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Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Canon upgrades their "ultimate" d-SLR with 16.7 megapixels of resolution and significant performance improvements. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet EOS-1Ds Mark II Test Images EOS-1Ds Mark II Imatest Results --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Comparison, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II vs EOS-1Ds 3. Executive Overview 4. Design 5. Viewfinder 6. Sensor, Noise Reduction, and Optics 7. Exposure 8. The "Red Problem," Description and Workaround 9. Flash 10. Shutter Lag / Cycle Times 11. Operation & User Interface 12. Control Enumeration 13. Camera Menus 14. Image Storage & Interface 15. Video & Power 16. Included Software 17. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on EOS-1Ds Mark II Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Included Software>> Page 15:Video & Power Review First Posted: 9/26/2005

Video Out

The 1Ds Mark II has a Video Out jack for connecting the camera to a television set, useful for reviewing images on a larger screen. A menu option lets you choose between NTSC and PAL timing, for European or US usage.

 

Power

Power is supplied to the 1Ds Mark II via an NiMH rechargeable battery pack or the included "DC Coupler" (AC adapter) accessory. The NP-E3 battery pack and DC coupler both accompany the camera, along with a battery charger. According to Canon, a freshly charged NP-E3 battery pack should produce as many as 1,200 shots at normal temperature (28C/68F). At low temperatures, battery capacity can be significantly reduced, but the manual says that at freezing (0C/32F) the 1Ds Mark II can take 800 shots per charge. The (approximate) amount of battery life remaining is displayed on the top LCD status display panel. An Auto Power-Off feature automatically turns off the camera after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, or 30 minutes, depending on the time set through the settings menu (you can also turn this off). A CR2025 lithium battery serves as the backup power supply for the camera's internal calendar and clock.

Working with the DC coupler, I performed my usual measurements on the 1Ds Mark II's power consumption in various operating modes. Here's what I found for the 1Ds Mark II's power consumption numbers:

Operating Mode	Power (@ 13v)	Est. Minutes (1650 mAh NP-E3 pack)
Capture Mode, "semi-sleep"	51.5 mA	29.6 hours
Capture Mode, "awake"	158 mA	9.66 hours
Memory Write (transient)	203 mA	n/a
Burst shooting, 4 fps	927	n/a
Image Playback	171 mA	8.9 hours

The EOS-1Ds Mark II's power consumption is rather dramatically lower than that of the original EOS-1Ds across the board, regardless of operating mode. No doubt about it, this is a camera for the long haul, able to keep shooting all day long.