• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 12.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 21.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

Buy From

Differences

Canon 5D advantages over Canon 5D Mark II

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.20 vs 6.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.10 vs 0.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility

Canon 5D Mark II advantages over Canon 5D

  • Higher effective ISO
    1,815 vs 1,368 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    21.1 vs 12.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.9 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D700

Canon 5D
Nikon D700
  • $3500
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Lighter weight
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
Canon 5D Mark II
Nikon D700
  • $1085
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Nikon D3X

Canon 5D
Nikon D3X
  • $3500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
Canon 5D Mark II
Nikon D3X
  • $1085
  • 35mm
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compared to Nikon D600

Canon 5D
Nikon D600
  • $3500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
Canon 5D Mark II
Nikon D600
  • $1085
  • 35mm
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compared to Canon 6D

Canon 5D
Canon 6D
  • $3500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Higher effective ISO
Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 6D
  • $1085
  • 35mm
  • Less shutter lag
  • More AF points
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Nikon D610

Canon 5D
Nikon D610
  • $3500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $1273
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
Canon 5D Mark II
Nikon D610
  • $1085
  • 35mm
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $1273
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Compare Other Cameras?