Decision tools · Compare
EOS 5D vs EOS 5D Mark II
Quick take: The EOS 5D Mark II has the highest resolution at 21MP; the EOS 5D is the most affordable; only the EOS 5D Mark II is weather sealed.
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 5DCanon · 2005 | EOS 5D Mark IICanon · 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £60 usedBest | £66 used |
| Sensor | 12.8MP full-frame CMOS | 21.1MP full-frame CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.8MP | 21.1MPBest |
| Video | No video | Full HD 1080p/30 |
| Autofocus | 9-point phase-detect (+6 assist points) via viewfinder | 9-point phase-detect (+6 assist points) 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 | 3fps | 3.9fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~800 shots (CIPA) | ~850 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 810g (body only)Best | 890g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 152 × 113 × 75mm | 152 × 113.5 × 75mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | YesBest |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 0.71x | Optical pentaprism, 98% coverage, 0.71x |
| Screen | 2.5" fixed LCD, 230k dots | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Memory Cards | Single CompactFlash slot | Single CompactFlash slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, video out, PC sync, N3 remote | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, AV out, 3.5mm mic jack, 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
EOS 5D Mark II
Portrait
5.3/10
5.8/10
Street
4.8/10
4.7/10
Travel
4.3/10
4.8/10
Wedding & Events
4.5/10
5.4/10
Documentary
3.4/10
5.1/10
Sports & Action
4.1/10
5.1/10
Landscape
4.2/10
5.4/10
Wildlife
4.7/10
5.6/10
Casual
2.8/10
2.9/10
Food
3.9/10
4.2/10
Macro
3.5/10
3.8/10
Architecture
4.4/10
5.1/10
Astrophotography
6.1/10
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
Camera family history