Canon EOS-5D Mark II Rumors

Speculations are alive about the reported replacement for the overdue Canon EOS–5D, expectedly marked as the Canon EOS–5D Mark II. Not necessarily revolutionary, the leaked specs still suggest a modest upgrade from the first generation full–frame digital SLR. As said in the DP Review forums:

The new 5D II will not be released at Photokina, but instead will be a surprise announcement on April 22, according to a source I am unwilling to disclose. The specs of the new camera are as follows (final name unavailable):

• 15.3 MP full frame CMOS sensor (vastly improved light-gathering capacity per pixel: improved micro lenses; miniaturized micro circuitry; enhanced signal/noise ratio)
• Weather sealing same as 1Ds Mark III
• Dual Digic III with all-new “CXR” NR system reported to best 3rd party NR software. Available as a C.F with 4 levels of customizable parameters.
• 14 bit A/D conversion
• ISO 12800 (C.F. up to 25600)
• Reported 1 2/3 stop sensitivity improvement
• All-new 29-point TTL CMOS sensor with 12 cross-type for F/2.8 or faster lens (35% faster than 40D)
• Micro lens fine adjustment for up to 14 lenses
• 300,000 exposure shutter durability
• 6.0 / 3.0 fps
• 3.0″ LCD, 922,000 pixels
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• Live View (improved from 450D; latest generation)
• 6/3 fps continuous shooting for up to 68 frames
• MSRP $3499, available June 2

With this long list of realistic enough details, it seems the leaked info may prove to be true. What I’m not too happy about though is the ~$3500 USD price tag, putting it much higher than the first 5D. Quite unusual since Canon’s digital SLR line has a history of decreasing prices for newer and better models. $2500 USD would’ve been more right and puts it in a reasonale range compared to offerings from other DSLR makers.

But wait, is this really the Canon EOS–5D Mark II?