Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Manufacturer: Canon Type: DSLR camera (full-frame with HD video) Year introduced: 2008 Sensor: 21.1MP full-frame CMOS, 1080p HD video
Overview
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II was the most transformative camera in underwater photography since the original film-to-digital transition. Announced September 17, 2008, it combined a 21.1MP full-frame sensor with Full HD 1080p video recording — making it the first affordable camera capable of professional-quality stills and video in a single body. The term “ViDSLR” was coined on Wetpixel to describe this new hybrid category.
The 5D Mark II dominated underwater photography gear discussions throughout 2009, with at least six housing manufacturers racing to release housings. A May 2009 firmware update adding manual video exposure controls (shutter, aperture, ISO) resolved the camera’s biggest initial criticism and cemented its status as the underwater hybrid standard.
Reviews & Discussion
- Announced September 17, 2008 alongside the Nikon D90 (first DSLR with video, 720p) ([1])
- First known underwater video shot by Fergus Kennedy in Egyptian Red Sea using Ikelite housing and Magic Filter, May 2009 ([2])
- Berkley White published shooting tips including manual white balance, focus lock, exposure compensation workarounds ([3])
- May 2009 firmware update added manual exposure controls for video — watershed moment ([4])
Housing availability (2008–2009)
- Aquatica — machined aluminum, 300ft rated, built-in hydrophone, bayonet ports ([5])
- Sea & Sea — MDX-5D MKII, expected May 2009 ([6])
- Seacam — first look by Stephen Frink ([7])
- Ikelite — converted from original 5D housing; used for first UW video ([8])
- Zillion — ABS plastic, ¥280,000 ([9])
- Nauticam — one of their first production housings (announced H2 2009)
Community Discussion
- Canon 5D Mark II Manual Exposure firmware update (16 replies) — Community excitement over the May 2009 firmware adding manual exposure controls for video, which resolved the camera’s biggest limitation for underwater filmmakers. (forum thread, topic 30605)
- Canon 5D Mark II video (13 replies) — Early discussion of the 5D Mark II’s video capabilities and their implications for underwater cinematography. (forum thread, topic 30925)
- Housing Options for Canon 5D Mark II (8 replies) — Buyers comparing Ikelite, Aquatica, Sea & Sea, and other housing options for the 5D Mark II, with practical advice on port compatibility. (forum thread, topic 31671)
- Canon 5D or Canon 5D Mark II Housing? (4 replies) — Owners of both bodies debating which to house, weighing video capability against housing cost. (forum thread, topic 36188)
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Sep 17, 2008: Canon Announces Eos 5d Mark Ii Slr ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 13, 2009: Underwater Video Taken With The Canon 5d Mk Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 13, 2009: Canon 5d Mk Ii Shooting Tips For Underwater Video ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 27, 2009: Canon 5d Mark Ii Gets Manual Exposure Controls In Firmware Update1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2009: Aquatica Underwater Housings For Canon 5d Mark Ii And Nikon D90 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 19, 2009: New Sea Sea Housings Mdx D700 Mdx 5d Mkii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 3, 2009: Seacam 5d Mark Ii Housing First Look Previewed In Forums ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 13, 2009: Underwater Video Taken With The Canon 5d Mk Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 12, 2009: Zillion Canon 5d Mark Ii Underwater Housing ↩
- Canon 5D Mark II announcement (article) ↩
- Aquatica housing announcement (article) ↩
- First UW video (article) ↩
- Firmware update (article) ↩