Here’s the nuts and bolts of all the specs:

• HD Video @ 1920×1080 and 30 fps
• SD Video @ 640×480 and 30 fps
• video capture up to 4 GB or 29min, 59 sec
• Video recorded in .MOV format
• Input terminal for microphones
• HDMI output
• 3 Live View Modes
• Peripheral Illumination Correction
• Two Small raw formats
• Silent shooting in Live View
• Integrated Cleaning System
• 21.1 MP
• ISO from 50-25,600 (not a typo!)
• 3.9 fps
• UDMA card compliant
• 15 point auto-focus
• 3″ LCD (920,000 dot resolution VGA)
• 150,000 shutter count cycle
• Price: $2699!!!!!

I guess the only thing that surprises me is the frames per second for still captures.  Yeah okay, it’s capturing 21.1 megapixels and at a full frame, but it is also able to capture 30 fps in HD video!  Why is the still frame rate so slow comparatively speaking (at 3.9 fps)?

That being said, the video features are astonishing, as is the low price point!  I would expect the older Canon 5D’s to drop into the $1000 range shortly…start checking the auction sites!  For the full story that gives all the hype and glamour of Canon news announcements, check out the press release here with all the above shots also in high resolution:

Canon Announces 5D Mark II

Anyone else want to salivate over it with me?  What are your thoughts on this new release?  Will this answer the gauntlet of the D3 that Nikon threw down a short while ago?  I would tentatively say yes – but only time will tell!

Video clips:

http://www.canon-ci.co.kr/product/smov/pop01.html

http://www.canon-ci.co.kr/product/smov/pop02.html

http://www.canon-ci.co.kr/product/smov/pop03.html

http://www.canon-ci.co.kr/product/smov/pop04.html