Canon 5D Mark II: Pre-order and Shipping/Release Date Update

Photography professionals and enthusiasts alike continue to await the release of the highly anticiapted 5D Mark II. Originally announced in September, the 5D Mark II has been slated for release sometime in Novmeber without any additional information about when units will ship since the camera's introduction. As is the case with all highly anticipated camera (or any gadget, for that matter), rumors and reports continue to swirl as to when the camera will hit shelves. For those of you who still haven't pulled the proverbial trigger and ordered a 5D Mark II, the pre-order situation is getting more difficult, but options still exist. Following are updates on both available pre-order options and possible release scenarios.

Pre-Ordering
Though there is still no definitive on exactly how many units Canon will ship (nor will there ever likely be, really), it is very clear that demand is high. Conventional wisdom still demands that those who hope to get their hands on a 5D Mark II in 2008 or early 2009 pre-order the camera and stake their place in line. Unfortunately, many major retailers have already stopped accepting pre-orders (such as Amazon, Adorama, and J&R). There are still several well-respected retailers still offering pre-order opportunities on the 5D Mark II.

Many retailers are also suggesting that those who are pre-ordering late order the kit (complete with 24-105 L lens). The rationale behind this suggestion is that orders for the kit have been much less common than orders for the body only. Kit lenses are regularly re-sold on eBay at a profit to the kit-buyer.

Release Date Information & Rumors
We did a bit of research with US retailers to see if any new information was available in regards to the release date of the 5D Mark II. The only information that was valuable was given by Calumet Photo, who's website recently changed from indicating a ship date of "1-3 weeks" to "Call for Availability."

Calumet Photo indicated that they expect to have the 5D Mark II in stock "sometime within the next two weeks". They further indicated that individuals who pre-ordered in September or early October should have their orders fulfilled by the first shipment they receive from Canon. When asked whether those who ordered the 5D Mark II body-only or kit should expect the receive units more quickly than their counterparts, Calumet indicated that they expect to have significantly "more bodies than kits" (thus possibly laying to waste the "buy the kit" advice some retailers are giving, mentioned above).

That aside, not a day goes by without a new rumor or possible "evidence" popping up about when the 5D Mk II will ship. If you're hoping for agreeing reports you'll be dissapointed. Here are some of the latest:

Take all rumors and other information related to the release of the 5D with a pile of salt. Be sure to check back for more 5D related updates as we progress towards the eventual release.

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