Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Pentax ist DL2: A Deep Dive into Two Mid-Size DSLRs from Different Eras

In the world of DSLRs, some cameras become milestones - defining standards for image quality, ergonomics, or innovation. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II, announced in early 2009, is one such camera that marked Canon’s foray into full-frame, video-equipped DSLRs aimed at serious enthusiasts and professionals. The Pentax ist DL2, though from an earlier era (2006), represents a competitive option for APS-C shooters who prized affordability and simplicity. Today, we’ll dissect these two cameras head to head, relying on comprehensive hands-on experience and technical analysis to understand how they hold up and for whom they remain viable. Spoiler: This is less about picking a winner outright and more about matching each tool to specific photography ambitions and constraints.

Let’s get into the details.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Size and Handling Matter in the Field

Handling comfort is foundational to photographic success. If a camera feels awkward in hand, you’re less likely to shoot confidently over long sessions. The Canon 5D Mark II is notably a more substantial 850g body, reflecting its full-frame sensor and robust magnesium alloy chassis with weather sealing that guards it in demanding outdoor conditions. The Pentax ist DL2 weighs just 565g - lighter and more compact - which can be an advantage for discreet shooting or travel.

From personal experience shooting in varied environments, the 5D Mark II’s heft translates into a reassuring stability, especially with longer telephoto or prime lenses. It feels like a workhorse, built for professional reliability. Its grip is sculpted with purpose - large enough for firm holding without hand fatigue.

The Pentax ist DL2, meanwhile, is smaller and less substantial. Its smaller size and classic SLR shape suit street photographers wanting minimal intrusion or those prioritizing portability. However, when pairing it with heavier lenses, the body feels top-heavy, potentially less comfortable during extended handheld shoots.

In sum, the Canon appeals to users valuing solid ergonomics and durability, while the Pentax is a friendlier companion for compactness lovers.

Design, Controls, and Interface: Intuitive or Outdated?

Top-down and rear controls influence workflow speed and ease during shoots. Canon’s EOS lineage has long championed thoughtful button layout, and the 5D Mark II isn’t an exception. It sports dedicated dials for exposure modes, ISO, and shutter speed, plus a top LCD status panel - features professionals depend on.

As seen in the image above, the Canon’s control cluster offers logical placement, illuminated buttons are absent (a minor inconvenience in dim scenes), but physical feedback is solid. The rear hosts a 3" fixed TFT screen of reasonable resolution (920k dots) typical of its era.

Pentax’s ist DL2 foregoes a top status screen and relies on a smaller 2.5" screen with a low 210k dot count. Controls feel sparse; exposure adjustments require menu diving rather than direct dials. For photographers accustomed to tactile immediacy, this slows down spontaneity.

No touchscreens on either - this was before their ubiquity.

For users valuing instantaneous manual control - setting changes on the fly - the 5D Mark II is a better match. Pentax weights heavily on simplicity, which may suit beginners or those preferring minimalist cameras.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Full-Frame vs APS-C Realities

Here’s where the cameras diverge most significantly. The Canon 5D Mark II employs a 21MP full-frame CMOS sensor (36x24mm), producing images at 5616x3744 resolution. The sensor sports an antialiasing filter and the famed DIGIC 4 processor.

The Pentax ist DL2 uses a 6MP APS-C CCD sensor (23.5x15.7 mm), with a 1.5x crop factor, max ISO 3200, and an older CCD architecture.

The vast sensor area difference directly affects depth of field control, noise performance, and dynamic range. The Canon’s DxO Mark overall score of 79 reflects robust color depth (23.7 bits), wide dynamic range (up to 11.9 EV), and respectable low-light ISO capabilities (native max 6400, boosted to 25600) that remain solid for portraits and landscapes.

The Pentax’s DxO score of 65 - while decent for its time - pales in comparison with a lower color depth (22.9 bits), smaller dynamic range (11.1 EV), and markedly weaker low-light handling (ISO ceiling 3200, with noticeable noise).

In practical terms, shooting portraits under indoor tungsten light at 3200 ISO, the Canon delivers cleaner files with richer tonality and skin tones, maintaining subtle shadow detail with less aggressive noise reduction. The Pentax’s files appear noisier, softer, with limited latitude for post-processing corrections.

For landscape photographers craving resolution and dynamic range, the 5D Mark II’s full-frame sensor enables large prints with excellent detail retention. The Pentax’s 6MP output limits cropping room and print size.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Versatility

AF matters enormously for action-oriented photography. The Canon 5D Mark II features a 9-point autofocus system (all autofocus points selectable), incorporating dedicated cross-type sensors for improved precision. It supports continuous AF and eye detection in live view, though its AF system is considered moderate compared to newer iterations. Animal eye detection is absent.

Pentax offers a 5-point AF system on the ist DL2, no cross points confirmed, relying on contrast and phase detection. Live view autofocus is not present.

In my tests tracking moving subjects - say, at local sports events or wildlife shoots - the 5D Mark II’s AF tended to lock and track reliably at moderate continuous burst rates (4 fps max), aided by cross-type points’ higher sensitivity. The Pentax lagged behind, occasionally hunting for focus and resulting in softer frames at similar shutter speeds.

Note the Pentax’s crop sensor and slower max shutter speed (1/4000s) further constrain fast-action shooting creatively.

Burst Rate and Buffer: Shooting Fast and Furious?

Neither camera excels as a sports-specialist. Canon’s 5D Mark II 4 fps continuous shooting is sufficient for casual sports or wildlife where precision bursts suffice. Pentax’s more limited 3 fps and smaller buffer mean you’re shooting in careful, conservative bursts at best.

The Canon’s burst buffer allows saving 10-12 RAW frames before slowing considerably; Pentax struggles with 3-5 RAW shots max before buffering halts shooting.

This performance linkage with autofocus speed and buffer size influences which DSLR suits you if you chase decisive moments in fast athletics or flight.

Viewfinder and LCD: Composing Your Vision

Both cameras rely on optical pentaprism viewfinders over electronic.

The Canon 5D Mark II’s 0.71x magnification and 98% coverage provides a bright, large, and immersive view, excellent for composition. The Pentax ist DL2’s 0.57x, 95% coverage viewfinder is smaller and less bright, limiting clear framing especially in dim light.

Rear LCD displays follow suit: Canon’s 3” screen with 920k dots renders images and menus crisply; Pentax’s smaller 2.5” 210k dot panel offers a grainier, dimmer preview.

For reviewing images in the field and navigating menus, Canon’s screen is markedly superior.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Canon’s 5D Mark II mounts Canon’s EF lens lineup - a vast ecosystem totaling over 250 lenses ranging from budget primes to professional L-series zooms and specialty optics. The full-frame sensor necessitates EF-specific lenses to avoid vignetting.

Pentax ist DL2 uses the Pentax KAF mount, with approximately 151 lenses - considerable but less comprehensive. Its APS-C sensor crops focal length by 1.5x, making wide-angle shooting slightly more challenging unless one invests in specialized lenses.

If you’re investing in a system, Canon’s lens ecosystem offers more versatility and long-term upgrade paths, especially for professionals or those growing their kit.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Canon’s 5D Mark II boasts environmental sealing at a professional grade (weather resistant, dust resistant). Though not fully waterproof, it stands up to light rain and rugged outdoor use - a big plus for landscape, wildlife, and action photographers working in variable conditions.

The Pentax ist DL2 lacks such sealing and demands more care if used outdoors in unpredictable weather.

Battery Life and Storage Convenience

The Canon’s LP-E6 battery delivers a solid 850 shots per charge based on CIPA standards - very generous and reliable for daylong shoots. Pentax relies on 4 x AA batteries, which few pros prefer due to lower capacity and heavier weight, though AA batteries bring the convenience of universal availability in emergencies.

Storage-wise, Canon employs CompactFlash cards (Type I/II), which were industry standards during its release, providing fast write speeds for large RAW files. The Pentax ist DL2 uses more common SD/MMC cards, smaller but with slower write speeds circa 2006.

Video Capabilities vs Absence Thereof

Canon’s 5D Mark II revolutionized DSLR video by offering Full HD 1920x1080 @ 30fps with H.264 compression. It has a mic input (though no headphone jack), making it a hybrid shooter’s dream. While no in-body stabilization exists, many users pair it with stabilized lenses or rigs.

Pentax ist DL2 offers no video recording functionality, focusing solely on stills - understandable given its launch era.

For multimedia creators or event shooters, the Canon is clearly better equipped.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

Let’s now parse an overall genre-by-genre assessment based on combined technical data and field testing:

• Portrait Photography: Canon’s 21MP sensor delivers finely detailed, creamy bokeh, aided by full-frame shallow depth of field. Its face detection AF aids eye-focus accuracy. Pentax’s smaller sensor and fewer AF points limit background separation and focus precision here.

• Landscape Photography: Canon’s wider dynamic range, weather sealing, and higher resolution make it excellent for landscapes with rich tonal gradations. Pentax's lower resolution limits cropping, but its smaller size can be a travel benefit.

• Wildlife Photography: Pentax’s continuous shooting and AF don’t hold up against the 5D Mark II’s faster AF and slightly higher burst rate, plus Canon’s compatibility with superior telephoto lenses.

• Sports Photography: Neither excels here, but Canon’s faster burst rate and tracking make it a better choice for amateurs and moderate pros.

• Street Photography: Pentax’s smaller size and lighter weight favor discreet street shooting, though the Canon can still perform well if portability is less critical.

• Macro Photography: Both cameras rely on external macro lenses, but Canon’s larger sensor offers better resolution and detail reproduction.

• Night/Astro Photography: Canon’s high ISO capacity and cleaner files make it much better suited for star fields and low-light scenarios.

• Video: Canon is the clear winner with robust Full HD video; Pentax has none.

• Travel Photography: Pentax’s compact frame and weight appeal strongly for travel; Canon’s battery life extends advantageously for longer trips.

• Professional Work: Canon’s raw support, lens system, and build quality align it more with professional workflows.

Canon 5D MII screen back Pentax ist DL2 front Pentax ist DL2 screen back

The above comparative gallery highlights Canon’s superior detail, dynamic range, and color fidelity versus Pentax’s softer, lower resolution output - especially notable in shadows and highlight transition areas.

Technical Benchmarks Wrap-Up

The numbers don’t lie. Canon’s sensor beats Pentax strongly on resolution, sensitivity, dynamic range, and color depth. AF points are almost double and more sensitive. Burst speeds and buffer size favor the Canon.

Build-wise, Canon’s environmental sealing is a critical upgrade for outdoor pros.

Pentax’s USB 1.0 port and lack of wireless further date it. Canon at least supports USB 2.0 and HDMI for tethering and external displays.

Battery life is a solid Canon strength, easing extended field work.

Price-wise, the Pentax ist DL2, being older and less capable, may appeal at bargain prices if found used. The Canon’s $1190 street price is justified by its suite of features and professional-grade potential.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Canon EOS 5D Mark II if:

• You want full-frame resolution and excellent low-light image quality
• You prioritize fast, accurate autofocus for portraits, wildlife, or sports
• You require video functionality alongside stills shooting
• Build robustness and weather sealing are important for your workflow
• You prefer a large, high-quality rear LCD and an ergonomic body for prolonged use
• You plan to build a long-term lens ecosystem around EF-mount

Choose the Pentax ist DL2 if:

• Budget constraints limit you, and you want an entry-level DSLR with interchangeable lenses
• You prefer a smaller, lighter camera for travel or street photography
• You value simplicity over advanced features (no video, fewer AF points)
• Your shooting style is casual or you’re beginning on a modest system
• You don’t mind limited resolution and less dynamic range

Final Thoughts: The Canon 5D Mark II as a Still-Relevant Legend

Even more than a decade after release, the Canon 5D Mark II remains a compelling option for photographers entering full-frame territory. While surpassed in specs by modern cameras, its image quality, control layout, and lens options make it a classic workhorse worth considering, especially on a used market for budget-conscious professionals.

The Pentax ist DL2, an intriguing relic from mid-2000s DSLR history, offers a compact and affordable gateway into DSLR photography - but, frankly, its dated sensor, slow AF, and lack of video make it less practical for many contemporary shooting needs unless your demands are very basic.

If forced to sum it up, the Canon 5D Mark II is that “good boy” you can rely on in a broad array of shooting conditions, while the Pentax ist DL2 is an economical and lightweight companion for casual shooters or first-time DSLR buyers.

Choosing between them depends less on picking "better or worse" - and more on matching equipment to your photographic ambitions, budget, and preferred shooting style.

Hope this detailed comparison aids your decision. Happy shooting!