16.7 Megapixel, Full Frame CMOS Sensor
Canon newly developed 16.7 megapixel CMOS sensor captures more pixels faster, for no-compromise high-resolution photography. With a recorded image size of 4992x3328 pixels and low noise levels comparable to the EOS-1D Mark II, the EOS-1Ds Mark II can create images large enough for almost any purpose, whether on location or in the studio. With ISO ratings of 50-3200, there's almost nowhere this sensor won't perform. As with its predecessor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II's sensor is full frame, meaning no focal-length conversion-factor lenses will have the same angle of view as they would on a 35mm camera.
With RAW plus four JPEG file sizes available, from 16.7 megapixels down to 4.2 megapixels, the EOS-1Ds MARK II can be adjusted to conserve space on memory cards if large images are not the priority of the shoot.
DIGIC II Image Processor
Driven by the revolutionary new DIGIC II Image Processor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II is supercharged for unprecedented performance and image quality, no matter the situation. Thanks to the DIGIC II Image Processor, the EOS-1Ds MARK II is capable of shooting up to four frames per second for up to 32 JPEG or 11 RAW images. The information captured by the sensor is processed and assembled into images of exceptional clarity and resolution. For the first time, photographers can expect precise, natural colors with smooth, lifelike gradations, spot-on white balance, and speed in any number of lighting situations. By handling larger volumes of image data, the DIGIC II Image Processor also contributes to lower power consumption: up to about 1,200 shots can be taken on a full battery at 20 degrees C/68 degrees F, or around 800 shots at 0 degrees C/32 degrees F. With a startup time of 0.3 seconds, the benefits of the DIGIC II Image Processor are immediately evident.
RAW + JPEG
Images can be recorded in the JPEG image format, the RAW image format, or both formats simultaneously, with unprecedented control over image quality. The JPEG format is ideal when reduced file sizes are desired, while Canon newly developed proprietary CR2 RAW format offers higher image quality with rich 12-bit gradation and lossless image compression. Amazing results can be achieved when processing RAW images on a computer.
Fast and Responsive, EOS-1 Class Performance
As the "1" designation has always been used for the flagship models in the EOS line, Canon has made no compromises with the construction and performance of the EOS-1Ds Mark II. With shutter speeds from 1/8000 to 30 seconds and bulb, a 1/250 second flash synchronization, E-TTL II flash metering, ISO speeds of 100-1600 in 1/3-stop increments (expandable to 50 or 3200 using Custom Functions), as well as 100% viewfinder coverage, the EOS-1Ds Mark II behaves as a professional camera body should. Photographers can expect performance on par with every EOS-1 from the EOS-1V and on. Shutter lag is a paltry 55 milliseconds, focus is achieved with near-instant precision using a 45-point AF system, exposure is measured precisely with a 21-zone metering sensor, and the camera features 20 Custom Functions with 65 settings and 27 personal function settings (with the use of dedicated software) for the ultimate in customization.
Features Shared with the EOS-1D Mark II
Like Canon's other Flagship EOS, the EOS-1D Mark II, the EOS-1Ds Mark II features a number of improvements to enable better digital photography.
Dual Card Slots The EOS-1Ds Mark II comes equipped with two card slots, one for CompactFlash (CF) and one for Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. The camera can be set up to record images on either card for maximum storage capacity, or, for extra security, the same image can be recorded simultaneously on both cards. The card slot cover release knob has been redesigned to enable photographers to open the slot easily, even with their gloves on.
Settings Saved Reflecting the tremendous amount of customization possible with EOS digital SLRs, an entire camera's settings can now be saved to a memory card and shared with multiple cameras. If service is needed, personal settings can be stored and reloaded onto the camera, minimizing redundant settings work.
New Interfaces
Reflecting the wide range of viewing and image transfer possibilities available today, the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II has a new video OUT terminal, perfect for viewing images on a television screen. And in addition to the standard professional IEEE1394 (Firewire) port, the EOS-1Ds Mark II includes a USB port for connection to older computers or direct connection to PictBridge-compatible printers.
Rugged Build Quality
Like the EOS-1D Mark II, the EOS-1Ds Mark II has a rigid, well-coated magnesium alloy body, as well as improved dust-proofing and waterproofing for shooting in even the most inclement conditions. In addition, the shutter is designed to endure 200,000 cycles. With a newly strengthened accessory shoe, electromagnetic shielding to help reduce noise, and an elegant, comfortable-to-carry body, the EOS-1Ds Mark II is a pleasure to hold and use.
Improved Image Display
New Monitor
The EOS-1Ds Mark II's high-definition, 230,000 pixel, 2.0-inch color TFT LCD offers nearly twice the resolution of monitors on other EOS digital models. It displays nearly 100% of JPEG images, features a new, bolder typeface that simplifies reading of text menus, and five brightness settings. Users can choose to display one to nine images on the screen and can see all their image information when looking at a single image.
Expanded Zoom Displays
Displayed photos can be magnified from 1.5x to 10x in 15 stops, allowing users to check the focus and exposure of images with a new level of precision. Operation is simple: users press the Enlarge/Reduce button in combination with the AF point selector to zoom in, the AE lock button to zoom out, the Main Dial to scroll horizontally, or the Quick Control Dial to scroll vertically.
RGB Histogram
The RGB histogram is a unique feature newly available on only high-end Canon digital SLRs. This professional feature enables separate checking of color information for the red, green, and blue channels, as well as inspection of other color information such as white balance, color balance, saturation, and gradation compression. Available when viewing any recorded image in the Single (Info.) image playback mode, the RGB histogram is displayed as an alternate to the brightness histogram, which draws attention to white portions of the image that lack image information.
Auto Rotation of Vertical Images
To enable easier viewing, images shot vertically are automatically rotated when played back on the LCD monitor. Manual clockwise rotation of the image is also possible by 90, 270, or 0 degrees through the image rotation menu.
Compatible with Canon's Full Line of EOS Lenses and Accessories
EF Lenses
Canon world-renowned lineup of professional EF Lenses includes over 50 models ranging from 14mm ultra-wide-angle to 1,200mm super-telephoto. All of these extraordinary lenses, except the EF-S series, are compatible with the EOS-1Ds Mark II.
Through Canon's advanced optical know-how and sub-micron precision engineering, EF lenses offer unprecedented capabilities that meet wide-ranging needs. Leading features include a high precision ultrasonic motor that silently drives the autofocus mechanism, an image stabilizer that automatically compensates for camera shake, advanced aspherical optics, fluorite lenses, ultra low dispersion (UD) lenses, and super UD lenses.
Canon's sophisticated electronic lens mount technology communicates with the camera as soon as the lens is mounted, transferring information about the lens type, aperture, and focal length, ensuring fast, precise control from the camera.
Accessories
The EOS-1Ds Mark II is compatible with all accessories available for the EOS-1D, EOS-1D Mark II, and EOS-1Ds (except the DVK-E1, IFC-450D6, IFC-200D6). These accessories include the Ni-MH battery pack NP-E3 and Ni-MH battery charger NC-E2, DC coupler kit DCK-E1, various interface cables, a range of Speedlites, including the all new Speedlite 580EX, the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, and much, much more.
Speedlite 580EX
The new flagship of the Speedlite line, the Speedlite 580EX is optimized for use with digital cameras and is a perfect complement to the EOS-1Ds Mark II. With a higher maximum guide number, shorter recycle times, and compatibility with Canon's E-TTL II flash metering, the Speedlite 580EX is the perfect flash for professionals to advanced amateurs, who want easy, powerful, customizable control.
Data Verification Kit DVK-E2
While ease of manipulation is usually considered a key benefit of digital photography, officials involved in data verification considered it a liability until Canon's release of the DVK-E1, the world's first data verification kit for digital SLRs. This breakthrough was introduced as an option for the EOS-1Ds camera. And now Canon is offering a new improved version--the DVK-E2--as an option for the EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS-1Ds, and EOS 20D. Like its predecessor, this kit can verify whether or not a photo is an untouched original. But its use of a Secure Mobile (SM) card reader, instead of an IC card reader, makes it more compact and affordable than the previous version.
Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1
This new accessory allows photographers to transmit images from their cameras directly to a computer over a local area network (LAN). It is compatible with the EOS-1Ds Mark II, and with the EOS-1D MARK II and EOS 20D through firmware upgrades. Includes a mini-antenna and IEEE1394 cable.
Professional-level Image Software
The EOS-1Ds Mark II comes bundled with Canon's EOS DIGITAL Solution Disk (Version 9.0) and Digital Photo Professional (Ver. 1.5), a perfect combination of powerful, easy-to-use tools designed to seamlessly transform data captured by the EOS-1Ds Mark II into a spectacular digital file, perfect for any application the photographer may have in mind.
EOS Solution Disk
The EOS Solution Disk 9.0 includes EOS Viewer Utility 1.2, which provides dedicated support for downloading and simple RAW image adjustment. EOS Capture 1.2 is a remote capture tool for tethered operation, which offers improvements in both speed and usability over previous programs, and PhotoStitch allows for the creation of panoramic images from several different photographs.
Digital Photo Professional (Version 1.5)
Digital Photo Professional is a new RAW image processing application featuring a newly designed, dedicated image processing engine that is optimized to streamline the workflow demands of professional digital photographers. It enables high-speed RAW image processing and preview, support for sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces, and is CMS (Color Management System) compatible. In addition to numerous controls for exposure and color settings, it also includes a new cropping tool, a navigation tool, CMYK printer simulation, batch conversion, multiple image download, and download to applications other than Photoshop.
Compatibility Chart
EOS-1Ds Mark II | Canon Direct Printers | |||||||
iP8500 | iP6000D | iP5000 | iP4000R | iP4000 | iP3000 | iP2000 | iP1500 | |
4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
i9900 | i960 | i900D | i860 | i560 | i475D | S830D | S530D | |
4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
i80 | i70 | CP-330 | CP-300 | CP-220 | CP-200 | CP-100 | CP-10 | |
4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Direct Photo Printers
For desktop large-format printing, try one of the Direct Photo Printers that allow you to print directly in one of two ways: plug the compatible PowerShot camera into the Direct Photo Printer using the supplied cable, or simply insert a memory card with supplied adapter. You can also connect the printer to your computer for more options. Print high-resolution borderless images in postcard size or 8.5x11-inch size within minutes.
Compact Photo Printers
Compact Photo Printers let you produce versatile, fun 4x8-inch greeting-card, credit card-size, postcard-size, or wide-size prints in just three easy steps: connect, press, and print. Control the printer right from your camera's LCD screen. Bordered and borderless options are available. Available paper types let you create mini- or credit card-size labels. You can even take the CP-330 printer to a party or outdoor picnic using its included rechargeable battery.
PictBridge
The Card Photo Printers CP330, CP220, CP-300, and CP-200 support PictBridge, a new print standard. This standard enables any digital camera that supports PictBridge to connect and print to any PictBridge-compliant printer.
What's in the box
Digital camera body, NP-E3 NiMH rechargeable battery pack, NC-E2 battery charger, DCK-E1 DC coupler kit, IEEE 1394 (Firewire) interface cable, USB cable, neck strap, EOS Digital Solutions 9.0 CD-ROM, Digital Photo Professional 1.5 CD-ROM, user's guide, 1-year limited Warranty
Customer Reviews
Simply beautiful
I started out in 2005 with a Canon EOS 20D, at about the same time the 1ds MK II was released.
Because this was a hobby of mine at the time, the 1ds mk II was way out of reach, both in terms of price, and due to the demand for good glass to go with it.
I am used to the 20D's AA filter, for me it is a normal part of the work flow to apply default sharpening at the end of the job in PS.
For the dissapointed Kodak guy, I have to ask and point out two things;
- What glass did you use? The 1ds MK II (and the MK III even more so) demand expensive, excellent glass. The large sensor and the resolution will put even the most expensive lenses to the test.
- Did you apply default sharpening after post processing? Canon state that a unsharp mask / smart sharpen of about 300% 0.3px (tweak when needed) is necessary to combat the AA filter. If you do that, detail will jump out at you and make your jaw drop, seriously.
For me the 1ds MK II experience has been a real treat. I bought mine summer 2007, well aware that the MK III was due to be announced.
For me, the small percentages in resolution didn't matter (though the MKIII, as a total package, is a step up from the MK II). The MK II creates wonderful photos. I have used mine for landscape, macro, studio, product and animals so far and I love every pixel i get. Prints looks great, my 70-200 f 2.8 finally saw use as a portrait lens again and my 17-40 really goes super wide for landscape.
The menu system's "idiot proofing" can be somewhat confusing at first and I miss my 20D control stick for the focus point selection, how ever; When you have used it for a while, the handling become second nature.
I don't need a "live view 42" flat screen TV" on the back of my camera as the new DSLR have these days, draining the battery, so I am perfectly happy with the smallish one on the MK II. I use my screen for quick reviews/controls and to check the RGB histogram for exposure, the rest is done on the computer.
I don't complain about size or weight and I don't see why one should when one is buying a digital slr camera one may use in a desert war -or to club down a potential mugger and take his photo afterwards. :)
Seriously though; If you don't want a heavy full frame camera, go for the 5D (or the coming 5D mk II). I use my 1ds mk II with the 70-200 F2.8L, the 135 f2 L, 24-105 F4 L and the 400 5.6L and even though I get tired some times, I know that these various combos will produce pictures that will "aw" my clients.
- Besides, a little work out is good for everyone in a time when people are getting more obese by the minute.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars (would give 4.5 if possible), deducting some of the points for the over complicated menu-control system as well as the missing control stick for the focus points. (The 20D had it, and was released at the same time, so IMO the 1ds MK II should have had it).
At the time I am writing this review, a used 1ds MK II can be had for about 50% of it's introduction price.
If you are planning to step up from the 1D, 5D or the xxD/xxxD series, I would recommend this camera with no hesitation.
- Prepare to spend the money, saved on buying a used camera, on glass :)
BATTERY LASTS FOREVER / BUFFER IS BIG / IMAGES LOOK GREAT
I traded up from a nikon d100 and its been great. a little trouble at first. a very expensive long lens i bought was out of adjustment and vinnetting. it took me a little while to figure out and i sent it back. they broke it down and re-installed the elements and its been fine ever since. news photography - aerial photography - artwork. no problems with extreme cold (15F soaked) , moisture, heat or heavy use. with a 1.4 lens its almost like night vision. stuff that i can barely see well enough to focus comes out well lit and not blurred while handheld. BTW i don't recommend a nikon.
The only camera you will ever need
I purchased this when it first became available a few years ago and loved it. I sold it a few months ago because I had convinced myself that it was more then I needed. After trying a Canon EOS 30D and a Canon EOS 5D, I sold them both and purchased another Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II Digital SLR Camera . When you own the best, you just can't settle for anything else. The absolute only feature I wish this had is the sensor shake to remove dust like the new models have. Other then that, this is the perfect digital slr camera. Do yourself a favor and use a high quality lens with it. The best deserves the best.