Canon's marketing department is brilliant. They get pre-production cameras into the hands of pros in the industry who always seem to rave about the new piece of equipment. So far we have 2-3 "reviews" from some professional photographers around the world:

Metro Photo:

http://www.mymetrophoto.com/2008/10/must-see-metrophotos-review-of-new.html

Steve and Jen Bebb:

http://bebbblog.com/index.php?link=94

Vincent Laforet:

http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/09/20/something-very-interesting-is-comingboth-to-this-blog-and-to-our-industry/#more-1085

I say "review" in quotes because all the pros are definitely saying very clearly "we're no technical junkies, this is not a technical review, just an initial *reaction* to the camera after shooting with it for ONE shoot..." And if you read the reviews, they are definitely just "reactions", indeed, consisting of not much more than "we really love this camera, we really can't wait to buy one!!!"

But anyway, SO FAR:

1.) It is unanimous that the image quality is insanely good and that the high ISO performance is again world-class. I cannot stress a couple points enough: The 100% view, at high ISO's, is about equal to Nikon's FX sensor in the D700 and D3. So in reality, the high ISO performance is nothing new. But also, keep in mind that you're at 21 megapixels, not 12, so with the down-sampling of images from 21 to a comparable 12, or less, you WILL get another bit of edge in the category of low noise. It might give you as much as a 1-stop advantage over the Nikon sensors.

So to simplify- combination of *equal* noise performance at *greater* resolution can be translated to *greater* noise performance at *equal* resolution. But we're already talking about clean ISO 6400, and seriously, I lost count when ISO 3200 got clean on my D300!

2.) No mention of the autofocus points, or any issues with autofocus. One can only hope that no news is good news, and that most pros will be able to shoot the 5D mk2 without any focusing frustrations. (Oh wait, there WAS that other link I posted with sample images, where the guy had to defend a couple blurry shots... But the Bebb review also had some super-shallow DOF shots, and their images were all pretty accurately focused, (and some subjects were off-center!) ...so like I said, one can only hope! T'would be folly to think the 5D mk2 can catch the D700 for speed and accuracy, but I'm just hoping that the 5D mk2 will make a fine tool for those who need 21 megapixels...

Either way I'm done posting my opinion on this for a while. We've got a month or two before the 5D mk2 hits the shelves. And I've got a LOT of work to catch up on, and new events to shoot. (And the D700 is begging to be rented!)

So unless there are any other major announcements between now and christmas.... peace OUT Napoleon!

=Matt=

Something was pointed out on the fanboy forums that has always been lurking in the back of my mind- What about venues that have previously NOT allowed video recording but have said OK to still images? (Baseball games, I hear?)

DSLR's may soon be on the list(s) of UN-allowed recording devices at venues. My biggest fear is that it would be a blanket rule that doesn't allow ANY DSLR in, period, because it will be impossible for the average security guard to discern which camera can record video and which cannot...

BUMMER, BUMMER, BUMMER!!!!

=Matt=

More Canon 5D mk2 samples, both still images and video clips, are surfacing online. Copy and paste the links to a new window if you seriously wanna see 'em, otherwise save the hosts some bandwidth as 100+ terabytes have already been consumed probably:

Some full 1080p video samples, and Vincent Laforet's "Reverie"...

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0810/08101002canon5d_markii_videos.asp

http://vincentlaforet.smugmug.com/Laforet%20Videos

Some full-resolution still image samples, taken at all ISO's, including stills from during Reverie:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08092001canoneos5dmarkiigallery.asp

http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2128

http://www.prophotonut.com/2008/09/20/canon-5d-mk2-high-iso-pictures/

(Ironically, you know I can't help but mention- in the last link above you can see the photographer having to defend the 5D mk2 image samples because some (many) of them are out of focus, assuming due to AF performance at super shallow DOF's... Ouch...)

There is no question- When capture conditions are optimal, the sensor's image quality is yet again revolutionary. Just like the 5D sensor was way ahead of IT'S time...

What remains to be seen is how the 5D mk2 performs in the real world, in the hands of every day professionals. Will it fail? Will it perform flawlessly? Apparently the ship date is some time in November, so we'll find out soon enough! We can at least hope that the AI-Servo AF performance is noticeably improved at the center AF point thanks to the new Digic IV processor, even if the hardware is the same...

=Matt=

[EDIT] Found another sample gallery:

http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone/image/104363848

Truly a revolutionary sensor. Now ISO 800 is fully deliverable for even the most important, critical, big-print jobs. At 21 megapixels! That probably means you can totally deliver a 1600 ISO image at ~12 megapixels and print it huge. And 6400 is quite deliverable too, still. Not really much incredible-ness beyond that, though, looks to be about the same as the Nikon 12 megapixel sensor at ISO 12800 and 25600. Un-deliverable at full-resolution, only good for small size prints directly to clients. But still, to have a D700 or 5D mk2 and be able to shoot freely at ISO 12800 in say, children's theater, (or in a super-dim church) and deliver gorgeous 4x6, 5x7 and maybe 8x10 prints, that's awesome...

Will surely be adding a Nikon D700 to my bag within the next two years. Don't ever think I'll part with the DX system because of it's inherent advantages, but the D700's low-light performance alone makes it worth the $2000-$2250 that I'll hopefully pay for one used in the next couple years. I'm sure the price will fall through the floor on used D700's when a HD video capable D800 arrives...

=Matt=

Just got to JFK airport from Seville, Spain, for those who don't follow my main blog. I have to say, Nikon yet again PWNED the competition, among tourists. So it's not just a Disneyland / Sea World etc. local So-Cal thing.

Also noted: Professionals from all around the world still shoot with the Canon 5D. In the workshop of 15-20 people, it must have been mostly ALL 5D's, a few 40D's etc, and just TWO Nikon shooters.

But as counter-intuitive as this may seem coming from a pro who doesn't shoot Canon, here's my thinking: Nikon's marketing tactic is brilliant: get tons of users to buy in at the bottom end, and then they will upgrade and go deeper into the Nikon system.

I'm so surprised that buzz on the D700 is gone and the 5D Mk2 is now "IT". I guess the megapixel race isn't over for the masses. As I've blogged so many times before, I'm EXTREMELY happy that Nikon stuck with 12 megapixels for all three of their current pro camera bodies. BEST. CALL. EVER!

=Matt=

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1034&message=29481677

No comment ROFL!!!

=Matt=

First of all I'd like to mention that the 5D mk2 sample gallery is up.

http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canoneos5dmkii_preview/

Cut and paste that to your browser if you really wanna see, otherwise just save DPReview the bandwidth and take my word for it:

High ISO performance looks like the D3 more or less, except 21 megapixels instead of 12. Very decent and clean 6400, totally use-able 12800 for even professional prints of smaller sizes, and a "fun" 25600 that will be great for low-light, "moody B&W" images. Obviously when you down-sample the 21 megapixel files to 12 megapixels for comparison, the 5D mk2 will hold a bit of an advantage over the D3 / D700. Not sure if it's going to equal more than 1 full stop noise advantage, but I stopped counting when we got a clean ISO 3200, seriously!

It is also important to note that the samples are from pre-production models, so theoretically the final image quality may be a tad better!

I'm very curious to see how the final production models compare to Canon's "other" 21 megapixel sensor in the 1Ds mk3. Will canon actually be delivering a BETTER performing sensor in a body that costs less than half as much? Or will there be some kind of image quality advantage retained in the 1Ds mk3? I'll let the official reviewers determine that!

Okay, now for the REAL DISCUSSION:

...I've never seen a more polarized, love-it-or-hate-it situation in my whole 5+ years as a photographer. The Canon 5D mk2 is "the light and the glory" to some, and to others it is nothing but nails on a Canon coffin.

The biggest controversy is that Canon went for WAYYY more megapixels than Nikon's current standard of 12, and decided to leave OUT many pro-grade features like the 45 point AF, full spot metering, true weather sealing, and speed.

I will openly admit that I'm mostly in the coffin-nails camp.

HOWEVER, I'll be the first to admit that, for those who shoot in very still conditions, at very small apetures like f/8, (both studio and landscape photographers fall into this category) ...the 21 megapixel sensor in such an affordable body truly IS a holy grail for those who need the resolution. (Again, studio and landscape photographers) To have a hopefully gorgeous 21 full-frame megapixels at your disposal for a mere $2700, well it's surely a thing of beauty that Nikon cannot currently touch at all...

Here's the problem. Myself, and many other wedding photographers, are wedding shooters with a strong photojournalistic, peak-action shooting style. And almost everybody I know uses a 5D for wedding photography. The problem is, you're taking a studio camera OUT of the studio and into a fast-paced "big day", and trying to snap shots as a photojournalist.

This is where the camera's low frame rate, SINGLE cross-type AF point, 73ms shutter lag, etc. all make the 5D-series, well, honestly not much better than my OLD D70 or your rebel... I'm not trying to exaggerate here and make the 5D-series look horrible, but it is simply as close to the truth as I want to get without turning away my Canon readers.

"Well, Canon has to protect their 1Ds lineup and feature set, what do you expect- a 1Ds mk3 without the grip for $3000?" Or almost equally head-in-the-sand, "Pshh, 45 point autofocus, spot metering linked to each focus point, 5+ FPS, those are all just bells and whistles that we can do without..."

1.) Better speak up, Canon fans, Nikon didn't get the memo on "protecting" it's pro series features. We have the D700!

2.) You obviously have not shot theater, gymnastics, etc.

So first of all, let's let the studio and landscape shooters buy their 5D mk2 and be totally happy. The price and the minimal weather sealing is more than enough to tempt even ME as a landscape photographer. But I don't do that professionally, so...

Now that THEY are happy, (and not listening anymore) ...Canon shooters, wake up and smell the trickle-down pro features! Even my D300, now valued at more than $1000 less than the 5D mk2, has almost every pro feature that the $5000 D3 has. INCLUDING a shutter lag time that beat even Canon's flagship sports camera, the 1D3.

But okay, in the spirit of avoiding a 100% Nikon versus Canon debate, I'll point out that both the 40D and 50D have a potentially better AF system, too. (All AF points on both of those cameras are cross-type, even the far edge ones, which in my opinion might even be a better idea than Nikon's current 51 point setup. I think Nikon made a poor decision with their current AF point arrangement.)

The bottom line is that Canon very strongly believes in protecting it's top line of professional features, and I don't see how SOME shooters who may require those features have continued to put up with Canon for this long. It doesn't have to be this way! You do not HAVE to spend $4000-8000 to get pro features!!!

If you like Canon because they have a better lens assortment than Nikon, (and they do) ...then get OFF your full-frame high horse and buy a 40D / 50D to use for your action shots. Or go out and get an old 1D mk2!!! You will thank me later! If you use f/2.8 zooms mostly, then honestly, go down to your local camera store and TRY the D700 + 24-70 2.8. Chances are you will thank me PROFUSELY...

I guess you can tell that I don't care if I sound preachy. I think that we can all admit that Nikon has been coming out with some killer cameras recently that break new ground as far as offering pro-grade features at an advanced-amateur price. And I KNOW we can all agree that ALL the cameras on the market today can definitely deliver the absolute finest quality images.

I only want to convince everyone, Canon and Nikon shooters alike, to buy the RIGHT TOOL for the job. Don't let any "bandwagon effect" influence your buying decisions. It just so happens that a lot of Canon bodies / lenses have a bandwagon effect, and I wish those people would all wake up and smell the trickle-down. But even on the Nikon side, the D3 had a HUGE bandwagon, and tons of people bought D3's just because it was awesome and new, when what they really needed was the D700.

So all I want to say is, buy the RIGHT tool for the job! REFUSE to be influenced by camera geeks who blindly tout Canon OR Nikon, full-frame or crop... YOU go out and try the equipment out for yourself, and buy the stuff that gets your jobs done...

Thank you. Please feel free to rip on me, I think my arguments are sound enough and the facts are plain enough...

=Matt=

[EDIT]

Thankfully, it seems that many Canon users are actually quite happy with the 5D mk2. Reading Vincent Laforet's blog, It is ALL about the 1080p HD video, and the borderline pathetic AF module is hardly an issue. Apparently most people only ever use the center focus point anyway?

I guess I just have to shrug, keep on shooting Nikon, and try not to care as much about "helping" other photographers get the "right" camera. I guess bandwagons can be fun, HD video can be useful, and probably WILL totally revolutionize the world of low-light video recording. So, way to go, Canon, your marketing department will probably sell out the 5D mk2 for a year. If you want one, pre-order it NOW! I should just be happy that Nikon has come far enough that when a Canon user says their camera is better, I can smirk and chuckle instead of wince... Fair enough!

IN OTHER NEWS, reading the comments has provided a few interesting side notes. Vincent is creating a pretty extensive video production from his shoot with the 5D mk2, and excitement is building around that; even Smugmug corporate offered to host the full 1080P video with unlimited bandwidth... Vincent also hinted at a few things, including: The Canon XH-A1 video cameras don't even come close to comparing with the 5D mk2's low-light video capability, thanks to super-clean ISO 1600, 3200, and 6400 when you're down-sampling ~21 megapixels to ~2 megapixels. (1080x1920) Also, Vincent hinted that he figures Canon will make a "big brother" to the 5D mk2 sooner or later. Could this be the now mythical 3D, with pro-series features at a less-than-1D-mk3 price? I hope so, Canon would be totally redeeming themselves that's for sure!

=Matt=

[EDIT 2] Well, the 1080p video shot on the 5D mk2 by Vincent Laforet is indeed EPIC and beautiful, a fantastic use of shallow DOF that may not have ever been possible before. Now with the whole 35mm sensor to shoot on, and crazy lenses from 50 f/1.2 to 400 2.8, and tilt-shift lenses etc, ...it's pretty gorgeous considering you can do everything with "existing" photographic gear. There are still a couple issues that keep it from being as versatile as traditional video, with respect to capture speed, but nonetheless the footage is epic. Check out Vincent's blog to see the videos.

So, everybody seems to be pretty excited about the 5D mk2. And those who are excited, are ecstatic. Glad to hear it!

There is however still a strong dissent among those who are rightfully upset concerning Canon's persistence in refusing to incorporate some professional features in the lower price point bodies. If you want certain features, Canon has made it very clear that they want you to spend no less than $4,100 on a 1D mk3. (Or as much as $7,800 on a 1Ds mk3...) Personally, I'd stick it to Canon by either buying a used 1-series, ($2500-$3500!) or a D700. In fact as a long-term purchase, the D700 makes the absolute most sense out of any camera from any brand on the market today, period. Especially considering the speed boost and pro-series battery compatibility that you get with the vertical grip.

=Matt=

Full-frame? PSHHHH!! Haha... How about SUPER-FRAME? (I dunno, just made it up!)

But seriously folks. Leica just announced a DSLR with a 30x45mm sensor. That's 56% larger than full-frame, with the same 2:3 image ratio.

Thirty-seven megapixels!

There is almost no other information, except for the fact that it should be about the same size as other flagship DSLR's out there, it has weather-sealing, and dual shutters, one an in-lens leaf shutter that ought to allow infinitely high flash sync.

Speaking of lenses, they of course have a full range of new lenses to go with this new monster format. In this particular format, 70mm is the new 50mm.

It is going to be a VERY interesting Photokina, and that's ALL I'm gonna say for now!

Back to work,
=Matt=

I'll probably have to edit this soon when they announce the 85 1.4 at the same time. (HOPEFULLY!)

But we now have a new AFS 50mm f/1.4 from Nikon. WAY smaller than the Sigma, it is obviously a much less ambitious design. No aspherical elements, no ED elements, no Nano coating.

HOPEFULLY it is incredibly sharp, since they CLAIM that it is a complete re-design of the optical formula!

Listed price is allegedly going to be $440. GO NIKON for offering AFFORDABLE quality! (Hopefully. Fingers crossed!)

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08092201nikkor_50mm_1_4glens.asp

=Matt=

[EDIT]

Hmmmm... Some published MTF charts for the old Nikon 50 1.4, the new, and the Sigma.

Hmm, those lines don't give much hope to those who are hoping the new Nikon is sharper than the new Sigma! Considering the Nikon won't be here until December, it's going to be a LONG wait to see which is the champ!

If it's CLOSE in the sharpness department, hopefully the Nikon will be lightning fast, and THAT would sell me...

=Matt=

Luck, or divine providence, shines upon us today.

Carl Zeiss, the maker of LITERALLY some of the world's most flawless, stunning camera lenses, is releasing one of the world's most legendary, no, mythical lenses in both the Canon, Nikon and Pentax mount...

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8!!!

A manual focus, "prime" lens costing maybe $1,800, few of YOU (and I) will ever even consider this lens. But as a landscape photographer at heart, let me tell you, it is a holy grail. Canon users have long ago adapted the original version of this lens to their full-frame 1-series DSLR's, and the lens literally makes a laughing stock out of even the finest of Canon's L lenses, AND even Nikon's newest legend, the 14-24... In the corners, that is. Dead-center all Canon / Nikon lenses are pretty perfect by f/8 or f/16, where most landscape shooters find themselves. But in the corners of the 35mm frame, The Zeiss is, well, in a league of it's own. Don't believe me?

Old Zeiss 21mm versus Nikon 14-24 and Zeiss 17-35
Old Zeiss 21mm versus Nikon 17-35 and Canon 17-40

I should have warned you, if you ever thought your Canon / Nikon wide-angle lenses had sharp corners. The Zeiss slaughters them, looking as sharp at f/2.8 in the extreme corner than any of the other lenses at ANY apeture, pretty much.

So yeah. I'm sure that landscape photographers are going to jump for Joy when Nikon can come out with a quality 24 megapixel FX sensor, and hopefully in a lighter / smaller D700 body and not the massive D3 body, so people can bear it (literally) out INTO the landscape. Maybe I'll buy that setup when I have a mid-life crisis and need some expensive, rolex-of-photography type toys to cheer me up!

...IN OTHER NEWS, we begin to see Canon 5D mk2 sample photos...

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/html/sample2_e.html

I *really* don't want to be quick to judge, but neither can I resist pointing out that the detail at infinity, in those hills, ...oh wait, what detail? Are you sure that's not a watercolor painting? Okay okay, NO being quick to judge allowed! Must. Refrain.

I know that Canon is KNOWN for having grain-free, "silky-smooth" images at ISO 100 and ISO 50. But hey Canon users out there, inform me- THAT is not the kind of "smooth" you're talking about, right? Cause in my book that is called smeared detail.

I'm sure that in competent hands and with an adequate lens, the 5D mk2 may perform beautifully. Fingers crossed, for Canon's own sake!

=Matt=

I'm developing my new website, www.matthewsaville.com.

I'm using showit sites, but my hosting with Yahoo is still active, since I have registered my domain name there and I have not determined what would happen if I cancelled my Yahoo hosting and simply paid them my domain registration. (annually instead of monthly) My memory is fuzzy but I seem to remember that Yahoo tried to jack my domain registration fee way up after the first year, coaxing me into paying for a huge $12 / month hosting package that I don't need. (Godaddy etc. offer lesser packages for as little as $5 a month...) I'll probably switch in the long run, but don't have the time right now...

=Matt=