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.
| Retailers offering Canon 5D Mark II Pre-Ordering | ||
| Ritz Camera | $2699 body / $3499 kit | ORDER NOW |
| Calumet Photographic | $2699 body / $3499 kit | ORDER NOW |
| Wolf Camera | $2699 body / $3499 kit | ORDER NOW |
| CameraWorld.com | $2699 body / $3499 kit | ORDER NOW |
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:
- Canadian Canon dealers in have been asked by Canon Canada to submit proof of payment (either credit card pre-authorizations or full payment) by 11/14. Dealers will receive units for which payment proof exists. This presumably suggests a nearing ship date.
- B&H Photo's page for both the body-only and 5D Mark II kit have been updated to indicate that the camera is not expected in stock until December.
- Retailers in Sweden are reported to be expecting units between Nov 29 and Dec 1.
- Several US retailers are reportedly indicating they will have units available for sale on Black Friday.
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.
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
Just spoke with Calumet sales to try to confirm the info here and got the same story, as above. Although the guy I spoke with wasn't clear on the kit vs. body numbers.
Hopefully sometime in the next two weeks means tomorrow. :)
I ordered the kit through Photo Village in NY but it was not certain at the time of ordering if "the kit" would actually be offered as such through Canon. I spoke to Photo Village last week and they could not give any better guidance than "early December." Apparently Canon has been very disciplined in revealing shipping dates to the dealers.
I also have not seen any field tests on the new 24 f 1.2 or any hint from canon supporting rumors of a new 100-400.
I was told my my dealer earlier this week, that Canon has assured them they will receive first shipment late next week. The rumors have been shipments will start around November 19-21st, which now makes sense.
BTW, I was asked to make a $500 deposit, which confirms another rumor about Canon requesting dealers to show proof of purchase from dealers, before shipping.
My plan is to be able to shoot Thanksgiving dinner with my new toy. What could go wrong? :)
Just curious which dealer you were told this by. Phil
What could go wrong is I WON'T be shooting Thanksgiving dinner with my new 5D Mark II.
I was told today that Friday is a very good possibility for shipping to start. Oh well, best laid plans. :)
BTW I paid for my 5D Mark II in full $2699.00 and ordered it from Calumet in Boston on Sept. 17th. I was number 14 on the list even back then. I was at Calumet in Boston Saturday and they didn't even have their own 5D Mark II for show and tell unless they were hiding it in the back and letting the sales reps get familiar with it before they show it (which could be the case). They still say all that they have heard is they are pretty sure that they will have them by the end of the month. Phil
Adorama called me last night to confirm I still wanted my August preorder. Will be shipping Friday or Monday. They confimed with an email.
Mine shipped today, get tomorrow!
I ordered just the Canon 5D Mark II body on Oct 3rd from Ritz - still nothing. I already own the lens - anyone get an email confirmation for just the Canon 5D Mark II body from Ritz yet? Their customer service has been polite but uninformative - I guess they don't know.
I ordered the Canon 5D Mark II body on Sep 23rd from Ritz - still waiting.
Saw a response on www.canonrumors.com and someone said they ordered from Ritz on 10/3/08 and got email confirmation that the kit was shipping to them on 12/1/08? How does that work? I wonder if it has something to do with kit and body only? I did get a "we have forgotten you" email this morning...and live chat did confirm I'm still on the list - and that cameras will be shipped first come first serve as they are received from the manufacturer. So much mystery over a camera!
Guess we just continue to keep our fingers crossed! Live chat at Ritz are polite enough but don't have any information (which is sort of hard to believe) especially after they ask for the confirmation number - you'd think that would give them some clue to something. Oh well.
Keep waiting!
I've pre-ordered from Ritz too on 10/13 (I deliberated a month as I contemplated...should I pay my property taxes or buy a new camera?? Then I remembered my kid's college fund..)
No word, same story- "no, there have been NO units received from Canon...you will get yours when we get it"....
Samys camera, local in Santa Ana, says they've only received a few units. They likely have a much larger allocation than a consumer retailer like Ritz....so who knows??? I have a few projects I was hoping to do with the new high ISO/low noise features, but have put off doing.
I ordered a Canon 5d mark II (body only) from Ritz camera online on the 20th Sep 2008 and have not heard anything yet
I did get from Ritz Live Chat last night that they had received a "first shipment" and sent those on a first serve basis. I am not sure what their criteria for first come, first serve actually is since several people said they ordered late Sept and yet others who said they ordered early in Oct have already received shipping confirmations. I wonder if it has to do with the kit or the body being ordered??? I talked with a local shop in my state and he said he only got 2 cameras - one kit, one body and Canon has not told him when to expect more. So...I guess if you're already on a list - might as well stay on it - eventually I guess all orders will be filled but I still can't understand why Ritz asks me for the confirmation # and can't use it for any information other than what I can get online. I emailed Canon today - still nothing but the automatic reply but maybe they can offer more insight not just the "we are shipping and preorders are filled according to each vendor" etc, etc...
I'm staying on the Ritz List and watching other sites like B&H.
I ordered my 5D Mark II from Adorama on Sept. 24th and still have not gotten any response. Everytime i email my Adorama CPS agent he just says he'll get back to me with more info and then never responses. Its getting to be somewhat annoying. Just give me the straight answer plus an estimate.
"Hey sorry dude, I don't know when its coming in...but my best guess is that we'll send yours around _______ since you ordered it on such and such date." Atleast that would give me something to look forward to.
I ordered it a week after the 5DMKII went on pre-order and I'm a CPS member so don't feel bad if you don't have any info I'm in the same boat. Maybe if I was a big time CPS member I could get one sooner hahaha.
In the mean while keep shooting with your old camera and just have fun with it.
I think a lot of us are in the same boat - not just with Ritz either. I have the 5D and its still a great camera so you're right...I'm enjoying it and still getting the shots I want...& adding patience to my character building!
I got this email today from Canon - what? Sounds like a supply/demand issue...
Thank you for contacting Canon product support. We value you as a Canon customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you.
Unfortunately, we do not have information on the delivery time to the Canon Authorized Dealers. Each dealer will receive their shipment on different days. It may be some time before all dealers receive the camera.
We apologize for the delay. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.
Thank you for choosing Canon.
Sincerely,
Erik
Technical Support Representative
Ordered mine same day it went up on pre-order ar JR.com, 9/24, so I must be high on thepriority list. Still waiting....
Got mine Sunday from a local Best Buy - cancelled my Ritz preorder. Seems odd electronics store locally got it before the big name guys but I got mine and LOVE it! I'd recommend checking out local Best Buy stores. I paid $2699.99 and got a little something back with the Best Buy Reward Zone points, 1% on the credit card and 2% from Upromise. Hey...every little bit helps and I have the camera to use for the upcoming Christmas program at my daughter's school.
Good luck everyone!
Canceled my order from Ritz Camera on 21st Dec after waiting for exactly 3 months and picked a canon 5D mark II body in Kuala Lumpur that had a US warranty for US $ 200 less.
Post new comment