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.

Record Videos Using Nikon Liveview DSLRs

Just a couple of days after someone figured how to record videos using any Canon Liveview capable DSLR cameras, a Nikon hacker did the same with his D700 and the SDK available for free from Nikon.

The video quality isn’t great: ~30% less than 480P (the DVD standard). It also requires a computer tethered to the camera using the USB port. Things may be interesting if there is a way to grab the frames via the HDMI port.

There is not software to download it yet. The blogger, Olivier Giroux, hinted that it is coming at the end of the post. If you are good at programing, you may want to download the SDK and code up something interesting. A free version of the Nikon Camera Control Pro would be nice.

Posted in DIY & Hacks on January 28th, 2009. No Comments.

Record Video Using Any Liveview Canon EOS DSLRs

You can now record video using any Liveview Canon EOS DSLR cameras according to this blog post at Engadget. The catch is that you will need to tether your camera to a computer using USB cable. It really isn’t too bad considering the slight inconvenience saves you hundreds of dollars in the scaring economy. The only extra you need is a piece of free software from a Russian website. Read this for success stories and limitations.

Posted in DIY & Hacks on January 26th, 2009. No Comments.

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.

Jason Odell’s Capture NX2 Training Videos For Sale

Jason Odell, the author of the excellent ebook The Photographers Guide to Capture NX2, previously posted a few Capture NX2 videos on Youtube. Now, his website has started to offer Capture NX2 training videos for $1.99 a piece as video companions to his ebook. Initial user impressions (here and here) seem to be quite good.

If you are interested in learning Nikon Capture NX2, please check out our Capture NX Resource Guide.

Posted in Online Resources on January 10th, 2009. No Comments.

Capture NX2 Video Tutorial: White Background Product Photo

This is a video tutorial showing you how to use Capture NX2 to change the gray background of a product photo to pure white. Ideally a good lighting setup and proper exposure should be able to get you the result you want. However in cases the lighting or exposure isn’t perfect, it is relatively easy to fix the gray background so the product stands out of a pure white background. This type of product photo gives a clean modern look. They are quite popular these days.

A few quick tips on how to get good product photos:

  • Use a light tent or large softbox or umbrella close to the subject to get the wrap around lighting for reduced shadow or shadow-less images. Another options is to use bounce panels placed around the setup.
  • If possible, light the background independently of the main subject for better control of the exposure. This allows you to get pure white background while getting proper exposure on the product.
  • The large white background can fool the camera’s light meter. Use manual camera and flash exposure settings to ensure consistent result. Use a flash light meter if you have one, or use exposure bracketing.
  • If possible, shoot tethered so you can inspect the image in details on a computer monitor instead of the tiny LCD on the back of the camera.
  • Make sure the white balance is properly set.
Posted in Tips and techniques, Tutorials on December 31st, 2008. No Comments.

Hitler Rants About Nikon D3X

This is a hilarious (possibly offensive to some) video showing Hitler exploded over the news that Nikon D3X will cost him $8000.

Found here.

Posted in Digital SLR Cameras, Other on December 7th, 2008. No Comments.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Videos Shot with Nikkor Lenses

Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the first full frame DSLR camera that can shot videos. The first video-capable DSLR (but with APS-C sized sensor) is the Nikon D90. There are already tons of samples on the Internet to show you the video capability of these cameras. Here are just some Canon EOS 5D Mark II videos that are unique with the contents and the way they are shot – with Nikon lenses! Read More…

Posted in Digital SLR Cameras on December 7th, 2008. 1 Comment.
Page 1 of 212
Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes