When asked to describe shooting video with the Canon 5D Mark II, I responded that it was like being offered a backrub by a supermodel — who’s wearing Ninja climbing claws. In other words, it seems like a gift from heaven at first glance, but the actual experience is pain unimaginable. But still, you get to hang out with a supermodel…
Today one claw has been removed. Canon announced and released a firmware update that enables manual control of shutter, aperture, and ISO in video mode.
But we are still limited to 30p. No mention of 24p in the announcement.
I’ve been accused of being a “fan” of shooting video with the 5D Mark II. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, what I said was “With 24p and manual exposure control this camera would be of use. Without those adjustments, it’s a tantalizing but ultimately frustrating curiosity to the DV Rebel.”
So for the record, the Canon 5D Mark II is still not “of use” to DV Rebel filmmakers.
(Unless your whole film is in 25% slow motion!)
So, thanks Canon, sincerely, for listening, and for getting us what you could, when you could.
But your work is not done.
A camera that does not shoot 24p is not an acceptable filmmaking tool.
Update
on 2009-05-27 02:41 by Stu
Oops, got fooled by the link on canonrumors.com—the firmware update will be released on June 2nd. Thanks @divergentshadow for the correction!
Update
on 2009-05-27 05:44 by Stu
The more I look at this poster/press release, the more annoyed I get. To make it so film-industry specific, and to be so “we heard you and we did what you wanted,” but ignore 24p… Arg. It’s insulting. Yes, web video and NTSC TV can be produced at 30p (although no narrative episodic is) — but the thing specifically mentions “enthusiasm by major motion picture studios, independent filmmakers.” Those folks need, not want, need, 24p.
Rated A for Almost, but not quite.