Canon 5D Mark II – Oh Sure, HD Video Capability, But It’s A Fine DSLR, Too.

So now we have 2 choices in that HD capable DSLR range. Here is the Canon version, the 5D Mark II, which made a leap ahead of the Nikon D90, going right to 1080P HD video. And it has an external mic input. These cameras have made such an impact in the video world that a major vid camera manufacturer, RED (check Scarlet), has revamped a product launch and has gone back to the drawing board. Biggest news here is that the camera can shoot HD with excellent glass. That is what all of the hub-bub is about.
But let’s look at this Canon as a DSLR. We got this tour at the recent PhotoPlus Expo:

Part of the video news came from this video by Vincent Laforet. 2 million downloads in 2 weeks.
He shot it all with the 5D using this rig.

[photopress:5drig.jpg,full,centered]

Here is the behind the scenes vid.
Essentially adding on every pro vid tool to the setup and the camera became a strict recorder. Not for every enthusiast, but shows off the capability.Pretty impressive.

The question comes down to, how would YOU use it ? There are limitations with the video, such as the auto focus, and we think this one will appeal to the photojournalists. Is this the perfect all in one camera for you to travel with? Unless you use an external mic, you will get all of the sound of the manipulations on the camera as you operate it.
We think it is an amazing addition the to first gen of these integrated cameras. The video chat rooms are buzzing.

OK, it is a great still camera. Huge file size, excellent processor, Digic IV, and a lower price than the previous comparable model. And you can pull a pretty impressive prit, right from the HD video.
But in this age of digital leapfrogging, is any model comparable to the previous one ? We think that each new DSLR in a certain price range redefines the category each time, no matter which manufacturer.

The Canon will be available by Dec. in limited quantities, then more available in 09, and list for around $2700. The Nikon goes out for a list of around $1000.

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