Decision tools · Compare
EOS 5D Mark II vs EOS 5D Mark III
Quick take: The EOS 5D Mark III has the highest resolution at 22MP; the EOS 5D Mark II is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·13 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | EOS 5D Mark IICanon · 2008 | EOS 5D Mark IIICanon · 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £128Best | £219 |
| Sensor | 21.1MP full-frame CMOS | 22.3MP full-frame CMOS |
| Resolution | 21.1MP | 22.3MPBest |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/30 | Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60 |
| Autofocus | 9-point phase-detect (+6 assist points) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view | 61-point phase-detect (41 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) |
| Burst Rate | 3.9fps | 6fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~850 shots (CIPA) | ~950 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 890g (with battery)Best | 950g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 152 × 113.5 × 75mm | 152 × 116.4 × 76.4mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 98% coverage, 0.71x | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.71x |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots | 3.2" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Memory Cards | Single CompactFlash slot | Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, AV out, 3.5mm mic jack, N3 remote | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, AV out, 3.5mm mic & headphone jacks, N3 remote |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
EOS 5D Mark II
EOS 5D Mark III
Portrait
5.8/10
6.1/10
Street
4.7/10
4.6/10
Travel
4.8/10
4.7/10
Wedding & Events
5.4/10
6.7/10
Documentary
5.1/10
5.4/10
Sports & Action
5.1/10
6.0/10
Landscape
5.4/10
5.5/10
Wildlife
5.6/10
6.0/10
Casual
2.9/10
2.8/10
Food
4.2/10
4.2/10
Macro
3.8/10
3.8/10
Architecture
5.1/10
5.1/10
Astrophotography
5.9/10
5.9/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
Next
More comparisons with EOS 5D Mark II
Camera family history