The Visual Vandal

5D Mark II EOS MOVIE firmware update due soon

Canon has announced it will release a firmware update (Version 2.0.3) for the EOS 5D Mark II DSLR that will add 24 and 25fps recording to the EOS MOVIE video functions, plus a range of other video shooting enhancements. This firmware will be available as a free download in mid-March 2010.
The firmware update was developed in response to feedback from photographers and cinematographers and further enhances the video performance of the EOS 5D Mark II. The addition of new frame rates expands the video potential of the camera, 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.

---

© Richard Walch

Click here to watch Richard Walch’s stunning movie ‘I Love My Friends’ that was shot with the EOS 5D Mark II and Canon lenses.

The firmware goes beyond frame rates and will also deliver a new histogram display for shooting movies in manual exposure, shutter-priority (Tv) and aperture-priority (Av), 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.
Launched in September 2008 the EOS 5D Mark II DSLR has a full frame CMOS sensor and compatibility with the wide range of Canon EF lenses, including the L-series lenses. After its launch the EOS 5D Mark II quickly established a reputation amongst filmmakers for its outstanding HD video performance and flexibility of use. 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.

---

© Richard Walch

Click here to watch a film that explains exactly how Richard Walch’s ‘I Love My Friends’ movie, shot on the EOS 5D Mark II, was made.

The extreme sports photographer and filmmaker Richard Walch was one of the first people to shoot with the EOS 5D Mark II with the updated firmware and he has produced the stunning snowboarding movie ‘I Love My Friends’ from a 25fps shoot in Laax, Switzerland.
Walch commented: “The addition of the new frame rates opens up a whole new range of possibilities. If you’re a cinematographer, independent filmmaker or just enthusiastic about making your own movies, get out there and give it a try.” You can view ‘I Love My Friends’ shot by Richard Walch on the EOS 5D Mark II with the new firmware here at CPN along with a special ‘behind the scenes’ video in which Richard Walch explains how he shot the movie.
The EOS 5D Mark II EOS MOVIE firmware will be available to download from mid-March from the usual Canon EOS firmware downloads website. Look out for further details on the CPN website about the exact availability of this firmware.