Canon has finally released the new firmware for the EOS 5D Mark II! Oh wait they just recalled it.
I installed the new firmware yesterday only to have it get recalled a day later.
Of course the good news is the new software enables 24p video recording. Also the 30p video frame rate has been corrected to 29.97, while the audio sampling frequency has also been increased from 44.1KHz to 48KHz with manual controls available for the input levels.
Other improvements include a new histogram display that enables monitoring, and a heightened shutter priority AE mode or aperture-priority mode.
Unfortunately it does not appear to include a 60fps 720p recording mode. I guess Canon can’t give all the goodies away at once. Also there seem to be some bugs in the firmware when dealing with the manual audio adjustments which is why the firmware was temporarily recalled. I also had an issue connecting an external mic after updating, which I hope Canon or Magic lantern can fix soon.
Well it’s been a year since I wrote the first “Future of DSLR Video” post and a lot has happened to the DSLR market.
Mainly I am referring to the release of canon’s new line of EOS cameras, the 7D and 1D, which are both capable of shooting stunning footage at 24-60fps (60 is at 720p though). The 5D is still a legit contender; though it feels slightly like a horse waiting to be put back in the race once the firmware update arrives giving it 24-60fps. Where you at canon??
Unfortunately, we are also still waiting with baited breath for the release of Red’s new line of cameras: the Scarlet/Epic. The pre-emptive hype has died down now but the potential seems well worth the wait. In the meantime, Canon’s new EOS DSLR’s are steadily kicking ass and becoming a professtional tool for shooting music videos, advertisements, web series, and even feature length movies. Vincent Laforet’s video “Nocturne” demonstrated the amazing light sensitivity of Canon’s new 1D Mark IV, which was shot at night in ambient light without any added external lighting.
Recently I have been presently surprised to see the 7D being used on webisodes and a few low budget features in the Los Angeles area. The fact that the 7D is affordable, shoots 24p and has a more forgiving Depth of Field then the 5D, makes it the prime candidate for the 2010 Underdog Award that I am just making up as you read this. The main drawback to the 7D is also one of it’s strengths: the smaller chip size. Granting it a easier-to-work-with depth of field but lowering it’s sensitivity to light.
So what are a few of my favorite accessories for the canon’s DSLR video arsenal? Red Rock Micro’s Captain Stubling is a solid portable rig that comes with a follow focus and minimal rails for a affordable price. Redrocks second version of the follow focus is a little gritty (Zacuto’s is smoother) but is well built for the price. The rails and handles feel sturdy and light.
Rode’s Videomic microphone is a inexpensive accessory that mounts onto the top of the camera and is great for run and gun shooting.
I’ll add some more of my favorites soon. In the meantime, let me know what you use!
The new iPhone 3GS comes with a good quality still & video camera, with the capability to edit and upload to video aggregators all from the mobile phone! UK filmmaker Philip Bloom has orgaznied the world’s first iPhone film competition…the only prequisite is that the entire film must be shot on the iPhone 3GS, and it’s encouraged that you shoot in places you can’t with ordinary video cameras.
The new Canon firmware update for the Canon 5D Mark II is here! Adding manual exposure control to video recording, including ISO, aperture settings, and shutter speed. Additionally the new firmware allows you the added bonus of dialing in the specific color temperature needed, for full white balance control. The new firmware frees the 5D of many of it’s limitations, leaving only the fact that it cannot shoot at 24 fps the only hurdle left to cross in it becoming an regularly used professional Hi-Def camera (the 24 fps problem is a hardware issue and thus cannot be fixed through software upgrades).
So to briefly summarize: the new firmware helps solidify the 5D as a professional grade high def camera, by offering the user full control over exposure and white balance settings. You can now dial in specific F-Stops and shutter speeds in video mode without having to use the exposure lock button to keep the ISO down. In fact the exposure lock button has ceased to do anything anymore since the controls are now fully manual and under the shooters control. Pure digital majesty.
If you are looking for the firmware update click here.
This is just a rumor: crew from the latest Harry Potter movie using two Canon 5D Mark II cameras in their production. We know this camera produces some great quality footage–but good enough for a mainstream feature film? Yep! Well–it is just a rumor, but it really doesn’t seem that implausible. We’ll have to wait until 2010 to find out…
Did you miss the chance to go to SXSW this year? There’s plenty ofcoverage laying around the web, and you can even download the 2009 feautured music from the (unofficial) SXSW torrents here. Take a listen and help support these unsigned artists!
We have the distinct pleasure of announcing a new member of RareForm: Venk Modur. Helping with business development and producing several of our projects, Venk is also an accomplished actor. Read more about him here.
RareForm offers high definition video production centered round the RED series of cameras, and a host of other creative-based services including interactive marketing, branding, and web video distribution.
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