Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II review

The successor to the EOS-1Ds SLR introduced in 2002, the 16.7-megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II professional digital camera utilizes a full-size 24x36mm CMOS sensor that eliminates focal length conversion factors, and features dramatically improved image quality made possible by the combination of a new image sensor and Canon’s exclusive DIGIC II image processor. The 1Ds Mark II is the flagship of Canon’s professional digital line and incorporates or surpasses many of the new technological advances introduced earlier this year on the 8.2 megapixel EOS-1D Mark II pro digital SLR.

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16.7MP
Digital SLR Camera

DPReview just poste their Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II review. Phil Askey says of this camera-

"The EOS-1Ds was the first digital SLR released with a full frame 35 mm size sensor and the first digital SLR with double-digit megapixel count. Two years later and the new EOS-1Ds Mark II raises the megapixel count by 5.6 million pixels, which equates to a 23% increase in horizontal and vertical pixel count. It shows too, the EOS-1Ds Mark II delivers a level of detail unmatched by any other current digital SLR (excluding the more 'exotic' medium format backs). The 1Ds Mark II also demonstrates a level of per-pixel sharpness which is often so difficult to achieve with Bayer pattern sensors.
...
In my opinion both the EOS-1Ds Mark II iand D2X represent the ultimate in current digital SLR technology. The EOS-1Ds Mark II's problem however is its big price tag. In our review of the Nikon D2X we clearly demonstrated that it is more than a match for the EOS-1Ds despite a deficit of 4.4 megapixels. So if you're building an entire new system the D2X will be an attractive proposition.

However for the professional (especially if they already own Canon lenses) to whom price is not a deciding factor and who wants the ultimate in high resolution, a full frame sensor, professional features, build quality, speed and reliability the choice is simple."

EOS-1Ds Mark II Features:

• 16.7 megapixel, full-frame (36mm x 24 mm) large plate CMOS sensor


• Lens mount: Canon EF, compatible with all Canon EF lenses except EF-S.


• DIGIC II processor faster processing of large files and is twice as fast as the image processor used in the EOS-1Ds


• 55ms shutter lag, nearly instant "On" and auto focus operations


• Proprietary noise reduction and high-speed "imaging engine" signal processor deliver outstanding image quality


• Images can be recorded as Large RAW files or in one of four JPEG formats (Large, Medium1, Medium2 and Small)


• Users can select RAW + JPEG mode which captures both a RAW image and a JPEG of the same shot simultaneously


• 4 frames/sec capture up to 32 frames JPEG or 11 frames RAW at ISO 100


• Images stored on CompactFlash Type I or II or Secure Digital cards, Microdrive compatible.


• 10 White Balance settings; Auto, Daylight, Overcast, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, and Flash as well as Custom and Personal settings


• Manual setting of color temperature in degrees Kelvin from 2,800 to 10,000K in 100K increments.


• White Balance Bracketing captures 3 consecutive images and varies the White Balance up to +/- 3 steps in 1 step increments


• Color Matrix function: Five standard types plus two types that can be registered with color matrix


• Up to 3 sets of image processing parameters such as custom tone curves, adjustable JPEG compression ratios, and two forms of image sharpening can be stored and selected for use with any Color Matrix setting


• 45-point Area AF with a working range of EV 0-18 (at ISO 100)


• Focusing modes: One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF or Manual focusing


• AF point selection: Automatic selection, manual selection, home position (switch to registered AF point). Selected AF point display is superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on top LCD panel


• Metering modes: TTL full aperture metering with 21-zone SPC

(1) Evaluative metering (linkable to any AF point)
(2) Partial metering (approx. 13.5% of viewfinder at center)
(3) Spot metering
(4) Centerweighted average metering

• ISO sensitivity: 100-1600 (in 1/3-stop increments), ISO 50 and 3200 available


• High-speed Firewire IEEE 1394 data and control interface, up to 100mbps


• Exposure control: Program AE (shiftable), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, E-TTL flash AE, manual, flash metered manual


• External flash: Speedlite EX series E-TTL II autoflash. PC terminal for studio flash, operates regardless of sync polarity


• Drive modes: Single-frame, Continuous (4fps up to 11 frames RAW, 32 frames JPEG)


• Eye-level glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage, eyepiece shutter and dioptric adjustment. Nine interchangeable focusing screens available


• Shutter speeds: 1/8,000 to 30 sec. (1/3 stop increments), bulb, X-synch at 1/250th sec.


• Noise reduction for long exposure: Operates at 1/15th sec. or a slower shutter speeds (including bulb)


• 2-inch TFT color LCD monitor (230,000 pixels) with 100% coverage, brightness is adjustable to one of five levels


• Image Playback with Histogram, Single image with information, Single image, 4-image index or 9-image index. Highlight alert in single image display formats, any overexposed highlight areas will blink. Playback magnification 1.5X - 10X


• Custom functions: 20, with 65 possible settings. Personal functions: 27


• Voice narration recorded with the built-in microphone is attached to the image. Max. 30 sec. per recording, saved as WAV file


• High-capacity Ni-MH battery pack NP-E3 good for approx. 1200 shots. Rapid dual-battery charger and AC power adapter and DC coupler supplied