Manual Exposure Control for Video Recording Coming to Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Responding to popular user requests, Canon is planning to release a firmware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II full frame DSLR camera on June 2, 2009 that allows manual exposure control during video shooting.

The 21.1 megapixel full frame DSLR camera can shoot stunning videos but users frequently complaint about the lack of many controls that are available on camcorders that cost 1/10 of its price.  The glaring deficiencies include the absence of continuous autofocus and manual exposure control. During video shooting, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II operates in a full automatic mode with the camera selecting the ISO, aperture, and shutter speeds. With the announced new firmware, Canon EOS 5D Mark II users will be able to fully control all aspects of exposure: aperture, ISO, and shutter speed.

It is a great improvement. However in order to make video shooting on a DSLR more appealing for average video shooters autofocus is still needed.  David Pogue of New York Times thinks that “… without autofocus, an S.L.R. camera that shoots video is just a parlor stunt.” Canon does not offer any indication that autofocus will be available. In case you haven’t heard, the new Panasonic DMC-GH1 is the first DSLR camera that supports continuous autofocus during video shooting.

The following is the press release found on Canon UK website.

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

The EOS 5D Mark II integrates full HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1 Megapixel camera; opening a multitude of new possibilities for photo-journalists and news photographers. Since its launch the camera has proved its appeal to professionals working in diverse fields, from studio and wedding to nature and travel.  Now, following customer feedback, Canon has improved functionality for professional video users, further unleashing the potential of the EOS 5D Mark II for cinematographers and photographers alike.

Posted in Digital SLR Cameras on May 28th, 2009. 1 Comment.

Canon 5D Mark II Movie: Free Hugs

This is a great movie shot using Canon EOS 5D Mark II. The videographer used two cameras and an array of Canon L lenses: 14mm f2.8L, 50mm f1.2L, 100mm macro f2.8, 135mm f2.0L, and 200mm f2.8L. I cannot seem to be able to embed the HD version, so please click on the video or this link to view the HD version for the best viewing experience.

Posted in Photo sharing on January 17th, 2009. No Comments.

Canon Releases Firmware Update for EOS 5D Mark II

Canon released firmware 1.07 for its EOS 5D Mark II full frame DSLR camera. The new firmware “improves and mitigates” the “black dot” phenomenon and vertical banding noise when shooing sRAW1 format.  This doesn’t look like a complete fix but sounds like a workaround. After updating the firmware in camera, the Canon Digital Photo Professional and Picture Style Editor software also need to be updated in order to provide a complete solution. Otherwise, “dark, low-contrast areas in the images may appear slightly magenta”. I am curious how third party RAW converters will be able to handle this properly.

More information:

Update [January 8, 2009]:  Based on a user’s test, the new firmware seem to have fixed the black dot problem.

Posted in Digital SLR Cameras, News on January 7th, 2009. No Comments.

Canon Acknowledges the Black Dots and Vertical Banding Problems

On Canon Europe site, Canon has acknowledged the two well known image quality problems (black dots and vertical banding) plaguing the newly released EOS 5D Mark II, but offers no explanation for the causes, nor any time frame for complete fix. Read More…

Posted in Digital SLR Cameras, News on December 19th, 2008. No Comments.

Canon Publishes White Paper on EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II

Canon has published a white paper on the new EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II DSLR cameras. According to the overview section, the EOS 5D Mark II “shares 80% of its features with the EOS 5D, and 10% with the flagship Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III”. The remaining 10% of its features are unique, including the new gap-less sensor, 1080P HD video recording, new Live View AF modes, sensor cleaning, HDMI outputs, etc.

If you have not read Canon white papers before, they provide extra information about the products that is not in user manuals. You are expected to find detailed, in-depth look at the major features,  new system enhancements with an explanation of the technology behind each one, and comprehensive overview of compatible accessories and related software. You can find other published Canon white papers here.

Posted in Digital SLR Cameras, Online Resources on December 18th, 2008. 1 Comment.

Canon Response to EOS 5D Mark II Black Dots Problem

In this DPReview discussion thread, someone claimed Canon Japan sent him an email with regarding to the EOS 5D Mark II black dot issue he reported about 10 days ago. Canon is not denying the existence of the problem and a firmware update is supposedly being prepared to mitigate the problem. The workaround suggested by Canon is to set High ISO NR to strong, which doesn’t sound very inspiring to me. Let’s hope it is indeed a good news when the official statement comes.

Update [December 19, 2008]: Canon official response.

Posted in Digital SLR Cameras on December 15th, 2008. No Comments.

Ken’s Take on the Black Dots Problem of Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Ken Rockwell appears to be the most controversial person at places like DPReview forums. Many people display unreasonable anger because of Ken’s “inaccurate, biased, unscientific, subjective” articles.  However there are also ones who like his straight and humorous talks. Check out his take on the black dots problem of Canon EOS 5D Mark II.

Posted in Miscellaneous on December 13th, 2008. No Comments.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Black Dots Also in Video Mode

The black dots problem discovered on the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is now seen in the Video Mode as well. Check out the following Youtube video clip. Read More…

Posted in Digital SLR Cameras on December 12th, 2008. 1 Comment.
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