By Martin Vedris

SYDNEY: Just weeks after releasing its new EOS 50D, with a maximum ISO capability of 12,800, Canon has released the new Mark II version of its EOS 5D, featuring Live View movies in Full High Definition, high speed image processing and an ISO range of 50 to 25,600.

This model is the successor to Canon’s EOS 5D and has a 35mm full-frame, 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. The EOS 5D Mark II also has the new DiG!C 4 Image Processor that was recently announced on the new EOS 50D.

The DiG!C 4 processor was designed to increase the speed of image processing, which is particularly handy for shooting sporting events, as is the high ISO, enabling photography in low light environments where flash is not suitable.

“Canon’s impressive 21.1 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, coupled with Live View Movies in Full HD and wider ISO capabilities, enables Canon to continually bring incredible performance to photographers,” said Canon Australia brand manager – EOS, Consumer Imaging Products Group, Chris Macleod.

This camera can also record video at either Full HD quality or standard definition. And it has Live View shooting with Auto Focus, which means photographers can preview images and focus them using the camera’s LCD monitor.

This new camera body is compatible with Canon’s range of EF lenses, but not the EF-S lenses. And in conjunction with this launch, Canon has released a new fast, wide angle lens for professionals, the EF24mm f/1.4L II USM (the successor to the EF24mm f/1.4L USM).

According to Canon, the new lens is the brightest large diameter f/1.4 high-performance wide-angle L lens in the 24 mm class.

Pricing is yet to be announced but the new EOS 5D Mark II body will be available in body only and as a premium kit with the new EF24-105mm lens.