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Canon EOS-1D Mark II Canon doubles the resolution of their speed demon SLR, while actually increasing its speed and cutting image noise. Amazing! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet EOS-1D Mark II Sample Images EOS-1D Mark II Imatest Results EOS-1D Mark II Photo Gallery! --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Comparison, Canon EOS-1D Mark II vs EOS-1D 3. Executive Overview 4. Design 5. Viewfinder 6. Sensor, Noise Reduction, and Optics 7. Exposure 8. The "Red Problem," Description and Workaround 9. Flash 10. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 11. Operation & User Interface 12. Camera Modes & Menus 13. Image Storage & Interface 14. Video, Power, Software 15. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on EOS-1D Mark II Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<The "Red Problem," Description and Workaround :(Previous) | (Next): Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests>> Page 9:Flash Review First Posted: 01/27/2005

Flash

Like most pro cameras, the Mark II has both an external flash hot-shoe as well as an external PC socket for connecting a strobe. The hot-shoe accommodates all Canon EX series speedlights, as well as a variety of third-party flash units. A Flash Exposure Lock button allows users to lock the flash exposure in advance of the shot, and a Flash Exposure Compensation option adjusts the overall flash power from -3 to +3 EV in one-third-step increments (only for Canon EX series speedlights). Automatic flash exposure bracketing is also available. A High Speed Sync option synchronizes the flash with all shutter speeds available on the Mark II, from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds. (Note though, that a full-power flash almost invariably lasts longer than 1/8,000 second, so you won't see the full flash power when working with a shutter speed that fast.) When using a Canon EX flash unit, you can also sync up wireless slave units for greater coverage, with no connecting wires, special codes, or anything. Full TTL flash metering is available even with multi-flash wireless setups. (Canon's series of dedicated Speedlights have a remarkable range of capabilities, really deserving of a review of their own, rather than the very brief treatment I'm giving them here. Unfortunately, I really don't have the time or space to go into all their functions, and the details of how they integrate with the Mark II.)

Continuous Shooting
Two Continuous Shooting modes are available on the Mark II: High-Speed and Low-Speed. High Speed Continuous Shooting captures as many as 8.1 frames per second, provided you're using a fast enough shutter speed. (For maximum frame rates, Canon says you need to use a shutter speed of 1/500 second or faster. Canon rates the 1D Mark II's continuous speed at 8.5 frames/second, but 8.1 frames/second was what we measured in our own tests.) Low-Speed Continuous mode captures approximately three frames per second. In both modes, the maximum burst series is 40 frames (unless remaining removable memory space is limited to a smaller number). Maximum burst length drops to 20 frames in the RAW file setting. (See the Shutter Lag/Cycle Time section of the review below for more information on shooting speed.)

Self-Timer Modes
The Mark II offers two Self-Timer modes, 10-Second and Two-Second. Both modes are accessed through the Drive button on top of the camera, the same button that activates the Continuous Shooting modes.