Category Archives: Camera Equipment

5D MkII Manual Control For Video

Apologies for the delay in bringing this to you, but I was having surgery when this was announced!

Canon Enables Manual Exposure in Video on EOS 5D Mark II


LONDON, UK, 27th May 2009:  Canon announced today it will release a firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II allowing users to manually control exposure when shooting video.  The new firmware will be available for download from 2 June 2009 on Canon Europe’s support web site.

Following the launch of the EOS 5D Mark II in September 2008, Canon’s Research and Development team has listened closely to customer feedback to develop additions to the camera’s movie recording functionality.     

Allowing EOS 5D Mark II owners to achieve even more stunning video results with the camera, the firmware update will include the following manual controls when shooting video:

·        Full aperture selection 
·        ISO speed: Auto, 100 – 6400 and H1 
·        Shutter speed: 1/30th – 1/4000th second 

This is huge news. I for one was convinced to start shooting video purely because of the camera. However, with the fully automated exposure, it became a challenge to override it with various cheats. With this firmware update, its going to allow so much more freedom and it’ll really allow every ounce of the camera’s stunning visual capability to be harnessed. I for one can’t wait to give it a try. I just hope that a similar update is in the pipeline for the audio.

Addendum:

The firmware is now live and can be downloaded HERE.

Canon 5D MkII Audio Hacked

5D Mark Free audio meters from Trammell Hudson on Vimeo.

Well, its happened. The audio function has been hacked on the 5D MkII to allow an override on the automatic gain control. This is superb news and my congratulations go to Hudson for this.

There’s a thread on the Cinema 5D forum exploring this update to the camera’s firmware.

Informative 5D MkII Video Tips

EventDV TV // 5D Reel from StillMotion on Vimeo.

Just watched this very interesting video and the author’s tips on manually controlling the aperture, shutter and ISO on the Canon 5D MkII in video mode. Well worth a watch.

Rode VideoMic

Rode VideoMic and 5D MkII in action during a Gaza demo

Those who read the second part of my review of the Canon 5D MkII will know that my microphone of choice for this camera is the Rode VideoMic.

I gave a little interview to Rode about my experiences with their products and why I have chosen the VideoMic as my preferred audio equipment. You can read it here.

Should The BBC Get Canon 5D MkII Cameras?!

It seems that the BBC have accused Daily Mirror photographer James Vellacott of ripping off their footage of a U2 concert and putting it on his blog. Actually, turns out that James was using a Canon 5D MkII from a nearby hotel room. The camera is so good (as is the operator), that the BBC can’t tell the difference between what their crew (using much more expensive video gear) have shot, and a single photographer using a DSLR! Seems that after Mirror lawyers explained the situation, the BBC have left James alone!

Further Reading:

Focus On Imaging – Birmingham NEC

Well folks, its that time of year when Focus comes to town. For those who haven’t been before, its a photography exhibition which is more orientated towards gear. Most of the major manufacturers and distributors have stands there, along with some of the smaller companies which often have some very interesting stuff to look at. The show runs from February 22 to 25, 2009.

This year, I’ll be there on Tuesday and Wednesday, on the Snapper Stuff stand (C-41). Do pop by and have a chat. Those looking for the perfect photography bags will be able to see the ThinkTank Photo bags on the stand. I’m a big fan of these bags and can show you why I like them so much. Hope to see you there!