Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16.7MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 7.5 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00064O8Z8
• Item model number: 9443A002
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,953 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 8, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

An update to the tremendously popular EOS-1Ds, the new EOS-1Ds Mark II is a must-have for those seeking to capture huge, beautiful images fast. With an all new, full-frame 16.7 megapixel CMOS image sensor, combined with Canon's blazing DIGIC II Image Processor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II captures up to 32 consecutive shots at speeds up to four frames per second and has dramatically decreased startup and card-writing times in comparison to the EOS-1Ds. These improvements are complemented by Canon's renowned build quality for reliability in even the most rugged conditions. Compatibility with over 50 EF Lenses, in addition to the entire line of EOS accessories, including the new Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1 accessory, easily makes the EOS-1Ds Mark II the most remarkable combination of resolution and speed in the history of digital SLRs.

16.7 Megapixel, Full Frame CMOS Sensor
Canon's 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's 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 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's 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

Product Description

An update to the tremendously popular EOS-1Ds, the new EOS-1Ds Mark II is a must-have for those seeking to capture huge, beautiful images fast. With an all new, full-frame 16.7 megapixel CMOS image sensor, combined with Canon's blazing DIGIC II Image Processor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II captures up to 32 consecutive shots at speeds up to four frames per second and has dramatically decreased startup and card-writing times in comparison to the EOS-1Ds. These improvements are complemented by Canon's renowned build quality for reliability in even the most rugged conditions. Compatibility with over 50 EF Lenses, in addition to the entire line of EOS accessories, including the new Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1 accessory, easily makes the EOS-1Ds Mark II the most remarkable combination of resolution and speed in the history of digital SLRs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

177 of 186 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Fabulous, December 9, 2004

By 

Waleed A. Alzuhair (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16.7MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (Electronics)

I bought this camera after using the Canon EOS 10D for commercial photography, and I'm really impressed by its performance. If I were to list the top things I like about it, I would say:

- Resolution. The camera (almost) produces A3 @ 300dpi images. That satisfies most advertising needs.

- Wide Dynamic Range. The color tones and wide color gamut help produce amazing images in all color spaces.

- Speed. (1)Startup speed is wonderful, I set the energy saver to shutdown the camera after 1 min of inactivity and it starts up immediately after a lightly touching the shutter release button. (2)The other thing is the 4 fps; I thought it would be too slow for sports, but it's not. (3)Last but not least, AF speed, it's almost instantaneous.

- Built like a tank. The camera's weather seals are also very important to me. I live in a desert environment, so it gets very dusty especially when doing outdoors photography. Of course changing lenses outdoors for me is risky since it's a chance for dust to get into the chamber and then onto the sensor, So be careful.

- Full Frame. The experience of the lenses brings you back to film cameras. The 10D had a x1.6 crop factor (17mm is actually 27.2mm), but with the 1Ds Mark II 17mm is 17mm and that made me utilize the lenses I had better.

I hope I was able to convey some of the joy I'm having with it.. The only bad thing I find in this camera is its price.. But with all things considered, I think it has the value for it.

122 of 129 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars comaprison to a 1ds (Mark I), July 20, 2006

By 

John Tilelli MD "Bookaholic" (Apopka, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16.7MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (Electronics)

It seems unfair to compare this camera to a 10D (or 20D or 30D), either favorably or unfavorably. These instruments are good in their own right, but hardly are in the same league as the 1DS Mark II. I have used all three of the xxD's, and an original 1ds body as well. It occurs to me that the folks who are interested in shelling out over 5 grand for a camera already have an idea about what they want, and that some of them are asking if they should trade in their 1ds body for a mark ii. It is to them that I am adressing this review. The remarks, I think will help those who have less experience with the line. Bear with me for the technical jargon and the emphais on Mark I vs II comparison. I want to help the buyer to decide if there really is a reason to spend this kind of money.

First, regarding resolution: you probably won't be able to tell the difference between Mark I and Mark II unless you are doing studio work. An 8x10 image is virtually indistinguishable. Most of us shoot in .jpg mode, and we don't mess with RAW. If you are doing a 17x20 wedding portrait and are working with uncompressed files, the Mark II is superior. I do outdoor work, so 11.6 megapixels is plenty. Finallyl, the quality of the glass makes a big difference (much more than the sensor resolution), so if you are a little strapped for cash, buy a 5D and spend the difference on "L" series lenses, or a used 1DS (Mark I).

Second: Ergonomics. I like the histogram on the Mark II better than the older camera, and appreciate the improved burst performance, and storage times. Small but significant differences. The battery life is way better, and I like that. I can get 700 frames out of a charge in the Mark II and only 200 from the Mark II. Thank you, Canon. Maybe in the next iteration they will do something with the black brick of a charger. I can only hope.

Third: Sensor noise. Most ofthe high-end cameras are CMOS now, and each time we look at a new generation of pictures we are wowed by the decrease in sensor noise at high ISO's. I remember that the we praised the Mark I for the low noise up to ASA 400. For the uninitiated, sensor noise is the random firing of a sensor due to quantum effects, and manifests as sparkle or random changes in pixel color. It is more prominent in low light and high ASA. The Mark I is great up to ASA 400, good up to 800 and needs some digital filtering at 1200. The Mark II is really good up to ASA 1600, and with a Photoshop filter is good to 3200. If you shoot in low light, the Mark II is for you.

Fourth: Color balance. I always loved the warm, saturated pictures that the Mark I gives, so don't get me wrong - better color rendition is not a reason to sell it for a new model. The Mark II, though, improves on it and gives beautiful color saturation with some improvement in the range of highligts. Digital photo buffs will know what I mean: if you take a picture with broad highlights, like a sky, the foreground objecst will be underexposed. and the highlights clear. Set the exposrue to the foreground, and the sky will be a burnt-out white. The Mark II has improved this much, but it still needs some work by Canon. For now, it helps to have taken a large number of pictures to get an idea as to how to set the exposure.

Fifth: Accuracy of the exposure. The Mark I had an annoying tendancy to overexpose by about a stop. I got used to turning down the exposure 1-2 stops, exposing on the highlights, and using Photoshop to correct the exposure. The Mark II is more accurate, and the Manual exposure is close to the metered exposure.

Sixth: The FF/1.6 business. I really don't see any reason that a 30D is a better camera because a 50mm lens gives an image analagous an 85mm lens in a full frame camera. Be advised, though, that lens evaluations depend on this distinction. Edge performance and flair may be more obvious on a full frame instrument. Both the 1DS and the 1DS Mark II tend to challenge lenses more because they work the full range of the lens from side to side and through the apertures. My 35-135 IS Canon lens gave great pictures on the 10D, but looks washed out on both of the 1Ds's. Before giving the 1DS Mark II a bum rap for less than perfect pictures, ask what lens was used.

Seventh: Price. Presently, a non-grey-market 1DS Mark II sells for around $6899 from reputable dealers. A used Mark I is around half that. I would take a half star away from Canon for the pounding my pocketbook is taking, but I understand that a Mark I was just about the same price when it was released. The price gradient presently would be tolerable for those shooting in low light, or for RAW studio work. Personally, I would buy a Mark I over a 5D for the improved construction.

Finally, some general remarks. I would have liked to compare this fine camera to the comparable Nikon. Unfortunately, I cannot, because all my glass is Canon, and I have no money left for a mult-thousand buck purchase of a Nikon. Maybe someone else would write a review.

My only beefs with Canon have to do with sensor dust, that seems to appear by spontaneous generation, and the steep learning curve that I had with my first use. (Plan on a night or two reading the manual) I guess I can forgive them for not putting a flash in it. Add a couple of hundred to the price for the purchase of a 580EX. Canon service has been terrific. If you have the bucks, quit complaining about the price and get one if you are a serious photographer. Look at the images in dpreview.com (and the long, thoughtful review there), and at fredmiranda.com - they will leave you breathless. This is a serious instrument for serious photographers and far be it from me to give it less than 5 stars for my petty complaints.

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The camera to have..., November 26, 2006

By 

Jack Silver "silverjackphoto.com" (Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16.7MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (Electronics)

As a photo gear junkie, I seem to go through cameras quickly. I buy - use - sell - upgrade... over and over and over. I have used the original digital rebel, the 20D, the 1DMarkIIN, and now the 1dsMKII.

I was originally hesitant to drop the significant chunk of change required to own this product. Especially in the middle of a period of rumors circulating that the next evolution of the 1ds was coming soon. However - it was well worth the money.

I shoot model based images primarly... so I need something that is portable, rugged, and wont die on me - on location.

The battery lasts 8+ hours per charge - and charges incredibly quickly. I bought a spare... but I have only used it on travel weekends when I am away from a power supply for 2-3 days.

Its rugged. There is nothing like the pro-series bodied by Canon. I have taken this camera out in the cold and snow - and in pretty heavy rain - and because of its weather sealing - it worked like a charm.

Noise... this camera can shoot at H - which is the equivalent of ISO 3200. If you need to get the shot - and are in almost pitch black conditions - this baby can handle it. It will be grainy - but its a lot better than almost all of the other cameras out there. (I hear rumors that the 5D is better with LESS grain than this camera)... but then again - this is 16.7 megapixels.

The amount of megapixels is phenominal... 16.7 - allows you to shoot a person and see all of their nosehair. While that may not sound flattering (and its not) - it means that with good glass this baby can capture even the subtlest of details.

Last cool point... the dynamic range.

You figure more digital cameras have a dynamic range of 5-7 stops. Film - 7-9 stops... This has got to have closer to 9 stops and is the BEST I have seen in a digital camera. I just recently got a medium format digital back - and that has 13 stops of dynamic range... but the 1dsmkii comes a heck of a lot closer to that without having to shell out 30k.