So, a funny thing happened! When I blogged about getting the new Canon 5D Mark II, I received TONS of e-mails from blog-fans and photographers asking me to write an honest review on the camera. I finally got my first opportunity this past weekend to use the camera for a full wedding shoot - I'm not a very technical person, so here it goes!
For the first shoot with this camera, I used all of the 'stock' features that were set in the camera. (So, I didn't custom set my Kelvin settings, contrast, white balance, etc...) I really wanted to see what the camera could do on it's own...
MEGA-pixels!!!! - The 5D Mark II comes equipped with 21 mega pixels! If you are shooting on RAW, get ready to stock up on your memory, because this camera uses a TON, since the files are soooo big! The good thing is there are 3 settings for RAW shooting to reduce the size of your image and still utilize the RAW editing feature! Digic-4 Processor!!! - The new processor in the 5D is nice, but you will need to upgrade your software to process the RAW files! (If you shoot all in JPG format, you don't need to worry about this!) If you are an Aperture user, there is an easy upgrade to get - and I think with Lightroom as well! If you are strictly a Photoshop user, I suggest upgrading to CS4. You can download a converter for CS3, but it is an extra step in your workflow and I think a bit of a pain. Speaking of pains, CS4 is currently a pain in my ass. I upgraded and it has this annoying 'tab' feature when opening your files.
I finally figured out how to change the setting to get it off the tab, but it's still annoying...There is a drop down menu in your tool bar that you have to select 'Float All Windows'. So far I haven't figured out how to make this a default...Does anyone know?
ISO Range!!! - The Mark II has a new-and-improved ISO range. From 50 - 25,600!! Super cool; however, I think it's a bit ridiculous! Take a look at what 25,600 gets you in the image below. Personally, I would never use this setting and after using the camera, I don't think I would venture on with anything above ISO 3200. Anything above this gets super pixelated and weird with digital information.
Color!!! - OK, time for the honest part - I'm not happy with the color! At all! This is something I am going to have to customize in my settings, because I was SUPER frustrated with what was coming out of camera. It seems as though the Kelvin settings on the 5D Mark II are 1000 degrees cooler! All of my images were coming out with lots of blue and magenta tones. Also, in lighting situations where the light should be soft and pretty on skin tones, I found it to be a bit harsh and not as flattering. Look at the image below to see an example right out of camera...This image was shot with a 50mm @ 1.2 with ISO 200. It was also very light and the subject was in a soft shadow...
On the opposite side of the spectrum, I also found if difficult to shoot in full sunlight! Normally, I have my settings dead-on in the sun. However, I found that while shooting in full, direct sunlight, I had to shoot 1 1/2 - 2 full stops down to get the correct exposure...
This image is way too hot in the highlights...
The following image was shot with a 50mm @ 1.2 ISO 100 1/500 and it is too blown out...
To get the correct exposure, I had to bring it down to 1/1250...
Again, I don't know if this is a software issue that the images are appearing too hot in the highlights at certain times and cool in color at others, but I need to find a way to fix this! I would be interested to hear if any other photographers are experiencing this as well!
HD Video!!! - It's amazing and sweet! I'm super impressed with it. I think the whole 'fusion' of stills + video will most definately be a trend in photography for a while. However, one thing I learned is that I'm not a good videographer! Ha-ha - seriously! I'm super shaky with it and it's hard for me to compose in live view and manually focus. So, this will take some practice for me! It is killer though!
BIG Screen!!! - I HEART the new LCD screen! It's so much easier to tell if your subject is truly in focus!
HAUT Body!!! - I love the way this camera feels! It's big, strong, tough and fits me like a glove! We just have to work on our relationship! ;0)
Overall, my first impression of the 5D Mark II...I'm a little disappointed! There, I confessed! I said it! I know I need to sit down and totally customize this camera and all will be well; however it's going to take some time to get it exactly to where I want it! New technology is always bigger and better, but also different. Whether we like it or not, the fast track way of photography is here, so we have the choice to love it or hate it. No matter how frustrating new technology is, we just have to breathe and take the time to PRACTICE with this new equipment! Ask me in a month, I'm sure this camera will be my best friend! ;0) So, I do recommend getting this camera, but just look out for a few things and make sure it is shooting exactly how you want it to!
Hope this helps! ROCK ON!
eliesa