Still in use! Now is the time to talk about the appeal of the EOS 5D Mark 2, which is a good deal on a used camera [Review]

EOS5DMark2 Eye-catching

The progress of digital single-lens cameras has been rapid.
It seems like every year new models are released with innovative features and, along with them, lenses make amazing advances in image quality...

Recently, mirrorless cameras, which do not have any internal parts, are becoming more and more popular.

The most powerful camera right now is probably the Sony A7III.
The eye AF (autofocus) function is simply amazing.

As of May 2021, I am still using the EOS 5D Mark II, which was released 13 years ago.
The reason I don't want to replace it is because, in my opinion, it is a fully-fledged digital SLR camera and doesn't have any major weaknesses that I would consider to be major weaknesses.

So it looks like it will be a while before I have to replace it.

This is also a recommended camera for those who are just starting to get into serious digital SLR photography.
In any case, second-hand ones are cheap.
You could buy the semi-flagship EOS model of the time for a low price.

And it has high specs. I would like to talk about the appeal of the EOS5DMark2 this time.

The EOS5D Mark2 is recommended for these people!

- People looking for a used, affordable, professional digital SLR camera
- People who want a reliable full-frame camera
- People who want a quality camera that will last them a lifetime
・People who want a professional camera

The author's follow-up story: I ended up with the Nikon D3...

Nikon D3
【advertisement】

A new world opened up by the EOS5D Mark2

EOS5D Mark2

The EOS5D Mark2 is the successor to the EOS35D, which incorporates a 5mm full-size CMOS sensor, and is an epoch-making digital SLR camera that is the first in Japan to achieve HD 1920 x 1080/29.97p video recording with a full-size sensor.

The enthusiasm at the time was tremendous, with many professional photographers using the EOS5D Mark 2 to shoot a variety of video works, leaving behind many beautifully produced works.

Of course, it is also an excellent still camera, which has made it a legendary model that completely changed the world of photography and video.

Now is the time to buy a used EOS5DMark2!

Thirteen years have passed since its release, but the price of a used EOS 13D Mark 5 has hit rock bottom, so I feel that now is the perfect time to buy one.
After all, high-spec digital SLR cameras that are still in use today can now be purchased at a low cost.

The fact that I have used this model for 13 years and have never had to change it shows just how excellent it is.
So, I personally recommend this camera to anyone who wants to buy a cheap, high-quality digital SLR camera right now.

↓Can you buy it second-hand on Amazon for around 3 yen?

5 reasons why you should buy the EOS2DMark7

Now, I would like to explain why the EOS5D Mark2 is a good buy.

①2110MP full-size sensor

EOS5D Mark2 lens mount

You can take photos with the wide dynamic range of gradation that only a 35mm full-frame sensor can provide, and with the high-definition image quality of 2110 megapixels.
In terms of image quality, the biggest selling point of the EOS5D Mark2 is that it can take professional-grade photos that are still valid today. It's perfect for people who are just starting out in photography.

②Beautiful bokeh unique to full-frame cameras

Cat photographed with EOS5D Mark2
Lens/Aperture: Carl Zeiss 50mm f1.4/Open

The 35mm full-frame sensor produces beautiful bokeh in your photos.
To be honest, the background is blurred so much that I feel like it might be too blurry when the aperture is open at F2.8 or so.

At F1.4 level, the bokeh is so bad that you can only get a piece of paper in focus when taking close-up shots.

6400) High ISO sensitivity of XNUMX

EOS5D Mark2 kitchen
Lens/ISO sensitivity value: EF24-70 F2.8 L/ISO3200

ISO sensitivity is a function that ensures a fast shutter speed in scenes such as at night or in a dark room.

A few years ago, the limit for digital SLR cameras was around 1600 before noise was introduced (how long ago was that?), but in my opinion, the EOS5D Mark2 can withstand up to 6400.

The maximum ISO is 25600, which ensures sufficient image quality even at night under street lights.

④Dust-proof and water-resistant magnesium body

EOS5D Mark2 battleship
The magnesium alloy body feels cool to the touch.

The dust-proof and water-resistant magnesium body is a sign of professional equipment.
In addition to its sturdy body, it is also dustproof and water-resistant, meaning it can withstand dust and rain.
Until recently, this type of specification was the privilege of flagship models.

⑤Can record videos at 1080p/30fps

EOS5D Mark2 LCD screen
Live view shooting possible at 1080p/29.97fps

These specs are now commonplace, but at the time they were considered a milestone.

It was the origin of the SLR video shooting boom, and its still-timeless video functions are now available for just 3 yen, don't you think?

⑥Customizable Picture Styles

Taken with EOS5D Mark2 (Picture mode)
Picture Style: CINEMA

The EOS5DMark2 comes with a variety of built-in picture styles, but by using custom picture styles available online, you can take pictures that look like cinema or FUJICHROME Velvia film.

Of course, you can customize it yourself, so it's a very fun feature.
By the way, I often take snapshots with the Velvia 100 setting.

⑦The second-hand price is quite low

I'll repeat myself here, but this is a semi-flagship professional model, and despite all these features, a second-hand one can be purchased for just around 3 yen.

This is great news for beginner photographers, isn't it?
Please feel free to purchase.

Canon
¥ 27,800 (2025/03/25 21:47:05 Amazon research-detail)

Things to be aware of when buying second-hand

There are a few things to keep in mind when buying second-hand.
First of all, Canon's repair support for the EOD5DMark2 has ended.

Therefore, if a malfunction occurs, you will need to take the camera to a camera/lens repair shop.
↓Repair shops recommended by the author↓
https://www.camera-repair.jp/Monitoring/List_Lens.php

Other lenses currently on sale from Canon include the "RF" mount, so they cannot be used with the "EF mount" EOS5DMark2.

【advertisement】

Author's lens introduction

Finally, I would like to briefly introduce my lens.
If you have all of these you can handle almost any situation.

NIKKOR Ai 20mm f2.8

Nikkor 20mm F2.8
It's a pretty old ultra-wide-angle lens.
It is mainly used when you want to emphasize the subject, such as in indoor photography or portrait photography.

Since it is a Nikon lens, I use a mount adapter.
The depiction of the edges is a bit soft, but this is to be expected considering that it is an old lens.

Carl Zeiss T Planar 50mm f1.4

Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f1.4
This is the lens I use most often when creating snapshot photographs as a hobby.
On the other hand, I almost never use it for work.

The smoothness of the focus ring is so satisfying that it's addictive.
It's a standard 50mm lens, so it's perfect for those who enjoy taking snapshots.
The color tone is more blue-ish, and it depicts dark areas vividly.

This is also a Nikon mount lens, so I used a mount adapter.

Canon EF24-70 F2.8L USM

Canon EF24-70 F2.8L USM
This is a high-end lens with a special status, called Canon's "L lens."
This is the lens I use most often for work, and its features include speedy AF (autofocus) and the fact that the F-number remains the same whether it's wide-angle or telephoto.

On the other hand, the lens itself is quite heavy, so I don't think I'd use it for everyday hobbies.
It captures people's skin and bodies very beautifully.
This lens is attractive for its warm depiction.

Canon MACRO 100mm f2.8

Canon MACRO 100mm f2.8
This is an extremely cost-effective lens.
This prime lens is both a telephoto lens and a macro lens, allowing you to take excellent photos from close-ups to portraits.

However, since this is the lens I use the most, it can get tiring if I use it for a while.

It produces images with the most natural color reproduction and excellent resolution.

Summary

Lens group

How was it?
Let's take a look back at the appeal of the EOS5DMark2.

  • 2110MP full-size sensor
  • Beautiful bokeh unique to full-frame cameras
  • High ISO sensitivity of 6400
  • Dust-proof and water-resistant magnesium body
  • Can capture video at 1080p/30fps
  • Customizable Picture Styles
  • Used and very cheap

With all these features, you can buy it second-hand for around 3 yen!

I may buy a new camera someday, but it won't be because I'm dissatisfied with the performance of the EOS5DMark2, but because my gadget-loving spirit of new things will be awakened.
This is a highly recommended digital SLR camera.

I hope this article will be helpful for those who are new to digital SLR cameras.

\I bought the α7 II!/

Profile Background Image
Tomo AribeAdvertising video designer/director
I am a transgender person with 25 years of experience in advertising design and 20 years of experience in video production, and a gadget lover. In February 2021, I started running the gadget review blog "Gadget Mania Z". I provide information on gadgets with excellent design and functionality selected from the perspective of an advertising creator.Ameba ChoiceHe also serves as a certified expert.See the article on Smart Tags here.

Click here for detailed profile
Email (article writing requests, etc.)
See more articles by this author