New 5D firmware pre-announced for Mid-March

Mister Big

Mister Big

Well-known member
Canon adds 24 and 25fps HD Movie recording
to the EOS 5D Mark II with Firmware 2.0.3

London, 2nd March 2010 – Canon today pre-announces the release of a firmware update for the multiple award-winning EOS 5D Mark II. Originally announced in late 2009, the update adds 24* and 25 frames per second (fps) recording to the camera’s EOS MOVIE video function, and will be available as a free download from the middle of March.

Developed following feedback from photographers and cinematographers, Firmware 2.0.3 further enhances the EOS 5D Mark II’s excellent video performance. The addition of new frame rates expands the camera’s video potential, providing filmmakers with the ability to shoot 1080p Full HD footage at 24fps (actual 23.976fps) – the optimum frame rate for cinematic video. 25fps support at both 1920x1080 and 640x480 resolutions will allow users to film at the frame rate required for the PAL broadcast standard, while the new firmware will also change the 30fps option to the NTSC video standard of 29.97fps.

A new histogram display for shooting movies in manual exposure, shutter-priority (Tv) and aperture-priority (Av) have been added, and exposure modes will also be available in movie mode. Improved audio functionality will allow users to set sound record levels manually using a sound-level meter displayed on the LCD screen. The audio sampling frequency has also been increased from 44.1KHz to 48KHz, providing the optimum audio signal typically required for professional or broadcast material.

With its full frame CMOS sensor and compatibility with Canon’s wide range of premium lenses, the EOS 5D Mark II is already recognised for its outstanding HD video performance. Launched in September 2008, the camera immediately created a wide range of new possibilities for photographers and videographers, and the addition of new frame rates and manual audio levels extends those possibilities even further – allowing movie makers to shoot stunning movies to suit practically any creative purpose.

Extreme sports photographer Richard Walch was one of the first to be given the chance to use the newly updated EOS 5D Mark II to shoot the snowboarding movie “I Love My Friends”. Commenting on the EOS 5D Mark II’s video performance, Richard said: “The addition of the new frame rates opens up a whole new range of possibilities. If you’re a cinematographer, independent film maker or just enthusiastic about making your own movies, get out there and give it a try”.

“I Love My Friends” shot by Richard Walch on the EOS 5D Mark II with the new firmware includes a look behind the scenes video is available to view at http://www.canon-europe.com/eos5dmarkII.

The firmware will be available to download from mid-March from the Canon website http://www.canon.com/eos-d/
 
That's a second. First the manual control update and now this. Really great support from Canon when updates usually fix glitches, not add new features.
 
Seriously don't know if I should jump immediately or wait for the 1DS Mark IV. It shouldn't be far off and should offer better everything... Then again, it should cost 3 times the price of a Mark II...
 
I would be very surprised if Canon did not have a similar firmware release for the 7D at the same time as the launch of the new firmware for the 5D Mark II. Considering the cameras are very similar in functionality, programming, and how popular the 7D has become, not updating the 7D would be an even larger oversight than no manual control for the 5D Mark II. We are talking about Canon though, so who knows how they operate!
 
So, even with the upgrade, the 5D MkII will have no over-crank, yet the $800 Rebel 550 does?

Not complaining (I don't own a 5D), but it just seems kinda dumb. Maybe there's a good reason for this?
 
So, even with the upgrade, the 5D MkII will have no over-crank, yet the $800 Rebel 550 does?

Not complaining (I don't own a 5D), but it just seems kinda dumb. Maybe there's a good reason for this?
Click to expand...
of course there's a good reason for it -- the 5D was released a year and a half ago. The Rebel was released a week ago. A lot can happen in a year and a half of development. Old electronics don't stay top-dog for long.
 
SPZ said:
Seriously don't know if I should jump immediately or wait for the 1DS Mark IV. It shouldn't be far off and should offer better everything... Then again, it should cost 3 times the price of a Mark II...
Click to expand...
Sérgio, I wouldn't wait. This camera (5D Mark II) is a no-brainer, the best deal under $10,000.00 IMHO.

E. :-)
 
Although the newer breed of HDSLR's from Canon all seem to be including 720p 60 recording, from the tests performed on the 7D, the 720p mode is not all it's cracked up to be. Sure you can shoot 60fps, but the video quality suffers from more artifacting, aliasing and moire as compared to 1080p. I wouldn't choose a camera purely on a single frame rate.
 
Barry_Green said:
of course there's a good reason for it -- the 5D was released a year and a half ago. The Rebel was released a week ago. A lot can happen in a year and a half of development. Old electronics don't stay top-dog for long.
Click to expand...

I understand how quick tech changes. Just seems like the Mk II has the ability to shoot 1080/29.97. I just assumed it would be a firmware issue to reduce that to 720 but at 60 fps. Again, I'm no engineer. Just surprised. I was sure we'd see 60 fps. Must be a hardware limitation as it makes no sense otherwise.
 
:Drogar-Happy(DBG):
When it's finally loaded on my camera, no lie, a bottle a wine gets cracked.
Everybody who participated in all those mass emails, cornered Canon reps, and took the Canon USA poll on video functionality until it closed within 48 hours should really reward themselves. All of us who stepped up to make it happen deserve this.
 
Hmm you know what?

I think I see a straight-up reversal coming on. When I look back at my rental history, the 5D still goes out even when the 7D has the 24p. Now that the 5D OFFICIALLY has 24p hitting in a matter of days, people may simply go 5D all the way because of the larger sensor.

Admittedly, I've found a nice place for it when I can't find enough room for wides in small areas, and I've gotten used to shooting @ 5.6 or so to tame the greenscreen/shallow look.

Interesting stuff.
 
7d and t2i should have the histogram & manual audio too :(
but i bet my dollar t2i wont since its refreshed every year..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top