Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens,5.0 out of 5 stars In love with photography again!, January 3, 2012

This camera has been on my list a long time. My only regret with this camera is that I didn't make the jump sooner. My previous (now backup) camera is an EOS Rebel XT, so I had AEB and RAW access, though, with the 5D I finally converted to 100% RAW shooting.

I still use the AEB quite a bit for HDR photos, though the only drawback with Canons is the 3-shot limit compared to Nikon's 5/7/9. Not needed for most photos, but there are situations in HDR that would benefit from more exposures. To compensate, it is really simple to take 3, then adjust the bracket without moving the camera a noticeable amount and add another 3/6 the delete the overlaps in post production.

LOVE the HD video though I haven't experimented with it enough to fully appreciate it. Did an HD shoot where I quickly grabbed some HD video and that was sweet/effortless with all the quality.

Obviously I am benefiting from the full sensor and L series lenses. So nice to shoot in low light, handheld without a flash. And even my timed exposures need considerably less time, resulting in less movement/greater ability to shoot in wind. Being on the ocean, wind is almost always a factor.

But the BIGGEST JOY I have found with this camera is LIVE VIEW mode. I use it on nearly every shot and because of it, I now shoot almost exclusively manual focus, especially for landscape/product shots. I now have utmost control to decide on a small detail to focus on the subjects front/back edge or square in the middle. This is the first time since the 80/90 days of film that I feel the post-production focus was as tight as I envisioned during the shoot.

Last night, I picked up the Rebel to teach the kids and I was amazed how small the Rebel LCD screen was so, clearly, I am happy with the 5D LCD - it's easy to take the size/quality/clarity for granted.

I also bought the and love it with the 5D. The 5D's battery indicator menu is excellent showing both batteries, remaining power and shots used for each. In the past full month, I shot 1000-ish RAW shots (plus some light video) in heat/cold on 1 charge each so I am very happy with battery life.

Best camera I've owned/used to date.

Review by Dave Darby "Life & Family Coach"