>> Possibly the real-est 35mm camera (just) on the market
>>        http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos5dmarkII/
...
>> Does *NOT* include an integral vertical (a real plus)


> What is "integral vertical"  ???


a)
Vertical grip - feature to allow camera to be held naturally in portrait 
mode.
Integral - Can't remove it.

b)
A 'nornal' 35mm camera is can usually be held in landscape mode in one hand 
with the shutter release under one's index finger. While it can be rotated 
into portrait mode while being held this way, the operation is unnatural and 
usually requires a two handed grip. While one often operates the camera two 
handed in either orientation, being able to 'wave it around essentially in 
one hand is a major operating convenience.

A "vertical grip" is (usually) an optional add on to a "standard" camera 
that connects beneath the basic camera and allows it to be held in one hand 
(if your arm is strong enough) with the camera in portrait mode. Rather than 
just being a handle and shutter release these usually also go the whole hog 
and replicate various other controls. They then usually add a second hog as 
well and add a battery box or maybe capacity for two batteries. As they 
often plug into the existing battery box for mechanical and electrical 
connection they may either make the original battery box inaccessible or 
displace the original battery. In film 35mm cameras they usually also 
contained a motor drive.

All up they add convenience but about never add to actual camera 
functionality. They also substantially increase camera volume and also add 
weight. The end result is a camera that gores from being a pig to carry 
around into being a big fat overweight oversized pig  to carry around. If 
you are impressed by huge cameras or your subjects are then the addition is 
worthwhile. If the ability to use the camera with much more ease in portrait 
mode is a great bonus then it may be worthwhile. If having two batteries in 
the camera  (or 3) is far better for you than having them in your pocket 
then it may also be worthwhile.

If you want to carry the camera everywhere, have it as unobtrusive as a big 
camera can be etc, then being able to choose to add or remove the grip is a 
bonus. If you would like to carry the camera in a belt bag (front or rear) 
then an integral vertical grip is a major pain.

Canon and Nikon and people who want to make cameras that are visually 
stupidly impressive build the vertical grip into their top cameras. The 
Canon EOS1D series is one such. The EOS 5D has resisted the temptation to do 
so.

c.) An unnecessary piece of useful flim flammery built into some top end 
cameras rather than being an optional add on.


          Russell, 

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