why doesnt the 5Dmk2 have a popup flash? just curious..

???

None of the models 5D and above come with the Pop Up Flash. Maybe they assume when you're spending that much money, you probably have something better already like a Speedlight. To be honest I don't know for sure. Can't say that I've missed not having one though.

I'm guessing it's because it's meant for pros who wouldn't be caught dead using a pop-up flash and have a couple of 580s kicking around anyways...

The popup flash is worthless unless it is paired with a built-in wireless ETTL controller. That controller was introduced with the 7D and will hopefully make an appearance in the 5D mk III.

For room for the pentaprism
The D700 has a flash...but at a cost. The D700 only has a 95% VF vs the 100% on the D3.

So thats the main reason for no flash is for the bigger and brighter VF. I love the flash on the 7D...worked great for speed lights

I cant wait for the D800...

Now when Canon finally understood that you can have good use of an internal flash as a remote flash controller, even in cameras on that level (like the 7D), maybe they'll reconsider for the next reincarnation.

Glad they didn't put one on it.

LowriderS10 wrote in post #11182493
I'm guessing it's because it's meant for pros who wouldn't be caught dead using a pop-up flash and have a couple of 580s kicking around anyways...

We who are not "pros" just spend extra $$ to get a small 270EX non-pop up flash for the times we wished the 5DmkII did have a pop up flash

I've owned a few EOS digital cameras including the 5D and 5DMKII.

The pop up flash(on all but my 5D series)is handy but sure doesn't help the quality of the image.

The pop up flash is great for that 'quick and dirty' image where you don't care what the final product looks like...you just want the image.

It's sort of like using a flashlight in the dark....you can see but the image isn't the best.

For my DSLR students, the first add on I recommend(other than a filter for their new lenses)is an external flash so that low light images have the chance to look good.

I think there are several reasons. Here are my guesses:

First, because of the lost sales in the stodgy/luddite/elitist demographics who wouldn't be caught dead with pansy/newb features like pop-up flash. This is partially offset by the increase in sales from the more rational folks who can readily recognize the times when such a feature is highly useful, such as for providing a catchlight, triggering other optical flashes, etc.

Second, because providing the feature without reducing the degree of weather-resistance means the cost is slightly higher, which increases the minimum threshold of perceived value to the target demographics for the feature (related to the first factor above, of course).

Third, and most importantly, because they can try to get more flash unit sales. This has to be balanced carefully against the sales lost because of the lack of the feature. I am a perfect study case for this factor: I went out and bought a $500 Canon flash unit for the *sole* purpose of being a flash master and catchlight -- something that the 7D has built-in and the pop-up flash is perfect for.

In summary, they do it for the same reason they do anything: money.

I'm actually surprised the pop up on the 7D works as well as it does. I don't remember the one on the 40D giving passable results, at all.

In an emergency I wouldn't mind a pop up on the 5DII if it didn't add any bulk to the camera but it didn't affect my buying decision.

Daniel Browning wrote in post #11184013
I think there are several reasons. Here are my guesses:

First, because of the lost sales in the stodgy/luddite/elitist demographics who wouldn't be caught dead with pansy/newb features like pop-up flash.

Second, because providing the feature without reducing the degree of weather-resistance means the cost is slightly higher
Third, and most importantly, because they can try to get more flash unit sales.

In summary, they do it for the same reason they do anything: money.

Daniel, you are funny, stodgy/luddite/and elitist yourself (even though I have to go look up what luddite means), and absolutley correct sir! Thank you for that analysis. It is right on the mark!

Haha like what other people say i think because people who can afford 5D and up usually have multiple external flashes. One of my friend has a 5D and a 1D and he always carries 3 external flashes in his bag

westernminnguy wrote in post #11183277
I've owned a few EOS digital cameras including the 5D and 5DMKII.

The pop up flash(on all but my 5D series)is handy but sure doesn't help the quality of the image.

The pop up flash is great for that 'quick and dirty' image where you don't care what the final product looks like...you just want the image.

It's sort of like using a flashlight in the dark....you can see but the image isn't the best.

For my DSLR students, the first add on I recommend(other than a filter for their new lenses)is an external flash so that low light images have the chance to look good.

but sometimes the pop up is useful for fill flash or backlit scene during day time... its good to have.

like I just broke my cheap manual flash a few weeks ago, and I am still waiting for the SB-700, so I am currently using the pop-up flash only

bohdank wrote in post #11184077
I'm actually surprised the pop up on the 7D works as well as it does. I don't remember the one on the 40D giving passable results, at all.

In an emergency I wouldn't mind a pop up on the 5DII if it didn't add any bulk to the camera but it didn't affect my buying decision.

I think it might have something to do with the Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors. Just a guess.