The Canon EOS 1D Mark II N now allows “split recording”. The camera can save the RAW file to one memory card (typically the CompactFlash card as CF generally has higher capacity per $ and overall at this time) and the JPEG to the other (typically the SD card). Retained is the ability to save the same image simultaneously to both cards (great for backup purposes) or to save images to one card until it is full and then continue saving on the other card.

The Canon EOS 1D Mark II N displays the ISO setting in the viewfinder during ISO adjustment. The photographer can now keep his/her eye in the viewfinder while making this change.

Since sports/action photography typically requires fast shutter speeds to stop the action, higher ISO settings are often required. Canon CMOS sensors deliver excellent low-noise performance at higher ISO settings.

Still featuring 8.2 Megapixel performance at 8.5 frames per second, the upgraded camera has a higher performance buffer to deliver a 48 frame burst in JPEG and 22 frame burst in RAW. LCD monitor size increases from 2.0“ to a 2.5”, and dual CF and SD memory card slots provide for separate RAW and JPEG recording. Colour Matrix and parameter settings are replaced with Canon’s new Picture Style – 6 pre-sets that simplify in-camera control over image optimisation and processing. Thanks to the new screen, examining images in playback, checking focus, and selecting menu items are now all easier. The improved display enables viewing angles up to a remarkable 170 degrees from any direction.

The Canon EOS 1D Mark II N features a new “Magnified View From Any AF Point” option that sounds very useful for checking sharpness. Instead of zooming in (during review) and scrolling to the AF point used, you can now zoom in at the AF point used. Magnified view is now available during quick review as well.

The EOS-1D Mark II N has a shutter durability of 200,000 cycles, and a weather resistant magnesium-alloy casing with over 70 dust and moisture resistant seals protects the camera. A new Auto option is available on the Noise reduction menu screen, which offers automatic detection and correction when necessary of noise levels in images with exposures of 1 second or longer.

The EOS-1D Mark II N is bundled with the EOS Digital Solutions Disk v11, which includes an upgraded version of Canon’s RAW image processing software Digital Photo Professional (DPP). DPP v2.0 now supports RAW images shot on all EOS digital cameras from the EOS D30 forwards, and includes support for Picture Styles. Improvements and additions are aimed at improving functionality and workflow efficiency for professionals, and include: easy image selection with three levels of check marks; real-time adjustment of sharpness; improved image correction (Copy Stamp); enhanced image transfer function – single image transfer to PhotoShop is possible; extended colour space support, now including Apple RGB and ColorMatch RGB; and an enhanced CMYK simulation function.

The 1D Mark II N’s formidable combination of speed and resolution makes it the choice of pros everywhere.

If you have something to shoot now then buy something else, like the 1D Mk-II. See here about managing obsolescente. Canon really ought to come up with new model names for new models. This “Mark II new edition” stuff is grating.