content. It means the world to me that some people get it.. R
@@RoyRiley yeah there’s plenty more of us out there 👍👍
Great information and video
Glad it was helpful!
As an enthusiastic amateur I find there is something that keeps dragging me back to the 5D2. I do have a lot of L glass which helps. For press and event work I use Nikon, I find there is much more flexibility in post from the Sony and Panasonic sensors, particularly when you do not have control of the light.
For my portrait work the 5D2 is a useful back-up to my medium format system, especially when I am looking for the really wide, fisheye, perspective. The only downside for me is the single card slot, easily reminded by shooting tethered.
I work a lot with professional performers, performance artists, singers, dancers and actors, so have the luxury of working in a controlled environment. The colour out of camera is a good fit to my digital medium format system.
Thank you for this most interesting comment Baxter. It is always great to hear others perspective on these things. All the best. Roy
Took the 5D2 beast out today, been using Sony A7iii for last 2 years, which is way ahead in everything. No looking back.
It was OK while the light lasted. For video I bought a Sony FS100 which blew the 5D2 out of the water. But that was a major undertaking with mics, audio systems, ND filters, but the low light was superb.
But the 5D2 was a faithful friend, easy to use, great skin tones, nice handling, but limited. A good photographer can use a box camera to get great images. This is a great tool. A friend, but seriously limited to the A7iii.
I'll keep them.
Great comment! I too have done the dance with the FS cameras! Not had much experience with the A range though. Might pick one up to play with if opportunity presents. Thanks for taking the time to comment and apologies for my delay in responding
Great video! Still the camera I use - mainly for fashion.
Cheers Trevor!
I still use it, its a good camera, keep going your channel is very interesting
Thank You! R
I’ve been using mine with a set of zuiko vintage lenses, amazing results.
Love the old Olympus lenses. I believe "Zuiko" means Light of the Gods!
Just had Facebook discussion about how modern smartphones are taking over photography market.Obviously flash,sport or even wildlife shooting is out of range for mobile users.
Now,with decent glass Canon 5D II is great camera(i do not own it) but saw actual photos.However i bought 5D I Classic for £100 :) paired it with Canon 50 mm 1.8 FD manual lens,such a joy to use and the colors straight of the camera are just amazing.
Interesting times we are living though. Great buy!
Thanks for sharing your experience with 5D mkII, makes me feel better about not being able to afford a new camera. :)
Still more than capable! Cheers. R
I could not afford anything more that $500 and still get a lens. The 5d2 and 50mm lens is great.
I’m a CD/designer and guys in my vid dept always swore by the Canon Mark II & III’s. I’m having a boy soon so figured I’d grab one. Ended up getting a used mint 5D2 with low shutter count for under 600. Then took the advice of getting the EF 2.8L 24-70 mm Mark II lens which is amazing. Just added the EF 85 mm 1.2L for some super wide aperture. Again amazing, at least to me. I loaded up Magic Lantern and looking forward to shooting some raw with this cam. I almost wonder if a lens with IS would help stabilize footage a bit. Wish there was a compatible gimbal out there. I may have to grab a Mark III body in the near future.
@@natestain7103 my 5d2 has over 192,000 shutter count. It's been serviced several times. What I hear is most content is viewed on a phone. 5d2 is still a capable dslr. Plenty of lenses, flash, filters available. Really want 24mm lens. Just outside my budget at the moment.
Me too
I like the "what we trying to say with our photography part"...
Cheers! R
I own, use, & love my Canon 50d so much, I even had a New shutter change, I'd like to get a 5d Mk ?, I've never owned a full frame camera, the modern canons like R5's & all the others models are way to expensive, and I'm a believer of there's plenty of life left in the old dogs yet, I feel quite at home with your channel, & enjoy the content very much.
Cheers Paul..Good to have you aboard! I have not used the 50d but had both the 40d and 60d at various times. All great cameras. Both the 5d 2 and 3 are both great value in my opinion. The mark 3 would be preferable if you can stretch. Still loads of life left in both! Take it easy out there. R
Still use my MII and love it's familiarity and soul. Made a feature nature film with it that sold thousands. Love it.
Nice one John!
I have a 5d2 and still love it. It is June 28, 2022. Have a 24mm and 50mm prime lenses, and a 75-300 zoom lens. The camera body and zoom lens have been in the shop for repair, but the camera is still in excellent condition.
Good to know! I wonder how much longer we will be able to get older cameras like the mk2 repaired
Dear Roy, I am thinking of buying a Canon 5D and using it with Magic Lantern software, so I can use focus stacking. This video is especially helpful. Thank you.
Glad you found the video useful. All the best. RR
Between you and Martin Castein, you're bringing a healthy dose of realism to the crazy world of Gear-Acquisition-Syndrome.
OK, if your livelihood depends on it, then the latest gear is totally justifiable. For us amateurs though, something like a 5D mk2 or mk3 is better than we are. They now represent incredible value.
100% agree. Camera companies need the sales to continue, so of course they want photographers to chase the tech. I've seen amazing photographs from decades old tech. The art captured by the human behind the lens is what matters, not the latest advances in tech. You can have a $10,000 camera rig, but if your photos don't evoke some type of emotion from people, what's the point?
Great video thank you 👍
Cheers! You got one or looking?
Hi! I have a 5D classic and I love it.
Nice one RR!
@@RoyRiley :) Yes, it is actually a perfect camera for me. Except the weight. Is too heavy. But speaking image that gives this camera is simply the best. Old gold. I've done amazing pictures with it. For the video tho I should get a Sony a 6000. I had before and it was a perfect camera for travel and street photos.
Btw, I've just discovered your channel and I like it.
An interesting video, thanks.
Thank You Philip
As someone who is finding a bit more time in my life for hobbies, I am returning to photography after a number of years - since film was a thing really... and although I have played with some cheaper digital APS type digital cameras, I have never committed to buying something, as what I really wanted to get was a bit much for a hobby... recently, I have been looking at the mirrorless ranges and they still seem pricey, although technically great. A chance happening turned me on to looking at the 5D MkII as a great starter camera, and the more I find out about it, the better I think this is my first jump back into photography - it's full frame, has great picture quality, a nice video output (and proven as capable in that regard by the content created with it), it shares the batteries with modern cameras, it can be tweaked with things like Magic Lantern... So I have been fortunate to find a battery grip, two EF kit lenses, camera bags, manfrotto tripods etc. in thrift stores, and all I need is the 5D body and I'm up and running... eBay has a selection of low mileage units from Japan... My interests are landscapes, esp. sunrises and sunsets (capturing the light in those moments to start to look as nice as a Turner watercolour) other landscapes and nature scenes, macro photography and a bit of still life / portraiture where I can play with the lighting in a controlled studio setting. I have enjoyed a couple of videos (and now subscribed at your request) of yours and they have kind of confirmed my thinking that the 5D Mk II is the best starter camera for me... I will then be able to invest some dollars in better EF L lenses - which will then be portable (via adaptors) across the Canon ecosystem if I ever end up with something like a R5 or R5 C.
I also think this would be a great camera to explore video ideas I have, get a gimbal and such to play around with. Of course, there are limitations compared to today, but that is the same with everything - cars, planes, computers, smartphones... I kind of like having to take control and make decisions about some of the variables anyway, as it is a learning and discovery process, and the simplicity makes it easier to approach and just try things... Once I can adopt a more modern workflow and some newer accessories, I think I'll be happy for a while learning, creating, even publishing / uploading.
Thanks for the look back and the considered review of what some may pass by without a thought in their quest for the latest and greatest specs, but a camera that has me personally excited as a starting point... Cheers!
I bought this camera a couple of years ago for what would convert to less than 150 pounds. Very used, very rough on the edges, but I still make great work with it. Thats a very capable camera even for today's standards
Cheers Thiago! Wishing you ever success with your camera
*Life Hack how to get AutoISO in M mode* : shoot photos with Live View in video mode. It has some restrictions like the highest ISO and lowest shutter speed, but the AutoISO works in M mode this way.
I too am a professional photographer, in the U.S., and I bought a 5D MK II not long after it came out, maybe a year or so, and have used it throughout the years on tons of shoots. I shoot people exclusively and what you've said is correct, I wouldn't push it too much past 3200 ISO and not expect to do some post work. Although, I have and Adobe Raw and/or Topaz grain reduction, pretty much puts this camera back up there with the big dogs. I shoot with a couple of 5D MK IVs now and the Canon R, but still pick up the 5DMK II now and then. It was a great camera when introduced and it still is. Plus, along with Canon lenses, you still get that color that only Canon has perfected. I don't shoot video, so I'm not interested in cameras or vlogs that extoll video. I'm a photographer and not a videographer. Glad you still enjoy your 5D MK II. And I agree with you that for someone wanting a great camera for a lesser price, find a good used 5D MK II and you're good to go.
Cheers Guy! Appreciate hearing your thoughts. It is interesting how new software is really enabling older cameras. Any plans to go mirrorless? Thanks again for getting in touch. Best wishes. Roy
@@RoyRiley Well, as I said I do have a Canon R along with several RF lenses and the adapter to use my EF lenses.
I like the R, the image qualities are great, the pixel count is adequate not too much or too little. I'm not crazy about the design of the back, they changed a lot of traditional Canon controls. The R5 and R6 are better designed and more like the traditional Canon bodies, particularly the R5.
I'll wait a camera generation or two before I decide how far mirrorless I want to go. I'd like to see Canon come out with a mirrorless designed more like a 5D series camera but with a pixel count like the R.
Mirrorless is the future, for now anyway, but I'll wait and see. Images are made about 6" behind the viewfinder so I'm not too worried about the latest and greatest of cameras.
I teach workshops and I tell people in them that Henri Cartier-Bresson shot the majority of his images with a camera that had a lens that wasn't as good as a point and shoot camera of today. It's the content and composition---not the camera.
Thank you 💪🏽💪🏽
Cheers! Wishing you good light. RR
Just started photography. A friend recommended this camera and I of course bought it. It's such a great camera! A bit of a learning curve but I'm managing and loving every moment I learn about the camera.
You will not go far wrong with this camera! Remember it was only a few years ago that this was literally the best thing on the market! Still just as capable now. Good luck with your photography. All the best. Roy
Hello Roy, I just bumped into your channel, subscribed straight away after viewing your video on the 5Dii camera.
* I'm a stills shooter over 25 years (pre-digital) and no interest in video and I also have a 5Dii, this body is good enough for 95% of my needs, a VERY capable camera if you know what you do.
* There is too much pixel-peeping amongst photographers, clients are more focused on the moments + emotions + ambience instead of technicality & noise levels.
* I'm not shooting sports or action so no need for crazy frame rates.
* Auto focus is good enough if you use the center spot
.
* RAW files OK to give to clients up to ISO 1600/3200 (with use of noise reduction in Lightroom).
Very interesting to hear your perspective. I too come from the pre digital days... took me years to fully adapt to digital! Good luck with your photography. All the best. Roy
Sold my 80d and got a 5d mkii and a 7d with that money, best move I made yet. Looove my 5d mkii!
Nice one! Glad to hear it’s working out. All the best. Roy
I just got one last year to use with ts-e lenses, so slow speed is really not a problem. And I’d agree the files are very pleasant. Dynamic range is bit of a challenge but as I’m always on a tripod that can be addressed with bracketing. I’d not hesitate in recommending in ‘21 for certain uses.
Perfect set up!
I have 5D2 for nearly 10 years. still ok. Very good camera. Now waiting for 1dx3, but 5d2 gonna be with me forever and ever
I have yet to shoot with the 1Dx3. would be interesting to hear how you get on. Good luck with it all. Roy
@@RoyRiley Finally i have my 1dx3. Im disappointed. Big, heavy, no green square, no swing display...OK. But to be honest...very fast, reliable, very good in hand. really poper camera.
@@trothlik thanks for the update. Sometimes it takes a while to get to grips with a new camera. Good luck with it. R
I plan on getting this camera soon. My current camera is a Nikon D5000 and I'm not really happy with the quality, it looks a bit too similar to my 2004 digicam photo wise. This camera has the look I've been looking for and I'm getting it soon!
Just started looking videos like this up. Your take is great. There is a 5D2 local to me with a 28-135mm IS for $300. I'm so tempted to jump on it. I've been out of DSLR's for about 5 years. And I had regularly had a DSLR since 2005. I even owned a 5D2 around 2010. I think it might be nice to jump back into one especially at the price.
Cheers! Sounds like a good buy! I do t think I have ever heard of the 28-135.. could be interesting.. let me know how you get on
@@RoyRiley I ended up getting the 5DII, 28-135mm, 50mm STM, and Tamron. 28-80mm all for $250. I'm selling off the 28-135mm and Tamron. Keeping the 50mm. And I just got a 200mm f/2.8 L in the mail I paid $350 for. Shot my son's flag football game today, and I'm absolutely blown away. The 200mm is definitely a great choice. Only down side, is this setup is HEAVY. But, I'm barely in this camera maybe $500 when I consider the sell off of the other 2 lenses. Plus, I'm in the watch business and sold two watches I had to cover the 200mm. I'm extremely happy. I may pick up a 17-40mm L to cover the wide end though.
@@watchandjewelryloft4713 great story! Really happy your nailing this stuff down.. it’s great to make money work well for you like this