The Camera That Has Made Me Lots of Money
11 Years owning the Canon 5D Mark II, If I can estimate how much this camera has made me - around $40,000 + I've used this camera from portrait shoots, small commercials, behind the scenes, live events, short films, product shoots, table top, travel, weddings, engagements and so many more. Pay ranged from $150 - $1500 depending on the projects needed. Truly a remarkable camera! Canon has made a superior product, and to this date mine still works just fine. In fact, I use this camera to film my YouTube videos. Below is a video I did talking about my experience with the camera.
When the Canon EOS 5D Mark II was released in 2008, it didn’t just step into the world of digital photography and video — it shook it.
At a time when DSLRs were still primarily viewed as tools for high-end still photography, the 5D Mark II introduced a revolutionary feature that would alter both the filmmaking and photography landscape: full-frame HD video recording. It was the first DSLR to offer full 1080p video recording with a full-frame sensor — a feature unheard of in its class. This single capability launched a tidal wave of innovation and redefined what creators expected from their cameras.
The First Full-Frame DSLR with Full HD Video
Before the 5D Mark II, video was mostly reserved for camcorders and cinema cameras. Then came Canon’s bold move: allowing filmmakers to shoot cinematic quality footage with a DSLR. That full-frame sensor combined with Canon’s high-quality EF lenses offered a depth of field, image quality, and low-light performance previously reserved for film cameras or gear that cost tens of thousands of dollars.
It became a new favorite for indie filmmakers, YouTubers, wedding videographers, and even Hollywood directors. Shows like House M.D. and parts of Black Swan were famously shot using the 5D Mark II. Suddenly, professional video production was accessible to a broader community.
A Photographer’s Powerhouse
Of course, let’s not forget the stills. With its 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, excellent dynamic range, and solid ISO performance, it became a go-to for photographers shooting portraits, fashion, landscapes, and photojournalism. Combined with a rugged magnesium body and a bright 3.0” LCD screen, the 5D Mark II was durable, reliable, and simply fun to shoot with.
The Era of the Hybrid Shooter
Perhaps the most lasting legacy of the 5D Mark II is that it created the hybrid shooter: professionals and creatives who could now take both high-quality photos and cinematic video using one tool. It helped launch an entire generation of content creators, vloggers, and creatives who wanted to tell stories without the barrier of expensive equipment.
Its Influence Lives On
While Canon has since released several successors (5D Mark III, IV, and now the mirrorless EOS R line), the 5D Mark II remains a landmark release — often called the camera that started the DSLR video revolution.
Even today, many shooters look back at the 5D Mark II with respect and nostalgia. It proved that a camera doesn’t need to be the newest to be powerful — it just needs to arrive at the right moment with the right features.
Conclusion:
The Canon 5D Mark II wasn’t just a camera — it was a movement. It democratized filmmaking, empowered creators, and bridged the gap between stills and motion. Its legacy can still be felt in today’s hybrid mirrorless market and the thriving creative ecosystem it helped ignite.
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