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09.17.08 Canon 5D Mark II - 21.1 Megapixels Super Camera  By Thomas Hawk
Well what a pleasant surprise this morning. Pre-photokina Canon has released the details on the much anticipated update to it's popular 5D camera (yes, the very same 5D that I love and shoot with every single day). The new camera will sell for an estimated price of $2,700. It will have a full frame 21.1-megapixel sensor, DIGIC 4 imaging processor and an expanded ISO sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 25,600. It will shoot at 3.9 frames per second (a disappointment to some who were hoping for a faster camera). Canon says that the new camera will be available at the end of November (just in time for Christmas grandma!). It will also shoot 16:9 full 1080 HD video. The maximum length for videos on the new camera will be 4 GB per clip or 30 minutes, whichever comes first. The new camera will also have an input terminal for external microphones in addition to it's built in sound. Other features of the new camera include live view shooting and the ability to keep the shutter open in live view mode for quieter shooting (which Canon oddly says will be helpful to "law enforcement" in it's press release). I can't wait to see the follow up advertising campaign on this one, "Real cops shoot with Canon!" It also includes a much needed dust cleaning system — dust on the full frame sensor was the biggest problem with the original 5D in my opinion. Like it's predecessor 5D model the new 5D will not have built in flash. Apparently there is also a new grip (which looks massive) that will be available as an add on accessory for the 5D which will allow you to transmit images wirelessly to your computer or an FTP server. It's said to include GPS which I would assume would mean that with this accessory you will likely be able to auto geotag your photos. 
So will Thomas Hawk be buying one of these bad boys as soon as he can possibly get his hands on one in November? Hell yes! No doubt. Even if you can't or don't want to spend $2,700 on a camera body though this is great news because the original 5D is sure to drop in price substantially and that is still one of the finest digital SLRs out to shoot with. If you want to pick up an old 5D cheap I'd be scouring eBay for a used one come November. Along with the 5D Canon also announced an updated version of their popular 24mm f/1.4 lens. The new EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens. I have the current 24mm L lens and love it. I'd imagine the new one will be even better. You can read the entire Canon press release on the new 5D here. Additional coverage: Techmeme Engadget Wired I4U News electronista Gizmodo 1001 Noisy Cameras Fred Miranda Photo.net Crave Canon DSLR User Group on Flickr Unfortunately no coverage on the new camera yet from the "We Say No to Video" Group on Flickr  Comments About the Author: Thomas Hawk is a San Francisco based photographer and technology writer. He publishes the web site Thomas Hawk's Digital Connection and is also the Evangelist and CEO of the photo sharing site Zooomr. | |||||||||||||||||
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