As well as being compared against other pro DSLRs, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is also often compared to entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II's top rivals come from Canon (such as the EOS 7D and the EOS 60D) and Nikon (such as the D7000 and the D700)

compared toPro DSLR competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Canon 5D Mark II compared to other pro DSLR competitors include: it is slightly less noisy at high ISO (1,815 ISO vs 854 ISO), has slightly better image quality (79.0 vs 71.0), records higher quality movies (1080p @ 30fps vs none), has slightly more color depth (23.7 bits vs 22.2 bits) and has a slightly larger screen (3.0" vs 2.5").

However, on average it doesn't shoot as fast continuously (3.9 fps vs 8 fps), doesn't have a screen which flips out, lacks autofocus (none vs phase detection), has slightly more shutter lag (206 ms vs 131 ms) and has slightly fewer focus points (9 vs 45).

Canon EOS 7D

Canon EOS 7D
1 year newer
$1,329 - $1,821 (body only)
$1,498 - $1,800 28-135mm lens

Significant advantages of the 7D (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Many more cross-type focus points: 19 vs 1
  • Shoots significantly faster: 8 fps vs 3.9 fps
  • Less shutter lag: 131 ms vs 206 ms

Significant disadvantages of the 7D (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Significantly more noise at high ISO: 854 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Significantly worse image quality: 66.0 vs 79.0
  • Worse color depth: 22 bits vs 23.7 bits

common strengths of the 7D and 5D Mark II

  • Fairly small: Professional size 148x111x74 mm vs Professional size 152x114x75 mm
  • Thin: 2.9" vs 3"
  • Inexpensive: $1,329.00 vs $2,160.00
arrow Compare the 7D vs the 5D Mark II

Nikon D700

Nikon D700
similar age
$2,750 (body only)

Significant advantages of the D700 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Many more focus points: 51 vs 9
  • Significantly more cross-type focus points: 15 vs 1
  • Built-in flash

Significant disadvantages of the D700 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Does not take movies: None vs 1080p @ 30fps
  • Significantly lower true resolution: 12.1 MP vs 21 MP
  • Significantly less viewfinder coverage: 95% vs 98%

common strengths of the D700 and 5D Mark II

  • Relatively low noise at high ISO: 2,303 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Good image quality: 80.0 vs 79.0
  • Large sensors: Full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
arrow Compare the Nikon D700 vs the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D
1 year newer
$879 - $1,304 (body only)
$1,139 - $1,342 18-135mm lens

Significant advantages of the 60D (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Has a flip-out screen
  • Built-in flash

Significant disadvantages of the 60D (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much more noise at high ISO: 813 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Significantly worse image quality: 66.0 vs 79.0
  • Worse color depth: 22.2 bits vs 23.7 bits

common strengths of the 60D and 5D Mark II

  • Fairly small: Professional size 145x106x79 mm vs Professional size 152x114x75 mm
  • Inexpensive: $879.00 vs $2,160.00
  • Light weight: 755 g vs 850 g
arrow Compare the 60D vs the 5D Mark II

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
1 year newer
$5,000 - $5,930 (body only)

Significant advantages of the EOS-1D Mark IV (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Many more cross-type focus points: 39 vs 1
  • Shoots much faster: 10 fps vs 3.9 fps
  • Many more focus points: 45 vs 9

Significant disadvantages of the EOS-1D Mark IV (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • More noise at high ISO: 1,320 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Significantly smaller viewfinder: 0.59x vs 0.71x
  • Significantly smaller sensor: APS-H 27.9x18.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm

common strengths of the EOS-1D Mark IV and 5D Mark II

  • None found
arrow Compare the EOS-1D Mark IV vs the EOS 5D Mark II

Sony SLT A77

Sony SLT-A77
2 years newer
$1,398 - $1,499 (body only)
$1,998 - $2,049 16-50mm lens

Significant advantages of the SLT A77 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Shoots much faster: 12 fps vs 3.9 fps
  • Image stabilization: Sensor shift vs None
  • Video autofocus: Phase detection vs None

Significant disadvantages of the SLT A77 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much more noise at high ISO: 801 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Has a digital viewfinder: Digital vs Pentaprism
  • Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.5x15.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm

common strengths of the SLT A77 and 5D Mark II

  • Good image quality: 78.0 vs 79.0
  • Good color depth: 24 bits vs 23.7 bits
  • Fairly small: Professional size 143x104x81 mm vs Professional size 152x114x75 mm
arrow Compare the Sony SLT-A77 vs the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Canon EOS 5D

Canon EOS 5D
3 years older
$3,243 24-105mm lens

Significant advantages of the 5D (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • None found

Significant disadvantages of the 5D (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much smaller screen: 2.5" vs 3.0"
  • Does not take movies: None vs 1080p @ 30fps
  • Much lower resolution screen: 230k dots vs 920k dots

common strengths of the 5D and 5D Mark II

  • Large sensors: Full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
  • Fairly small: Professional size 152x113x75 mm vs Professional size 152x114x75 mm
  • Thin: 3" vs 3"
arrow Compare the 5D vs the 5D Mark II

compared toEntry-level DSLR competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Canon 5D Mark II compared to entry-level DSLR competitors include: it is much less noisy at high ISO (1,815 ISO vs 977 ISO), has slightly better image quality (79.0 vs 73.0), has slightly more color depth (23.7 bits vs 22.7 bits), much larger viewfinder (0.71x vs 0.54x) and takes significantly higher resolution photos (21 MP vs 12.2 MP).

However, on average it doesn't have a screen which flips out, lacks a built in HDR feature, doesn't focus continuously while recording movies, slightly fewer lenses available (125 lenses vs 162 lenses) and has slightly fewer focus points (9 vs 39).

Nikon D7000

Nikon D7000
2 years newer
$1,097 (body only)
$1,227 55-200mm lens

Significant advantages of the D7000 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Many more focus points: 39 vs 9
  • More dynamic range: 13.9 EV vs 11.9 EV
  • Many more cross-type focus points: 9 vs 1

Significant disadvantages of the D7000 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much more noise at high ISO: 1,167 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
  • Significantly smaller viewfinder: 0.62x vs 0.71x

common strengths of the D7000 and 5D Mark II

  • Very low noise at high ISO: 1,167 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Good image quality: 80.0 vs 79.0
  • Good color depth: 23.5 bits vs 23.7 bits
arrow Compare the Nikon D7000 vs the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Canon Rebel T2i

Canon EOS Rebel T2i
1 year newer
$499 - $949 (body only)
$569 - $867 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the T2i (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much smaller: Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm vs Professional size 152x114x75 mm
  • Much lighter: 530 g vs 850 g
  • Built-in flash

Significant disadvantages of the T2i (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much more noise at high ISO: 784 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Much smaller sensor: APS-C 22.3x14.9mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
  • Significantly worse image quality: 66.0 vs 79.0

common strengths of the T2i and 5D Mark II

  • Both shoot high resolution HD movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps
  • High resolution screens: 1,040k dots vs 920k dots
  • Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0"
arrow Compare the Rebel T2i vs the EOS 5D Mark II

Canon Rebel T3i

Canon Rebel T3i
2 years newer
$624 - $800 (body only)
$869 - $1,100 18-135mm lens

Significant advantages of the T3i (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Has a flip-out screen
  • Significantly smaller: Professional size 133x99x79 mm vs Professional size 152x114x75 mm
  • Much lighter: 570 g vs 850 g

Significant disadvantages of the T3i (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much more noise at high ISO: 793 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Much smaller sensor: APS-C 22.3x14.9mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
  • Significantly worse image quality: 65.0 vs 79.0

common strengths of the T3i and 5D Mark II

  • Both shoot high resolution HD movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps
  • High resolution screens: 1,040k dots vs 920k dots
  • Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0"
arrow Compare the Rebel T3i vs the EOS 5D Mark II

Nikon D5100

Nikon D5100
2 years newer
$650 - $749 (body only)
$600 - $750 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the D5100 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Has a flip-out screen
  • Has in-camera HDR
  • Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None

Significant disadvantages of the D5100 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much more noise at high ISO: 1,183 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
  • Much smaller viewfinder: 0.51x vs 0.71x

common strengths of the D5100 and 5D Mark II

  • Very low noise at high ISO: 1,183 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Good image quality: 80.0 vs 79.0
  • Good color depth: 23.5 bits vs 23.7 bits
arrow Compare the Nikon D5100 vs the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Pentax K-5

Pentax K-5
2 years newer
$1,029 - $1,500 (body only)
$1,349 - $1,650 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the K-5 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Image stabilization: Sensor shift vs None
  • More dynamic range: 14.1 EV vs 11.9 EV
  • Many more cross-type focus points: 9 vs 1

Significant disadvantages of the K-5 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much more noise at high ISO: 1,162 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.7mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
  • Much smaller viewfinder: 0.60x vs 0.71x

common strengths of the K-5 and 5D Mark II

  • Very low noise at high ISO: 1,162 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Good image quality: 82.0 vs 79.0
  • Good color depth: 23.7 bits vs 23.7 bits
arrow Compare the Pentax K-5 vs the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Nikon D90

Nikon D90
similar age
$849 - $897 (body only)
$1,099 - $1,200 18-105mm lens

Significant advantages of the D90 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • More lenses available: 169 lenses vs 125 lenses
  • Significantly smaller: Professional size 132x103x77 mm vs Professional size 152x114x75 mm
  • Built-in flash

Significant disadvantages of the D90 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much more noise at high ISO: 977 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
  • Much lower true resolution: 12.2 MP vs 21 MP

common strengths of the D90 and 5D Mark II

  • Relatively low noise at high ISO: 977 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Good image quality: 73.0 vs 79.0
  • High resolution screens: 920k dots vs 920k dots
arrow Compare the Nikon D90 vs the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

compared toMirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Canon 5D Mark II compared to mirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors include: it is much less noisy at high ISO (1,815 ISO vs 884 ISO), records higher quality movies (1080p @ 30fps vs none), has slightly better image quality (79.0 vs 69.0), has a much larger screen (3.0" vs 2.5") and has a slightly higher resolution screen (920k dots vs 460k dots).

However, on average it slightly lower maximum light sensitivity (6,400 ISO vs 16,000 ISO), doesn't have a touch screen, doesn't have a screen which flips out, lacks a built in HDR feature and lacks a built in panoramas.

Sony NEX-7

Sony NEX-7
2 years newer

Significant advantages of the NEX-7 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None
  • Much smaller: Compact 111x59x38 mm vs Professional size 152x114x75 mm
  • Has a flip-out screen

Significant disadvantages of the NEX-7 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 125 lenses
  • Much more noise at high ISO: 1,016 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Much shorter battery life: 430 shots vs 850 shots

common strengths of the NEX-7 and 5D Mark II

  • Very low noise at high ISO: 1,016 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Extremely good image quality: 81.0 vs 79.0
  • Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 30fps
arrow Compare the Sony NEX-7 vs the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
2 years newer
$1,199 - $1,499 14-140mm lens

Significant advantages of the DMC-GH2 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None
  • Has a touch screen
  • Has a flip-out screen

Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GH2 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much more noise at high ISO: 655 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Much fewer lenses available: 26 lenses vs 125 lenses
  • Much shorter battery life: 330 shots vs 850 shots

common strengths of the DMC-GH2 and 5D Mark II

  • Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 30fps
  • Viewfinders: Digital vs Pentaprism
  • Both support 24p, which is uncommon in cameras similar to these
arrow Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 vs the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Leica M9

Leica M9
1 year newer
$7,714 - $7,955 (body only)

Significant advantages of the M9 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much smaller: Mid size 139x80x37 mm vs Professional size 152x114x75 mm
  • Much thinner: 1.5" vs 3"
  • Much lighter: 585 g vs 850 g

Significant disadvantages of the M9 (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much smaller screen: 2.5" vs 3.0"
  • Much more noise at high ISO: 884 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Much fewer lenses available: 22 lenses vs 125 lenses

common strengths of the M9 and 5D Mark II

  • Relatively low noise at high ISO: 884 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Good image quality: 69.0 vs 79.0
  • Viewfinders: Rangefinder vs Pentaprism
arrow Compare the Leica M9 vs the Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-5N
2 years newer
$599 (body only)
$698 - $699 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the NEX-5N (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Better maximum light sensitivity: 25,600 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • Video autofocus: Contrast detection vs None
  • Much smaller: Compact 111x59x38 mm vs Professional size 152x114x75 mm

Significant disadvantages of the NEX-5N (vs the 5D Mark II)

  • Much fewer lenses available: 8 lenses vs 125 lenses
  • Much more noise at high ISO: 1,079 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Much shorter battery life: 460 shots vs 850 shots

common strengths of the NEX-5N and 5D Mark II

  • Very low noise at high ISO: 1,079 ISO vs 1,815 ISO
  • Extremely good image quality: 77.0 vs 79.0
  • Full HD (1080p) video: 1080p @ 60fps vs 1080p @ 30fps
arrow Compare the Sony NEX-5N vs the Canon EOS 5D Mark II