Canon Promises 21.1 Megapixels With 5D Mark II

Canon USA just announced the Canon 5D Mark II, continuing the tradition of offering full-frame digital SLRs at a significantly lower price. For the uninitiated, full-frame dSLRs feature an image sensor as big as a 35mm film frame, allowing more versatility in terms of photographic possibilities and usable lens.

Anyways, this baby’s powered by the DIGIC 4 image sensor, sensitivity up to ISO 25,600, and the ability to capture full-HD clips at 1920 x 1080 resolution—with a max of 30 minutes or 4GB (looks like Canon’s stepping up to the Nikon D90’s challenge). Whatever’s captured is viewable via the 3″ screen on the back, or by an HD display via the HDMI port.

Canon promises an SRP of “only” $1,699, which is a lot less than the initial $3,000 price tag of the first 5D. Check out all the details in the full press release.