The Canon 5D2 in 2023 - 15 Years Later

Ойын-сауық

The Canon 5D Mark II, also simply called the 5D2, is an absolute legend.
But, you know that already...
The question is;
What is the real world experience of owning this camera 15 years after it first launched?
In this (typical for me) extended review, I talk about a the original history of the "Canon vs Nikon" competition in the film era, the transition to autofocus lenses, the transition to digital cameras, the birth of the 5D2 and just how special it really was, as well as how the 5D2 compares to more modern cameras in the real world, in 2023, for people like you and me.
If you don't have the time or desire to watch or listen to the video in its entirety, these timestamps may be helpful;
0:10 Intro
0:45 A Brief History
16:32 The 5d2 is Born
17:03 Sample Photos
20:20 The Video Revolution
22:19 SOOC Video Samples
24:07 A Few More Photos
24:42 More on Video
28:52 Vlog Test Footage
35:18 Modern vs Old Cameras
42:50 The 5d2 vs 5d3 Video Quality (where the 5d2 wins)
52:58 TLDR
Another video you may like -
Lessons From Cinema (Hollywood Loves Cheap Cameras)
• Lessons from Cinema (H...
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Пікірлер: 91

  • @tomkirkemo5241
    @tomkirkemo5241 Жыл бұрын

    I used to woek with a 5D MK2....I loved it, I had a 7D as back-up, loved that one to. But then I started to upgrade...and upgrade. Sometimes I felt like I was downgrading. When I got sick and had to stop doint photography profesionally. I kept my lenses, but kept only a 6D and a 70D for hobby use. But I missed those heavy, rugged "older" cameraes. I only do stills, video isn't important to me. So I ordered a nicely used 5D MK 2 a couple of days ago. In box, with to bateries and charger. For...180 USD!!! I repeat...180 Dollar! I'm amazed! And SO looking forward to have it in my hands again! :) Great video by the way! :)

  • @marlonisthegreatest

    @marlonisthegreatest

    8 ай бұрын

    From?

  • @Cotictimmy
    @Cotictimmy Жыл бұрын

    I bought a 5D2 very recently here in the U.K. - Canon boxed, looking almost new, with shutter count of 5,000! I had heard the off-centre focus point were not accurate, but they seem to be pretty good & quite usable. Very strong colour palette with slightly brown tint (even in the Neutral picture style.) A lot of camera for just £299 U.K.

  • @Experternas

    @Experternas

    5 ай бұрын

    What memory cards do you use?

  • @quazisanjeed6395
    @quazisanjeed63959 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the video. Spot on. Arrival of new cameras didn't render the old DSLRs non-functional. 5DII is a legend. I use it since 2018 and will continue to do so forever. Not into videos, when feel the need to record few casual clips, I use my smartphone. I own 5 Canon pro bodies however, if I have to take one camera with me on tour for all purposes, it will be 5DII. Never feel tempted for the new mirrorless cameras because, my old buddies can perform all the tasks I need them to do. Agree again on Canon crippling its other cameras while retaining great quality for the single digit bodies. That's why I sold out my 2 digit bodies and replaced them all over last six years with used single digit bodies having tons of shutter life remaining. My current lineup is 5D Classic, 5DII, 5DIII, 1DIV and 7D. I'm 65 now. So, even if I live 90+ years; won't need another body as I'm purely a hobbyist shooting landscapes, street life and wildlife. However, I did invest in quality native lenses. I own 10 of which 5 are L category. It includes one first party lens as well; it's Karl Zeiss 50mm 1.4 Planar for EF mount. I hesitate to call this manual focus lens third party glass because it is so lovable. It creates beautiful, smooth and subtle images to my taste. Extreme clarity, sharpness, shadow lifting etc. are no longer on my priority list, to me such images look synthetic. Thanks again.

  • @Donaldpoephotography
    @Donaldpoephotography Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is greatly appreciated. The 5DM1 and 2 are great cameras and deserve the praise they get . I enjoyed you breaking down the history and then leading it up to todays cameras. You are a great KZreadr !

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I really appreciate you saying that

  • @ccoppola82
    @ccoppola825 ай бұрын

    I’m a big canon guy. I’ve had all but the 5diii. Current favorites are the 5d classic and 5dsr. Best of both worlds. However, I grabbed a D700 for really cheap and I hate saying this…but it makes my canon bodies feel like toys. Someone really loved that camera when they designed it.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    5 ай бұрын

    I've played the the D700, but never owned one. I did own and absolutely love a D3s, though. It might be my favorite camera of all time.

  • @ActualCounterfactual
    @ActualCounterfactual Жыл бұрын

    I enjoyed the rambling.... FYI, I currently use 5Dii for photography, as good as ever, will never sell

  • @Twobarpsi
    @Twobarpsi11 ай бұрын

    I just bought a 5d2 two weeks ago!! I love it!!!!

  • @bobby9476
    @bobby9476 Жыл бұрын

    Really interesting insight, thanks so much for taking the time to record. More please! :)

  • @mrupholsteryman
    @mrupholsteryman Жыл бұрын

    Long time no see/watch! Good to see ya'!

  • @michaeljin5241
    @michaeljin52416 ай бұрын

    I viewed both of your 6D and 5D II reviews. I love them both. Great job by taking the time to deep dive into the essentials. Thank you and Happy 2024 to you and your family!

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    6 ай бұрын

    Happy New Year! I hope you and yours are happy and healthy.

  • @michazapart7646
    @michazapart76463 ай бұрын

    Those books in the background... How they did not fell over...?! XD Nice video, thanks!

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    3 ай бұрын

    Movie magic

  • @roastbeefy0weefy
    @roastbeefy0weefy Жыл бұрын

    I have really enjoyed your lucid, longform reviews on the 5Ds. And it's refreshing to hear your sober perspective on the industry sprinkled in when the history comes up. Thanks for all the insights

  • Жыл бұрын

    I own a 5D Mkii, definitely the best purchase of a used camera I've ever made. Great review and thoughts. Bravo!

  • @hectordejesus8718
    @hectordejesus87182 ай бұрын

    I had a 5d. It’s the old film look out of digital. Just looks so good.

  • @Twobarpsi

    @Twobarpsi

    Ай бұрын

    Especially when you print a photo.

  • @mariocristobalcolladoavile448
    @mariocristobalcolladoavile448Ай бұрын

    Loved the history part of it in the video. I actually just bought a 5D2, and this is May 2024. This is gonna be my first full frame. I learned to shoot with a Canon Rebel 2000 and eventually moved to digital back in 2010 with a 40D. In 2016, I bought a 7D2, but it recently stopped working, so I saw it as a sign to move to fullframe. I did some research and found this as the best option for my budget. I mainly shoot skateboarding and recently social events.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    Ай бұрын

    It's definitely a solid choice. Well built, comfortable, plenty of resolution for cropping, etc. When I look at my Lightroom catalogs and filter by camera, I am always surprised by just how many photos I have taken with the 5D2.

  • @mariocristobalcolladoavile448

    @mariocristobalcolladoavile448

    Ай бұрын

    @@SkylerKing I'm now following you on Instagram. Love the street photography you've done

  • @AbbasBinYounas

    @AbbasBinYounas

    Ай бұрын

    Don't you think you'll be a bit limited in terms of sports shooting with the 5dii after having shot with the 7dii?

  • @mariocristobalcolladoavile448

    @mariocristobalcolladoavile448

    Ай бұрын

    @@AbbasBinYounas yeah indeed, but that's just when shooting a sequence of pics. It works well for the stills. I just have to set my focus point where the skater is gonna be at the moment of freezing the action. Knowing the sports and being a former skateboarder helps 😅.

  • @AbbasBinYounas

    @AbbasBinYounas

    Ай бұрын

    @@mariocristobalcolladoavile448 wow. That must take quite a lot of very accurate focus point/location selection. Of course your skating experience makes it simpler for you 👍👍

  • @aantonic
    @aantonic2 ай бұрын

    i started to use my 5dm2 more for video recently and i love the hd video it produces. Not oversharped like in smartphones, but feel natural and real. Only manual focus with ef 50 1.8 older cheap lens and ND fileters for bokeeh(blurred background) in sunlight.

  • @albertos.r.4455
    @albertos.r.445511 ай бұрын

    Very enjoyable video. I learned a lot and appreciate your time to share your knowledge, experience and intelligent views about what is important indeed. Thank you.

  • @LyndonPatrickSmith
    @LyndonPatrickSmith Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for your detailed thoughts on this amazing camera. And special thanks for the chapter markers and many sample images that show the potential of the 5Dii.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for watching and for the kind comment.

  • @paulmiller6336
    @paulmiller63362 күн бұрын

    I’ve just bought a 5D mk ii and a sigma 35mm 1.4 ART lens…received it yet and looking forward to seeing what it can do, of course limited by my photography skills! I bought mine body for £330 and it’s supposed to be in excellent condition…the lens is stated as like new at £454…I hope it all works well

  • @bhuvanabhuvana1314
    @bhuvanabhuvana1314 Жыл бұрын

    Good information bro❤

  • @ajphototrekker
    @ajphototrekker4 ай бұрын

    Great video! Im going to have to get one!

  • @PriyabDash
    @PriyabDash Жыл бұрын

    The pics are beautiful and review so nice. 1 hour well spent.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I really appreciate it

  • @illegalmindset4122
    @illegalmindset4122 Жыл бұрын

    I love your vids good ramble to listen while i work lol,i still shoot my two d200s with my sb800s,i dont think ill ever change have a few in box for back up theres so many great cameras that are being forgoten about and somrpe deserving people will finally be able to access them and make great work,if you forget about autofocus the possibillities are endless and affordable

  • @natearts09
    @natearts099 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing the history of Nikon and Canon. I agree the 5D series of camera’s are awesome. I’m currently looking at the 5D II and the 5DS.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    9 ай бұрын

    The 5d2 is a great camera. Looking back at my photos, I am always surprised by just how many of my favorite photos were taken with the 5d2. I haven't tried the 5ds but would really like to. There seems to be mixed opinions on, but it seems like a solid choice.

  • @kevinl1492
    @kevinl149210 ай бұрын

    The sample 5D2 video is pretty amazing. Interesting to hear more about this classic. I think I will take my 5D classic out today. Haven't used it in a while. I noticed the vintage typewriter on your desk (Smith Corona?). Is there an upcoming review?

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    10 ай бұрын

    I’ve got a ton of typewriters. I repair and restore them, as a hobby. That one you noticed is a 1976 Smith Corona Galaxie Twelve. I actually got it in a Japanese auction and it was still brand new, having never been used.

  • @lucasliaskos
    @lucasliaskos11 ай бұрын

    Somehow I had missed this review. I remember when the 5D2 revolutionised video. It was my brother's dream camera at the time. He was always ranting about it and everything Magic Lantern related. He gave up his passion about photography afterwards and I picked after him. When I visit him and bring a camera along he always smiles when he holds a Canon 5D2 or any old DSLR although he prefers to shoot with his iPhone nowadays because of the ease of use. But he always asks to send the photos I take with either my Canon 5DC, 5D2 or 6D. In his words "send me those nice creamy Canon files when you get home" We always labeled Canon colours as "buttery smooth colours". Even though the 5DC has more of a filmic like quality to the files it produces, the 5D2 has a more contrasty and saturated look to the files it produces in a very nice way, it's very hard to describe. I like both to be honest. Maybe I like the 5DC files a little bit more but 5D2 files also have their own magic. A review on the D200 would be great since I bought one two months ago for that CCD goodness and I've trying to figure out some lenses to go with it. Ken, the "Angry Photographer" states the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF DX AF-S Nikkor is the best APS-C Nikon lens to ever walk the earth along with some others. Great review as always, I usually listen to these from start to finish while doing home stuff.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    11 ай бұрын

    For some reason, as I read that, I imagined the relationship between you and your brother being like Casey and Van Neistat. I agree with your description of the way the Canon images look. I also agree that I prefer the 5Dc photos, however, I still really, really like the 5D2 photos and was NEVER disappointed with the results straight out of camera. They always “just look good”.

  • @MrRensan404
    @MrRensan4047 ай бұрын

    5D Mk ll is a robust, classic camera, that will take good pictures even in this day and age.

  • @quazisanjeed6395
    @quazisanjeed63958 ай бұрын

    I'm a proud owner of this legendary DSLR. Luckily got it new in 2018. Love the images it produces. Landscape, portraiture, street life and wildlife - fantastic for all the purposes. Not into videos so, just tried a few short clips. It's awesome in that area too. So, agree with you. Thank you for the video.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    8 ай бұрын

    It's an absolute workhorse and produces fantastic results, for sure.

  • @user-we7vk5zg7l
    @user-we7vk5zg7l4 ай бұрын

    I have 5D2. I love it! The kamera I always have with me is a 70D, because of the dual pixel focus. But for portraits I use the 5d2...or the 6D, but i cracked my LCD on that one. Have to change it out. :) I like stuff that is "the first", I feel the producers put a bit of extra effort into those. I have always just taken stills, but I have getting more interested in video lately. Just for the size I use the original EOS-M with a couple of small LED ligths and a small external mic. It actually works pretty well. :) But after this I will try out the 5D2. Thanks. :)

  • @avalonfarms
    @avalonfarms6 ай бұрын

    I have 2 and use them for my documentary work

  • @ortizma13
    @ortizma134 ай бұрын

    I truly love my 5Dmkii, I do wish I had better lenses for it for indoor work and wish the AF was a bit more robust, but I have my 7dmkii for any of those situations my 5Dmkii doesn’t excel at.

  • @PerfectNormal
    @PerfectNormal Жыл бұрын

    I’m rigging one out for a short documentary. I just have to fix the mic input which sometimes go bad. $150 fix. I have my tilta rig, my rode video mic ntg, a monitor, my Beachtek DXa pre-amp, and my stabilized Tamron 45mm 1.8. Almost ready to rock n roll.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    Жыл бұрын

    The mic input ended up failing on mine, as well. Since the onboard mic still worked, I was still able to sync audio pretty easily in post. I definitely wouldn’t want to pay $150 to fix a camera that can be purchased for $200 (that’s the current price for a 5d2, in Taiwan)

  • @PerfectNormal

    @PerfectNormal

    Жыл бұрын

    @@SkylerKing thanks for replying sir. I also love your canon 5d Classic video. I ended up purchasing 4 Classics. It will be my main photographry camera till the end 🪦. As for the 5d mark ii, they start at 300 here in the US depending on condition. I’m thinking im going for the $150 fix because even if I purchase another 5Dii there’s no assurance that the mic input will be working on that one. I really don’t want to worry about syncing later. The camera shop said it will also do a thorough cleaning along with a restoration to factory specs which sounds good.

  • @bestcameralens
    @bestcameralens Жыл бұрын

    A video for Nikon D200 doesn't show up anytime soon?

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    Жыл бұрын

    I will make one

  • @bobby9476
    @bobby9476 Жыл бұрын

    6D review too please 🙏🏻 I’m thinking of buying one!

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    Жыл бұрын

    I’d highly recommend it. Review will be coming.

  • @bobby9476

    @bobby9476

    Жыл бұрын

    @@SkylerKing Brilliant, thanks a lot

  • @Leptospirosi
    @Leptospirosi3 ай бұрын

    The 5D classic and the 6D have cooler render, very pleasing for portrait for example. The 5Dmkll is special because of its warm earthy tones. It is just fantastic for landscapes and even portraits in it's own way. The sky and the clouds look gorgeous. Two different type of images, quite opposed but both fantastic. Modern Canons lost this and even the mklll ad mklV don't look as cool

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    3 ай бұрын

    I've heard many comment about the "earthy tones" of the 5D2, but I have not heard anyone say that the 5D2 rendering is warmer than the 5D classic. I haven't noticed it, but I will definitely take a look.

  • @daktarioskarvannederhosen2568
    @daktarioskarvannederhosen25683 ай бұрын

    may i ask if the sample photos are .jpg and also are the sample photos straight-out-of-camera? thank

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    3 ай бұрын

    I shoot everything in RAW, most of the time, and edit the photos in Lightroom. Unless I come across the rare photo that was "off" by quite a bit and needs heavy editing, I have the same editing process for all of the photos - I reduce the sharpening area via masking, I tweak the exposure if it is needed (many times it isn't), I straighten the photo if it is crooked, and I add a very small amount of saturation since the saturation in a RAW file in minimal.

  • @nickk1683
    @nickk16838 ай бұрын

    What you think, which is the best 5DC or 5D2, overwall ? Thanks in advance for all responses.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    8 ай бұрын

    On paper and based on what it can do, the 5D2 is better. My personal preference is the 5D classic, though.

  • @imnguyen6658
    @imnguyen66589 ай бұрын

    Hello, I sold my 5d2 years ago and got a 6d. 😢 How does the 6d’s video compared to 5d2?

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    9 ай бұрын

    I use my 6D for video all the time. I prefer it for several reasons.

  • @artsilva
    @artsilva10 ай бұрын

    I agree with everything you said on the historical part except for one thing. It wasn't canon and Kodak. Because of the big following of the F mount It was Kodak teaming up with Nikon in 1991 that released the first commercially available DSLR based on a modified F3 body. It wasn't until 1999 with the D1 that proper DSLRs were produced for the consumer public and professionals, taking over the reigns from Kodak as the leader in digital tech development. It was the F mount that attracted all these collaborators to develop the DSLR. Next it was Fujifilm S1Pro in 2000 that essentially became the D100. It wasn't until a year after that that the 1D was released and the 1D mk II in 2004. Canon Did finally beat Nikon to the FX (full frame) sensor in 2002 with the pro body 1DS but in 2005 with a more consumer friendly 5D to that of the Nikon's D3 pro flagship in 2007 followed by a consumer FX in the D700 I own both Nikon and Canon DSLRs for separate reasons and both have their pros and cons depending on what you use them for, I just recently got a mint condition 5D II with only 5000 clicks and I am loving it so far, I totally slept on this camera for years, thank goodness it only cost me $350.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    10 ай бұрын

    Good points. Canon and Kodak did collaborate quite a bit, though. They collaborated on something in the early 90s, but of the top of my head I can’t remember what it was. Then they collaborated on various cameras in the late 90s (Kodak EOS-1n DCS 5c and Kodak DCS 520/Canon D2000). I believe the original Canon 1D was the first digital camera that Canon developed completely by itself, without just rebranding a Kodak. However, the 1D did still use the APS-H CCD sensor developed by Kodak. As the 2000s ticked along, they had a few other minor collaborations, some of which I believe are more rumored, without anything being confirmed (like the rumor that Canon consulted with Kodak about the color science for the original 5D).

  • @AlexButler10
    @AlexButler106 ай бұрын

    Iv used the classic and mk2 for years on photography jobs. Until my cf card adapter tried to kill a card after a shoot. Luckily I saved it before it burnt it from shorting out. Now have the mk3 for dual slots to save me having a heart attack after shoots that cannot be done again haha

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    6 ай бұрын

    How do you like the 5D3 compared to the older models?

  • @Experternas
    @Experternas5 ай бұрын

    What memory cards do you use for 5Dii?

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    5 ай бұрын

    Sandisk Extreme

  • @Twobarpsi

    @Twobarpsi

    Ай бұрын

    Sandisk Extreme 128GB

  • @andychandler3992
    @andychandler39928 ай бұрын

    I think this is Taiwan, no? I brought out the 5d2 yesterday and went for a walk. I shot it alongside my Fuji XT4. In all honesty, you really can't tell the difference.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    8 ай бұрын

    I am in Taiwan, yes.

  • @andychandler3992

    @andychandler3992

    8 ай бұрын

    @@SkylerKing my old stomping grounds. I wish I'd been a photographer back when I lived there.

  • @theconsultantscoach3845
    @theconsultantscoach38456 ай бұрын

    On you coments on the 2010 era being the point where the playing field was equal... the one area where cameras have been different brand-over-brand is autofocus. But yiou nmake an excllent point. I just bought a 5D Mark ii. I have found the people most obsessed with the specs and gear take the worst pictures. The rest is vendor hype.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    6 ай бұрын

    Agreed. I personally know several people who seem to be obsessed with all the tech specs. They upgrade their camera every year, it seems, and will completely change systems every two or three years if one brand suddenly offers a new feature that others don't. Yet, their photos are awful... I hate to say it, because they are good people and I know they want to be good photographers, but the reality is that they are just completely focused on the wrong thing.

  • @charlespeterson8659
    @charlespeterson86595 ай бұрын

    Just got one fully kitted out extra grip, batteries, and 24-105 L for 450 on eBay.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    5 ай бұрын

    That is well hell of a good setup. Extremely versatile.

  • @katyg3873
    @katyg3873Ай бұрын

    In 2010 I bought a 5dmk2 and 50 1.2, 24-70 from one of the royal family photographers for about 5k gbp. Two days ago I bought a 5dmk2 with less shots than I sold the first one with, and a 35f1.4 for 600gbp. Bargain.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    Ай бұрын

    Is the 35mm a Canon lens or 3rd party? Great deal, either way.

  • @katyg3873

    @katyg3873

    Ай бұрын

    @@SkylerKing the cannon L series first version.

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    Ай бұрын

    That lens is a gem. I've been keeping an eye out for one that's in good condition at a good price. That makes the deal you got just that much better!

  • @aantonic
    @aantonic Жыл бұрын

    ypu can actualy cange apperture and shutter speed while recording, i did it, you have to put in M mode

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    Жыл бұрын

    While recording? Really? I definitely couldn’t ever get that to work. I would put the camera in aperture priority most of the time, but would also put it in manual mode quite a bit. It allowed me to charge whatever I wanted before recording, but definitely not during 🤔

  • @aantonic

    @aantonic

    Жыл бұрын

    @@SkylerKing put the turn on knob or lever al the way up not in the middle position and also in M mode then you are able to change it all

  • @HoAnhTuan-hn2hg

    @HoAnhTuan-hn2hg

    8 ай бұрын

    *are you kidding bro?*

  • @aantonic

    @aantonic

    8 ай бұрын

    @@HoAnhTuan-hn2hg no i am not, have 5dm2 in my hands rightnow

  • @HoAnhTuan-hn2hg

    @HoAnhTuan-hn2hg

    8 ай бұрын

    *okie sr sir, i confirm wokred..... canon 5d2 is a 1/2 year my incom in 2011*@@aantonic

  • @jonathanfederio7178
    @jonathanfederio71788 ай бұрын

    taiwan

  • @SkylerKing

    @SkylerKing

    8 ай бұрын

    ?

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