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Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Canon upgrades their "ultimate" d-SLR with 16.7 megapixels of resolution and significant performance improvements. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet EOS-1Ds Mark II Test Images EOS-1Ds Mark II Imatest Results --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Comparison, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II vs EOS-1Ds 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 Times 11. Operation & User Interface 12. Control Enumeration 13. Camera Menus 14. Image Storage & Interface 15. Video & Power 16. Included Software 17. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on EOS-1Ds 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 Times>> Page 9:Flash Review First Posted: 9/26/2005

Flash

Like most pro cameras, the Canon 1Ds 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 1Ds 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 1Ds Mark II.)

Continuous Shooting
The 1Ds Mark II's Continuous Shooting mode captures as many as four frames per second, provided you're using a fast enough shutter speed. Of course, actual frame rates and the number of available images will vary with the image size and quality settings, as well as the exposure and memory status.

Self-Timer Modes
The 1Ds 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 mode.