The new Canon EOS-1D Mark II is the successor to the Canon EOS-1D which was announced and introduced at the end of 2001. This new generation of digital SLR almost doubles resolution with its new eight megapixel CMOS sensor, doubles the size of the continuous shooting buffer, which enables the camera to shoot at 8.5 fps for up to 40 shots.
The EOS-1D Mark II is also obviously Canon's answer to Nikon's fast shooting D2H announced last year, it does appear however as though Canon are raising the bar with resolution. Putting the additional resolution and buffer size to one side there are also a variety of improvements and changes compared to the EOS-1D, not least of which a new version of Canon's DIGIC image processor, an extension of selectable ISO sensitivity, support for Secure Digital as well as Compact Flash and the addition of a USB port. The physical design of the EOS-1D Mark II is almost identical to the EOS-1D (and EOS-1Ds). The only noticeable differences are a slight pinch of the body around the viewfinder prism, the removal of the external white balance sensor and the addition of a third button below the rear LCD panel.

The body is based around the EOS-1V's original design and has an extraordinary solid robust feel about it, as I noted in my previous reviews it really does feel as though it is hewn from a solid block of metal. Rubber seals around compartment doors and rubber grommets around all controls hint further at its robust and weatherproof design. It doesn't get much more 'professional' than this.

Handling

The EOS-1D Mark II has fully integrated design with a manageable control structure which tends towards avoiding accidental settings changes (a must for professional photographers). This means that most settings changes / navigation require the use of a button and command dial. The quick control dial dominates the rear of the camera and provides control over LCD functions as well as exposure compensation and aperture selection in Manual exposure mode.

Both hand grips are deep and well design (being based on the EOS-1V) with a distinctive middle finger recess. In your hand the camera feels weighty but well balanced and extremely solid. The depth of the recessed 'lip' at the top of the hand grip provides a vital key for locating the correct grip as well as providing additional grip ability.

The Mark II has a bright and and clear viewfinder which provides a good field of view (the 1.3x crop isn't as noticeable as a 1.6x). The Mark II's viewfinder has a simple dioptre adjustment wheel and an eye point of 20 mm (0.8 in) which is the distance it protrudes from the rear of the camera.

The EOS-1D Mark II uses the same 45-point area AF CMOS sensor used in the EOS-1D/1Ds, it measures 15 x 8 mm and is located just below the semitransparent mirror and receives the exact same image you see through the viewfinder. All AF points are sensitive to horizontal detail, however for a lens with a maximum aperture of F2.8 or faster lens a vertical row of 7 points (as indicated in red in the diagram above, right) become sensitive to both horizontal and vertical detail, and the manual notes, are three times more sensitive than the normal horizontal sensors. Some other L lenses with maximum apertures of F4 or brighter make use of the centre cross-type AF point.

Having 45 focusing points isn't just about being able to choose your focus area within the image it also means that focus tracking (AI Servo) can be much more effective.

Storage

The storage compartment is situated on the back of the hand grip. The compartment door is spring loaded and 'pops open' as soon as you turn the knob (note that this has been made easier to operate, especially useful if you're wearing gloves). You can close the door and pick up the camera in one movement. If you take a closer look at this images below you will see the rubber environmental seal around the inside of the compartment door. Behind the compartment door you will find two storage slots, one for Compact Flash (Type I/II, Microdrive and FAT32 support) and one for Secure Digital cards.

Looking at the rear on the left we have a group of 'digital controls' surrounding the two inch LCD monitor, below this there's a status LCD which again shows information which pertains to the digital side of the camera. On the right is the familiar quick control dial (which can be disabled in record mode but is always active in display or menus), power switch and CF compartment release knob. The Mark II has an integrated vertical hand grip which runs the length of the base of the camera. There are a number of controls repeated on the vertical grip (in addition to the shutter release): main dial, FEL button, AE Lock button, AF Assist button and the AF point selection button. These controls are normally disabled and can be enabled by turning the vertical grip activation switch (great name) to 'ON'
Conclusion

The first thing you'll notice about the Mark II is its physical presence. Equipped with battery, CF memory card and Canon EF 24-70 f2.8L zoom lens, it tips the scales at just over five pounds. Although you'll feel its weight during extended use, the Mark II is extremely well balanced. The rugged all-metal body is also quite large, measuring 6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 inches. But the size of the body is actually a benefit, providing enough space for the logical and ergonomic location of its various buttons and controls. The body is also well sculpted for comfortable hand-holding in both landscape and portrait orientation. All of the Mark II's covers fit snugly and seem capable of withstanding the rigors of professional use. The switches and other controls have a positive, professional feel.

Image quality wise there are no complaints with the EOS-1D Mark II, it's certainly no point-and-shoot camera and requires a certain amount of experimentation and learning before reaching your idea of the perfect image. That's also the camera's advantage, taking a hands-off approach to image development means that the photographer gets to decide just how the final image will look.

With its 8-megapixel imager, accurate autofocus system, precise metering system and robust performance the Canon EOS-1D Mark II is photographic tool that is unrivalled in the industry at the time of writing.