vs. 
Features
| Nikon D700 | Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 12.1 mp 4256 x 2832 | 21.1 mp 5616 x 3744 | The 5D Mark II has received quite a resolution boost over it's predecessor. It now has a 30% linear resolution advantage over the D700. |
| ISO | 200 - 6400 in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps | 100 - 6400 in 1 or 1/3 EV steps | The 5D2 has native ISO 100. The D700 allows 1/2-stop increments. |
| ISO Boost | 100 - 25600 | 50 - 25600 | The 5Dmk2 has received a D700-matching ISO 25,600 rating. When we get to see some samples, we'll see if this is a stop too far or not. |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes | Weather sealing on the mk2 is improved over the original. |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism 95% coverage 0.72x magnification) | Pentaprism 98% coverage 0.71x magnification) | The 5D viewfinder coverage is better than the D700s. |
| Viewfinder blackout | 74ms | Unknown, expect in the region of 145ms | When you take a shot with the 5Dmk2, you can't see through the finder for ~145ms. The D700 excels in this area. |
| Built-in flash | Yes | No | Incredibly useful not only for fill, but also as to control remote Speedlights in Commander mode. |
| Flash sync | 1/320s | 1/200s | The 5Dmk2 doesn't improve on the 5D here. |
| Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes | New for the 5Dmk2 |
| Storage | CompactFlash Type I | CompactFlash Type I & II Microdrives | Used a microdrive in the past 5 years? I didn't think so. |
| FPS | 5 fps 8 fps max with battery pack | 3.9 fps max | The 5D was never known as a speed demon; that was never it's raison d'etre. The 5Dmk2 adds just an extra 0.9fps. |
| DX Crop Mode | Yes | No | The 5D does not support Canon's EF-S lenses |
| Buffer | 100 JPEG 17-23 RAW (depending on compression) | 78 JPEG 13 RAW | The 5Dmk2 now supports UDMA cards (as does the D700). However, due to the large file sizes, the buffer is smaller than the D700s |
| 14-bit image capture | Yes | Yes | The 5D only had 12-bit capture. |
| LCD | 3.0" 920,000 dots 640x480 | 3.0" 920,000 dots 640x480 | The D700's LCD is amazing - detailed, crisp and colourful. The 5Dmk2 now matches it. |
| Live view | Yes | Yes | Not a feature on any DSLR of the 5D's age. |
| Video Capture | No | Yes, 1080p HD at 30fps | The 5Dmk2 is the second DSLR in the world to support video capture (the first was the Nikon D90). |
| Exposure compensation | -5 to +5 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps | -2 to +2 EV in 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV steps | Only -2 to +2 for the Canon - not too good. |
| Weight | 1024g (37.9oz) | 810g (without battery) | In most cases, lighter is better - but the 5Dmk2 doesn't have the D700 build quality. |
| Build Quality | Excellent | Good | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | I get a small kickback if you order via these links, and this helps me to keep this site running. Thanks! |
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