Something Very Interesting is coming…both to this blog and to our industry

Saturday September 20th 2008, 2:20 pm
Filed under: Gadgets, Hardware, New Technology

COPYRIGHT LAFORET VISUALS INC. DO NOT COPY *(See Note at the end of this article)

I had it in my hands for less than 72 hours before I had to send it back - but the time I did have with a prototype of the Canon EOS 5D MKII will possibly change the path of my career as well as the photography industry to some degree.

(The video that will be released very shortly (to be notified when it does go live - go ahead and subscribe to this blog via RSS or e-mail…) I’ll announce it here soon - the main hold up is the large file size of the video - and finding a host for it… if only 100 people hit the video - we’ll hit 9 Gigabytes of streamed video… and that’s with the video that is downsized to 960 x 540 (which is 1/4 of 1080p!) in the Apple H.264 format from the full resolution 1080p RAW footage… the RAW footage that comes out of this camera is STUNNING - so much so that the entire video was cut with the RAW footage - untouched… in any way - no color, noise or exposure adjustment whatsoever… the images you are seeing on this blog - are frame grabs off of the video - those frame grabs were downsized from 1920 pixels wide to 700 pixels wide to fit the page width of this blog - and absolutely NOTHING was done to them either in Aperture/Photoshop or any other software. Also - the image above was shot with a 45mm tilt-shift lens)

Here is the story behind the short video that I produced with what I believe to be a “game changer”of a camera for the following reasons:

1. The 5D MKII camera produces the best stills in low light that I’ve ever seen - what you can see with you eye in the worst light (such as sodium-vapor street lights at 3 a.m. in Brooklyn) - this camera can capture it with ease.

2. It produces the best video in low light that I’ve ever seen - at 1080p. A top commercial film editor who who regularly edits RED camera footage - and has seen the raw footage from the 5D MKII - says the 5D MKII is “far superior to the RED camera” in terms of low light performance…

3. You can use your prime and zoom lenses from your Canon still cameras with it - and shoot wide open… so you can shoot films with fisheye lenses, 50mm 1.2 as well as the 200mm f2 or 400mm 2.8 that you may already own…

4. This camera is so easy to use - that you can work incredibly quickly, mostly handheld - without a huge production - and using natural light - ergo you don’t need a huge budget and tons of preparation anymore… forget the lighting trucks and generators that take up entire city blocks…

5. This camera will sell for approx. $2,700 - and perform better than many $100K plus video cameras out there…

6. Photojournalists in particular - will be able to take full advantage of this camera’s strengths - because they are used to walking into any room, and finding the best natural “available light” in the room - or knowing how to add a single light source to make it pop… they are used to working quickly and with small or no budgets… which is something this camera is begging you to do…

It has the potential to change our industry.

COPYRIGHT LAFORET VISUALS INC. DO NOT COPY. *(See Note at the end of this article)

Here’s a little more of the back story behind this video:

You should know that there was ZERO pre-planning with this project - and that it was done entirely independently from Canon.

While I had anticipated a replacement to the Canon EOS 5D - I had not heard any solid information from anyone. I went to Canon last Friday for lunch with Canon’s David Sparer - it had been more than 6 months since my last visit to the HQ (I am a Canon Explorer of Light - one of the photographers that works with them on making better cameras etc …)

Talk about good timing.

As I walked into the office - I caught a glimpse of a certain type of “box” - one that can only mean one thing… a prototype camera was in the midst…

People were also looking at me in an odd way, slowing their motions.

You see, as I was walking in, they were literally about to unpack the first few prototypes to land in the U.S. - for the very first time.

Someone quickly showed me aside into a cubicle where a blank NDA - a “Non-Disclosure Agreement” - was awaiting my signature… i.e. whatever I was about to see - was secret. After signing I was told:

“These are the prototypes of the Canon 5D MKII” they are the first to land in the U.S. - it can shoot high-definition 1080p video - at 30 fps, and it shoots 21 Megapixel still images. We haven’t had a chance to play with them yet.”

Wow.

We quickly started to work with one of the cameras - to see what the video format was in… at that point - no one even knew what exact video format the camera would produce (things change during the production of a camera…) It produces Apple’s Quicktime .mov files btw - simply copy them off of your CF Cards - double click on them - and they open up in the Quicktime player w/o a single hiccup at 1080p… Drop them into Final cut pro and start your edit… no rendering is necessary. Oh - and realize that it took us less than 20 minutes to copy over more than 12 hours of footage off of the CF cards…

I was amazed at the video quality. I knew right away that this camera would be a success - and that this was something big - I felt that this was something that had the potential to change this industry.

I then found out that these cameras were about to be shipped to a select group of photographers - and that they could not use the in public until the camera was announced… so these cameras would stay dormant for five more days…

“Can I try one out?” I asked.

“No. Sorry.”

Then came lunch. And I made my pitch to David: Allow me to borrow just one of these cameras over the weekend - and I’ll ship it off on Monday to the “chosen” photographer it was destined to go to. They weren’t going to be allowed to take them out into public prior to the big announcement anyway…

COPYRIGHT LAFORET VISUALS INC. DO NOT COPY.*(See Note at the end of this article)

He was interested with the idea - but he was experiencing more doubt than interest - as getting this little “project” off the ground would mean getting through a LOT of RED TAPE within a very short period…

As we returned to the Canon offices - my heart was beating fast - my mind was racing. If I do get this camera I asked myself, what on earth will I be able to shoot with it?

A few nerve-wrecking minutes later - I had my answer:

“You can borrow it for the weekend. You can then produce a video and stills completely independently from Canon U.S.A. If you produce anything interesting we just might be interested in using some of the footage on our website - we’ll talk about that then if that happens. We have no budget to offer you - so you are doing this completely independently from Canon. Deal?”

DEAL.

The problem was: I had no idea what to shoot. The weather forecast for the weekend was poor. It was Friday afternoon and I had a job that night - as well as on the Wednesday of the following week - and I had to get the camera shipped out on Monday…

Not to mention: I have never shot a film before - of any kind - in my life. (Other than 2 videos that I have cut of my son in the past 4 years of his life…)

My mind was racing, I was sweating and my heart was pounding. I was like a kid in a candy store unable to make up his mind on what treat to choose…

In the end - this video was shot with less than 12 hours of pre-production - from the time I got the camera to the time we shouted “Action.”

The budget I set for myself was around $5,000 total - which included $2,000 for a one hour helicopter flight over the city. The short film was shot over two nights - from 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. - with two models, three assistants, a co-director, one editor, and one makeup artist. Both video and still imagery. Along with behind the scenes footage.

Oh - and did I mention we only had ONE battery? (We had to plan on constantly re-charging that one battery throughout the shoot…)

It was shot with 100% still photography equipment (lenses, grip/mounts, and a single Profoto 7b battery strobe pack (the strobe wasn’t used - just the modeling light))- with the exception of an expensive video tripod and head, and an LED light…

If you can’t see how this can all be done in such a short period of time, with zero pre-production, not a single filming or location permit, and on such a small budget - you are missing one of the main reasons this camera is a “Game Changer.”

This camera is the ultimate “equalizer” - you no longer need half-million dollar’s worth of high definition video cameras and lenses delivered by a truck with its own driver to shoot a high definition film in low light - you just need a $2,700 camera and a few lenses - and talented and dedicated friends that you can call on last minute at the drop of a hat.

Everyone has been waiting for the video camera that can also take stills… here’s a still camera that can shoot stunning video.

This is a leap of change that is sped up - it’s happening overnight.

The video or “short film” or whatever you want to call it - will be up as soon as humanly possible (in this case it’s technologically actually - not humanly.) More details to come…. we’re also putting the finishing touches on a behind the scenes video that shows just exactly how this was done…

These are EXCITING TIMES!

*YOU MAY LINK TO THIS SITE - BUT YOU MAY NOT REPUBLISH ANY OF THESE IMAGES IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM IN ANY OTHER MEDIA WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION. GIVEN THAT THESE WERE SHOT WITH A PROTOTYPE CAMERA - I HAD TO DO A LOT TO OF MANEUVERING TO GET THESE OUT TO THE PUBLIC, WITH CANON. PLEASE DO NOT HELP THIS COME BACK TO HAUNT ME (AND POSSIBLY YOU AND/OR YOUR ORGANIZATION) BY STEALING THESE IMAGES AND/OR VIDEO WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION FROM BOTH CANON AND LAFORET VISUALS INC. IN WRITING.

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[...] Digital photography by Vincent Laforet [...]

Pingback by » Something Very Interesting is coming…both to this blog and to our … »Digital Photography 09.20.08 @ 2:24 pm

Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but who called this out?
Years ago.

Interesting how yesterday’s heresy often becomes tomorrow’s truth..
interesting how that works.

marc Reply:
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:24 am

@Patrick Yen,

Was it called or not ???

Comment by Patrick Yen 09.20.08 @ 2:26 pm

Who called it out years ago? I know that Coppola predicated something like this happening years down the line in the 70’s…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 2:36 pm

This is great, can’t wait to see the vid. I have been reading the info on the 5DMKII and was debating on if it would be a needed investment over the original, but after this it seems like a no-brainer.

Comment by Todd Bissonette 09.20.08 @ 2:39 pm

The fatal flaw of the D90 video mode is that it has rolling shutter lag, which makes the scene look like it was made of jelly when you pan the camera. Did Canon address this shortcoming?

Comment by Chris 09.20.08 @ 2:51 pm

The panning looks great - no problems. Didn’t notice any problems at all in the footage…

Julie Flavin Reply:
January 4th, 2009 at 12:19 pm

@Vincent Laforet, you are the bomb! I live in Oregon and just had massive flooding and destruction at our house. Can I come to NY and carry your camera equipment to help you????????

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 2:53 pm

Thanks for the article!

How did you find the shutter lag and focusing? Is it as sluggish as the original 5D?

Hopefully they’ll come up with something full frame between $2700 and the $7800 1DS.

Comment by marc 09.20.08 @ 2:54 pm

I didn’t notice any shutter lag - but truth be told - I had such little time with the camera that when I was shooting any still pictures - it was in the middle of my shooting a video clip - I wanted to show that both could be done w / the same lens, lighting and position etc. And the “lag” never came into play… The camera does momentarily pause of course when you take a picture - but it takes right back up after the picture taking is done and keeps rolling…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 2:59 pm

Specifically, a more recent example from early January 2006:
Gonzo Photojournalism Manifesto v0.89..

“III) Approach

A) We believe in producing shortform documentary style videos for internet and mobile distribution
that combine the use of video, stills, and audio interview
instead of the traditonal approach of using written word and stills in print journalism.”

“V) Equipment of the Future: Today

D) Small, less-intrusive cameras that can do it all are the future of journalism”

As for the specific prediction of DSLR HD video cameras,
I used to talk about that years ago, all the time in class at WKU
when I was still working on my New Media Photojournalism degree.

I’m sure others predicted it,
but I was adamant about it being the future. Nobody would listen to me.

Of course, that’s back when people were still married to print.

Here we are now. Hindsight being 20/20.
Yesterday’s heresy is tomorrow’s truth.

Other people can vouch for this.

Though, my predictions and philosophies are nothing compared to Tesla.
Tesla called out the internet over a hundred years ago.

On another note, my evangelical advocacy for multimedia
appears to be further legitimized by current market forces:
The Supply and Demand of Text vs. Multimedia Content

Comment by Patrick Yen 09.20.08 @ 3:00 pm

Teaser shots look absolutely fantastic. Q: What were your impressions of high-ISO stills compared to previous 5D / other cameras? Some people have talked about default noise reduction ’smearing’ some of the details. Hope you share your lighting information and tips once you post the video!! The lighting looks phenomenal!

Comment by jean 09.20.08 @ 3:05 pm

Mhhhh… maybe I should not discard this camera right away after all. Can’t wait to see the movie !

Comment by Ralph Lemarechal 09.20.08 @ 3:07 pm

Just upload the damn clip to vimeo.com and let them eat the bandwith!

Comment by Greg McKay 09.20.08 @ 3:14 pm

I would love to see your settings! Just gotta know what the ISO is.

THanks

-T

Comment by tanni 09.20.08 @ 3:14 pm

[...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThis camera is the ultimate “equalizer” - you no longer need half-million dollar high definition video cameras and lenses delivered by a truck with its own driver to shoot a high definition film in low light - you just need a $2700 … [...]

Pingback by Something Very Interesting is coming…both to this blog and to our … 09.20.08 @ 3:14 pm

Jean - I shot one still with a 400mm 2.8 of a silhouette of a woman…. a beautiful woman - a model - and you could literally count the hairs on her face in a full head profile… at 3200 ASA -with close to ZERO noise… this camera is STUNNING - I’m not throwing around expletives needlessly here…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 3:15 pm

All stills were shot between 1600 ASA and 3200 ASA… you are not seeing stills here… you’re seeing frame grabs off of video…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 3:16 pm

The thing that bumms me out is the exact same thing that you are loving about this…. VIDEO

Don’t get me wrong, i’ve seen the videos and I am amazed. but VIDEO?

The pitch I hear is that all of the PJ’s were asking for video. BUt I do not know one PJ that relies on the 5d. I do know several that own 5d’s but none that use it as a primary.

IMO the core market has been the Wedding and small shop portrait shooters. The think that i have heard time and time and time again from those people (my colleagues) is. Fix the af ( i get 7:10 images out of focus at 1.2-2.2) give us a little more fps, better high iso (thank you canon)

But at the end of the day it seems like Canon missed the mark. Not with the video they added, but the features that video cannibalized that actual core shooters of this cam are desperately wanting

I am hoping to be proved wrong as i have preordered 2 already

Comment by Eric Cotter 09.20.08 @ 3:20 pm

Here is the finished manifesto, by the way..

Can You Argue With A Question?
circa Christmas 2006.

The unfinished manifesto prior to that, but after the GonzoPJ manifesto, can be read here..

Global Journalism Manifesto (Beta)
circa October 2006..

“visual communication is the most universally and globally accessible form of communication

compositions which can be
seen
heard
felt
and interacted with
can be more powerful and intimate than compositions
which can only be seen or read

strong visual communication skills are the foundation for
effective and stimulating multimedia storytelling”

The finished manifesto, Can You Argue With A Question, is politically neutral.
Because questions are politically neutral, as compared to statements.

Comment by Patrick Yen 09.20.08 @ 3:23 pm

This sounds and looks incredible, I can’t wait to see what you guys produced…
Incredible that you put this all together so fast and with only 1 battery!

Comment by Eric Baumann 09.20.08 @ 3:23 pm

can you change shutter speed while shooting video? did you have full manual control while shooting video? I cant find that information anywhere

Comment by Sarin 09.20.08 @ 3:27 pm

Very cool. Thank you so much for sharing. Now just tell Canon to make sure off center AF works good and I am all set!

Comment by pcunite 09.20.08 @ 3:35 pm

Eric Cotter - you will not be disappointed… I can tell you that w/o any reservation… if you shoot sports or high action stuff where you need bigger buffers and more fps. then you’ll be eagerly waiting a 1D series camera - but not too eagerly… and it’s only a time before a “big brother” of this camera comes out - they obviously won’t allow their flagship 1D market to disappear… when will that be? I’ve gotten ZERO indication… but I can tell you that I won’t wait for that camera to come out… I’ve already pre-ordered not one, not two but FOUR of these cameras.

icha Reply:
October 16th, 2008 at 7:33 am

Owh.. i thought 5D MK II is already allround camera remembering the high buck we spent to get the camera.
I didnt know for just get the sports or high action stuff we need to look for another higher models..

Is there any camera that we can get anything with about $2,600, including fast action shots, more focus points ?

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 3:37 pm

I like how your definition of “small budget” includes a $2000 helicopter ride

Looking forward to the video!

Comment by Alex 09.20.08 @ 3:38 pm

Sarin - I believe the Shutter speed can be set to either 1/60th or 1/125th…. and I’m unclear as to whether or not you can lock the exposure down in manual… I didn’t think you could - but have since heard that you can by pressing the asterisk down on the back of the camera… I set that to my AF button as I always do - so I may have missed it… once the video starts to roll - you can change the exposure w the back control dial mid way. Exposure wasn’t a problem for 95% of my shots (in fact this camera is the best “point and shoot” camera I’ve ever used… just click and go… don’t worry about the technical “irritations” I’m not sure what they did at Canon to make it so…) - out of all of the shots in the final video - only two showed signs of needing to lock down the exposure due to change in light (and we’re talking of severe changes mind you such as full night to high-beam headlights…) - mind you… these prototypes don’t come with a manual… no documentation at all in fact…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 3:40 pm

Alex - compared to a motion picture or even a 30 second commercial video shoot … $5K is peanuts… or peanut shells to be more accurate…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 3:43 pm

I can not believe you shot this with no light! Incredible!
That’s something i’m really waiting for!
Post this video Vincent! I can’t wait to see it!
Thanks a lot and keep writing!

Comment by Alexandre Fortes 09.20.08 @ 3:45 pm

Alexandre - I did shoot it w/ one light source - 1 Pro 7B pack (a still camera battery pack strobe - w no strobe being used - just the “modeling” light) with either a beauty dish or head w/ reflector - or 1 LED light source for the helo and car scenes… I did mention that in the post… those lights were powered all the way down to not exceed the ambient light though (the idea was not to “flood” the natural light out as we’re so used to doing… instead it was to add a little touch of more carefully angled light… to the existing ambient light) - so we’re talking really LOW LIGHT - such a sodium-vapor lights in Brooklyn - you just normally CAN’T SHOOT in that light period… mostly because of the horrible color cast.. this camera did.

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 3:47 pm

[...] Re: Canon 5D MKII vs 1Ds MKIII Glowing report here for 5D MKII. Will wait to see quality of video & for Mark to eat his hat Vincent Laforet’s Blog [...]

Pingback by Canon 5D MKII vs 1Ds MKIII - Pixalo Photography Community 09.20.08 @ 4:04 pm

I’m surprised there are so many negative comments about the video aspect of ‘the II.’ If you don’t need it or want it, ignore it, just like the Print button.

What you’re left with is this:
1DsMkIII image quality. But, better. And, better at high ISOs.
Imagine that. When i had a 5D, i was a bit envious of the 1DsIII’s file size. You now have that in a compact body. For $2700.

The 5D was a great camera. Still is. The AF isn’t 1D or D3 quality. It never was. Somehow, it didn’t seem to matter when it was THE hot camera. Somehow, even before there ever was autofocus, photographers shot horseracing, formula 1 races, football, what have you. Now, all of a sudden, we whine about Canon not producing a camera that allows idiots and newbies to accomplish the same things that it used to require skill to do.

Any AF is a bonus. If you need to shoot sports for a living, you don’t need 21MP, and you have a choice of another Canon camera.

Comment by Derek Stanton 09.20.08 @ 4:06 pm

what about sound? was recorded on the spot with camera or done in post production?

Comment by izo 09.20.08 @ 4:09 pm

Vince,

“Big brother” hmmm is that 1D Mark IV ?.

TIA,

John

Comment by John 09.20.08 @ 4:14 pm

way to go vincent!!!
eagerly waiting for your video!!!

Comment by Rajkumar 09.20.08 @ 4:15 pm

Thanks for the info and now sleepless nights ;).

I second the put it up on Vimeo.com comment. It’s like a HD version of youtube. It’s totally free and can handle the bandwidth. You can even choose to let people download the uncompressed file if you like and that comes off of their bandwidth.

Comment by Zeke 09.20.08 @ 4:19 pm

John - I have not idea what it will be called or when it will be released… remember: I did not know about the 5D MKII until 8 days ago… so when I hear about the big brother… you will too… maybe 8 days later though

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 4:19 pm

Iso - there is a headphone in Jack… the sound from the camera is ok - but you’ll have to use an external mic for any good audio or lav… anyone who shoots video will confirm that I’m sure…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 4:20 pm

Zeke - we’re looking into all of our options - including vimeo… here’s the issue - given that 1,200 have visited this blog since this post was made live less than an hour ago… that means that 106 GB of data would have been shared from a server were it the video… I think it’s safe to assume that at least 12,000 will see this video - heck perhaps even 120,000 people… that number would mean that (someone would have to pay for) 10.56 TERABYTES of info to go streaming out into the ether… so I know about Vimeo and many others - and NON will support that flow…So this is not some nifty way of “watering” your mouths… it’s a serious technical issue we have to figure out… we don’t want the video link to go dead within the first hours of it going live…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 4:25 pm

vincent, why dont you ask canon to host the video???

like you said in the post, they were eager to take the material you come up with right!!!

The wait is stretching me thin….

Looking at the screen grabs from the video, the camera’s technology and your artistry… Man i gotta see the video!!!!

Thanks for your time and effort in doing this!!!

Comment by Rajkumar 09.20.08 @ 4:30 pm

yes, i was refering to mic jack, what else, hehe.

Comment by izo 09.20.08 @ 4:32 pm

What about distributing the video trough a free BitTorrent solution like Vuze?

http://www.vuze.com/
http://faq.vuze.com/

Comment by Havard 09.20.08 @ 4:34 pm

As a staffer for a daily newspaper that requires I shoot video for nearly every assignment, in addition to stills… this is one of the most encouraging things I’ve read. I will definitely be buying one.

Also, Vincent, do you see video production becoming something you do on a regular basis when on assignment?

Comment by Max Oden 09.20.08 @ 4:34 pm

Rajkumar… I have asked Canon to host the video.. and they are looking into it…. making a multi-national company turn on a dime is not easy… so patience is key… I’d love nothing more than to share it… we’re working on it full steam …

adrian mctiernan Reply:
December 4th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE MOVIE - but don’t want to spend hours downloading the thing.

We have recordable DVD’s, so why not put the film on a DVD, and just send them out by post - at a reasonable price, of course - I would buy one, just to see what all the comments are about. I asked Hasselblad for some pix, and they sent me a CD with shots on it - unfortunately, it was someone in the office who took the shots, and most dull weather pix too. Again, I asked Peartree to send me some from the new 60 megapixel back, and they promised, but nothing after 2 weeks or so. Please, can you put the film on a DVD and post me one?

If you can, I will send the money and my address - hope to hear soon, looks stunning - just what I want.

Regards

Adrian McTiernan

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 4:36 pm

Max - I don’t plan on shooting a single assignment solely with stills ever again… shooting video with is camera over the weekend ranks up there as one of the most fun things I’ve ever done in my career… I can’t wait to get my hands on this camera again…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 4:37 pm

vincent, thanks again.

its just that your blog post is much more effective than the canons moon teaser campaign.

yes. patience is the key… i agree..

Comment by Rajkumar 09.20.08 @ 4:39 pm

Also Max - the quality of this video is so high - that I see you pulling stills from it - and not needing to shoot still unless there are special circumstances ( i.e. you need to run the image vertically on a cover… or you need to stop fast action such as sports) That is unless you can set this camera to faster than 1/125th of a second in terms of video shutter speed… heck you may be able to… I just don’t know… and we shot only at night so I didn’t test it out for that… remember: they didn’t give me a manual (at Canon) and hadn’t had a chance to play with it themselves prior to letting me leave the building with it…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 4:40 pm

[...] Vincent Laforet has a very, very interesting post up about the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. It features the first shots from the camera, and while they are stunning in their own right (Vincent shoots some of the best photos on the planet, so no surprise there), the most amazing thing is that they’re shot while in video mode. That’s right. They’re straight from the RAW .mov file that the camera produces when recording 1080p video. Simply astounding. I’m getting one. Hands down. [...]

Pingback by Vincent Laforet Shows The First Shots from the Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Mats Lindh 09.20.08 @ 4:41 pm

Hey Vincent,

Great job. Looks like you (and Canon) have caused quite a stir. Can’t wait to see the video!

Comment by David 09.20.08 @ 4:44 pm

Sounds like bittorrent would be suitable?

Comment by Jonny Rein 09.20.08 @ 4:47 pm

Jonny - thought about that too. But this is video from a prototype camera… and no company in the world would allow people to download a file to their hard drives and analyze data from a prototype camera… and given that this prototype’s footage is flawless… I’m kinda scared to see what the final production model can do! That’s the other issue…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 4:50 pm

Really jaw dropping that these images where OUT OF THE VIDEO!!!!!!! Just incredible!

“Any AF is a bonus. If you need to shoot sports for a living, you don’t need 21MP, and you have a choice of another Canon camera.”

I second that!

Thanks Vincent

Comment by Thomas 09.20.08 @ 4:50 pm

I have very good experience with MiniNova and their content distribution system for large files. We published 2 GB worth of Nikon D90 test clips on MiniNova. As an official torrent from The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation. Absolutely no problems.

Please let me know if you want some help distributing the clip. If you don’t like MiniNova I can also help you put it on Amazon S3 using BitTorrent. That helped our company distributing 120 000 files of 700 MB each. Terrabytes of data and a total bill of a couple of hundred dollars…

Comment by eirikso 09.20.08 @ 4:52 pm

OK. Just read your last comment. Seems like you’re not allowed to put it on BitTorrent. Because you don’t want people to download it…

Ok. How about Vimeo.com, they provide HD quality browser based Flash video.

Comment by eirikso 09.20.08 @ 4:55 pm

eirikso…. please check back in the comments section… all conventional venues of distribution has been explored and assessed as unusable because of size/traffic/prototype status of the video…

Vincent, can you tell us waht format the final video is in???

Comment by Rajkumar 09.20.08 @ 4:58 pm

eirkso - I’m not the one that doesn’t want it to be downloaded… Canon Japan is… I don’t think there’s anything to worry about… given how amazing the quality of the video is that comes straight out of the camera - I frankly can’t understand it - but I have to respect it. They respected me enough to lend me the camera… so I need to do it the right way… so that I get a chance of ever doing it again… make sense?

Whatever I do - I need to get it cleared by Canon… theses posts help put the pressure on them - and to let them know there is a real appetite to get this video out there… so pls keep visiting - send links to friends - AND POST COMMENTS… I can forward it to them… I am not running any ads on this blog - so it’s not like I ‘m asking you to do this to drive up income…;) We need to put the pressure on!!!! Once I find a good solution - they still need to give me final clearance…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 5:01 pm

This is sounding very interesting, I have to say I really didn’t want to start with the whole video thing at weddings, but perhaps this is going to be the way forward mixing the stills and video together.

Did you try handholding the camera for video, Im interested if it can still produce the goods then or if its going to be tripod mounted, also what is the focusing like for tracking movement in video mode.

Comment by Andy Brown 09.20.08 @ 5:05 pm

Vincent,

Thanks for the great article!

Could you control the ISO and Aperture for the video? Also, how is the contrast based AF for video? Is it usable or too slow?

Comment by Stephen 09.20.08 @ 5:10 pm

I am truly impressed! Can’t wait to see the video footage. The stills look fantastic! Thanks for a great blog btw!

http://terjeaalrust.blogspot.com/

Comment by Terje 09.20.08 @ 5:11 pm

Second the question about the tripod. Also how quickly can you change from video to stills and back again?

Comment by Michael Kramer 09.20.08 @ 5:12 pm

From your perspective, this camera seems like something that I am really really looking forward to upgrading to. Is there anything you wished they had in it or did better?

Comment by Ted Nghiem 09.20.08 @ 5:12 pm

[...] agree with Vincent Laforet. This camera is a game changer: 1. The 5D MKII camera produces the best stills in low light that [...]

Pingback by eirikso.com » One gadget to change an industry 09.20.08 @ 5:19 pm

Vincent, I noticed your comment:

“The camera does momentarily pause of course when you take a picture - but it takes right back up after the picture taking is done and keeps rolling…”

Are you talking msec here or what time frame?

CANON! WE NEED TO SEE THIS CLIP NOW! Please.

Comment by Thomas 09.20.08 @ 5:20 pm

Andy - I handheld the camera for 90% of my shots… so you’ll be fine.

Stephen - you can control the Aperture - my understanding is the ISO changes to compensate for light - but I’m not going to make too many such comments until I read a manual!!! The AF based AF is slower than normal AF of course…it works well in normal to low light - and didn’t have time to test it in low light (didn’t even know there were different “modes” to try it with) - but given that I was shooting almost everything at f2 or f2.8 - I used the 10X liveview to do the focusing on every shot… the results were darn good…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 5:25 pm

Ted - honestly no… I think we’ll want to be able to zoom w/ our lenses the same way we do w/ video at some point…i.e.. w/ a back button with W/T on it… that way you have the chance to do it manually or automatically…

Thomas - I’d say under a second - you can notice the break in the video of course… but given the quality of a 1920 X 1080 video clip… you really have to ask yourself… why would anyone want to shoot a still in the midst of a video shot (unless you ‘re in the examples I gave above..) or shooting a sporting event where you needed to shoot action.

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 5:28 pm

Hey Vincent,

Question — based on your experience so far, do you think this camera’s build quality and performance could stand up to daily newspaper work? The regular 5D exhibited a slightly sluggish feel — has the Mark II eliminated that problem? It seems this camera could be a great given the extensive cost cutting in the newsrooms, especially for new staff camera gear.

Thanks again,

Erik Lunsford

Comment by erik lunsford 09.20.08 @ 5:29 pm

Erik- put it to you this way: I think this camera will be back-ordered for more than one year. And I’m not exaggerating that - you can call me on that assumption one year from now and see if I was off… unless Nikon has something up it’s sleeve… I think every single newspaper photographer will want one of these… and many photographers from other photography markets as well… even video people and film makers… definitely indy film makers and documentary film makers - nothing comes close to this camera in terms of shooting in low light (that I’ve seen or heard of) - and nothing comes close in terms of price…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 5:30 pm

What about handheld ? Also a lot of the concerns about the camera are the focusing and shutter lag, I see you use a 1ds, how did you find the 5dll compared to the 1ds.

Cheers Andy

Comment by Andy Brown 09.20.08 @ 5:31 pm

Did you shoot with an IS lens? If so, did the IS kick-in and stay on while the video was running?

Thanks!

Comment by Stephen 09.20.08 @ 5:33 pm

So the new 5D Mark II has a mic jack but you can’t adjust the audio level, so I read. I think the first firmware update needs to be allow manual control for sound recording.

Comment by Larry Vaughn 09.20.08 @ 5:34 pm

Andy - did not compare the two… no time… was a mad dash of a weekend…

Stephen - did not play w/ IS either… wish I had though of that…smart… I got a gyro instead- but I would have needed that for the helo at night anyway… IS doesn’t work in a helo…

Larry - you’re right… all of your comments will be read by Canon…people at Canon are already reading this blog apparently…they are listening!

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 5:37 pm

I completely understand that it’s not you that are stopping the distribution. I’ve also tested the camera and was clearly told that we could not publish any videos or images. It’s a pity, because this is stunning stuff. Even for a pre-production model.

Later, we managed to get hold of a clip and took the liberty of publishing some details about it here:
http://nrkbeta.no/video-test-clips-from-canon-5d-mark-ii-gets-analyzed/

Personally I can’t possibly understand why Canon don’t want the publicity they’ll get if they let you publish the video. Come on guys! Let him publish. Let him add a big warning sign saying that this is a pre-production model. And then show the world that you’ll change the industry with this baby.

Comment by eirikso 09.20.08 @ 5:37 pm

[...] Vincent Laforet’s Blog I just peed my pants. (tags: canon) [...]

Pingback by GFMorris.com » links for 2008-09-20 09.20.08 @ 5:37 pm

@Stephen
I have been told by a Canon representative that the IS kicks in while in video recording mode.

Comment by eirikso 09.20.08 @ 5:39 pm

Awesome, thanks Vincent. We have Canon XH-A1 kits for all of our photographers (at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch). I hope this new camera finds its way into our kits. Hopefully merging the video and stills into one tool will help increase our multimedia options while decreasing production time for both the print and web editions. I’m excited, that’s for sure.

Erik

Comment by erik lunsford 09.20.08 @ 5:42 pm

Simply amazing. I can not help but think we have Nikon to thank for making Canon push the envelope so soon.

Comment by daniel 09.20.08 @ 5:44 pm

vincent i cant wait to see the video

Comment by Big Gus 09.20.08 @ 6:04 pm

Thanks Vincent. I think the option of using the still during video recording is appreciated by many (even though the video stills are stunning!).

It will be very nice to also get more comments on the AF performance. We have seen ‘thousands’ of comments on forums around the world about people having doubts on this. Do you have any comments on this, baring in mind the very short time you had the camera?

Vincent:
“I think this camera will be back-ordered for more than one year.”

I really hope not!!

Comment by Thomas 09.20.08 @ 6:06 pm

Hi , I’m very impressed with the stills
could you explain why the first shot has some foreground and some background in focus? its like there are 2 focal planes. Is this an effect of a TS lens?

Comment by Johnny 09.20.08 @ 6:16 pm

Sorry. I just saw your comments on AF from 5:25pm

Comment by Thomas 09.20.08 @ 6:17 pm

Vincent wrote: “no company in the world would allow people to download a file to their hard drives and analyze data from a prototype camera”

What about downsampling the video and then using BitTorrents to distribute it? C’mon, Canon! Why do you hold back all the goodies from us?

Comment by Havard 09.20.08 @ 6:21 pm

Looks nice.

One thing that I do not understand about this 5D Mark II is that there is no flip-out display.

I can think of many different shooting situations while in video mode where a flip-out display would be great… if not mandatory…
And there should be a few in stills mode to..

Any chance to attach some custom flippable display to the hotshoe and connect it to the HDMI output, without emptying the battery to fast?
If you know about such external goodies please post it here.

And if you know someone in Canon devteam then give them a hint about the flipout display…

Look forward to see your footage

Comment by Tore B. Krudtaa 09.20.08 @ 6:21 pm

For pics of the camera and more info on the spec, take a look at http://mikefoxphotojournalist.blogspot.com/2008/09/canon-eos-5d-mkii-finally.html

Comment by Mike Fox 09.20.08 @ 6:22 pm

Vincent,

Thanks for the feedback you are giving everybody, as you can tell people are really hungry for any info we can get on this new bad boy.

Are you saying as an example, that it would be possible to use the video mode during wedding coverage(ie, the service)and be able to pull quality stills fom it, negating the need to take still shots, if so this indeed could really be something.

Comment by Andy Brown 09.20.08 @ 6:26 pm

Hi Vincent, love to see such spectacular video quality from the stills!, y cant wait to see the final video. For what i’ve saw on other sites you could be used iso 6400 and not even noticed too much noise…i think this camera it’ll be on my “what to buy” in the near future.

…mmm, so Canon is reading this blog??…cough, cough…Mr Canon can you send me a camera??, i promise to take care of it and take only good pictures and lovely videos :D.

Thanks Vincent!

Comment by dinobike 09.20.08 @ 6:26 pm

[...] new 5D can record HD video in 1080p and you can connect an external microphone. The photographer Vincent Laforet have been one of the early testers, and on his blog you find some truly impressive stills from the [...]

Pingback by Mojo Evolution » Will the Canon 5D MKII mojolize the media? 09.20.08 @ 6:33 pm

Erik- the funny things is - we borrowed the Canon XH-A1 to do the behind the scenes footage - and we decided not to correct it for the behind the scenes video…because it clearly shows how big of a jump (leap) this camera is technologically…while the video quality is similar in daylight (5D MKII is better…) the night time footage is night and day… frankly - and I may get heat from Canon for saying this the Canon XH-A1 looks like unusable garbage… an that’s because we were shooting in light that was as low as 1/8th of a second at f2 set to 1600 ASA for a film camera… the video from the XH-A1 looks like it was shot w/ my Canon G9…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 6:42 pm

Daniel - I heard from an outside source that Canon has been working on this much longer than the D3 /D300 was out… so while we always have Nikon to thank for pushing the envelope - this has been in the works for quite awhile…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 6:44 pm

If Vincent Laforet, a man with a lot of connections, can not easily get video from the new 5D online to share with people, what chance does the average consumer have?

Canon would be real smart to set up a youtube/flickr type site for 5D MarkII users to upload video to….

Comment by Mike 09.20.08 @ 6:45 pm

Vince,

Can you comment on the AF performance when taking still pictures ?. Fast response ? How about the outer focus points ?. Sluggish ?

TIA,

John

Comment by John 09.20.08 @ 6:47 pm

Johnny-

I used every lens I own…. including the T/S naturally! that was a 45mm TS shot - you have to see it in video…

Andy - You could pull still and use those… but what I would do is to pick and chose which sequences you shoot in video and w/ stills…. you could definitely pick a frame grab and print is as an 4×6 w/o any noticeable loss… and run it up to 1200 pixels wide or so on a website - and not be able to tell it wasn’t shot with a still camera… yes there is still room for still photographers!!! But I think that still photographers will now offer both services - and be realistically able to produce it - and one deadline… we shot the video in two days… logged it in a few hours… and did a final edit in 4 hours… the 3 minute AppleTV res file took 35 minutes to export in Final Cut Studio’s compressor (there was no rendering involved…) Actually rendering the credits took longer than exporting the video through compressor…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 6:49 pm

John - the AF worked great - unless you do “scientific tests” like Rob Galbraith - you can’t give a fair answer on that… I certainly did not see any issues… I’m not going to rest my reputation on that however - as I honestly did not spend my time testing it - I spend my time on the video in what was a whirlwind two days… What I can say is that at no time did I notice any AF problems during the 72 hours of use… and in very very low light…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 6:53 pm

Johnny - a multimedia producer I showed this to had a smart comment about shooting stills and video… he said: shoot the video - and when you see the still - shoot it… you can always cut the video to another video clip (i.e. non-linear edit) or to the still itself… as long as you have audio recording independently - on a lav or external mic for example… I thought this was very very smart of him… turns out he’s in town for the Emmy awards…. no coincidence there…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 6:55 pm

Vince,

Thanks again!.

John

Comment by John 09.20.08 @ 6:57 pm

Anyone have a screening room available in NY? With an HD projector? Kidding…kind of… e-mail me privately at blog (at) vincentlaforet.com

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 6:57 pm

This sounds amazing. I can’t wait to hear/see more. Thanks so much for testing and blogging about this.

Comment by svdodge 09.20.08 @ 7:01 pm

Hi Vincent, thanks so much for your hard work. Mind telling us where you were able to pre-order the cameras? I have been looking…

Comment by ron 09.20.08 @ 7:05 pm

Hi Vincent,

First of all, thanks for sharing!

I’ve got a question tho. Can you still look through the viewfinder or do you have to look at the LCD?

Might be a dumb question but what the hell

Jeroen

Comment by Jeroen 09.20.08 @ 7:05 pm

Also, you mentioned that your friend stated that the 5D2 looks better in low light than the Red does. What about about in bright conditions?

Comment by ron 09.20.08 @ 7:08 pm

[...] York based commercial and editorial photographer, was given a prototype to use for 72 hours. His report and the stills he has been able to show are nothing short of amazing. The video is forthcoming, but [...]

Pingback by Canon EOS 5D Mark II Could Change the Equation « Multimedia Evangelist 09.20.08 @ 7:11 pm

[...] ojal

Pingback by Ya esta aqui! Ya llego!! Canon 5D Mark II!! - P 09.20.08 @ 7:15 pm

[...] LaForet wrote up a very indepth and interesting article on the new 5D Mark II (prototype) that he was able to use for the weekend. The images from the prototype 5D Mark II look stunning! I [...]

Pingback by Vincent LaForet and the Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Bui4Ever.com | Richard Bui 09.20.08 @ 7:22 pm

Does the camera use full frame and downsample the pixels to 1080p, or is the video a stright crop of the middle of the frame? Imagine if you combine the two together you get 2.9x digital zoom (controllable from the back of the camera) without any interpolation. It would be also dead easy to implement additional image stabilisation by detecting movements and cropping in real time to stabilise the scene. Amazing! BTW, any Canon DSLR with Live View is capable of capturing video, they just need a firmware upgrade (from Canon or 3rd party). For example, see this http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/40D for Canon 40D.

Comment by Goran Novi Sad 09.20.08 @ 7:23 pm

Bit Torrent is the way to go with this one.

Make two files in the torrent.

1. RAW

and

2. Down Rez

Comment by Estebe Verde 09.20.08 @ 7:23 pm

Here is a link to Canon Global and some sample video from the new Canon 5D. http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/02.html#01

Comment by David Nolan 09.20.08 @ 7:46 pm

Thanks for the article
great read

Comment by Awais Yaqub 09.20.08 @ 7:54 pm

Wow Vincent, I am always amazed at reading your posts.
I would like to see that video soon.

Comment by MarcoTogni.it 09.20.08 @ 8:18 pm

Hi Vincent,
the video mode sounds really exciting!
I’m sure it will be a lifesaver for many PJ’s and open a new world for others.

About Canon giving you hassles about not wanting any actual original file clips out there…. doesn’t Canon Japan know that at least one division already relased a few themselves (before pulling them down) and that 1920×1080x30p unaltered clips are out and about? In fact, I even have a couple sitting on my HD right now! So I’m not sure what the big secret is?

On a side note, I do wish they had gone with a new shutter/mirror and bumped up AF a bit after 3 years. I think many would’ve gladly paid a bit more to get something at least a bit more solid for sports/action (5fps, improved AI servo even if not with a full-blown 1D AF system (although the old 1dmkii system would’ve been fine ), at least 40D-like mirror blackout). All the Canon 3D/Nikon D700 clamor (and there is some) would’ve entirely ended with just a tad more done to the body IMO and they might’ve been backordered for two years instead of one hah.

Anyway, the sensor sounds great and the video as well. Hopefully, you will find a way to get the clips up soon.

Comment by Larry 09.20.08 @ 8:20 pm

Vincent,

The extracts from the video on your blog - “the stills” - are simply amazing. They have an incredible photographic power to them and the light is amazing. To believe that you accomplished this on such a low budget with just a photographic camera is stunning. Wow. I just can’t wait to see the video footage!

Blaise

Comment by Wedding Photographer France 09.20.08 @ 8:21 pm

Ron - find a good camera store you deal with - they’re all taking pre-orders…

Jereon - yes the mirror is up… but I can see a future model using a semi transparent mirror (such as the 1 Vs film body) - that body only lost 2/3 of a stop

Goran - the camera uses the 21MP full frame chip - and downsamples it on the fly to 1080p - that contributes to the STUNNING quality… everyone knows that an 8X10 chrome scanned - looks better than a 4 megapixel camera - even if they both run at 300 pixels wide…

Estebe: read the previous comments as to why bit torrent won’t work in this case…

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 8:23 pm

Merci Blaise - hopefully the video won’t disappoint - v

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 8:25 pm

looking at the stills once more, it looks like you did a fantastic job, really amazing work! Can’t wait to see it. Also, the dramtic low-lighting and low DOF are like nothing I’ve ever seen from consumer video before.

Let’s hope the 5DMkII arrives unexpectedly early at the shops (before the leaves turn colors, we can only hope).

Comment by Larry 09.20.08 @ 8:32 pm

[...] ultimas que has puesto las sigo viendo un poco blandas. Vincent Laforet’s Blog Otra review. Segun he leido un poco por alto esta muy impresionado con la calidad a grandes ISOs [...]

Pingback by M2 propuesta..a empezar la colecci 09.20.08 @ 8:44 pm

Assuming the mic input has auto gain enabled, then if there was no gain control, perhaps there could be a way to just turn off the auto gain and have it static at one low setting. Then an external mixer could be used for manual gain adjustment.

If the video resolution is down sampled to a 2 meg file, with a firmware change /higher setting could one get 4 meg per frame video (higher resolution) with a lower downsampling percentage? So maybe the record time would be shorter. Obviously the sd setting is already there. Sounds to me like Red.com should be worried. Export higher res video to an external hard drive or cf card raid array. 8, 16, 20 meg per frame video?

Comment by Larry Vaughn 09.20.08 @ 8:49 pm

Vincent, I emailed you as well - we’ll host your Video in all it’s High Def glory Please holler to me, check your blog@ email for my #. - Andy, SmugMug

Comment by Andy Williams 09.20.08 @ 8:55 pm

Larry - the only thing that would make me doubt it could record higher res video (4 MP) is the buffer etc… otherwise I’m sure they would have done it… RED should be worried in some ways - definitely in low light - but they still make higher resolution cameras with the bells and whistles that motion picture people require… this won’t hurt them too much in that market… it will however hurt them in other ways… I don’t like to think of these things as “hurting” other people - it forces them to innovate more quickly - and the last people it hurts are “US.” Because we get products - and the competition never hurts forcing all manufacturers to lower their prices… and that sure doesn’t hurt the pocket book now does it?

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 8:55 pm

I’m going to e-mail Andy at SmugMug and then go to sleep - haven’t had much of that lately… I have to photograph the final game at Yankee stadium tomorrow - will check the messages before I’m off to the game - and will answer all of the questions that I can… so keep them coming… we’ve had 5,025 visitors in 6 hours on a Saturday - WITH NO VIDEO!!! (I’m writing this for the benefit of Canon… hint hint..) Goodnight and sweet dreams This camera allows you to dream BIG… my marketing sentence for it would be “If you can see - we can capture it in 1080p.” Referring to the low light performance - that’s sure what I experience shooting this.

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 8:59 pm

1. GET ONE OF THESE!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/450170-REG/Rode_STEREO_VIDEO_MIC_Stereo_VideoMic_Camera.html
and a Lithium 9v battery or two, with charger
( http://www.thomas-distributing.com/ , much cheaper than B&H for those )

2. as far as predictive genius, Marshal (ll?) McLuhan predicted in the early ’50s, that people would be staying at home & teleworking, through their TVs.

Of course, the integrated circuit was being invented right about then, so he wouldn’t have known about computers or intertubes, but wow.

You’re right, though.

The only annoying limit?
fixed bit-rate, 12-min clips.
In Audio, they fixed the filesize problem, with BWF, ( Broadcast Wave Format ) which simply continues the wav-file in a new file, indexed to the previous wave file.

Video could have been done that way, too, but no, they’d rather not allow?

Maybe next time, or maybe Nikon will do that, instead, or Panasonic, or Sony…

( PS Please get the BWF-style solution idea to Canon, would you? — they’ll probably patent it, but so long as they implement it, it’s OK )

Comment by Captain Obvious 09.20.08 @ 9:04 pm

Awesome write-up.

I vote for having SmugMug host the video. Their native format is the same as Apple and the 5D use. They have unlimited bandwidth and use Akamai to serve it up, same as Apple uses. Akamai is not only fast worldwide, but to them this isn’t even a blip. Apple.com uses them to host HD Batman trailers.

Comment by Chris 09.20.08 @ 9:05 pm

Chris - gotcha.

One more thing since this is a common question: most of the framegrabs you see on the blog so far - therefore from the video I shot - were shot at a still exposure setting equivalent of 1/15th at f2 at 1600 ASA - which is stunning.

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.20.08 @ 9:07 pm

Hey Vincent,

I’m SmugMug’s CEO & Chief Geek. Everyone over here is dying of excitement to see your footage!

We’d be happy to host the video for you (unlimited bandwidth) in both web-viewable form (like: http://cmac.smugmug.com/gallery/2504559_f3ta9/3/#285017583_rtqqj-XL-LB ) as well as looking at hosting the raw 1080p footage in downloadable format. We’d need a few more details about it, but I’m hopeful we could make that happen, too.

Comment by Do MacAskill 09.20.08 @ 9:15 pm

There are already raw 5DII videos online @dpreview.com (”the following sample files were provided to us by Canon, these are unmodified Quicktime MOV files directly from the camera”), so Canon shouldn’t have any problem with another professionally done sample.

blip.tv has large (10Gbit) pipes and will host 1080p. Veoh.com serves via a mixed direct/p2p method depending upon popularity, so it’s not actually possible for them to run out of bw.

Comment by R. Jeremy 09.20.08 @ 9:19 pm

[...] ojal

Pingback by Ya esta aqui! Ya llego!! Canon 5D Mark II!! - P 09.20.08 @ 9:23 pm

Dont you dare make me switch from Nikon to Canon.

Comment by Christian Gendron 09.20.08 @ 9:47 pm

it seems the release of actual video has happened and Canon set up a special site to handle it:
http://cweb.canon.jp/camera/5dmark2/index.html

another one:
http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/02.html

and dPreview has a few links to UNCOMPRESSED at the bottom of their official review:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08091705canon_5dmarkII.asp

Chris.

Comment by chris 09.20.08 @ 9:51 pm

There you go, smugmug is onboard… those guys know how to give the camera public what it wants!

could you not bit torrent the feed aswell? Heck put a $1 download on it for smugmug members - youve already got our card details and make some money for charity while your at it - would be a quick $500,000 made - not to mention the sign ups to smugmug to have a look.

Then again you;d get done by canon for profiteering

Comment by Nicko 09.20.08 @ 9:52 pm

Vincent, Any idea if the video is timecoded? If not, can any of the moving picture people know how easy this would be to add after the fact?

Comment by Ryan 09.20.08 @ 9:54 pm

Can moving picture people TELL, not know.

Comment by Ryan 09.20.08 @ 9:55 pm

[...] Check it out here. [...]

Pingback by SOMETHING VERY INTERESTING IS COMING… - Vincent Laforet | The Click 09.20.08 @ 10:06 pm

Amazing…

Comment by Crazy_X 09.20.08 @ 10:18 pm

Awesome!!! I’ve been waiting all my life for this!!! Thanks, Mr. Vincent!

Comment by Mary Ann 09.20.08 @ 10:22 pm

[...] Vincent Laforet’s first impressions of a 5D MkII prototype [...]

Pingback by Canon 5D Mark II Reviews, User Opinions and Tests: Digital Photography Notes 09.20.08 @ 10:58 pm

Whoa… This is huge!

Comment by Raji Barbir 09.20.08 @ 11:10 pm

Vincent, this post of yours offers a splendid insight into the capabilities of this new camera from Canon, and I’ve already linked your article at http://www.dpnotes.com/canon-5d-mark-ii-reviews-user-opinions-and-tests/

If you don’t mind, I’d like to extend an offer to you to host the entire clip at my Amazon S3 hosting account - at my expense, and no strings attached (see an example where I hosted Nikon D700 RAW files for download at :> http://www.dpnotes.com/nikon/nikond700/iso6400rawfiles.php).

Vimeo.com is also another viable alternative for hosting video as they don’t cap the bandwidth, if I’m not mistaken.

Thanks again!

Comment by David Chin 09.20.08 @ 11:12 pm

Don’t know why you want it, but you can use QT Sync (http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/15245) to superimpose TC or footage on any Quicktime movie. I think it’s Mac-only, but it’s FREE.

VLF—you’re my hero. You’ve stopped my Nikon lust cold.

Comment by Dan P 09.20.08 @ 11:16 pm

I’m really excited about this as a professional photographer, but my room mate is a professional videographer and I can’t tell who is more excited. Unfortuneately I’ll probably need a new $2700 computer to go with my new $2700 camera if I’m going to handle 21mp 14bit RAW files and HD video.

One question though, what is the length it can record in one go? I have read 12 minutes, which fills a 4gb card, but I’ve also read it can go longer with larger cards.

It’s awesome that you’re answering so many questions.

Thanks,
Brett

Comment by brett maxwell 09.20.08 @ 11:22 pm

Thanks….! I pre-ordered the camera for low light B&W stills….now I’m thinking low light B&W street video in downtown San Francisco….See my book: “Blue in Black & White”

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Black-White-Peter-Thoshinsky/dp/1596520388/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221967344&sr=8-1

Comment by Peter Thoshinsky 09.20.08 @ 11:23 pm

Vincent, thanks for posting this. I’m blown away by your review. I’ve just pre-ordered two of them. This could revolutionize the way we tell stories. Possibly the greatest innovation since 35mm “miniature” cameras. Wow.

Comment by Liam 09.20.08 @ 11:35 pm

Vincent, Amazing story, beautiful images, thanks for all the work to share this incredible news with us. A question I immediately had was: did you just have $5,000 to pony up for a “demo” project or is there some way you’re going to try and monitize this video? Five grand is a hell of a “proof of concept” project.

Comment by Brock Meeks 09.20.08 @ 11:46 pm

@Brett: the file size limit is 4GB due to the FAT32 filesystem (32-bit addresses are limited to 4GB). So it can’t create single files larger than that. You could argue that they should have come up with a way (using buffers, etc.) to split the video into multiple files as necessary to allow longer continuous recording on larger cards but looks like that’s a feature for another camera.

Comment by Tommy Williams 09.20.08 @ 11:46 pm

[...] you’re considering the Canon 5D II, definitely read this. « Canon engineers held back by marketing department’s “megapixel [...]

Pingback by If you’re considering the Canon 5D II, definitely read this. at j a v a j i v e :: photography from indonesia :: 09.20.08 @ 11:56 pm

效果非常的好啊！

Comment by kejunshi 09.21.08 @ 12:41 am

prefect!!
but I want to know how do you record the voice ?
only microphone by 5D mark2.

Comment by sealyahoo 09.21.08 @ 12:56 am

The images are great, considering the fact they are unedited and still grabs.Can’t wait to see the movie. unedited footage would be nice to see too.

Comment by dmitri 09.21.08 @ 1:20 am

Thanks so much for producing this for us!!! Canon, this video feature is why I held back from Nikon!! I hoped you would be willing to step into the market for DSLR video. Please, let us see this footage!! The sooner we do, the sooner we can be sure about jello-roll, and tell our friends to buy this camera instead of D90s and RED Scarlets!!

Comment by Michael Spotts 09.21.08 @ 1:23 am

Atta’ boy gettng 4 of these cameras pre-ordered Vincent! I have two coming my way as well.

I have gotten such big plans for this camera and how it is hopefully going to revolutionize my business and offer something totally unique which could help revolutionize the industry I am in.

I have a Canon HD camcorder and yeah it is real nice. But like yourself, I am not a videographer. The video being on a CF card is awesome because it’s a hassle having to firewire my camcorder and have it play back in real time to digitize it to my computer. I guess we’re spoiled with just drag and dropping folders of our work…

Comment by Michael Alan Bielat 09.21.08 @ 1:25 am

There are some sample videos of 5D Mark II in Canon web site. But all are taking using a tripod. It would be nice to see a ‘real’ movie from this camera.

Cheers!

Comment by Tony 09.21.08 @ 2:02 am

Thanks for this excellent writeup. I’m so excited to get my hands on this camera. I also believe this is going to revolutionize many photography fields. I’ve been waiting for something like this for years, but this surpassed anything I was hoping for. I’m looking forward to seeing your short film. Cheers Vincent!

Comment by Nordin Rahhali 09.21.08 @ 2:06 am

im a private investigator using an electrophysics astroscope 9350 in-line night vision device with canon ef adapters. i get 10 to 12 stops as it is!

im selling my xl2 (i used the ef adapter) and have also pre-ordered a 5d. i am very interested in the 5d!

Comment by Lee 09.21.08 @ 2:09 am

Great forum Vincent - being someone that shoots film/video AND photography…I could not be more excited about this technology.

Jim, the inventor of the Red One camera saw this coming a long time ago, as he wanted to shoot motion pictures digitally with his EOS dSLR. It seems that he will embrace the competition as a market variation: DSMC

Announced in the RED forums is a Digital Still Motion Camera (DSMC). Specifications are to be announced in January 2009 and available at the end of 2009. This camera will be a hybrid motion camera and DSLR.

Also of note to us Canon folk - a third party has made a Canon EF adapter for the Red camera’s.

I’ve done alot of timelapse work with my 1DsmkIII out to 1080p, but this is amazing - I’ll have to buy one of these for my “B” camera, but will secretly use it more than my “A” camera.

Also - this link was posted previously, but I think it was overlooked. Some great video samples from the 5DmkII.

http://web1.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/02.html#01

TOR

Comment by tor 09.21.08 @ 2:17 am

If you can pull stills from the video and are unable to use the viewfinder for video it seems that most of the time we will compose using the screen. The suggestion of a semi-transparent mirror is good but seemingly misses an opportunity to truly revolutionize current visual imaging devices. We are all growing accustomed to viewing the world through electronic screens, from cell phones to ipods to small point and shoots. Why not remove the mirror (& prism & shutter) altogether and replace the optical viewfinder with a miniature screen?

I suggest this not only to allow the user to compose stills during a video recording but for a host of other reasons, the least of which is the weight savings. Removing these parts and using an “electronic shutter” (see the Nikon D70) would provide almost unlimited strobe sync speeds. It would allow for exposure, as well as depth of field, preview (imagine hitting the DOF preview button and having the LCD compensate for the limited light coming through the lens. Or simply setting the shutter and f value and having the screen “render” an accurate exposure before you even press the “shutter” button.). Considering the lack of ambient light hitting the viewfinder (since your eye pressed against it pretty much makes it the same as a well calibrated monitor in a dark room) it can not only accurately perform the aforementioned tasks but would make a far superior way of reviewing already taken photos (and allow us to keep the camera in shooting position while doing so). With the mirror & prism gone the internal space is far smaller and technology like Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds can be explored. Imagine a 20-120 2.0 the same size and weight as a current 24-70 2.8.

I am not an engineer and do not know the limitations of technology. But I don’t think anyone does. Twenty years ago suggesting a digital camera to a scientist in the photography field would have gotten you raised eyebrows. While the current advances are certainly headed in the right direction, they only scratch the surface. Up to now digital cameras had pretty much been film cameras without film. They had a few extra features but never really explored a new technology, a new direction. It seemed that the people in charge are not visionaries, rather, engineers and marketing gurus. Video in the SLR is a truly modern concept but the SLR itself is old tech begging to be replaced. Lets start thinking outside the box.

With that off my chest - I am totally phsyced to get a 5D2!

-MKruter

Comment by MKruter 09.21.08 @ 2:24 am

To request 24p from Canon call:

(800) 828-4040, for the US
Select the third option
Give Feedback

Comment by Estebe Verde 09.21.08 @ 2:46 am

Saw the video in Chicago on Friday (CPS event) from the Canon rep. All I can say is AMAZING.

I asked about 24p and 30p and the rep said “only film guys would be interested in it, and they represent a small portion of our target market.” So, obviously they didn’t think the film people would be that interested in it.

Comment by Jim Karr 09.21.08 @ 3:13 am

[...] 5D Shooters Rejoice! Interesting Vincent Laforet pre-production hands-on about the video function. I’m starting to believe I may use the capability more than I originally [...]

Pingback by 5D Shooters Rejoice! - Page 6 - Pro Photo HOME 09.21.08 @ 3:15 am

Thanks for an exciting post. I hope we do get to see the video, and before too long. I’m not pre-ordering, but I’m very, very hopeful.

Comment by Andrew A 09.21.08 @ 5:04 am

If that confirms, this device EOS 5D Mark II is a bomb ! Difficult to believe that Canon gets out in its foot and launches on the market a device which competes with its own productions and is going to attract him the lightnings of his competitors.
Well, the engineers who had the solution in the pocket were not able to refrain from sliding it (discreetly?) on the EOS 5D. Indeed, everything takes place as if they had not announced it and if they had implemented it on the EOS 5D noiselessly, as the others made it on Nikon D90. Now that it went out, marketing people are going to have to deal with.
Certainly, the ergonomics of these cameras (amusing because the word camera in English = camera for pictures and in French = camera for movies. When a device possesses 2 functions, it is necessary to clarify the one that we aim at) is not the one of camcorders, but:
1 it could be not possible, because engineer would have too much revealed early the secret which would have been able to block the launch on the market of the device
2 if it is not Canon which implemented the feature on reflex device, it was Nikon who made it (it could not being Sony who is leading in the production of professional video equipment)
3 we can make some sacrifices of ergonomics to record videos of excellent quality with optics standard photo!
Bob

Comment by Bob Bertrand 09.21.08 @ 6:08 am

My dream come true, can’t wait anymore.
Can transfer my US 1,500 budget for the new HD videocam and trade-in my 5D to the buy the Mark II tomorrow.

Comment by William Ip 09.21.08 @ 6:39 am

“the RAW footage that comes out of this camera is STUNNING - so much so that the entire video was cut with the RAW footage - untouched…”

Hi Vincent,
I read everywhere that the video format coming out the 5DII is H.264. what do you mean by RAW footage ? Do you mean straight for the camera, or really Canon RAW format like .CR2 and all the post-production potential of still RAW.
I’m director and edito, and did a few project with he RED One. I’ looking for this kind of camera for a while. !! is the 5D II trhis one !!! ??

Thanx

Comment by Benjamin 09.21.08 @ 7:19 am

As a stills photographer, I am extremely excited about this camera. If you look on the film making forums, there are many posts excited about this camera, and many people slagging it off over lack of 24p or handling issues etc. They might be issues for some film makers, but for photojournalists new to film making, these are not really issues as we are not used to the form function of top end dv cameras, but we are to the form function of a DSLR, so have no transitions to make other than to the leap from stills to video, which is a transition we would have had to make regardless of camera form.
Again, whilst sound recording on the Canon is not the most sophisticated, there are work-around’s such as attaching a beach box and powered xlr mics or something like a zoom H4 or Olympus LS10 recording from external mics and splitting the live headphone signal to a pair of headphones and into the mic in on the 5DII.
I’m not particularly keen on having to use the screen on the back of the camera, but a MF loupe attached to the camera could give a pretty good viewing experience with 920,000 pixels. Alternatively, I wonder if Canon have considered reintroducing a fixed pellicle mirror. Obviously, there would be some tradeoff in light loss and a slightly dimmer focusing experience, but unless you’re planning to put the camera through the wringer, (like vincent has here), regularly, then any disadvantages would be outweighed by returning to a form function that we all know and love.
I’d be very surprised if within a very short period of time, a parallel industry hasn’t sprung up of accessories such as angle finders, shoe mounted HDMI monitors, focusing rails, external batteries or even external drives and codecs, which will make this camera extremely versatile. I’ve worked as a stills shooter on indy shorts where a 35mm adapter such as a Letus has been employed, and believe me, they’re not easy things to use.
I’ve often thought about making the jump to short documentary/news footage shooting and this camera might just be the push I need. The stills industry is dying, and many stills photographers, (including myself), have had to do some pretty serious thinking about our survival strategies in an industry that is changing and documentary/news production has been one of the options that me and many of my colleagues have been seriously considering. As outlets for traditional publishing, (ie print), become smaller and smaller and online dissemination of news becomes more prevalent, the impetus to use new tools for presentation such as Soundslides or DSLR’s that shoot video becomes more urgent if we are to survive in the media industries. There are a lot of extremely talented people working in documentary film production, but there are also some real bozo’s, (just have a quick look at some of the really naff material that often goes up on newspaper site’s here in the UK, especially amongst the regionals). When talented stills photographers, (as Vincent has shown here), get a handle on this technology and learn to use it properly, it’s really going to start raising the game on the documentary film industry.

Comment by Mark Pinder 09.21.08 @ 7:25 am

Hmm… Canon said “Destined Evolution” and thought about the 5D MkII.
Based on what we have seen so far, can you imagine what the next level would be, the follow up model or “new D1″, it will be

DESTINED REVOLUTION

Vincent I can imagine you would still be high on the adrenalin kick that this experience has caused, must be hard to sleep

I’m very thrilled of the concept to use all my glass also for video!!!!

I have heard of the thoughts that MKruter mention above (replacing the mirror with a small screen) and I definitely think that would be something we will see in the near future.

Comment by Thomas 09.21.08 @ 7:27 am

For your info, PDN has posted some videos made with the 5d-II

http://www.pdnpulse.com/2008/09/canon-5d-mark-i.html

Comment by martnb 09.21.08 @ 8:28 am

Vincent, just saw a small snippet of your video in youtube shot by digitalcamerareview.com, running in a laptop in a canon presentation.

The quality in the video in a youtube video is amazing!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XggG7iFfoCk

Comment by Rajkumar 09.21.08 @ 8:33 am

Vincent

This is a very convincing blog on the 5D II. The camera is perfect for a housing to shoot surfing and an idea that I had for years (that will probably never get off the ground) called “Holy Water”.

What I like about the camera is the 21 million. I know most don’t care about this but for me it might open the door to fine art.

Vincent have you ever had the opportunity to meet Howard Schatz ? If you did what is he like? I know he has a workshop for for a very selected few .

Vincent I like your blog not just because of the information but the positive and exciting vibes you bring to the table.

Comment by Tom Ervin 09.21.08 @ 8:42 am

This is getting interesting. But I think Canon needs to use this tech in a different body. What some people are asking for is going to ruin the ergonomics of both Still and video cameras.

Comment by pcunite 09.21.08 @ 8:44 am

Wonderful and Exciting article/entry here Vince. Please have a look at the squeeze software if needed, it does amazing jobs with 720 - 1080 compression, the best I’ve seen to date.

What’s funny is I’ve, for the last 4 years or so, have had a JVC 10U 720p Video camera. The first prosumer video HD camera that came out and it’s a bear in low light. Lighting is ALWAYS a concern.

Thanks again for a great post.
Tom

Comment by Tom Aellis 09.21.08 @ 8:45 am

[...] It’s really an amazing blog article, I strongly suggest you check it out here. [...]

Pingback by Vince Laforet’s Blog speaks to the Canon 5DmkII HD VIDEO | The Warrior's Eye 09.21.08 @ 8:48 am

Hi Vince,
I send you an e-mail regarding a screening room in NYC…

Comment by Matthias Krause 09.21.08 @ 8:56 am

Vincent, your post is a welcome breath of fresh air after reading all the negative comments on flickr groups, etc.

As much as I love my 5D and 40D, I’m absolutely looking forward to this evolution of the 5D.

I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, and find that so much of my photography would be enhanced by the ability to show more of the overall scope of the surroundings in a shot rather than just the end result. I think the video aspect sounds like the perfect solution.

Really appreciative of you taking the opportunity to bring your perspectives to the rest of us. Hope to see the video up soon one way or another.

BTW, I linked to your post on my blog. Hope you don’t mind.

Comment by j a v a j i v e 09.21.08 @ 9:29 am

Vincent,

Is the Highlight Tone Priority mode available in video mode?

Does the camera video show as live video in the video output port during acquisition?

Did you notice many motion artifacts in action sequences?

Were you able to select AF points in video mode?

Thanks for this incredible opportunity to experience the Canon 5D MKII vicariously through your use and observations.

Kevin Zigler

Comment by Kevin Zigler 09.21.08 @ 9:35 am

How do you expect a PJ to use this camera with a shutter lag of 73MS? Not to mention Canon once again will not admit that their Micro Adjust feature is the root of all Evil on the MKIII’s.
You need to be able to put a lens on and shoot, not setup a test chart to adjust your lens, ( this is on any Canon camera that implements the Micro Adjust)but the same lens on any other body that does not MA is spot on?

Comment by David Sharviele 09.21.08 @ 9:55 am

Re: David Sharviele
“How do you expect a PJ to use this camera with a shutter lag of 73MS? ”

The 5D series are not aimed at PJ´s You will do better with xd series or the xxd

Comment by Mike Rinnan 09.21.08 @ 10:08 am

I’ve got to rush out the door to the last Yankee game at their current stadium - so here are some responses rapid style:

Ryan - no idea about time code - when I get a chance I’ll post an answer

Brett - I’m not at all surprised that your roommate (videographer) is lusting for this… not at all…

MKruter…smart and on point… I like the way you think.. seing through the camera allows you not to have to carry a monitor w/ you however - and be very very mobile… no time for setting up a monitor etc…

Benjamin - by RAW I mean straight out of the camera - the format is indeed a .mov file that you double click and watch instantly on any computer with the Quicktime player…

Thomas - Destined REVOLUTION is much much more on point indeed…

Tom - Howard Schatz is a good friend… he’s a genius… go to his workshop

Kevin - not sure about most of the questions…things just went too fast… as soon as I get a chance to look back through the footage - I will let you know more

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.21.08 @ 10:32 am

[...] for the reference on his article, Vincent was given a hand-on evaluation. It came unexpected while visiting Canon’s HQ and had [...]

Pingback by Canon 5D Mark II video capture is comparable to $500K pro video equipment? - SlashGear 09.21.08 @ 10:35 am

[...] Laforet’s blog has some of his own thoughts and three more screencaps of the commercial. It produces the best [...]

Pingback by CrunchGear » Archive » Vincent Laforet spends a weekend with a pre-production Canon 5D Mark II; shoots a commercial and loves it 09.21.08 @ 11:07 am

Vincent, great article and thanks for opening the curtain more on what indeed has the potential to be a game changing play. You are spot on, too, about the issue for RED. I saw their CEO recently saying that with their upcoming product (end 09) that they were going after Canon and Nikon and I noted that he should be more concerned they are coming after him. (http://asiliconvalleylife.blogspot.com/2008/09/still-life-vs-real-life.html) Even so, this may be playing out even quicker than I imagined with Canon taking first-mover advantage *and* having who-knows-what waiting in the wings to release over the next 12 months. Photographically speaking, converge is happening here just as fast as in, say, the telecomms world. Excitiing times indeed! Can’t wait to see what you were able to do on first outing.

Comment by John 09.21.08 @ 11:09 am

I’m considering a Canon Powershot SX1 IS for HD video. And I’m going for a 50D as my main camera.

Comment by Mr T. 09.21.08 @ 11:33 am

Vincent,

Just wondering what you think of the continued lack of weather sealing on these cameras? To me that was the major flaw of the 5d, and I’m disappointed that they screwed it up again on this camera. I almost lost my 5d once in a a heavy mist and now I’m totally paranoid around any kind of water. As a PJ I assume this must be even more of an issue. What do you think?

Paul

Comment by Paul McEvoy 09.21.08 @ 11:36 am

You are amazing, thank you very very much!!

I can’t wait for the result.. I think this will indeed change the industry!

For the price of a RED you can get the 5D MKII, a killer tripod, some form of stabilization and several lenses. If that’s not an attractive solution, I don’t know what is.

Comment by Nick C 09.21.08 @ 11:51 am

I am planning to upgrade my vx2000 to hd but I think I will just have to wait this camera comes whether it is practical enough for videography/filmmaking use.

Comment by Jomark Osabel 09.21.08 @ 12:06 pm

[...] has some images on his site that will demonstrate the power of the video in the Canon 5D mark II. Vincent Laforet - Blog Published under: [...]

Pingback by 5D Mark II - More on Video | Theis Photography 09.21.08 @ 12:11 pm

Vincent

Kudos on convincing Canon to let you borrow this camera. You’ve obviously piqued the interest of a large number of photogs. Q: Do you know if you can shoot video while tethered to a laptop? Be cool, and might allow you to exceed the 4GB limit of FAT32. Am I asking too much? (Just thinking of weddings and other events where a 12 min limit would be an issue, but having a tethered laptop could be an option)

If not: did you play w/ any 8 or 16 GB cards? How much of a lag (if any) is/was there from the creation of one file to the next? (48 min of continuous HD video on a 16 GB card?)

Mine is pre-ordered as well

Comment by Frank T 09.21.08 @ 12:15 pm

if the lap top is 64bit operating system, it should be easily handle > 4gb file. but if it’s a 32bit system, it will require hi and lo addressing on the file just like AWE on a 32 windows application.

Comment by leop 09.21.08 @ 12:23 pm

I hope Canon find a way to increase fps (at least 5 fps) and enhance AF (all cross type AF points) via software on 5DMII.

It was very nice reading.. Thank you.

Comment by Onat 09.21.08 @ 12:24 pm

The 4GB file size limit is because of FAT32 and has nothing to do with the operating system. NTFS and exFAT would support larger files, but Canon chose to stick with FAT32 (compatibility I guess) and therefore with 4GB files.

They could however create a new file every 4 gigs…

Comment by Simon 09.21.08 @ 12:26 pm

Vincent, I saw your video on Friday at a Canon CPS event. I viewed it on a MacBook Pro. I’ve been a pro studio photographer for over 30 yrs. and have never really gotten into video. Your vision with this video short will probably change my mind.

I was floored by what I saw! To anyone out their that does weddings, kids portraits, and high school seniors, things are going to change!

Comment by Phil Pool 09.21.08 @ 12:34 pm

Audio. What about audio?

Comment by Dana 09.21.08 @ 12:34 pm

@Paul McEvoy: 5D MkII is weather-sealed for rain up to 10mm in 3 minutes.

Comment by Yohanes Mangitung 09.21.08 @ 12:50 pm

Canon’s own HF100 can record up to capacity so they obviously know how to get around the limitations of a file system. This is a choice by Canon, not a lack of ability.

Comment by loopty 09.21.08 @ 12:55 pm

Nice photos.

I would like to get non-poor autofocus (only one cross af point is realy bad joke:() instead unnecessarily video…. :/

Comment by JH 09.21.08 @ 12:56 pm

you can distribute the video using the bittorrent protocol… you just have to find a web site to host the tracker, who is synchronizing the UL and DL, and a first ULder with the video. after some hours, the video will be distributed among all downloader…

Comment by laurent 09.21.08 @ 12:59 pm

Pretty exciting stuff ~ ‘looking forward to your video and forthcoming in-depth reviews of this beauty.

These are indeed exciting times for photography (& video ;-). Just wanted to say “very well done” for your efforts Vincent !!

Comment by Ronn Stacy 09.21.08 @ 1:01 pm

Why do you people, when talking about systems and platforms, on 32bit, 64bit or even devices formats, only think in windows way??!!! I’m very glad to be a Mac user for years and a photographer too.
BTW Vincent, great article!!

Comment by Emanuel Batalha 09.21.08 @ 1:03 pm

Fantastic. May very well be time to replace the 1DsM1.

Comment by Derek 09.21.08 @ 1:06 pm

Maybe someone has already suggested this, but why not distribute the video as a torrent? Then you won’t have to worry about hosting or bandwidth as everyone that wants the video will share the load.

Comment by Josh 09.21.08 @ 1:17 pm

I read your post with interest. Loved the pictures. I always wanted to create short wildlife films, but carrying an extra video camera is not easy. Especially, when you are shooting a tiger from top of an elephant.

I would love to see how the video comes out with the 400mm f2.8 L IS. I use that for its lowlight capabilities.

I hope you are able to put up the video somewhere. Look forward to more updates from you.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

Comment by Sabyasachi Patra 09.21.08 @ 1:19 pm

Hello from Yankee Stadium - beautiful day - and have a nice spot worked out with Yankee PR - so we’re all set!

Checking in quickly:

Paul - I do specifically remember hearing that this camera was much more “weather” sealed than the previous 5D - not exactly 1D camera sealing - but close…

Nick - ditto.

Frank T - I think you are right on - and yes it looks like 48 video one one card… I haven’t read a manual - but know you need to stop and re-record every 10-15 minutes or so… I never ran into that problem once…how many 15 minute continuous scenes have you see in movies ever? Right? I played with 4GB, 8GB and 16GB Lexar UDMA cards… you don’t need UDMA to record video - but it sure helps to copy data off quickly…

Thanks everyone for the comments… ttyl

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.21.08 @ 1:19 pm

While Vimeo might not want to support a regular user eating that much bandwidth, I’m sure they would love to host your video for the publicity.

You should contact them, or they should’ve contacted you.

Comment by jcyrai 09.21.08 @ 1:20 pm

Eh never mind. I just saw the other posts about it up there.

Comment by Josh 09.21.08 @ 1:22 pm

[...] Link til Vincent Laforet [...]

Pingback by Expology blog » Blog Archive » Canon 5D Mark II ser veldig bra ut 09.21.08 @ 1:23 pm

[...] Canon EOS 5D Mark II Pre-Production Model Video Still Share and Enjoy: [...]

Pingback by » You won’t Believe the Quality of a Pre-Production Canon EOS 5D Mark II Video Still TechieLobang - News, Tips & Tricks: Get updated on Technology plus all other Interesting Things! 09.21.08 @ 1:24 pm

[...] most complete look at the new 5D is from photographer Vincent Laforet, who has a a long report based on a weekend of shooting with a prototype. It has drawn huge [...]

Pingback by Game changer? : Notes from a Teacher 09.21.08 @ 1:25 pm

Yes great news. I would have upgraded my 5D to the 5D II just for the res and 14 bits. Yet your post makes me want to learn new things about what I can do in video.
A game changer> you are right on.
Much more than just another camera!

Comment by Neil Snape 09.21.08 @ 1:25 pm

Vincent, it’s a great stuff you have here. I’m really looking forward to seeing the movie myself. You see, I’m by not a videographer, or even a film shooter. The only videos I’ve made were those of my kids. This new 5D2 definitely tempts me to try the “new territory”. It will be great to be able to shoot movies with my current lenses!

Comment by Yohanes Mangitung 09.21.08 @ 1:31 pm

[...] more at: Vincent Laforet’s Blog. ▶▼ Comment /* 0) { jQuery(’#comments’).show(”, change_location()); [...]

Pingback by Vincent Laforet on the Canon EOS 5D MKII « Photography Thoughts 09.21.08 @ 1:32 pm

Mr. Laforet,

All the MKII images that have been around the net yet have been shot in jpeg. During this mad weekend with the 5DMKII have you got time to compare high iso noise performance in JPG and RAW capture.

Comment by Andre Oliveira 09.21.08 @ 1:35 pm

Why don’t you posta the video as a torrent ? That way you can share it in full res. without having to worry about the size and bandwidth.

Comment by M. M. 09.21.08 @ 1:43 pm

REALLY looking forward to the possibility of a 3D! As sweet as the video feature is, I hope Canon will soon take Nikon’s path and trickle-down some more pro-series POWER… The D700 and D300 are STILL in a class of their own with pro weather sealing, AF, frame rate, shutter lag, spot metering points, (plural indeed) etc. etc. I realize that to portrait / landscape photographers these are bell+whistle specs, but photojournalists and action shooters are NOT BUYING Canon marketing’s “gotta protect the 1-series!” excuse anymore…

=Matt=

Comment by Matthew Saville 09.21.08 @ 1:55 pm

Mr. Vincent Laforet,

In you hand this Canon equipment going to be a powerful weapon of creation of excellent pictures. But in you pictures is a secret, of creation.

Thank you very much on you review.

Comment by Andriy Sharapa 09.21.08 @ 1:55 pm

Wow, I can’t wait to get my hands on this body!

Comment by Kuikens 09.21.08 @ 1:56 pm

That’s a great idea M.M.. We want to see it in Full Resolution, please!! Make a torrent.
In my opinion I’m not an apologist of video on DSLR cameras, I believe that an DSLR camera it’s the best material we have to photograph and a video camera the best material to make movies but, with this 5D Mark II the thing blew up. I believe too that this change is greater than my opinion, I’ll see it as an extra feature, a great extra feature and probably I’ll change my opinion really fast.
The video quality we can achieve is outstanding, with photographic lenses we can make very easily movies or clips like those we see in cinema, with cinema quality… It’s just amazing.

Comment by Emanuel Batalha 09.21.08 @ 1:59 pm

I think everyone with any knowledge of photography and film will agree these results are wonderful, especially in low light. However it is unlikely that this SLR will suddenly have the manufacturers of digital film cameras (Arri, Red etc) panicking that this ’stills’ camera will affect their sales. Canon surely know this as much as any other serious photographic firm.

Within the world of film and television production, one needs things like:

• Matte boxes
• Multiple delivery frames rates (24, 25 and 29.97 etc) and resolutions (720, 1080, 2K and 4K) + useable proxies.
• Frame rate ramping
• Genlock and syncing
• a proper workflow…

You get the picture. Perhaps more exciting is the potential of Canon to produce it’s own full frame sensor digital film cameras, not more ENG style video cameras with progressive modes. Thanks for the images though Vincent, it is so exiting to see such fantastic low light performance.

Comment by Anthony Willis 09.21.08 @ 1:59 pm

it is naive to believe that film guys would not be interested. anyway 30p only sucks. how about 25p? or is this a US only camera? on the other hand this kind of a camera will never really make it to the film business due to the sound issue. imagine one or two XLR plugs on the camera plus a boom mike, and now you’ve got almost a shoulder camera. no one will accept it as a film professional tool.
this is just a very nice gadget.

Nick Reply:
October 17th, 2009 at 1:08 am

@Mr. Nea, Sound isn’t an issue in the film world as we always record sound on a dat machine or similar. I’ve already worked on commercials that have used the camera. Check out Heinekin taxi tvc. We used one for cut aways to mix with Arri 435 footage and you can’t pick which shot it is.

Comment by Mr. Nea 09.21.08 @ 2:04 pm

Vincent,
Very interesting, as I just posted a prediction about the probable low light performance of DSLRs used as HD video cameras. Here is what I posted yesterday and someone sent me your link (I’m coming from a still photo background, currently using 1D cameras, but wanting to buy an HD camera):

——
Many of the [consumer] HD camcorders I see on the market have 1/3.6″ sensors, which means the sensor is only 4×3 mm! 1920 pixels over 4 mm = 2.08 micron pixels. This is at the bottom of performance in P&S still cameras. Some HD cameras are even worse with 1/5″ and 1/6″ sensors.

So then I looked a pro HD camcorders and they are barely better with 1/3″ sensors (but often have 3 one for each red, green and blue pixels), 4.8,3.6 mm sensors, giving 2.5 micron pixels. And they are $5,000 and up!

So now we get HD video from DSLRs. For the 5D Mark II, for example, if the 1920 pixel HD is spread across the 36 mm full frame, one would get 18.75 micron pixels! That would be 18.75*18.75/(2.1*2.1) = 80x the light gathering ability [over the 2.08 micron pixel cameras]! Very interesting for low light video. ISO 100 on a consumer video camera would be like ISO 8000 (or equivalent of how speed is defined in video). If the HD is matched to the 5D pixels, then the pixels are 6.4 microns, still great compared to the consumer or many pro video cameras.
——

So, Vincent, thanks for the article, it seems to have confirmed my analysis.

One question: did you observe any heating and increase in noise, possibly near one edge/corner after the video was running for a few minutes? Heating of the sensor could be a real issue. Also what was the approximate temperature during your filming?

Some info on sensor performance and pixel size:
http://www.clarkvision.com/imagedetail/digital.sensor.performance.summary

Roger

Comment by Roger Clark 09.21.08 @ 2:12 pm

I don’t quite catch why you are you touting how good the video is that you don’t show, then say that you can’t show it as takes too much bandwidth. When Bittorrent is pointed out as an option you refer to Canon Japan not allowing it (well, won’t you end up practically losing your budget as there’s nothing you can show for others). Still I have not seen your excuse not to repack the video so that it won’t be original format but still could convey most of the quality one could get from the new camera. If there’s no excuse, then perhaps there’s a real reason or a product that people could evaluate.

You clearly see there’s lot of demand for the sample. And I applaude you to take the first steps but there’s not much juice to share unless you can squeeze it out for the others. Many thanks for your efforts so far! Now, the video, please!

Comment by Curious 09.21.08 @ 2:14 pm

Just as Panasonic has done with the DVX100 and the HVX200 the 5D is poised to completely revolutionize the video industry.

Will it replace current dedicated HD video cameras? Mostly no especially in commercial markets mainly because there is no physical method for interfacing the 5D with related production equipment such as timecode generators, sound capture equipment, etc.

However what is entirely exciting is that the 5D holds the “holy grail” of all independent video producers, which is film-like depth of field and organic, film-like imagery. No longer would you need to buy or rent expensive 35mm lens adapters for the hand-held HD cams or, use painfully expensive HD-cinema glass.

Vincents’ commentary about the true cost of commercial film/video production being sky-high is spot-on; a typical 2/3″ inch chip HD camera with just one high-quality lens (prime or zoom), battery and associated accessories is easily $250K USD. And that doesn’t even include a decent video-head and tripod much less the rest of lighting, sound, and other required production tools. And of course then there’s the human cost of hiring the crew to run it all!

So indeed, the 5D could very well see in-roads into low-budget, indie and even some ENG work where portability and ultimate image quality would be a snatch-up gear bag, without question.

So as alluded to earlier, what’s needed is for the 3rd-party companies - of which there are dozens - to create the accessories needed to transform the 5D into a real, full-on commercial production rig. Could it be done. Absolutely. And if so, you’ll start seeing less Cinealta, Varicam, Vipers and RED’s out there and more and more D-SLR’s!

Wouldn’t that just turn the stomachs of Panny and Sony inside out!

Robert Lane
Lumenosity
Scottsdale, AZ

jonny Reply:
April 12th, 2009 at 1:00 am

@Robert Lane, a 250k hd camera will be in no matter comparable to this canon…
There are a lot of 2/3 hd-cameras out there for less than 10k btw…

Comment by Robert Lane 09.21.08 @ 2:16 pm

[...] Update: Check out Vincent LaForet’s Blog. He got to spend 72 hours shooting with the Canon 5D Mark II [...]

Pingback by New Canon 5D Mark II shoots HD video! « Mastering Multimedia 09.21.08 @ 2:17 pm

Vincent,
Just last week, I happened to be searching for some information on the 5D replacement and found this site which includes some sample videos shot with the 5D MKII. I do not read Japanese, but the images speak for themselves. I can’t wait to see your film.
http://cweb.canon.jp/camera/5dmark2/index.html

Comment by Daniel Marchand 09.21.08 @ 2:23 pm

[...] at this blog post by Vincent, the new 5D is mind blowingly [...]

Pingback by devoid of talent » Blog Archive » Vincent Laforet vs 5D mk II HD Video 09.21.08 @ 2:23 pm

Hi Vincent,
Thanks for this post.
Like others, i can’t wait to see the movie.
But there are two things i wanted to ask you about:
- what about high lights? how does the camera handle that?
- how did you shoot : the eye in the viewfinder or on the screen? I’ve heard that the new screen is great also!!

Thanks again,
Philippe

Comment by mondon 09.21.08 @ 2:26 pm

just want to see the video when it comes out

Comment by frank vrlich 09.21.08 @ 2:27 pm

as an ENG or documentary camera the 5d is useless especially because of depth of field. you will be unable to keep subject in focus. even a highly skilled focus puller has difficulties when you work wide open; add the full format to this and your breaking news is … shallow.

Comment by Mr. Nea 09.21.08 @ 2:32 pm

Vincent, if the Canon people are reading this blog, I’m hoping that they will replace that silly print button with a mirror lockup button. That would be INFINITELY more useful.

Other than that, I’m looking forward to seeing your video.

Comment by foo 09.21.08 @ 2:54 pm

Good stuff Vincent. I heard the video made quite an impression at the Canon Professional Services convention on Friday.

Comment by Timothy Hughes 09.21.08 @ 2:56 pm

[...] Photographer Vincent Laforet got a hold of a preproduction copy of the 5D for a weekend. [...]

Pingback by Like I needed to read THIS : jelyon dot com 09.21.08 @ 3:03 pm

Very useful! Thanx!

Comment by Archerphoto 09.21.08 @ 3:14 pm

hey vincent;

ok, quality seems to be a no brainer. can you talk a little bit about the actual use of the camera as a video camera: LCD angles, handgrip position, balance, etc?

thanks

-avi

Comment by avi 09.21.08 @ 3:14 pm

The short is amazing!!! I was able to watch it at a shop here during there vendor show. One question for you since you got to shoot with it. It say you can only shoot 12 min. or 4 gb of video at a time and then it stops. Can you immediately start shooting more video or is there some resting period?

Comment by Landon 09.21.08 @ 3:18 pm

Vincent,
Have you looked into using AWS (Amazon Web Services) S3 service for hosting the video. It takes about 10 min to setup. The cost are cheap, you pay per usage and it’s very scalable. Email me if you need help setting it up. Here is a sample video that is hosted by AWS, http://www.crazymenu.com/demo/

Comment by salim madjd 09.21.08 @ 3:21 pm

Amazon is now “out of stock.” According to their site (as of 3:27 pm EDT 9-21-08) - the 5DMkII is the number 10 bestseller in “Camera & Photo” - and #2 in DSLR’s! (Second to the Canon Xsi w/ kit lens)

Comment by Frank T 09.21.08 @ 3:30 pm

[...] pm on September 21, 2008 | # | Tags: photography Interesting post about the low-light and video capabilities of the Canon EOS 5D Mk II. Sounds pretty good. [...]

Pingback by Interesting post about the low-light and … « Paul M. Watson 09.21.08 @ 3:33 pm

Mr. Nea, regarding the ENG and the depth of field issue, you are spot on

Comment by Valeriu Campan 09.21.08 @ 3:34 pm

[...] You can read the full and interesting test at Vincent Laforet Web site [...]

Pingback by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Vincent Laforet Tested the Canon 5D Mark II for 1080HD « Cinematography and Lighting Gadgets 09.21.08 @ 3:40 pm

Vincent,

Maybe you could share the video via BT and ed2k?

Comment by Alan 09.21.08 @ 3:49 pm

Hm… this is almost as waiting for the announcement of the 5D MKII itself. What about putting up a website with a moon…? ;-P

I really appreciate your efforts, though.

Comment by Havard 09.21.08 @ 3:56 pm

[...] importanta are Canon EOS 5D MKII? Iata ce zice Vincent Laforet despre ultimul venit in gama Canon, model care este asteptat anul viitor. “Va schimba [...]

Pingback by Zvoner.ro » Canon EOS 5D MKII: 21 Megapixeli, si video in HD!! 09.21.08 @ 4:04 pm

I downloaded the bird on the limb shot and played it back at 1/2 speed. It was amazing. Razor-sharp and fluid like no camcorder I have ever used. It had the L-glass canon look.

Comment by Mark 09.21.08 @ 4:05 pm

Vincent.. judging by the youtube leak, I anticipate you’ll see many cameras for Canon!

Comment by hans 09.21.08 @ 4:06 pm

puree c’est incroyable ce qu’on arrive a faire avec ce bijou

Comment by xxx 09.21.08 @ 4:06 pm

Hi All!
There is a flash video out in a norwegian newspaker site called Dagbladet. It shows some video from the 5D Mk II and the N**** D90..
One thing is sure, the Canon footage looks better than the N**** one.. See for yourself :

http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2008/09/21/547601.html

(Norwegian only, sorry)

Regards,
Steve

Comment by steve 09.21.08 @ 4:09 pm

I already work in the way this camera would allow you to, i.e., taking videos and stills and editing them together and shooting video and temporarily freeze framing to a still and then having the video motion automatically resume. Then I drop it into iMovie and iDVD for post-production and blend video with stills (using the Ken Burns effect, of course).

I do everything you’re talking about here with a Canon model aleady on the market - the S5-IS (don’t laugh) Yes, I understand it’s not HD quality video nor is it a DSLR sized sensor, but the point I’m making is that Canon has finally taken it’s video/stills integration workflow and transported it up from a digicam to a high-end DSLR - the day has finally arrived!

What I can’t understand is how Canon overlooked the audio for the 5DmkII - my little S5IS has built in stereo mics that record in CD quality 44.1 kbs, and while some argue that those little built-in mics on either side of the barrel don’t make it true stereo, they certainly do capture the sound stage accurately, i.e., you can hear the sound moving from the left speaker over to the right speaker if you say, take a video of something making noise moving accross your frame.

I’ve read that the 5DmkII will allow for an external stereo mic to be plugged in, but what about those times when you have your camera with you and hadn’t planned for a full video shoot and left the exteral stereo mic at home or back in the car? I can’t believe the built-in stereo mics on the S5IS didn’t transition over to the 5DmkII!

And speaking of photo journalism, my S5IS will allow me to record audio only without turning on the sensor or video display, i.e., it can be used as an audio only recording device. I know that PJ’s can sometime get themselves into situations where they’re told they have to put the camera’s away, so I hope Canon has ported over the audio-only option as well — if a PJ can’t take pictures, he could always put the camera in audio-only mode and stick it on top of his bag or in a big PJ vest pocket and record the audio of the situation and then edit it back in with the stills and/or video later during post production.

Just my thoughts that Canon grew up all of the video capabilites to HD and on a full-size sensor, but didn’t go all the way with the audio — I hope I’m wrong — Canon if you’re listening, bring over the built-in stereo mics!

It’s also funny that years ago when I first go into this audio/stills way of recording events with a Canon S3IS, I predicted that someday they’d migrate this workflow to their DSLR’s and most people I told this to laughed saying that they would never do that because the folks that own the high-end DSLR’s are only concerned about stills IQ, and then they’d go on to say that if people in that league wanted to shoot video, they’d use a dedicated HD video camera and leave their DSLR for the stills — well, times are changing and I think it’s a good thing!

Comment by jimmy ferrara 09.21.08 @ 4:13 pm

what about audio inputs? levels? etc? are you going to have to record on a DAT to get pro audio? it may be great for low light and smaller projects, but i can’t see this competing with RED 1 (4K) or RED epic (5K). nevertheless, the playing field is leveling for us broke a$$ filmmakers (making coppola’s quote more a reality than ever)

Comment by Paul 09.21.08 @ 4:21 pm

weather sealing is present on the mark II. Canon quotes 10mm in 3 minutes (200mm in an hour). This is from wikipedia:

* Very light rain — when the precipitation rate is 50.0 mm/hour

Basically it can survive extreme rain, when paired with a weather sealed lens.

If you’re wondering, 1D series is quoted able to survive 10 inches/hour (or 254mm/hour). This is just a little better than the 5D mark II.

Comment by Chiew 09.21.08 @ 4:23 pm

Looks like it didn’t post everything I wrote, so here:
* Extreme rain — when the precipitation rate is > 50.0 mm/hour

Comment by Chiew 09.21.08 @ 4:23 pm

Hey Vincent, after keeping track of your Olympic coverage, I was sooo thankful for the incredible photos and great perspective. I’m always wondering about the backend of such things and it was so cool to see that shared. So thank you!

And now coming across this…well, thank you again! I really hope Canon hosts something like this. Maybe even a site like Engadget would go crazy at the chance of exclusively hosting this. Good luck!

Comment by Nathan 09.21.08 @ 4:24 pm

Hmmmm somehow it didn’t quote me right. This is fully corrected, from wikipedia:
* Very light rain — when the precipitation rate is 50.0 mm/hour

Comment by Chiew 09.21.08 @ 4:24 pm

Wow, frustrating!
Very light rain is when the precipitation rate is less than 0.25 mm/hour. Extreme rain is when the precipitation is more than 50mm/hour. Since the mark II can survive 200mm/hour, then it can survive more than extreme rain.

Comment by Chiew 09.21.08 @ 4:25 pm

Mr. Laforet,
The best way to share-out the video is to bittorrent it. It will receive wide distribution at a small fraction of the bandwidth that would be required to host the video. Better yet, you control the bandwidth rate so now worries about overloading your host. The most popular hosting site is probably The Pirate Bay, but there are strictly legal sites here: http://www.azureuswiki.com/index.php/Legal_torrent_sites

(I am not the first to suggest bittorrent.)

Comment by Icester 09.21.08 @ 4:31 pm

As a follow up to my last post,
the size of the video doesn’t matter. I would suggest bittorrenting the 1/4 and the full size. I have seen plenty of 20+GB shares.

Comment by Icester 09.21.08 @ 4:33 pm

[...] en esta 5D MII y), y empiecen a fluir muestras como

Pingback by M2 Nueva Canon EOS 5D Mark II - P 09.21.08 @ 4:42 pm

Hmm…I am surprised a journalist “sounds” like a Canon-fanboy. I am not going to start here a brand-flame war but - host pix you are showing here of Brooklyn @ 3am - I won’t call them, lets say “tack sharp”…so - the camera makes useful stills @high-iso but it also looks like for a quite high price - strong noise reduction and making pix loosing sharpness. THE pix are good, very good - just get me right…just putting things back into perspective.

Comment by HHV 09.21.08 @ 4:48 pm

@HHV.

Those pics are screen grabs from the actual video (resized to 700) width, not actual still from the camera

@everybody else who wants Vincent to share the video via bittorent, you should read through the whole discussion or at least part of it. The people at Canon don’t want this video out as a raw footage/actual downloadable file, because it comes from a pre-production camera. That’s why it’s going to be a streaming video.

@Vincent

Thanks a bunch for going the extra mile and trying to get this video out (and for making this video too, of course). Can’t wait to see what it looks like, but from those screen grabs I would say it’s going to be sweet. Thanks again.

Szabi

Comment by Szabi 09.21.08 @ 4:55 pm

Having video capacity in stills camera is an old story. A lot of P&S have it, some in HD. How having this in 35mm full frame camera will revolutionize…yes, what? TV or film production?
Professional EFP-electronic field production- requires dedicated pro cameras. The ones with proper frame rates, resolutions and fields , Time Code, big HR viewfinder, XLR audio connections, shoulder mount capability, long lasting bateries,and many many other things. Any video professional will tell you that having a camera as crippled as 5D2 for video production is not their dream. The only interesting feature is the low light capabilty. But then what stops Canon from putting this capabilty on their proper video cameras? Another story is the moving pictures cameraman skills. How many photographers think in terms of “crossing the axis”, edit matches, shot sequence, zoom avoidance, camera movement, rhythm etc etc. In the worst case all 5D2s will produce bad looking amateur videos. You Tube is gonna broadcast them all?
This thread already shows the great ignorance of the filmic issues within the photographic community. Why on earth would you need great storage and bandwidth to show HD movies on the web? Apple Tunes store sells them by hundreds.
1 hour occupies something like several gigabytes at most. Nobody of sane mind will place raw (in the sense of unprocessed, acquisition quality) footage on the web! The 5D2 codec apparently records with 35 mbit/sec. Regular dv is 25 mbit/sec. But that’s acquisition quality. For distribution you must go down to several mbit/sec to make the whole experience palpable even to the most broadband armed, web savvy users.
I am sorry to disagree wwith most, but the marketing gimmick is not revolution.
Great low light capability-yes. Give it to me on the proper dedicated video camera, the one that will have cameraman faint of hand fatigue. Try to hold your 5D2 in front of your eyes for hours. You’ll learn a thing or two about “duck walk” to minimize shaking, about hand and back fatigue etc.

Comment by Piotr 09.21.08 @ 4:59 pm

What about the sound? Video is not just a motion picture! Stereo, mono, dolby ???

Comment by Elskins 09.21.08 @ 5:07 pm

Hi Vincent, I know a bit about your Apple SAN setup and I’m wondering how you see this changing with the introduction of video to your workflow. Just add more I suspect but nothing is ever that simple. How will you deal with archiving all this data.

Suffice to say that I would imagine your weekly data flow will increase significantly with this camera, am I correct?

I was looking forward to meeting you at the Minneapolis Institute of Art earlier this summer but your had medical situation and were unable to make it. Hope you can make it up here sometime soon!

-John

Comment by John Scherer 09.21.08 @ 5:13 pm

Please let me know when your Canon 5D2 footage is available. Amazing stills.

Comment by John Sandel 09.21.08 @ 5:15 pm

To Canon,

Host the video! I had already decided not to get the camera because people said the video would only work when the camera was still (couldn’t film while moving because it would “jelly”).

If thats not true, I want the camera… I’ve shot VERY fast sports and always used manual focus and just timed things, so not worried about that. Would love the low light performance and video of this camera.

Need… Canon…. Footage…
I could finally shoot a zombie movie! Or my dogs playing…

Comment by Josh Bowers 09.21.08 @ 5:19 pm

[...] Prized winning photographer Vincent Laforet reviewed Canon EOS 5D mark II at his blog. According to him, “The 5D MKII camera produces the best stills in low light that I’ve [...]

Pingback by Canon EOS 5D Mark II review and comparison with Nikon D700 : web500.us 09.21.08 @ 5:22 pm

The comment about DOF making the camera worthless as an eng or documentary camera is silly. To get more dof all you would need to do is stop the lens down. It seems to have pretty good high iso performance so smaller apertures would work quite well to get more dof. The issue is that small chip cameras cannot shoot with shallow dof.

Comment by David 09.21.08 @ 5:32 pm

this thing looks just incredible, it’s definitely on my wishlist

vincent, reading one of your posts made me think…have you considered asking Apple to put your video on iTunes? they deal with tons of bandwidth every day of course, and maybe if they got something going on with Canon, it would help them out too. afterall, it’s Apple formats and Apple software you used for everything

Comment by Alex 09.21.08 @ 5:40 pm

[...] some sample footage from the D90 (apparently shot by Chris Jarvis), and here’s some insufferable famous fellow on the 5D2. [...]

Pingback by hughstimson.org » Blog Archive » Digital Cameras with Video is the Next Big Thing? 09.21.08 @ 5:49 pm

[...] is now an obligation High iso opens up a wealth of new photographic situations………… Vincent Laforet’s Blog __________________ sorta new exhibition 08………………………………………….. [...]

Pingback by A new sensor that can be upgraded is now an obligation - Seite 7 - Leica User Forum 09.21.08 @ 5:50 pm

This is what I posted today on DPR.
I have read a number of post on DPR in opposition to adding video to DSLR’s. I for one
think it’s a great idea. I currently have the Canon 20D and looking to upgrade this
time around. I’m glad Canon added this option., I only wish it was on the 50D. Some
Say the video quality is not good, but it’s a start and will only get better as time goes on.
I have shot weddings and special events and made DVD slide shows for the clients.
If I had the ability to add some video clips to the show all the better.
Of lately I take the Canon S3 with me because of the nice videos it takes and audio is
in stereo and very good except on windy days. IS and zoom work while taking videos and
auto focus keeps up with moving subjects. I use Pro Show Gold to combine stills and video
clips in the same show and then burn to DVD to play on a TV.
I put together a show for a friend’s 60th birthday party and everyone that saw it loved it.
I’m not sure why there are some that think it’s a gimmick because you can choose not to use it if
you don‘t like the idea, As far as I’m aware adding video will not take away manufactures
from improving image quality giving that is their primary goal after making money. :o)
I’m surprised it’s taken this long considering PS cameras had this ability for years.

Comment by Tom C 09.21.08 @ 5:57 pm

[...] Pour plus infos [...]

Pingback by Vincent Laforest et le Canon 5D mkII « Informations sur la photo 09.21.08 @ 6:08 pm

[...] 5D Mark II vs 1ds Mark III While you are joking movie mode… Vincent Laforet’s Blog __________________ __________________ Members don’t see this ad. Register your free [...]

Pingback by 5D Mark II vs 1ds Mark III - Page 2 - PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Community 09.21.08 @ 6:12 pm

What about mediastorm? http://www.mediastorm.org

Not sure exactly how they work, but would think this would be up their alley… I mean, if the new video feature is any good this is the place where some of it will end up.

Comment by Josh Bowers 09.21.08 @ 6:29 pm

Vincent–

Thanks for the great foreshadowing! I had wanted a camera like this for years, so I leapt at the Nikon D90 1 week ago–just a couple of DAYS before Canon’s announcement, and a couple of weeks after springing for a Nikon D700 too…. I can’t tell you how disappointed I am with the D90’s video. Even at 1280 x 720 HD, it is vastly INFERIOR to the 640 x 480 standard-def video from my Canon G9 point-and-shoot! Unbelievable!

What I’d like to know is: Have you seen the Nikon D90’s video, and if so, how does the 5D/II’s video compare?

Thanks,

–howard

Comment by hlritter 09.21.08 @ 6:32 pm

Vincent, Exciting reading… However, I’m a little bit confused… You say that the camera produces a video RAW format? I might have missed out something, but as far as I can tell the camera only produces MPEG 4 video files (H .264) of a bit rate of approx. 39 mbps. Please explain. Lars

Comment by Lars 09.21.08 @ 6:47 pm

There are plenty of options to upload the video:

rapidshare.com
megaupload.com

google => ‘file hosting’

Comment by Lowell 09.21.08 @ 7:00 pm

[...] Vincent LaForet has said it the best: “Something very interesting is coming…both to this blog and to our industry.” [...]

Pingback by The 5D Mark II | byJoeyBaker 09.21.08 @ 7:06 pm

Lars, I think he meant that the video is raw, ie, straight off the camera, rather than in a RAW format. The videos produced by the camera are in .MOV (Quicktime) format.

Comment by Miles 09.21.08 @ 7:19 pm

Anyone know if the out of the camera .mov files will cut ok with Adobe CS3?

Comment by Mark 09.21.08 @ 7:50 pm

[...] Laforet’s blog has some of his own thoughts and three more screencaps of the commercial. It produces the best [...]

Pingback by Cheap Computer Monitors » Blog Archive » Vincent Laforet spends a weekend with a pre-production Canon 5D Mark II; shoots a commercial and loves it 09.21.08 @ 8:13 pm

This is truly exciting but I’m only marginally excited for one big reason…I’m a Nikon user!! I have a D3 and a dozen pro Nikon lenses so I can’t just buy the Canon body and be on with it. I’d put the low light ability of the D3 up against any camera on the market right now, but the technology seems to have taken a quantum leap in the last year or so. So much so that I’m putting off buying a D700 as a backup body to see what comes out in the next year. I’ve got no problem with being a dual system user but buying a second arsenal of lenses would be a problem!Hey Nikon don’t let us down next time!

Comment by Sam Vert 09.21.08 @ 8:16 pm

There seem to some sort of misconception of bittorrent and/or streaming video here… I can download a streaming video. And you would resize the distributed video anyway, it’s not like we would get the raw data straight from the cam.

But thanks a lot for the teaser! Those stills look simply amazing, my mind is doing somersaults with ideas on what to do with this camera once I get my hands on it!

Comment by HighPie 09.21.08 @ 8:21 pm

Vincent, Thanks for the info/coments on the 5D2. Looking forward to your delivery of HD Video clips as mentioned. Curious about the AF function with the Mirror Up and the Auto-Expose/Image stabilization function, as the Video function is reported to be operating from the live-view mode… I’ve been testing SONY’s PMW-EX3 with the notion of slipping stills from the HD Video clip… Those interested can to http://www.416-1100.com to see some clips and stills grabbed therefrom..

JimW

Comment by JimWilson 09.21.08 @ 8:40 pm

This camera will certainly not replace hollywood’s favorite equipment…however it will change many filming aspects in various market segments.

1. Concerts and events will never be the same. This new camera will open me up to lenses I could never shoot with at live shows and still have low noise. It will also make for fascinating video of a live show that can be cut and added along to the rest of a performances video that is later overlayed with the the pro recording. Fisheye video from a stage looking up at a drum riser is awesome…and now video of it! This will make for some exciting live video.

2. Sports video. Do you know how much easier this will make shooting certain sports? HD video of surfing with a 5DmkII and a fisheye in waterproof housing will be amazing from “inside the barrel.” Or anywhere you can attach an SLR with a suction cup or small boom will make for new angles and clips not easily attained with other equipment. This is not to replace video equipment, but to add to what can be done. It opens up new doors.

I am also fascinated to shoot macro videos at 4:1 or see wildlife in HD with an ef 800mm with 2x.

This opens doors for film production. I see this definitely creating some exciting footage in the automotive tuner and amateur racing community. I can think of a million new ways to shoot video that I wouldn’t normally even consider with pro video equipment.

Many people will complain, many people won’t know what to do with this technology, and many won’t ever be satisfied with anything that ever comes out. I think this is a reflection of inner turbulence and not truly being aligned with the creative spirit. If you don’t need it, don’t use it. However, this is truly going to be an exciting camera for this people that create, and use their tools available to bring new ideas to life. There are plenty of people that don’t complain about features…they are too busy using whats available to do amazing things.

As for the 5D…Ive used one since they were new. I have never had an issue with shutter lag, nor focus.

jonny Reply:
April 12th, 2009 at 1:10 am

@Apostolis, you go buy your canon, at least you then have something in your life worth a dime.
Your comment reads like a review and you havent even had a look at the canon in real life let alone touched it.
You see, your problem is that creative spirit has to do with buying stuff.
On the contrary monsieur.
So your inner turbulence is yet to burst once you realize all you have is an expensive camera, but still no inspiration.

Comment by Apostolis 09.21.08 @ 8:50 pm

[...] Vincent Laforet’s Blog __________________ Andrew Scott, VK2TWO. Andrew Scott Photographics http://www.asphotos.com.au/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/asphotos/ 0411101021 [...]

Pingback by New Nikon D90 - Page 18 - MacTalk Forums 09.21.08 @ 8:53 pm

The pics are awesome. Canon, help get this video out there.

Comment by dave 09.21.08 @ 8:53 pm

Vincent, you’ve wrecked my sleep too. All I can think about is what a game changer this is and how I can’t stand the wait for mine.

So here’s a blog comment you don’t see every day: you’ve done such an amazing job in so short a time with so little budget, we’d love to see what you could do with more.

I work at SmugMug and we’re crazy about video and photography, so we’ll donate at least $25K towards your next film, maybe $50K. And we’ll provide awesome, fast hosting.

It’d be great if other companies/people stepped up to match us so you could do something stunning.

Who knows if it makes marketing sense, but I do know how exciting it’ll be.

Maybe this gets me an early one from Canon?!! At least it gets a bunch of us drooling on our keyboards as we live vicariously through you.

Chris MacAskill

Comment by Chris MacAskill 09.21.08 @ 8:55 pm

excellent review looking forward to the video thanks again

Comment by Gary George 09.21.08 @ 9:03 pm

I’m a little shocked that after 200+ comments, and despite the excitement, no one has taken Canon to task for big-footing their top of the line 1DsM3 (still relatively early in the product cycle) with a new camera that will cost 1/3 as much. Is weather sealing and 1/50th of a sec worth $5000? Or are you going to at least reveal that our “live view” functionality can be transitioned to video capture with free a firmware upgrade? Most likely Canon is just going to screw us career pro customers and move on…

Comment by John Loomis 09.21.08 @ 9:04 pm

[...] Posted by asphotos Vincent Laforet

Pingback by New Nikon D90 - Page 19 - MacTalk Forums 09.21.08 @ 9:05 pm

Vincent,
As a HD shooter and Still Photographer I certainly agree this camera is a game changer technically.
Two things need to happen to make it a true “universal” camera.
It needs to have access to 24P as well as 30P and it should have an optional EVF (possibly mounted on the hot shoe)
Also the tax laws need updating because the limitation on takes is a problem in many types of film making such as docs.
I was able to watch much of your footage and am impressed with it when you consider the limits of H.264 compression.
And yes, I ordered the 5D Mark II.
Congratulations,
Mark Forman

Comment by Mark Forman 09.21.08 @ 9:08 pm

[...] Laforet’s blog has some of his own thoughts and three more screencaps of the commercial. It produces the best [...]

Pingback by Vincent Laforet spends a weekend with a pre-production Canon 5D Mark II; shoots a commercial and loves it | CHARGED's 24/7 News Aggregator 09.21.08 @ 9:22 pm

Hi Vincent, can´t wait for the video to go online!

This is just incredible Work!

From the two untouched FullHD-Canon MOV-samples i got the impression that the dynamic is simply incredible - but the in-camera downsizing would not offer the level of detail, you´d expect from a 21MP-Pic scaled to 2MP in Photoshop…

8 MP-Pics (and above) get an incredibly per-pixel-sharpness when downsized to 50% using decent software.
But the Canon-samples (Bird on Tree, Cars on Road) may not show the potential of the Video-Mode!

What did you get to see in terms of Detail?

Regards, Andreas

Comment by grooveminister 09.21.08 @ 9:23 pm

I wish people would read the comments before throwing out the same suggestions for hosting the video. The point to take here is Vincent cannot do anything until he receives authorization from Canon to do so. I am sure he has presented them all the options and once they decide what they would like to do we’ll have the video. So enough with the bittorrent, vimeo, etc… be patient!

John Loomis: I’m sure we will be seeing an $8,000 Canon 1ds Mark IV with the same 1080p video, sensor technology and higher pixel count. Heck, it might even be where you find the 24p and seamless (12+ minute) recording clips/times.

and for Chris/SmugMug/et al: as a new member of smugmug, I must say I am thrilled to see you here making the generous offers for the photographic community that you are. Cheers.

Comment by Seth Patterson 09.21.08 @ 9:27 pm

Great shots! I’m interested on a couple of things concerning the video. How does it handle panning, did you encounter any strobing? And are you able to zoom in/out whilst shooting video? Thanks.

Comment by Tate Mario Ghazi 09.21.08 @ 9:28 pm

Great post. I can’t wait to see the video also. I was really considering a d90 but Canon came through!

Comment by Roby Davis 09.21.08 @ 9:31 pm

Have waited a long time to see a 1080p (at least) video capable dSLR that also had Canon’s ‘ExpSim’ capable LiveView… being allowed to control exposure fully in Manual and SEE it in realtime is a boon to videographer hopefuls (without resorting to more expensive ‘pro’ cameras), yet offer the dedicated features of a serious still dSLR…
however, just as many videographers have already been used to some form of flexible viewfinder or monitor screen, i’d hope Canon offers a serious hi-res vari-angle ’swivel’ screen as a Canon accessory. That, then Canon’s own family of ExpSim Live View dSLRs can benefit from the same flexibility their own Prosumer Powershot G/Pro’s clients have enjoyed in the last few years.
Now, I’d be HAPPY to get into Canon dSLR lenses! And being a non-pro myself, the 5DMkII is the affordable solution to my photographic/videographic dreams!

Comment by SDYue 09.21.08 @ 9:32 pm

CMOS sensor=rolling shutter

(no thanks)

Comment by Chris Santucci 09.21.08 @ 9:47 pm

PLEASE POST THE VIDEO I CANT WAIT or send it to me
thanks a lot

Comment by john 09.21.08 @ 9:53 pm

“CMOS sensor=rolling shutter”

Someone already asked and Vincent already stated there is no rolling shutter/jello effect unlike the D90.

Comment by citidon 09.21.08 @ 9:55 pm

[...] was just reading this post, it’s about a new nice Cannon which is about to be released which ill give you very very nice [...]

Pingback by Here comes me 2.0 09.21.08 @ 10:02 pm

I still use film.
hey mr Laforet chek out my blog http://www.framedblog.com and my teaser here http://www.framedvideo.com

thank you!
the chef

Comment by the chef 09.21.08 @ 10:03 pm

Changing the rules of the game!…

From Vincent Laforet’s Blog entry on the 5D Mark II… Looks like I might have to pre-order one to get it!

I had it in my hands for less than 72 hours before I had to send it back - but the time I did have with a prototype of the Canon EOS 5D …

Trackback by Don't Panik!!! - Eugene's Delicious Blog 09.21.08 @ 10:11 pm

Amazing! I use two of the 1D MKIII and am considering getting one of those just for those benefits, ISO, Wide.
Beautiful work by the way!

Comment by Moshe Zusman 09.21.08 @ 10:16 pm

what about the AF?? Is it improved compared to the good ‘ol 5d or what?

Why did they do 30fps instead of 24?

Comment by Alfonso Bresciani 09.21.08 @ 10:18 pm

Amazing images. So, the big question, how does the 5DII’s IQ compare with the D700? I assume you’ve used it…?

Thanks.

Comment by JackM 09.21.08 @ 10:22 pm

I own the 1ds Mark II and on the release of the stats on this camera I was surprised firstly on the mega pixel size and then on the HD video ability.

I shoot panoramic landscapes on both slide and digital and I have thought of the 1ds Mark III but there is a big difference in pricing between the Mark III and the 5D Mark II. If I had bought a Mark III and saw the MP range of the new 5D I would have been “pissed”.

I have also thought of getting the XH-A1 to shoot video on the locations I visit in Australia and the new video component is an excellent addition. I will look forward in the coming months to see some of the video everyday photographers have captured with the camera.

Comment by Matt Lauder 09.21.08 @ 10:27 pm

>Vincent already stated there is no rolling shutter/jello effect unlike the D90.

Look at the last 10 frames of Canon’s long-lens road footage here (I found this from the http://www.dpreview.com site. It is a 1920×1080, 30p, 200 MB H.264 Quicktime file)
http://s3.amazonaws.com/movies.dpreview.com/CanonEOS5DMarkII/MVI_5500.MOV

The camera is nominally locked down for the full take, and heat shimmer disguises any artifacts for the most part. However, at the very end, the image shifts slightly sideways. This is in the last ten frames of the clip, I presume as someone presses the “off” button. During that shift, you see the effect of skew (rolling shutter), especially in the vertical tree trunks on the left.

I think it will take a lot more footage to really get a feel for how it looks with different subjects, different types of motion, fast pans, etc.

Comment by John Beale 09.21.08 @ 10:50 pm

This video shows a squirrel and at times it moves very quickly. The result looks ok but there is some ’smearing’ which doesn’t look like motion blur visible. This could be from the resizing or secondary compression though, I’m no expert but I haven’t seen this particular vid posted around much, maybe because there are no controls.

http://www.canon-ci.co.kr/product/smov/pop02.html

Comment by Miles 09.21.08 @ 11:02 pm

just a heads up, your screenshots are already floating around on the internet. http://gizmodo.com is already hosting your awsome images on their site.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/screencap3.jpg
http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/09/screencap1.jpg

Comment by Stephen 09.21.08 @ 11:08 pm

I think your making a huge assumption stating that its better then many $100k+ video cameras. First I’d like to see you shoot a whole day with a Still camera and produce nice and steady footage and I’d love to see some samples before saying there wasn’t any rolling shutter effect, I don’t think they would have spent massive development on that part of the camera to produce non rolling shutter CMOS when even expensive Video cameras haven’t been able to over come this issue 100%

Comment by Pete 09.21.08 @ 11:09 pm

I would suggest releasing the whole thing 1080p. And how you can do it without hardly any bandwidth is through bittorrent, like a lot of people are already suggesting. You can basically upload it once, and hundreds of people with unused bandwidth will do the uploading for you. It would be a shame to have to see any kind of a dumbed-down version.

Comment by Michael McDonald 09.21.08 @ 11:13 pm

[...] the excitement here. Topical [...]

Pingback by » Canon 5DMkII debuts with 1080p pro video - John Andrews - johnon.com 09.21.08 @ 11:16 pm

AMAZING!!!

Comment by Bahram 09.21.08 @ 11:29 pm

Stephen, Gizmodo say they have Laforet’s permission to post the images.

Comment by Miles 09.21.08 @ 11:46 pm

do you know if the microphone will be usable as a note-taker for EXIF tags? i’ve heard that some cameras will allow you to take brief audio notes, for example about weather conditions, to tag your photos with

Comment by Alex 09.22.08 @ 12:14 am

[...] first impressions …BTW: regarding EOS 5DII’s Movie Mode: I think you all should see and read this… …

Pingback by Canon EOS 5D Mark II: hands-on first impressions - Page 2 - PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Community 09.22.08 @ 12:27 am

Can not wait to check out the video!

HMK

Comment by H. Michael Karshis 09.22.08 @ 12:38 am

Thanks for the great read and the great pics… I can´t wait to get one…

Comment by Juan Jose Gutierrez 09.22.08 @ 12:43 am

[...] reviews aren’t even out yet. I’d wait until first impressions… Maybe like this one?: http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/…-our-industry/ __________________ http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctwenty…7603333918229/ (My Photos on [...]

Pingback by Canon 5D MkII - MY350Z.COM Forums 09.22.08 @ 12:51 am

[...] Visit his blog for same images and an ongoing discussion. Tags: 5D mark II, vincent laforet This entry was posted on Monday, September 22nd, 2008 at 12:59 am and is filed under canon, new product. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. [...]

Pingback by Vincent Laforet and the 5D Mark II | Photo Confidential 09.22.08 @ 12:59 am

It’s very beautiful pictures and I hope the video be the same.
and one thing more:… and that’s with the video that is downsized to 960 x 540 (which is 1/4 of 1080p!)

the “960×540″ is 1/2 of the “1920×1080″ not 1/4

Comment by SM.Shahrokni 09.22.08 @ 1:02 am

[...] 72 hours with Canon’s not quite production ready EOS 5D MKII and how he got the opportunity to blog about it! It is, to say the least, quite a [...]

Pingback by Iklangadget.com - Information about Gadget » Blog Archive » Vincent Laforet Spends A Weekend With Canon’s EOS 5D Mark II And Still Hasn’t Caught His Breath 09.22.08 @ 1:11 am

[...] hours with Canon’s not quite production ready EOS 5D MKII and how he got the opportunity to blog about it! It is, to say the least, quite a camera. “1. The 5D MKII camera produces the best stills in [...]

Pingback by Vincent Laforet Spends A Weekend With Canon's EOS 5D Mark II And Still Hasn't Caught His Breath » Developages - Development and Technology Blog 09.22.08 @ 1:20 am

Thanks Vincent.It did really encouraged me to try the route of shooting video clips in way you did.
I am very eagerly waiting to see the film.

Comment by Pawel Libera 09.22.08 @ 1:28 am

Bittorrent for teh win.

Comment by Nick 09.22.08 @ 1:38 am

@SM.Shahrokni “the “960×540″ is 1/2 of the “1920×1080″ not 1/4″

960 x 540 = 518,400
1920 x 1080 = 2,073,600

It’s 1/4, not 1/2.

SM.Shahrokni Reply:
October 10th, 2008 at 8:53 pm

Hi again,

Here is the Math:

1920/2= 960
1080/2= 540

so 960×540 is half a size of 1920×1080

am I wrong?

Best Regards

Mathieu BAŸ Reply:
October 11th, 2008 at 6:45 am

960 x 540 = 518,400 pixels
1920 x 1080 = 2,073,600 pixels

2,073,600 / 518,400 = 4

960 x 540 = 1/4 (1920 x 1080)

You can put 4 rectangles 960×540 in a single rectangle 1920×1080, so it is a quarter of its size.

Comment by Ryan 09.22.08 @ 1:46 am

Apple H.264 format from the full resolution 1080p RAW footage… the RAW footage that comes out of this camera is STUNNING - so much so that the entire video was cut with the RAW footage - untouched… in any way - no color, noise or exposure adjustment whatsoever…

How is the compression?
Did you tried editing the ‘RAW’ footage, because it is already H264 compressed. Is it possible to
make (color/noise/exposure) adjustments to it and still keep the ‘STUNNING’ quality?

Comment by Rico 09.22.08 @ 1:56 am

[...] vincent laforet aboout eos 5d mark2 [...]

Pingback by ambientdefocus weblog » Blog Archive » http:// 09.22.08 @ 2:04 am

DOes the camera autofocus in the video HD mode?

Comment by bruce silverstein 09.22.08 @ 2:06 am

GOOD!!!!

Comment by wujiyingxiang 09.22.08 @ 2:41 am

Hi Vincent,

The Coppola’s words abou the future (from the Hearts of Darkness doc)

http://br.youtube.com/watch?v=zui4s0aLpr4

I bet some ”not so Indy film maker” will shoot a whole movie with a 5d II soon, like the Cohen Bros or Michael Mann, actually a serious amateur.

Not a totally new thing to the industry, Canon 1D MkII cameras already were used to ‘’shoot” a film: Corpse Bride, a stop motion feature done with Canon bodies and Nikon lenses.

- Ain’t internet a fantastic thing?

Comment by Andre Arruda 09.22.08 @ 2:44 am

Really anxious to watch you film!
Such amazing light feeling!
Great work!

Comment by gabrie 09.22.08 @ 2:45 am

FANTASTIC!!!

Comment by Fernando Rimoldi 09.22.08 @ 2:54 am

Hey everyone - just got back from Yankee stadium… long day. Here are some answers:

Roger - no heating problems at all - no sensor issues w/ shooting video for 14 hours straight…

“Curious” - not sure if we’re on the same page - or opposite sides of it… understand that dealing with raw footage is a delicate issue - your patience will be rewarded… I would like to get one with my life as well… and will be able to do so very very soon… understand that my life has been on hold waiting for this video to come out… cheers -v

Philippe - highlights are pretty amazingly handled.. better than I’ve seen w/ other camera prior to this… I shot using the screen - the mirror is up during video shooting so you can’t look through the camera…. you use live view at 10X anywhere on the frame for critical focusing

Mr Nea - you can shoot at f22 if you want… and then it’ll look like all of the consumer video you see out there… so to me shooting at f2 is a Godsend…

Avi - to be honest - it was “point an shoot” could not have been easier… sure a bigger heavier camera has it’s obvious advantages in terms of stability etc… that will never go away… but different tools have different strengths… this one is so small and lightweight that it allows you to work very very quickly - and handheld - whereas I hate working handheld w/ camcorders… that being said - when you zoom or focus the lens you have to be steady - focusing is not really an issue - but zooming is not as easy as with a camcorder - hopes this helps. you simply hold the camera as it it were a still camera…

Landon - yes - you just need to stop the video and hit record - you’ll have a 1-2 second break in the video…it’s incredibly easy - and to be honest we never ran into that… who shoots 12 minute clips unless you’re doing a boring press conference of time lapse??? I’m sure some do - but for most this will not be an issue at all.

xxx - oui c’est un bijou - une vrai merveille…

Paul - yes - I think you can use the stereo input - but any “pro” use will require an external audio recording device - having continuous audio will give you MUCH greater control in terms of editing a piece - and splicing in stills and different shots.. and keep the audio rolling on a lav etc… that’s the way I would go (and will.)

Nathan - I just got word that Canon will host it… it’s now just a matter of time… you’ll see this video very shortly…

lcester - no need for any comments on hosting - we’ve got it figured out - all looks good and we have a backup plan as well… expect to see the video soon… this has been an agonizing wait for everyone (me included.) and definitely not intentional…

HHV - these are not still shots - these are frame grabs… pretty nice for frame grabs eh? And what you’re seeing is 700 pixels wide - the original is 1920 pixels wide… at 30 fps…

Sazbi -thanks.

Elskins - stereo mic input (mini)

John - thanks - survived my first surgery well - sorry I didn’t make it… I will need to buy another RAID… and am looking into Blu-Ray etc…

howard - I haven’t seen the footage side by side… but I must admit that I was far from impressed with the initial footage I saw form the D90…. and this was before I knew about the 5D MKII…. images looked muddy/blurry w/ the motion… but until I see raw footage side by side - I will reserve judgement… always remember: on most sites you are seeing compressed footage - and it’s not fair to judge it that way…

Lars - not he video produces a quicktime mov file… the images you are seeing (actually frame grabs) are of the Raw footage - i.e. not color corrected in any way.

Chris… whoa..ok time to start another comment thread..

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.22.08 @ 2:57 am

Send me an e-mail when the video is up. Or videos. I’m very intrigued.

Comment by Marshal 09.22.08 @ 2:57 am

Chris - that’s an absolutely fantastic offer! Not sure what to say as I’ve been up since 9 a.m. and it’s now 3 a.m. the following day (morning…)

Wow… ok. So I guess we’re going to do another one…

If this isn’t proof of how much of a game-changer this camera is - that someone can produce a film over one weekend - post “frame grabs” of the video on the blog - and have someone offer to help fund a future production…well - I don’t know what is…

Shoot - now I’m not sleeping tonight… ok….

Chris - would you be interested in hosting the behind the scenes footage? We’ve been working on that all day… let me know. E-mail to come.

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.22.08 @ 3:00 am

The image of that woman on the tracks is amazing. Until I figured that this will make at most about 20×15cm photo on 250ppi (1080p res).

I think the HD movie is a waste of resource on the camera. I take it in case of the Nikon D90, because that’s a consumer model (aps-c on top). But the Canon lacks on AF performance which could have been improved instead of the movie feature.

However the rest looks like a very solid camera.

Comment by haplo602 09.22.08 @ 3:07 am

Andreas… the detail is incredible.

Tate- you can zoom in and out… but depending on the lens it’s not always as smooth as electronic zoom on video… some gear / mounts will have to be made to make this better (such as the rings used to mount underwater housing tubes to lenses… to zoom and focus them…)

Stephen - Giz did ask for permission - I appreciate the heads up though…

Pete - I didn’t make the statement… a professional commerical editor did to me…. but he and I are referring to the quality of the color, tones and low light performance… I’m not 100% convinced of the “non rolling shutter” remember: I’m new to this world - what I said was: I didn’t notice a problem at all… perhaps keener eyes will point it out to me when the video is released… it’s just not something I notice… this is my first short film …

Alex- no don’t know…good idea… Canon is reading…

Bruce - yes the camera can focus in live view - but not during the shooting - I’m pretty sure on that -but not a 100%… remember: no manual was given to me….

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.22.08 @ 3:08 am

Did you experience any “shutter rollover”(jello looking skewing on vertical objects) with the 5dii video while quickly panning and/or large handheld camera shake like seen on the D90 (and supposedly all CMOS sensored video camcorders)?

Also, do you need an assistant? I am new to nyc and looking for work

Comment by Edgar 09.22.08 @ 3:13 am

Just wanted to let you know that I caught up on e-mail - and that you will see the video shortly. Very shortly. I will make an announcement once I get a definite time - or actually - I will make the announcement Live so that everyone doesn’t “plan” on hitting the site at the same time… you should subscribe via RSS to get the announcement right away…

Also - the response to this has been unbelievable… 120,631 have visited this blog in just a little over 24 hours… almost 36 hours to be exact… 98,611 people visited from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday… Canon has noticed… and is speeding everything up to get the video out ASAP and ensure that it doesn’t crash within minutes of going live because everyone is hitting it all at once… in fact I know the exact “planned” launch time and am withholding that for now on purpose - so that everyone doesn’t hit the site on queue… and because not all of the “I”s have been dotted… announcement to come shortly… at least now you know the end is in site… Goodnight!

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.22.08 @ 3:29 am

The biggest limitation of the 5DmIIs video, regardless of image quality is the lack of 24P capability. Till then you will not see a DSLR making mainstream commercials or movies. Both the D90 and 5DmII are making waves over at the site I moderate, reduser.net Jim Jannard (Red’s founder) has already announced a hybrid still/digital cinema camera. Vincent, my question for you is about compression. Mpeg4 is a highly compressed and color sub-sampled format. It may look very good off the camera but how well does it handle post manipulation? Which is a part of just about every film production.
Interesting times for sure.

Comment by Evin Grant 09.22.08 @ 3:32 am

Hello Mr. Vincent!

It’s really cool you went to the last game in the old stadium!

Your post and stills seem to have caused quite the feeding frenzy!

Which brings us to the subject at hand.

When do we get the Footage??? !!!!

Keep up the great work!

Comment by Estebe Verde 09.22.08 @ 3:33 am

Is it possible to connect EOS 5D MKII to computer (using HDMI or firewire) and grab video in realtime?

Every semipro HD video camera has has SDI or composit ouput so that you can connect it to computer. Then you can grab and stream video in realtime or store video directly on harddrive.

george

Comment by george 09.22.08 @ 3:41 am

Hi, thanks for the article.. I don’t know it has already been discussed, but I wonder if you can change aperture “while” recording. As canon lenses has no aperture ring, I don’t think you can, but still, it is a revolution right? Thanks.

Comment by Melih Ozbek 09.22.08 @ 3:49 am

[...] the most interesting post about it has come from Vince Laforet. he not only got his hands on it, but he managed to make something with it. you can read his post [...]

Pingback by 5d mkII at pictures to prove it™ 09.22.08 @ 4:06 am

Vincent,
Is there a direct relation now of shutter life in the 5dmk2 given the video features? What are now the figures in shutter life unit of measurements? or how long will a video log be before it dies on you?
Derick , Manila Philippines

Comment by Derick 09.22.08 @ 4:10 am

[...] a link to an article on the 5D II. Not sure what to think of it though. He sort of works for [...]

Pingback by Wens’ blog » Blog Archive » Canon 5D Mark II 09.22.08 @ 4:11 am

Great photos, thanks!
Bruno

Comment by Bruno 09.22.08 @ 4:11 am

Vincent,

Wow, Super Thanks for all the info. I use my 5D for work and occasionally for family parties. I was on the fence debating the upgrade… I didn’t… well, couldn’t justify the expense….

Until I compared it to my iphone. I used to carry a phone, an ipod, a camera, a pda and then the iphone came on the scene. My friends thought I was crazy to spend $600 bucks for a phone. At that point I hadn’t shared that I was also breaking my contract on 2 lines…

To make this long story short I’ve never regretted it and when I buy my 5DMKII, I will with the confidence that for the next family party I can leave my video camera at home, which also means I don’t have to beg my cousin’s husband to help and feel indebted to him… Oh and I’ll probably actually finish more little video projects since the work-flow will be lighter. Good buy real-time digitizing.

Not looking forward to the pre-order backlog YUCK!

Comment by Raul 09.22.08 @ 4:20 am

[...] ben over de aanschaf van deze camera. Mede door de multifunctionaliteit van dit stukje hardware. 5D artistieke impressie door Vincent Laforet EOS-5D Preview op DPReview.com EOS-5D Samples Gallery op [...]

Pingback by Gadgetwatch: Canon EOS-5D mk2 | Kees Romkes 09.22.08 @ 4:22 am

Great Performance!

Comment by Xue XiaoSong 09.22.08 @ 4:37 am

Derick, the video feature of the camera should have little significant impact on the cameras shutter life.

When shooting video, as with live-view, the shutter is locked into an open state. So really going to and from video mode should have the same wear on the shutter as say a single long-exposure might.

Comment by Seth Patterson 09.22.08 @ 4:40 am

I wish the next generation cameras allow easier shooting of HDR images.

Thanks for the updates. Waiting for the movie…

Comment by Nature photography 09.22.08 @ 4:43 am

No words…. should’ve sent poet

I can’t express how excited I am about this camera.

Comment by Ben Guthrie 09.22.08 @ 5:07 am

Hi Vincent,

You don’t know me from a bar of soap - but I can offer 5TB of traffic towards this. Plain HTTP, direct link from your site - no advertising by me.

Disclaimer: It is shared hosting, and may very well crash if there’s a few thousand accessing it all at once.

It’s not a huge amount given the level of interest, but it might go some of the way to easing the load off if you can get a bunch of mirrors.

Alternatively, you can use Bittorrent to distribute this - it’s a proven technology for distributing high traffic content. It will take a bit of preparation to do it though.

Give me a shout if you’re interested, my email is in the comment info.

Cheers,
- Will.

Comment by Will Hughes 09.22.08 @ 5:17 am

[...] Here is the link Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]

Pingback by Amazing Movie Mode of Canon 5dII is a Game Changer | Darrell Nece 09.22.08 @ 5:26 am

I was also very very impressed with the video…

Were you able to “open” the raw file format yet…in PS?

Cant wait for stock to arrive… Now all I have to do is find a buyer for my kidney :}}

Comment by ScubaSteve 09.22.08 @ 5:45 am

I have been waiting for this camera for ages…
Love my original 5D… have no complain whatsoever except for its price depreciation. Can’t believe it the MKII will be released with a cheaper price than the original (got my 5D for US$3300 3yrs ago), specially when the upgrade and changes are quite substantial.
This is the first time happening in Canon’s upgrade lines.
I guess, I’m falling in love again!

Comment by Bam Tandjung 09.22.08 @ 5:58 am

I can not wait to see the video just like everyone. I won’t take much time as you already have to moderate a lot here.. anyways my advise on hosting: Rapidshare. http://www.rapidshare.com
Its the best and fastest way to share. You don’t have much to do. Just split or zip them in files 200 MB and host them. Rapidshare will take care of the rest. Whats more you earn points on each MB downloaded..

Cheers J

Comment by Jai 09.22.08 @ 6:11 am

No vari-angle LCD on the EOS 5D Mark II, Why? I love the qualitly of the immages, but why did Canon not add a vari-angle LCD?

Looking forward to seeing the video!

Comment by Kip 09.22.08 @ 6:12 am

[...] Vincent Laforet ostro jara się trybem video w nowej piątce. Widząc to co nią robi, w ogóle mu się nie dziwie. [...]

Pingback by rozkmina » Blog Archive » HD 1080p a 5D mkII 09.22.08 @ 6:31 am

just ordered it…my canon camcorder is on ebay right now

Comment by hangon 09.22.08 @ 6:36 am

I wonder why I bought a 3 times more expansive camera (1DS M3) that is doing less…Hope Canon is ready to answer…

Comment by Gunther 09.22.08 @ 7:00 am

Vincent, if I had any doubt about buying a 5DMKII is now over seems you manage to steal some oohhh! from your colleage Chase Jarvis, can’t wait to see the video.

Comment by Alvaro 09.22.08 @ 7:05 am

Hope we can see your film at the Photokina in Cologne on big screens

Comment by Greg 09.22.08 @ 7:13 am

Hi - Thanks! One question - How much better is the Mk II over the original for RAW stills work?

Comment by Norm 09.22.08 @ 7:21 am

And the Oscar goes to:

Vincent Laforet - Best Director.

Shot with Canon 5D mkV.

Comment by Mark Pakula 09.22.08 @ 7:33 am

Chris - would you be interested in hosting the behind the scenes footage? We’ve been working on that all day… let me know. E-mail to come.

Hey Vincent, of course SmugMug’ll host your behind the scenes footage! I built a site for you, check your email and you can have a look. It’s not public yet but “stay tuned!!!!”

Comment by Andy Williams 09.22.08 @ 7:33 am

Hi,

I have a feeling the big moment is near You know if the film, will be screened at the Photokina ?, That would be really coool.

Comment by Peter Fauland 09.22.08 @ 7:33 am

[...] and then ignore the problem, only to go on selling new stuff a year later, just head on over to Vincent Laforet’s blog where, in the 36 hours since announcing he got his hands on a 5D Mark II, he has amassed 350 [...]

Pingback by Calgary Photographer Dan Bannister | Commercial, industrial and oil and gas photogrpaher in Calgary Alberta | One Word Photography 09.22.08 @ 7:34 am

Gunther, I’d hope you bought an $8,000 camera because you knew the cost was justified by the ROI.

As much as we’d like to always be ahead of the times with our technology purchases, it will never happened. Realistically we buy what is available at said time to achieve our desired results.

Otherwise we find ourselves waiting in perpetuity, knowing something better will be ‘just around the corner.’

The Canon 1ds Mark III is a great camera capable of capturing stunning pictures and has been the tool of countless professional photographers for over a year now. But it is over a year old and its replacement is just around the corner, much as its little brother’s successor was just announced.

When you buy into technology so late in the game you can hardly be surprised that it is going to be surpassed in quality and/or features in short order. But hopefully, as stated earlier, you bought the camera not because you wanted the latest and greatest but because you needed a tool to accomplish your job and to that end I don’t see how there is anything to be disappointed with. The 1ds Mark III should be perfectly capable of doing what you required, or you wouldn’t have payed $8,000 on it in the first place.

If anything, you should be thrilled with the direction Canon is heading with the 5d Mark II. It means the Canon 1ds Mark IV will be that much more of a camera and hopefully will again justify the price difference.

Comment by Seth Patterson 09.22.08 @ 7:40 am

I’m quite sure Vimeo can handle this, that’s what these sites are for. Or how about a bitTorrent solution?

Comment by Jim 09.22.08 @ 7:53 am

[...] Винсент считает, что новые возможности камеры заставят в корне пересмотреть свою профессию. Впечатления Винсента от работы с камерой можно почитать в его блоге. [...]

Pingback by Лауреат Пулитцеровской премии впечатлен возможностями HD-видеосъемки Canon EOS 5D Mark II 09.22.08 @ 7:55 am

I’m a pro videographer, and just have two things to say to Canon:

Thank you!

and

24P PLEASEE

(or at least 25…. ) Anyway, I was waiting for such a camera since years, and I was shocked by the people complaining about the video feature. But happily Canon made the brave move, which usually lacks in this industry.

I do not know why there is no 24P 25P, maybe not to hurt the sale of other products, but a pro videographer ( film maker wannabe) can easily overcome the other shortages, this is the only one BIG issue regarding this camera.

I hope Canon is listening. Thanks!

Comment by Gergely Kovacs 09.22.08 @ 8:15 am

Hi Vincent.

Can the Canon DM 100 microphone be used on the 5D MKII via the hot shoe? I am new to this. Thanks.

Comment by Victor 09.22.08 @ 8:34 am

Yes, we certainly need 25P over here in Europe!

Comment by Timo 09.22.08 @ 8:39 am

I also have three things to say to Canon if they can put that in a next firmware:

>>> 24P & 25P PLEASE !

>>> And for the different video shutter speeds, a manual mode with various settings: from 1/24 to at least 1/1000 sec PLEASE.

>>>THANK YOU ! (I love my 5D, but I’m so glad that the Mark II is beyond my expectation)

Comment by Mathieu BAŸ 09.22.08 @ 9:01 am

[...] Laforet emailed me about this new Canon camera that supposedly shoots high quality video (his blog post here) because he thinks “It has the potential to change our industry.” My only thought was [...]

Pingback by A Photo Editor - What If Your Still Camera Also Shot Great Video? 09.22.08 @ 9:14 am

Thanks for the fantastic info. Very exciting. Do you have any idea if it supports higher frame rates than 30FPS (at lower res, of course)?

Thanks

Comment by Aaron Seymour 09.22.08 @ 9:14 am

What the heck is a SmugMug?

Comment by Russell Kaye 09.22.08 @ 9:16 am

Oh yesss 25p Please !!!

Comment by Benjamin 09.22.08 @ 9:16 am

[...] des premières personnes à avoir eu un Canon 5DmkII entre les mains a posté un message sur son blog. Il a l’air d’en avoir été très content. Le mien est en précommande, [...]

Pingback by Essai du Canon 5DmkII | Blog them all 09.22.08 @ 9:16 am

I echo the calls for Vimeo to be used - we need to see this video!

If the quality is as good as you say then this truly is a turning point.

I await the link…

Comment by Dan Dennison 09.22.08 @ 9:32 am

[...] http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/09/20/something-very-interesting-is-comingboth-to-this-blog-and-... [...]

Pingback by Canon redefines the future of photography 09.22.08 @ 9:33 am

[...] Many of us use the EOS 5D as a reliable work horse. When I heard the news about the Mark II version coming up, the key figures - like 21 Mega Pixel Full Frame, Digic 4 etc. - sounded interesting. The option to shoot movies did not make me jump. This was before I read Vincent Laforet’s view on it …. Check out his Blog. [...]

Pingback by Pre-Photokina News : EOS 5D Mark II « Fauland Photography’s Weblog 09.22.08 @ 9:36 am

Just an Inquiry on where people are pre ordering as my main shop at B&H said they wouldn’t accept a preorder. Calumet has only the body, but i would like to grab the kit lens (24-105) as thats one i don’t have yet.

Comment by Jake 09.22.08 @ 9:36 am

To all those complaining about this camera: quityerbitchin. Why would Canon put a 1D type autofocus system in a lower end camera? That devalues their high end system. Need 45 point AF? Buy a 1D/1Ds. Don’t need the video feature? Don’t use it. Jeeze. You all sound like a bunch of spoiled children who didn’t get everything they wanted for Christmas.

To those complaining about lack of 24P/25P: I expect that should be resolved shortly. If the hardware is capable of doing 30P, slowing it down it to run at 24P or 25P is just a firmware change. Since Vincent said he didn’t have the manual, it’s entirely possible that the prototype could have done it but he just didn’t know how to set it up.

Comment by Joe 09.22.08 @ 9:36 am

I didn’t read every comment, so maybe someone already posted similar numbers, but my back-of-the-enveloped calculations give a data rate of 180 MB/s* - which is just under 11 GB for a single minute of shooting. Can someone verify this is correct?

* 1080p is approximately 2 MP
2 MP * 3 bytes/px (color) * 30 fps = 180 MB/s * 1 minute = 10.8GB

Comment by evanz 09.22.08 @ 9:46 am

Vincent, you said above the 5D “downsamples” the full 21 MP down to 1080P. Can you clarify what you mean by this? Rather than down sampling, it would make more sense if the camera was actually doing something like 4×4 or 6×6 binning (i.e. effectively increasing sensitivity several-fold). The term “downsampling” suggests that pixels are interpolated from their neighbors, which is not the same thing.

Comment by evanz 09.22.08 @ 9:50 am

“Just an Inquiry on where people are pre ordering as my main shop at B&H said they wouldn’t accept a preorder. Calumet has only the body, but i would like to grab the kit lens (24-105) as thats one i don’t have yet.”

Amazon, calamut, adorama, ritz… etc.

Adorama is still one of the few pre-ordering, most other sites have halted due to the high demand.

Comment by citidon 09.22.08 @ 9:52 am

Post it on vimeo.com as others suggested.
I use canon hv-20 and I’d give that up if this camera is better. I don;t like the MOV file output…
vimeo.com/kruzer

Comment by kruzer 09.22.08 @ 9:52 am

[...] [Read Vincent Laforet’s Blog] [...]

Pingback by More 5D Mark II Goodness 09.22.08 @ 9:53 am

Vincent,

I’m now drooling over this camera! Not good for the budget, but very good for my inner geek.

Question - How does the camera feel? I have really small hands and have had some problems with some of the larger models. My favourite for feel is still the Rebel XT.

And, most important… how was the ball game? Will we get to see pictures?

Comment by Alana 09.22.08 @ 9:55 am

The Canon 5d Mark II uses a H.264 codec, capturing a mpeg4 stream at a bandwidth of 40MB/s.

Canon’s current line of HD Camcorders, such as the Canon XL-H1, uses the HDV codec which only captures at 25MB/s.

Comment by Seth Patterson 09.22.08 @ 9:56 am

@evanz:
The data rate is 38.6 Mbits/sec which i think works out at about 4.8 MBytes/sec. Which is just as well as we’d need some BIG CF cards.

Comment by G4Media 09.22.08 @ 9:58 am

Canon - Another request for 24P & 25P!

Comment by Jonathan 09.22.08 @ 9:58 am

[...] Canon 5D Mark II [...]

Pingback by Photo Geek Alert « Living With Joy 09.22.08 @ 10:03 am

Vincent,
Many thanks. Looking forward to seeing this. My question is do you think the video mode would benefit from IS lenses? I have the 24-70 for still work but am wondering whether the IS on the 24-105 might be a boon for video (at which I am a total noob). If so I might consider getting the kit.

Comment by Andy Wilson 09.22.08 @ 10:04 am

Evanz,

H.264 is a heavily-compressed encodation method. See:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.264

Comment by Bruce 09.22.08 @ 10:05 am

[...] Screencaps from 5D MKII movie shoot. Stunning. [...]

Pingback by More DSLR Video; Canon 5D MKII | The Trunk | Photoshop Lab 09.22.08 @ 10:06 am

For those of you who are like me very concern by the details of the video compression, having analyzed one of the “RAW” samples (the one with the cars and the anisotroping effects in the air causing by the heat of the road) I can provide you the interesting following details:

- H.264 MP@L5 (Main Profile @ Level 5)
- One I-frame for each 15 P-frame. No B-frames
- .MOV container
- ~40 Mb/s
- 1920×1080p@30fps 8 Bit, pixel 1:1
- LPCM Stereo 2.0 16 Bit 44.100 KHz

But I don’t know if it is 4:2:0 or 4:2:2 video, I hope for 4:2:2 but I guess I ask too much

Comment by Mathieu BAŸ 09.22.08 @ 10:06 am

[...] head on to Vincent’s blog and read the whole thing, the camera is simply… [...]

Pingback by Canon 5D Mark II: Jelly? No thanks. « another dubious and somewhat humorously imperfect blog 09.22.08 @ 10:12 am

All is well and wonderful - now really cheesy still photographers will make really cheesy videos! At high definition!

Comment by Henry 09.22.08 @ 10:16 am

@Bruce

Thanks. You can understand my confusion. When I see the word “RAW”, I assume they are using it correctly.

Comment by evanz 09.22.08 @ 10:26 am

“and that’s with the video that is downsized to 960 x 540 (which is 1/4 of 1080p!) in the Apple H.264 format from the full resolution 1080p RAW footage… the RAW footage that comes out of this camera is STUNNING - so much so that the entire video was cut with the RAW footage - untouched…”

Is everyone so sure that the camera does not actually give RAW footage? It seems like Vincent is making a clear distinction here between the H.264 and the RAW footage.

Comment by evanz 09.22.08 @ 10:28 am

Blimey, I think we understand how torrents and Vimeo work by now! Vincent says its coming soon, so either read the thread or sit on your hands and control your excitement people!

I’m coming from the video side and I have to say that I think this is more exciting for us video guys than the photographers. Learning how to make great video is quite a change of mindset from creating the perfect moment. The problem with video has always been having a big enough sensor to combine with great glass. Couple this with spectacular low light performance, as soon as I’m convinced (hopefully by Vincent’s film!) that there are no jelly issues then it looks as if we’ve turned a big corner.

I agree with Henry about the cheese, but as Copolla said in the 70’s – Taking the means of production away from professionals into the hands of others will lead to some incredible art.

Can’t be a bad thing, this camera is going to produce some stunning work, no question.

Thanks to Vincent for having the foresight to accelerate this process…

Comment by Diz 09.22.08 @ 10:33 am

Vincent - It would be interesting to know how well the h.264 codec performs with multiple streams in the FCP timeline, I am apprehensive that FCP might not handle 2 streams playing simultaneously without rendering…

Comment by Diz 09.22.08 @ 10:36 am

[...] back at his site to see the video he shot. I’m really excited to see it when its available. Possibly related [...]

Pingback by Drool, Deep Breath, Drool… « Blog, I am your father 09.22.08 @ 10:37 am

Evanz,

See the specs:

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos5dmarkII/page2.asp

Comment by Bruce 09.22.08 @ 10:55 am

P.S. RAW = RED = rendering farm requirement.

Comment by Bruce 09.22.08 @ 10:57 am

Really want to see the video.]]
The hype is infectious.

Comment by skythra 09.22.08 @ 11:11 am

Just for the guys at Canon reading this:

25P!
Please!
I will buy it!

Comment by Martin 09.22.08 @ 11:14 am

SM.Shahrokni Make a drawing that is 1920×1080. Then, inside that rectangle, make a drawing that is 960×540. See how many of them you can fit inside. My guess is 4, making it 1/4 the resolution. However, to view what is 1920×1080 at 960×540 will not show imperfections well, as they will be 1/4 the size.

Comment by Larry Vaughn 09.22.08 @ 11:17 am

RAW refers to an unmodified data stream coming off the digital sensor. It is not compressed. H264 is very compressed. What people want to know is can you access the unmodified data stream from the digital sensor, then store it on a hard drive array for later processing, likely in a different format than H264, maybe an intermediate codec.

Obviously this camera presents new possibilities, and I’d expect more possibilities in future incarnations of the other Canon digital cameras. Frequently the innovations begin in the lower priced models and the better ones eventually end up it the better and more expensive models. Why don’t you Canon fellows take this or a similar full frame sensor and make a camcorder that uses the EOS lenses but has the other capabilities of the current XH and XL series camcorders. Then you could corner the market in the video and still camera fields.

Comment by Larry Vaughn 09.22.08 @ 11:25 am

My interpretation of Vincent’s use of the word “RAW” is not that he was editing a raw, uncompressed, data stream but rather in that he did not make any alterations to the H.264 1080p other than resizing it. Thus the footage is ‘raw’ in the sense that no color, saturation, etc correction was done to it, but it is still a H.264 compressed MPEG4 file from the camera.

Comment by Seth Patterson 09.22.08 @ 11:32 am

VINCENT:
If you don’t already have another hosting solution - how about making the video downloadable via bittorrent? It would solve the traffic problem entirely.. the cost being that not everyone knows how to use bittorrent, but you can probably write some simple instructions.

Comment by Nick C 09.22.08 @ 11:39 am

[...] Source and Read More: blog.vincentlaforet.com [...]

Pingback by Photo News Today » Blog Archive » Something Very Interesting is coming…both to this blog and to our industry 09.22.08 @ 11:40 am

I hope they make it possible to store uncompressed (Quicktime) video data, storing compressed flics is for compact home video cams. Firmware update please

Comment by Rico 09.22.08 @ 11:45 am

Ah I see hosting is taken care of, sorry for the redundant comment. Can’t wait for the video!!!!

Comment by Nick C 09.22.08 @ 11:52 am

[...] market segment a year from now became the issue. Recently released cameras like the Nikon D90 and Canon EOS-5D offer somewhat compromised but still quite usable movie modes that encroach on Scarlet’s turf [...]

Pingback by Call Box » RED blinks: Scarlet camera goes back to the drawing board 09.22.08 @ 11:54 am

Not sure if you need trucks and drivers to shoot with hi definition cameras right now. Or 16 or 35mm for that matter.

Comment by sam 09.22.08 @ 11:57 am

The Patent for 24P cinematography using a video camera is owned by a company in the Motion Picture industry called Filmlook.
They have been successful in licensing this patent to most of the manufacturers of video cameras that do 24P.
My guess is that the 5D Mark II will do 24P when this issue is resolved.
Mark Forman

Comment by mark forman 09.22.08 @ 12:12 pm

[...] Photographer Vincent Laforet got a hold of a preproduction copy of the 5D for a weekend. [...]

Pingback by portal.jelyon.com » Blog Archive » Like I needed to read THIS 09.22.08 @ 12:22 pm

I can host a copy of the video-file on my webpage. I have space and free traffic from the webhotel! Send me an e-mail if you want help! Now I will read your article.

Comment by Carl-Henrik 09.22.08 @ 12:27 pm

Vincent - thanks for sharing all of this.

Sorry if this has been asked already, but I need to check - is the 21MP sensor employed for the video or is this taken from the LiveView feed?

Comment by mike 09.22.08 @ 12:28 pm

Vincent,

Great excitement you have created here. Good work.

Is there any way you can provide a ETA for the release of the video? Today? Tomorrow? Before the end of the week?

Comment by Johnny Blood 09.22.08 @ 12:29 pm

[...] …and he thinks this is a game changer. It’s Vincent LaForet saying that, guys! The same who gave an inspiring presentation at B&H (one of my favorite of the series). And looking at those video stills, I don’t think he’s exaggerating one bit. [...]

Pingback by emonome | Vincent LaForet Reviews Canon EOS 5D MKII… 09.22.08 @ 12:30 pm

Thanks for the sharing. Oh man, i can’t wait to get my hand on it!!!

Comment by Jeff 09.22.08 @ 12:35 pm

Just curious….

I wonder if a firmware update could solve the whole ‘auto’ video mode. I personally would like to lock in an exposure and shoot full manual. I don’t want somebody walking in front of the camera throwing the exposure off. I want it locked down.

I also wonder if the 24/25p feature could be added with firmware???

I am curious, you said that the exposure on the still was equivalent to 1/15th of a second….how is that possible if the frame rate is 30fps? Couldn’t you only get 15 frames maximum???

Comment by BenjaminScot 09.22.08 @ 12:42 pm

[...] . Ansonsten: Bei Digital Photography Review gibt’s schon mal ein paar Vorabinfos. Und bei Vincent Laforet schlägt eine Begeisterung durch, die schon fast körperlich spürbar ist. Wie gesagt, ich bin [...]

Pingback by shaded … Canon EOS 5D-MkII 09.22.08 @ 12:46 pm

Mark Forman said: “My guess is that the 5D Mark II will do 24P when this issue is resolved.”

Really? How sure are you? Don’t tease me, man. I’m about to have a heart attack waiting for the footage.
If this baby can really do 24p, it is over. I mean, I’ll cancel my RED right now!

Comment by coboman 09.22.08 @ 12:52 pm

[...] estoy alucinando con las opiniones de los primeros que la han probado… eso sí, a 2.700€ la pieza, lo dejaremos para cuando pase la borrasca económica o me dedique a [...]

Pingback by briveira.com | Blog Archive | extraeremos las fotos de la boda del vídeo? 09.22.08 @ 1:00 pm

At first, I didn’t like the idea of having a video mode on a DSLR, but now that I’ve seen sample of stills grabbed from its video, I’m impressed and can’t wait to get myself this camera.

Thanks Vincent!

Comment by johnny 09.22.08 @ 1:00 pm

Seth, I’m aware of that too, but then Canon has RAW files which are as I described, so it’s confusing to some. These discussions do tend to get people excited, and the technical points will be covered over and over again by various websites before the camera’s actual public release. Hopefully some of the concerns here will be addressed before that happens or with a firmware update after the release. The best implementation would be to have every still photo option the camera is capable of available in the video mode, and then some, as discussed here.

Comment by Larry Vaughn 09.22.08 @ 1:01 pm

Larry, exactly the point I was trying to make. The word “RAW” has a very specific connotation in digital photography. I can only assume Vincent was so excited in writing his post, that maybe he overlooked the confusion his words may create. From the specs Bruce pointed to at dpreview, I’m pretty confident the 5D *does not* actually output uncompressed 1080p video. As I wrote in my first post, I would be surprised if the technology even exists right now to stream that amount of data so quickly to flash memory (e.g. 180 MB/s!). Hopefully, one day…

Comment by evanz 09.22.08 @ 1:20 pm

could you post it on youtube? and then people can watch it in the “high quality mode”

Comment by Travis 09.22.08 @ 1:32 pm

Nothing is in stone but if the history of other manufacturers is an indication then we might see 24p in this camera.

Someone else brought up the issue of direct uncompressed video out from the HDMI connector.
If this is possible the converting the signal to HDSDI might be possible.
My guess that that would be 8 bit 4:2:2 or 4:2:0
My personal feeling that optically and sensor wise this camera is a ground breaker.
Electronically when compared to most production HD cameras it is a wonderful “B” camera which will find use in crash cams, backup cams, and other secondary functions not because of the wonderful optical system and sensor but because those of us who shoot HD need more things that this camera cannot yet deliver. (variable shutter, time code access, EVF, wide range zooms 18x-86x, Line Level Audio, Digital Audio input Variable speed to at least 60P, Ect.)
Mark
Comment by coboman 09.22.08 @ 12:52 pm Really? How sure are you? Don’t tease me, man. I’m about to have a heart attack waiting for the footage.
If this baby can really do 24p, it is over. I mean, I’ll cancel my RED right now!

Comment by mark forman 09.22.08 @ 1:32 pm

What video “very shortly”? It has been almost ten hours…

Comment by Bruce 09.22.08 @ 1:38 pm

One battery! Nice. I too am looking forward to the video aspect of the camera. I recently shot some footage on the new Nikon D90 with a 45TS lens in B&W mode….Killer.

Stay young baby.

Comment by bruce dugdale 09.22.08 @ 1:40 pm

Unbelieveable photos, I have subscribed to the RSS feed as I can’t wait for the video to be released! Count me as one super excited buyer!

Comment by Joel K 09.22.08 @ 1:41 pm

PLEASE POST ALL FUTURE COMMENTS ON THE NEXT BLOG POST… THANK YOU

Comment by Vincent Laforet 09.22.08 @ 2:09 pm

I’m on schpilkas!!! I hope Canon has a big series of tubes, because I’m going to send the link to everyone in the world.

Vincent, the stills are gorgeous, and you have me excited at the prospect of using t/s and fisheyes… I’ve been wanting to get into video for ages and this is just exactly what I’ve been waiting for!

-c

Comment by ChrissyOne 09.22.08 @ 2:12 pm

RING RING RING

OK Vincent, time to get up!
Hope you’ve slept well.

We are looking forward to the video link

Comment by Thomas 09.22.08 @ 2:12 pm

ups! You were already up

Comment by Thomas 09.22.08 @ 2:13 pm

[...] от работы с камерой можно почитать в его блоге[http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/09/20/something-very-interesting-is-comingboth-to-this-blog-and-...]. Technorati Теги: Vincent Laforet,Canon EOS 5D Mark II Оставить [...]

Pingback by НЧС Фото » Архив блога » Лауреат пулитцеровской премии впечатлен возможностями HD-видеосъемки Canon EOS 5D Mark II 09.22.08 @ 2:16 pm

Where can I pre-order this guy?

Comment by Doug 09.22.08 @ 2:22 pm

Excellent write-up! If you get a chance to talk with your Canon pals again, please mention that the film making community would love to see 24 frames-per-second HD video added as an option in a future firmware update:

http://prolost.blogspot.com/2008/09/dear-canon-24p-please.html

Also, as impressive as the video may be, it has some hurdles to overcome in order to truly replace a dedicated HD camera:

http://prolost.blogspot.com/2008/09/ok-guys-if-youre-serious-about-this.html

Comment by Stu 09.22.08 @ 2:26 pm

[...] dubliner.ie (my tumblr) REALLY liking: Canon 5D MKII Wanting: Canon 5D [...]

Pingback by fuzzy, boiler. » Blog Archive » New look! 09.22.08 @ 2:39 pm

[...] The Digi-Cult: A New Religion for a Digital Age Just another WordPress.com weblog « My First Week In WoW I Called it. September 22, 2008 One of my favorite photographers, who is among the best in the world and I’ve met quite a few times, Vincent Laforet, just wrote a great post on his blog entitled ‘Something very interesting is coming both to this blog and our industry’ [...]

Pingback by I Called it. « The Digi-Cult: A New Religion for a Digital Age 09.22.08 @ 2:47 pm

I wonder how many “frames” of video can be captured over the life of one of these cameras sensors or shutters ………… how many video “clips”?

Comment by Dan S 09.22.08 @ 2:53 pm

[...] Something Very Interesting is coming…both to this blog and to our industry vincentlaforet.com [...]

Pingback by Photo Reviews From the Web / 22-September-2008 09.22.08 @ 2:59 pm

I am curious about the life of the sensors and shtters also.
http://www.natureflixs.com

Comment by mark williams 09.22.08 @ 3:00 pm

Vincent…saw the video in Chicago at a Canon event. Stunning both from the camera standpoint and from the creative standpoint.
JK

Comment by Jim Koepnick 09.22.08 @ 3:40 pm

the mechanical shutter is not uses for video!
instead they use an electronic shutter to read out the frames…

Regards, Andreas

Comment by grooveminister 09.22.08 @ 3:59 pm

Vincent — Thanks for giving us all a peek at a wonderful new tool.

Before we go on to the video capabilities — I would be immensely satisfied if I could get a Canon camera that focuses properly. I’ve had all sorts of issues with weird focusing — f8, same plane, one person’s in focus and the person next to them is not. If Canon solved these basics, anything else is cake!

Speaking as a newspaper photographer — this camera is going to be a big relief for everyone who has to make still images for print as well as capture video images for the web. Instead of having to lug around two pieces of equipment, you can do everything with one. I don’t know all the 24p 30p etc details — but it looks like you sure as hell can get fantastic quality for the web! And, most newspapers have been going half-assed with video, and giving their shooters consumer-level gear. It will be very nice for newspaper photojournalists to have a high-quality tool that can help them do both jobs!

Now, whereas I “retired” from newspapers earlier this year and am now focusing on weddings, the new 5D opens up all sorts of possibilities for wedding photojournalists. I’m looking forward to exploring the possibilities with this new camera. Maybe I can expand my skills and include video with my packages in the future. If I can tell the story of the day, and do it in a multimedia fashion . . . an Vincent called out — a HUGE change in the industry for sure!

Comment by Steve Warmowski 09.22.08 @ 4:00 pm

[...] tiempo… y una de esas noches con el cielo libre fui a hacer foticos desde brooklyn. (por cierto.. este sitio es el mismo que ha usado ahora laforet para probar la 5d II) Es un parquecillo muy peque

Pingback by Aprendiz Puente de brooklyn con manhattan de fondo nocturna - Canonistas.com 09.22.08 @ 4:06 pm

2 Questions:
1) is the video 1080i or 1080p? You’ve listed “p” - Luminous Landscape states “i” - and Canon’s own site just says “1080.”

from Canon’s 5D MkII:
“HD Video Shooting with Live View Function.
Full HD Video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution for up to 4GB per clip with HDMI output for HD viewing of stills and video.

The EOS 5D Mark II is the first digital EOS to offer recording of Full HD video in Live View Mode. Capable of shooting clips almost half an hour long at full 1080 resolution, the EOS 5D Mark II does amazing double duty, making it possible to shoot broadcast quality video on your camera by simply changing settings. The advantages move way beyond the ability to shoot on your SLR - the wealth of high-speed lenses and shooting accessories that make EOS photography so remarkable can be used in shooting video. Where interchangeable lens video cameras cost thousands of dollars, with the EOS 5D Mark II their operation, including HDMI output, is simply an added bonus to a remarkable camera.”

I was wrong - no firewire - but, Canon DOES list USB 2.0 capability to hard drives - so, can one stream video directly to a hard drive?

From Canon:
“Recording Media CF Card Type I and II, UDMA-compliant CF cards, via external media (USB v.2.0 hard drive, via optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E4A)”

Comment by Frank T 09.22.08 @ 4:49 pm

Ok Vincent; you are about to be scooped by Luminous Landscape!

Comment by Bruce 09.22.08 @ 4:57 pm

For the portriat shooters not interested in video whatsoever… is this camera worth waiting for.. I was ready to purchase the “old” 5D, but now unsure??? I shoot on location with lighting and outdoor locations with varying light. Since you have used this beauty please let me know. Take care.

Comment by D 09.22.08 @ 5:44 pm

Just watched the luminous landscape review. Was very informative.
http://www.natureflixs.com

Comment by mark williams 09.22.08 @ 6:39 pm

I agree with Steve Warmowski. I really struggle with the AF on my Canon. I’m an amateur (although one who has occasionally sold photos) and I have the 30D with the 24-70 2.8L lens. Also, maybe this just shows how little I know about Canon lenses (I only have two) but on my Leica, infinity is the end of the dial whereas with the Canon lenses it is frustratingly close to but not at the end of the dial. So I can’t just turn it all the way and assume it’s in focus.

In the manual it says this is because there may be some variation depending on temperature. But Leica operates at a much higher range of temperatures and doesn’t have this problem.

The result of this is that if I’m taking a scenic shot at night in low light, there’s about a zero percent chance I can get the focus perfect, because the AF can’t judge the distance correctly and I can’t get the MF perfect either.

I know this isn’t really about the 5D, but maybe it gives us something to talk about while we await the video.

Comment by Sean 09.22.08 @ 6:39 pm

[...] este link (en inglés) se pueden ver algunas imágenes sacadas directamente del vídeo grabado de la cámara [...]

Pingback by Blog Cinemaon » Blog Archive » Nueva entrada: Canon 5D 09.22.08 @ 6:52 pm

By the way, why not post just one still photo? And why not post one video grab in full resolution?

Comment by Sean 09.22.08 @ 7:04 pm

you mentioned a gyro for the helo flight. Do you use a single axis or dual axis gyro when you are using one? Which brand do you use?

Comment by Dan Pollock 09.22.08 @ 7:09 pm

So, this is the end of the art of capturing that ‘moment’ that takes years of skill to achieve. Just hit record on the Camera and go through the footage later to ‘grab’ the best shots.

Sad times…very sad indeed.

Comment by GOJ 09.22.08 @ 7:10 pm

No, its alot more than that. It takes a fair amount of skill to do a proper video camera set up to film a scene. Maybe more than still photography due to the extra dimension of motion. If you get a good still out of that then so be it.

Comment by mark williams 09.22.08 @ 7:13 pm

Just looked at the luminous landscape video again. It really looked good. Was shot with a variety of lenses and at ISO 3200.
http://www.natureflixs.com

Comment by mark williams 09.22.08 @ 7:27 pm

@ Frank T:

The Camera captures and stores 1080p with 30fps - but for compatibility reasons the HDMI output is 1080i60 (the frame is devided into two fields “odd” and “even” which are transmitted seperately, the Display or TV has to put them together again…)

Regards, Andreas

Comment by grooveminister 09.22.08 @ 7:53 pm

I dont know if guys out there are informed about what happened at Red after the realese of this new Mark II. All rigth… They were planning a realese of a 3k video camera on late 2009 since few month already and a DSMC (digital still & movie camera).In the 1st week of september they came out with some news in the forum about this dsmc,before canon univels the new 5d. After that they are going to merge the two units in one…omg this is going to be awesome!!I will rather wait for that..

You know what I will still shot analog..

Hey Mr.Laforet hope u liked my blog!!!!

http://www.framedblog.com

Comment by the chef 09.22.08 @ 8:02 pm

[...] really cool feature that could prove to be ‘industry changing’ as one seasoned professional points out is it’s ability to do full, 1920×1080 (1080P) HD video. While 1080P [...]

Pingback by uncultured blogging :: joel jenkins » Blog Archive » Salutations and Farewells 09.22.08 @ 8:08 pm

[...] out the stills taken from the HD video of the new Canon 5D Mark II. The resolution is just amazing, and, these images were not edited. [...]

Pingback by Canon 5D Mark II Videos « mikelao photography 09.22.08 @ 8:36 pm

Hi! I am a T.V. commercial Director/Cinematographer/Photographer from the Philippines. I own a Canon 5d camera & was interested to buy a Red Scarlet but when i saw your blog & what the 5d Mark2 can do,i am sold buying a 5d mark2 as well as Casio camera that can shoot high speed. I will be able to shoot a t.v. food ad, brochures & be competitive.

Comment by boldy tapales 09.22.08 @ 8:52 pm

Quoting

If you check out the video on the Norwegian newspaper site listed above
http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2008/09/21/547601.html
I don’t think you really have to worry about people with no skill taking skills, or taking video. The Norwegian test video needed a tripod, audio needed help, all sorts of things that make a video worth watching. The same for stills — if you just videotape a whole event and then come in after the fact for a frame grab, you’re not going to get the same level of image. Besides, who has the luxury of time of “going through all the video” for a still?!?

Comment by Steve Warmowski 09.22.08 @ 9:15 pm

way to go Patrick, you predicted a camera would shoot stills and video….how did you ever imagine…

Comment by curtis 09.22.08 @ 9:40 pm

I can’t WAIT!!! for this camera… if to just try out the vid…

Comment by Henri Oftana 09.22.08 @ 9:58 pm

JUST When I was starting to be proud of admitting I was a Nikon shooter (so wanted a D700) - this has to happen. DAMN. If the Canon’s ergonomics where better than the Nikon’s for my big ole hands, I would have chose them that fateful day years ago…

As a graduate student in the field, I too am interested in the implications of the shoot and “frame-grab” later mentality — any thoughts on how this is going to effect photojournalism Vincent?

Comment by John Barduhn 09.22.08 @ 10:55 pm

[...] Over. I just spent a wad of money on a fancy new Canon lens and then I hear this news….. a brand new Canon 5D MKII Digital SLR that shoots stills at 21 megapixels with apparently [...]

Pingback by Janet is…. « On the Fly….. 09.22.08 @ 11:40 pm

boldy, do not bury Red Scarlet yet. Canon 5dmkII is PRIMARILY photogear [which might shoot nice video, but still it's not 3K what Scarlet will have, it's not 120fps/180fps, it doesn't have any serious audio stuff like XLR inputs, it might be NOT EVEN COMPATIBLE with european standards [no 25p/50i mentioned anywhere] and there are tons of other Scarlet’s features missing… so it’s VERY VERY EARLY TO MAKE YOUR DECISION and rip off Scarlet/whatever in favor of whatever else.

My situation is very simple : I will patiently wait for review[s], buy 5d MkII this year if available in my country [you don't know how long queues will be!!], but a lens or two I’m missing [beware, this is EF mount only!! not EF-s] and happily shoot for 6 months. When Scarlet is released, I will recheck the situation and I’ll probably end up having both, 5d Mark II AND Scarlet. If Scarlet will bring up something unimaginable today [such as S35 sensor or maybe even fullframe] with 16Mpix stills and excellent dynamic range, I MAYBE will sell 5d Mark II with lenses for almost the same price I bought it - there will be HUGE demand so the depreciacion will be very very shallow - and convert to Scarlet.

My estimate is that I will end up having both. So that’s approx. $5000 “investment” this year [body + 580EX I broke + lens or two] and approx. $5000 next year [Scarlet + accessories + storage].

That’s it.

Comment by Lubomir 09.23.08 @ 1:08 am

ohhhh and rest assured that fullframe 21Mpix sensor ABSOLUTELY REQUIRES the best of the best. I’m speaking about the lens. The most expensive lens.

Something like 200mm f2.8 L USM [very cheap! 700$ only], 135mm/f2.0 L [a thousand], 70-200mm f2.8L IS [thousand and half]… THOSE ARE EXPENSIVE! If you don’t have them ALREADY, you can break up $10.000 barrier easily within the first day of shopping.

This is absolutely different league than EF-S 55-250mm IS

Comment by Lubomir 09.23.08 @ 1:14 am

Dear Vincent, What a great site and source of both information and inspiration. Keeps me updated on the industry from far off Johannesburg.

May I be so bold as to ask what software your blog is using.

Best regards and good light,

Kim

Comment by Kim Ludbrook 09.23.08 @ 1:46 am

video? you rock Vincent!

Comment by Mike Hedge 09.23.08 @ 1:57 am

[...] got his hands on a Canon 5D MkII for a weekend. Rather than shoot some quick stills, he rounded up an entire film crew and put them to work using the amazing 1080p video capture it offers - in helicopters, no less! [...]

Pingback by SmugBlog: Don MacAskill » Blog Archive » Amazing Canon 5D MkII HD video footage!! 09.23.08 @ 2:13 am

[...] Blog von Vincent Laforet gibt es zusätzlich noch einen ersten spannenden Anwendungsbericht, der unter [...]

Pingback by Blog von Jens Franke » Canon 5D Mark II 09.23.08 @ 2:56 am

[...] uker siden, Vince har siktet litt høyere kan vi vel konstatere. Han skrapet sammen 5000 dollar, fant modell, stylist, helikopter… The budget I set for myself was around $5,000 total - which included $2,000 for a one hour [...]

Pingback by Hva skal du med et videokamera etter dette? 09.23.08 @ 3:22 am

Vincent Laforet’s film…

Something Very Interesting is coming¡Äboth to this blog and to our industry

In the end - this video was shot with less than 12 hours of pre-production - from the time I got the camera to the time we shouted ¡ÈAction.¡É

The budget I set for myse…

Trackback by Prosumer News 09.23.08 @ 3:46 am

[...] Follow Up To follow up the geek blog post from yesterday, go back to the blog and take a look at the short film Vincent Laforet shot with the new Canon 5D Mark II. Absolutely [...]

Pingback by Geek Follow Up « Living With Joy 09.23.08 @ 5:16 am

[...] Vincent Laforet, phóng viên ảnh từng đoạt giải Pulitzer, đã viết trên blog của mình: 5D mk II tạo ra những hình ảnh tuyệt vời nhất trong điều kiện thiếu sáng mà tôi từng thấy. [...]

Pingback by EOS 5D mk II đã (và sẽ) thay đổi cuộc chơi như thế nào? « Akari 2.0 09.23.08 @ 6:33 am

Congrats on being the first Vincent!

So, could you please tell us what the ISO settings you used on the above images - some of us are more interested in the technical aspects of this camera, especially how it handles in low light, and mixed lighting conditions.

Best,
Kurt

Comment by Kurt Vinion 09.23.08 @ 7:31 am

Damnit! So they are frame grabs?! Unbelievable and Impressive. But, Vincent, how does it handle in low light situations and as a camera…

Reportage photographers want to know…
Best,
Krut

Comment by Kurt Vinion 09.23.08 @ 7:34 am

Very very nice, it just makes me want to get a hold of this camera all the quicker.

Comment by DSLR Answers 09.23.08 @ 7:51 am

The video is very impressive. However how can we take a look on the Full HD version?

Thanks!

Comment by Tony 09.23.08 @ 8:48 am

Suffice it to say, I’ve been a dedicated Nikon user across the years. The 1Ds MkIII came out, and I was said, wow, film resolution, but it’s still a Canon. I picked up the D3 when it came out like it was going out of style, and probably won’t get rid of it, given the rough and tumble build of the D3 and rather crazy AF.

That being said, I’m seriously considering switching to Canon with the 5D mkII. 21.1 MP FX (when compared to Nikon’s D700, the 5D Mk II stands out in terms of resolution, image vibrance and clearly the HD video). Build quality differences have been noted, there the D700 mimics the D3 in a way the 5D mk ii (likely) does not mimic the 1Ds series. FPS is certainly not a deciding factor here, at that resolution, and given the size of the 5d mk ii’s buffer, you cannot be looking for a blazing 11-14 fps. But really, who cares unless you are shooting sports or lower light action requiring a fast frame rate.

The video function is something I’ve been longing to do with my DSLR for years, finally a company has provided an answer to use the high quality SLR lenses to capture video. My hat goes off (reluctantly) to Canon here for really hitting the nail on the head. I’m not really looking to go out and spend $7000 for a 1080p video camera, so this will cover the bases nicely. Granted, audio controls and other “buttonized” functions that are possible on the larger body size of video cameras will never be possible on an SLR, however the spontenaiety of the camera to go from stills to video with the press of a button (as you noted Vincent) blows my mind.

Suffice it to say, the thorough review and commenting have given a career Nikon user something to think about. IMHO, if Nikon can’t answer to this with a “D900″ or something that mimics the 1080p (a definite requirement) and a FX sensor at something closer to 21.1 for less money than the more expensive D700… they’ll be losing my share of the market in the years to come.

Thanks for the thorough and excellent review Vincent, I just put one of these on preorder.

Comment by Martin 09.23.08 @ 8:56 am

[...] LaForet, a New York based commercial and editorial photographer, has been blogging his little heart out about the camera. He got his hands on one last week (he is a Canon Explorer of Light - [...]

Pingback by Thad Allender » Archive » Selling the house for a Canon 5D Mark II 09.23.08 @ 9:12 am

Excellent article, thanks. Does autofocus work while filming?

Comment by Android 09.23.08 @ 9:23 am

Use torrents to distribute full quality video sample. Bandwidth problems eliminated.

questions? lotr.rs.sw [at] gmail . [com]

Comment by Josh P 09.23.08 @ 9:37 am

my comment critical of Canon’s focusing was deleted.

are you really being objective about this camera, or are you a shill for Canon?

Comment by sean 09.23.08 @ 9:46 am

[...] capabilities of changing the photography business in previously unexpected ways. Here is the link: Something Very Interesting is coming…both to this blog and to our industry

Pingback by New EOS 5D Mark II - IAAP Forums 09.23.08 @ 10:07 am

It’s sad that 5D2 doesn’t have the manual shutter speed control.
Have to check out SONY’s FX1000 now…..

Comment by conaneva 09.23.08 @ 10:14 am

Vincent, I shoot sports and was wondering if you think it would be possible to pull high quality still images from the footage.
Thx,
Marc

Comment by Marc Estrada 09.23.08 @ 10:22 am

[...] L’article du blog de Vincent Laforet sur sa vision du Canon 5D Mark II » La vidéo réalisée avec un Canon 5D Mark II (+ xxx [...]

Pingback by 23.09.08 : Divers » Vincent Laforet, ou l’homme qui va faire changer d’avis sur la fonction vidéo du Canon 5D Mark II | Le HibOO 09.23.08 @ 12:06 pm

[...] video in the DSLR space was a game changer, a pro of Laforet’s caliber would be able to to see the same thing. I also promised to post 5DmkII video when I found some - and here it is - courtesy [...]

Pingback by EDITing in the Dark » Vincent Laforet agrees that the 5DmkII is a game changer 09.23.08 @ 12:07 pm

Just saw the video go up on here [http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2086] looks awesome

Comment by Dan 09.23.08 @ 12:13 pm

[...] Vincent Laforet [...]

Pingback by Canon EOS 5D Mark II « Reza Ali’s The Right Eye 09.23.08 @ 12:14 pm

It’s amazing how nicely it came out! Initially, I had no idea why Canon would put film features in the 5D, but I now can see why. You are inspiring!

Comment by Furious PHotographers 09.23.08 @ 12:51 pm

You have outdone yourself again, Vincent. The short is stunning, to say the least. An inspiration to any young filmmakers out there to get out and do it. I met you at PDN conference and have been following you ever since. Hats off!
Chris

Comment by Chris R. 09.23.08 @ 1:00 pm

[...] http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/09/20/something-very-interesting-is-comingboth-to-this-blog-and-... [...]

Pingback by Canon 5d mk2 is ‘Stunning’ | Digital Cameras 09.23.08 @ 1:55 pm

[...] To read more of Laforet’s story of testing out the 5D Mark II, check it out here in his blog. [...]

Pingback by Short film shot with Canon 5D Mark II « Dan’s Tech-n-Stuff Weblog 09.23.08 @ 2:04 pm

Wow, the video is amazing and its hard to believe a “still” camera can take such great video. Here’s my only question - how / where does the camera store the video? On an SD card, or external hard drive or…?

Comment by Jeremy Snead 09.23.08 @ 2:20 pm

What is the camera native sensitivity in film mode?
What is the highest usable ISO in that mode?
For comparison video HD cameras are 320-640 ISO and have gain up to 12 dB.

Comment by Piotr 09.23.08 @ 3:09 pm

WOW!

I am impressed, that is some quality video

Congratulations to Canon and Vincent

Comment by Agustin Sellhorn 09.23.08 @ 3:12 pm

EOS 5D Mark II 的影片：Reverie…

分类: 数码相机知名摄影师 Vincent Laforet 在一连串的因缘巧合下，玩了当时还没发布的 EOS 5D Mark II 三天，并且用这三天拍了一段短片。整个短片都在晚上，由一个（自称）从来不拍影片的人所…

Trackback by 潮流科技 09.23.08 @ 4:41 pm

Vincent, this is real stunning work, im dying to get one in November!

I was able to test it my self, in house for a demo, but not walk out the door with the material
I couldnt figure out, are you able to change aperture during HD recording?

Chris

Comment by Christer Dahl 09.23.08 @ 5:14 pm

For those of us on the other side - as videographers and filmmakers - this camera really is the beginning of some exciting times ahead. I won’t be throwing down on this any time soon, as I’ve just invested in the Sony EX1 XDCAM HD camcorder and a Letus 35mm lens adapter and some expensive glass. While I will try to not be too miffed by this news, what does excite me is the possibility of ditching the heavy gear in certain situations in the near future.

I look forward a few years when it’ll be time to replace my HD video gear…think were we’ll be then!

Comment by nathaniel 09.23.08 @ 5:28 pm

WOW!!!!!

Comment by Clarky 09.23.08 @ 6:34 pm

[...] 24. sept: Sjekk Vincent Laforents bilder tatt med EOS 5D go Dagbladets test av [...]

Pingback by Fotogal » Blog Archive » Canon EOS 5D Mark II 09.23.08 @ 6:53 pm

Wow, video is so clean, low light performance is so good, bokeh and noise-free make it better than any movie camera! 5D2 would be very popular!

I would like to download original 1080p video!

Comment by Roy 09.23.08 @ 7:04 pm

Canon to Reshape Media…

Canon is about to introduce a very interesting digital camera that will dramatically lower the cost of producing professional-quality motion picture footage. Vincent Laforet points out that what used to take half a million dollars of professional video…

Trackback by davidbau.com 09.23.08 @ 7:07 pm

When I heard the new 5D was imminent, I thought, wow a 21 MP camera for under $3 grand. Finally a camera I can afford to go with my 1DS II. Then I heard it did HD! I guess I need to se if I can return the new Sony SR-12 I bought two weeks ago and wait for the 5D, specially since it sounds like it will WAY outperform the Sony, even though maybe not as convenient. I’m actually going to use the Sony more like a still camera, slow pans, dissolves, et al and not pics of the grandkids at the park. I don’t think I need 2 video cams.

Comment by Steve fr Long Beach CA 09.23.08 @ 7:59 pm

Very impressive!
Thanks.
Couple comments:
1. Folks, this camera is not for indie shooters. This is why it does not offer 24p. And this is not NTSC camcorder. This is why it does not have 29.97fps (30p). And this is why we shouldn’t expect PAL version (25p). It offers true 30.00 fps.
2. I do not know why, but it looks like it captures audio at CD 44.1kHz, not even DVD (48kHz). At least, this is what metadata shows.

Comment by Vlad Kosulin 09.23.08 @ 8:23 pm

Hi Lubomir
i am thinking same as you, I will buy both Red & 5d Mark2. I went to see the site of Red and they announced they will be making changes on the Scarlet (maybe a diff name). Seems they reacted to the 5D & i suspect it wont be fixed lens & they will increase the resolution. They will definetely change the game but thanks to Canon that they are helping make all these possible.

Comment by boldy tapales 09.23.08 @ 8:49 pm

This Film needs to be hosted in full resolution on the Apple HD Gallery page. Apple would be delighted to host it. They can handle the bandwidth!

Comment by Ted 09.23.08 @ 9:19 pm

Sean,
Your critical post is easy to find if you know how to do a search on a page (hint: CTRL-F)

Comment by Vlad Kosulin 09.23.08 @ 9:44 pm

[...] Laforet’s initial thoughts and his stunning movie shot with the 5D [...]

Pingback by Round-up of 5D MKII Links | Stock Photo Journey 09.24.08 @ 12:53 am

Cet appareil-photo est génial ! et vous aussi !

Comment by Veronique Jordan 09.24.08 @ 1:08 am

Now my brain is churning….I wonder what we are to expect from the EOS 1Ds IV. Assuming Canon has been seeing the avalanche of interest in the HD capabilities of the 5DII by the customers. A shoot through mirror with 2/3 drop would be acceptable but implementation of TV and AV and full manual would float my boat. Sound in reality need not be addressed as there are enough small portable digital sound recorders floating about.

Just as an after thought, was there a need to use AF with the EF lenses in video mode..? Manual focus with focus confirmation would make life easier.

Thank you Mr. Laforet for bringing this to us. Beautiful job.

Harsha

Comment by Harsha De Silva 09.24.08 @ 1:20 am

[...] Vincent LaForet The new 5D Mark II scares me. I’m still thinking I’ll hold out for the new 1D series body, fo sho! Aside from the camera, go check his entire portfolio! [...]

Pingback by DAVIDEJACKSON // A BLOG » A LATE NIGHT BLOG BEAT-DOWN 09.24.08 @ 1:28 am

Exelent im very impressed with Your Video and this what You did You should get from CANON 10 FREE 5D MARK II …Your blog and Your Video sold this camera to me I’m ordering this camera tomorrow.

Comment by Krzysztof Danel 09.24.08 @ 2:46 am

[...] sloeg om toen een Amerikaanse fotograaf, Vincent Laforet, zijn exclusieve ervaringen met het nieuwe videosysteem op zijn blog zette. Met totaal geen filmervaring demonstreerde hij de [...]

Pingback by Canon 5DmkII, een revolutie in de fotoverslaggeving? | jeroen berkenbosch | fotojournalistiek 09.24.08 @ 6:44 am

[...] potential was there for making a short film that would be hosted on the Canon website, but nothing was guaranteed. Laforet had never shot a [...]

Pingback by The Greatest Camera Since Before the Dawn of History | Cartel Agency Inc. 09.24.08 @ 7:52 am

Fantastic post, great to get a glimpse of this after so much teasing on the forums.

Can’t wait to see the video though, hope you can sort out the red tape for us!

Comment by David Coyle 09.24.08 @ 8:27 am

Amazing shooting!

Comment by Fubiz 09.24.08 @ 9:38 am

Were is the link to the video, don´t find it =/

Comment by Letho 09.24.08 @ 10:13 am

Excellent overview about this model Vincent. I expect it to be my next camera. It’s really great to see infos and photos that were taken by a pro, with credibility and sense. It seems to be that 5D Mk II is going to be a revolutionary camera in this segment and like the ad showed, we waited and we are going to see the evolution. Congratz my friend, also for your excellent photographic work. Here in Brazil, most of us apreciate it a lot!

Comment by Juliano Sacramento 09.24.08 @ 10:14 am

Hi Vincent.
I’m from France and here, you’re already very well known on the web for this video.
I’m a passionned photographer and I have to say that the way you used it, I mean, the colors, the light, this is just awesome.
You will probably be contacted by Loreal or an other big brand to make their next ad.
By the way, you inspired me with this video, thank you very much !

I also havre a question, it’s about the making of video, I felt in love with the music, could you give me a link to buy it on itunes or smething like that please ? Thank you so much !

Comment by Thomas D 09.24.08 @ 11:08 am

“I fell in love” sorry -_-

Comment by Thomas D 09.24.08 @ 11:14 am

I like the fact that Canon let you do this, and I do trust your review way more than the ordinary commercial corporate spin. Therefore I will buy a body for my prime lenses when it is our here in November.

Comment by Erik, Sweden 09.24.08 @ 1:02 pm

Very nice, Vincent. I hope Canon is making lots of these cameras for you have sold many already. It’s on my shopping list!

Comment by Stefan G 09.24.08 @ 3:57 pm

[...] Laforet introdujo una primera entrada en su blog mostrando imágenes extraídas de un vídeo que mostraría después en otra entrada. El video se titula “Reverie”, y es [...]

Pingback by diego sevilla’s weblog » Impresionante la Canon 5D mark II 09.24.08 @ 5:07 pm

[...] nothing to do with the production of the film. We didn’t even know it existed until we read this post on Vincent’s blog on Saturday [...]

Pingback by SmugBlog: Don MacAskill » Blog Archive » Just so we’re clear - I love Canon :) 09.24.08 @ 6:17 pm

My apologies … I previously looked for my comment and could not find it … but it’s definitely there. I withdraw my subsequent comment and would be happy if you would delete it.

Comment by Sean 09.24.08 @ 7:01 pm

[...] have more to share about this project - and upcoming projects within the next few days. I appreciate your patience. Please never [...]

Pingback by We will be releasing raw video clips from “Reverie” This Friday « Vincent Laforet’s Blog 09.24.08 @ 10:10 pm

[...] 25 09 2008 Vincent Laforet’s video - here Sample stills taken from the above video - here Lovegrove’s samples - [...]

Pingback by Canon 5D Mark II - Sample shots and video « l00pback 09.24.08 @ 10:13 pm

[...] nu am greșit la ultima parte. Dar 5D MkII este mai mult decât un aparat foto nou… este (în cuvintele lui Vincent Laforet) „a [...]

Pingback by UberGeek » Blog Archive » Canon EOS 5D MarkII 09.25.08 @ 2:42 am

Read a lot of posts about the AF on the 5D MKII, and from the specs one would agree there is no known improvement. I found an interesting review on the 50D model and if the AF on that model is any indication of the improvements made by Canon on this front we have nothing to worry about on the 5D mkII.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=558915

Comment by Charanjit D 09.25.08 @ 9:42 am

Based on your article you shot this entire project in video mode? Correct? If that’s the case, doesn’t that move you from a “still photographer” to a “videographer”?

I’m trying to understand how this camera, other than the 21MP sensor and full-frame capability could apply to a wedding and event photographer. It sounds like the video mode allows you to take stills at the same time? At a wedding, would I have 2 of these cameras and shoot stills while I have another PHOTOGRAPHER shooting video?

It definitely sounds like a “game changer” and I’m looking forward to the next revolution in the digital world.

Thanks for the great review and article and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Comment by Russell Climie 09.25.08 @ 10:34 am

Hi Vincent, this is awesome! But one thing a lot of us are dying to hear is how was the autofocus performance? Is it better than the 5d Mark I? It’s impossible to tell from the specs if the AF performance has been improved or not. Please please weigh in briefly here!

Comment by Nathan Welton 09.25.08 @ 11:50 am

Re: Time Code
- even if Canon does not make any provision for time code, I can foresee a GPS-synched time code generator (TCG) using “data over voice” technology to add time code to one audio track. One would need to take the TCG outdoors each day to resync. I estimate that this would be a $250 - $500 aftermarket item. The same technique could sync a “B” camera and audio recorder.
- An external battery (belt?) pack could drive the camera, hard drive (Firestore etc), light, external viewfinder. Lots of cables, but likely prosumer pricing. If Canon provides the “hooks” (input/output), accessory manufacturers will provide whatever Canon chooses not to manufacture

Comment by Don Sobel 09.25.08 @ 12:08 pm

Hello,
is the gain level of the microphone input of the 5DII adjustable or has it automatic recording level? Thanks…

Comment by Jenz 09.25.08 @ 2:14 pm

[...] P.S. Only loosely related, but interesting. [...]

Pingback by Camera Resolution and Lens Capabilities | NSLog(); 09.25.08 @ 2:31 pm

[...] also a behind the scenes movie, and he’s promised some full-resolution clips soon. In his original post describing the project, he said “It has the potential to change our industry.” A lofty [...]

Pingback by DSLR Video: No Joke - Matthew Botos 09.25.08 @ 6:26 pm

[...] About the movie [...]

Pingback by Blather de la Semaine » Blog Archive » Canon’s New 5DmkII as a Video Camera? 09.25.08 @ 9:33 pm

Why not just release it as a torrent? I would love to see the full 1080p video.

Comment by Nicholas 09.25.08 @ 9:56 pm

[...] Photos [...]

Pingback by Video Taken Using Canon 5D Mark II , Canon 5D Mark II video sample, Sample video Taken Using 5D Mark II | Sabah Wedding Photographer,Wedding photographer in Kota Kinabalu,photographer in kota kinabalu | Outdoor Photoshoot photographer in sabah ,sabah wedd 09.25.08 @ 9:57 pm

I do not care match about being Film look or Video look, as long as it good look,
and the clip shown is good, and congratulation!!
I have been a 38 years FAN of Nikon, and I could see some difference that the 5D could offer to me, and encouraging, too. The Making of clip is good, how do you get the protectibe rubber casing, is that something we could buy in the photo supply market, my PM is percy@i-magic.com.hk

Percy Fung

Comment by Percy Fung 09.25.08 @ 10:14 pm

great camera….

Comment by delont 09.26.08 @ 12:23 am

[...] 下载影片文件：Reverie 我推荐你看看。因为摄影师的版权问题，我不能把截图发出来。不过你可以去他的BLOG或者其他的地方看看，这个影片是我们讨论的重点。 [...]

Pingback by 5D 2和red one | luluinwater 09.26.08 @ 3:41 am

Alright, I’ve been keeping up with most of this thread and I’ve seen both videos. Okay, I’ll play the devils advocate. And mind you, I’m not trying to be a jerk, just throwing out food for thought, but have any of you considered this is a very clever marketing scheme by Canon? Sure, I too love what I’m seeing, but for all I know “Reverie” could have been shot with a Sony PMW EX1. Why would anyone in their right mind spend 5K of their own money on an experimental video to see what this camera is capable of? Answer….door numer 1, you make it good enough in the hopes Canon loves it and they reward you with 5 of these babies for helping sell millions of units. Door number 2..you’re associated with Canon in a marketing campaign. Hey, it’s possible.

Comment by Steve 09.26.08 @ 10:42 am

All I can say is WOW! And when can I get one ? Thanks for a great review…maybe I’ll get to see a preview of one during Photo Week DC.

Comment by Jennifer Heffner 09.26.08 @ 2:03 pm

Can Nikon non auto focus lenses be used on this camera for stills?
Thanks
stuart

Comment by Stuart Kiehl 09.26.08 @ 2:29 pm

[...] other news, I was seriously impressed by the new Canon 5D Mark II’s new video mode that Vincent Laforet was able to work with. I’d love to see the quality of a full 1080p video at some point down [...]

Pingback by Enrollment and Such | Air Mass Zero 09.26.08 @ 4:27 pm

[...] much fuss or flashbulbs, to record what the eye actually sees when it’s dark out. Witness Laforet’s fervor: You no longer need [a] half-million dollar’s worth of high-definition video cameras and [...]

Pingback by Digital Ramble | The Big Picture - The Moment Blog - NYTimes.com 09.26.08 @ 6:14 pm

love the video and for the money looks great…HOWEVER I think that the footage is flattered by the quality of lenses and talent which people are not used to seeing in a low budget video film. As a vfx supervisor/Flame artist, I have to say the compression is horrible in the blacks…i’m not talking about noise from the iso settings…i am talking about the mpeg4 compression. wherever there is blur (either from dof or motion) the blacks compression is just a mess. I don’t understand how nobody has noticed this…it simply could not be used in any form of postproduction. Any grading/keyeing/comping /effects would just blow the compressed areas apart even more. IMO you can not compare this to the Red/Viper etc for this exact reason. the whole “RAW 1080p” seems a puzzle to me when it is clearly h264…nothing near the data held in the frames captured by the red camera, and it shows. I think the fact that all these fantastic lenses have been used has masked the issues of mpeg compression and gives the video an impression of high production initially but imagine this stuff blown up on a cinema screen with those messy artifacts…i think those 100k cameras are miles ahead. Even for low budget indy films I just can’t see that compression making it through to screenings. There are other prosumer video cameras 1080p which when used with lens adapters give far better results.

Comment by pgill 09.26.08 @ 8:47 pm

to point to examples of what i said last re compression:

the shot of the male model looking to camera (next shot after the close up of him dropping the flowers). look at the graduated areas topright of screen going from black through to the out of focused hazy areas! yuck

the helicopter shot of the river. look at the bottom of frame at the actual water, youck.

this compression is all over the film and does not compare to the highend video cameras.

i’m hoping that the video has been maybe ultra compressed in order to save on streaming and this is where its going wrong or else my above points stand true!

Comment by pgill 09.26.08 @ 8:58 pm

pgill, this video was re-compressed to only 4 Mb/s, the original rushes are 1080p @ 40 Mb/s, this version of Rêverie is 960p (1/4 of the original resolution) at only 4 Mb/s (wich is only 1/10 of 40 Mb/s), so expect to find new artifacts (solarisation, macro block, etc.) that you will not find in the original rushes.

Comment by Mathieu BAŸ 09.26.08 @ 9:16 pm

Seriously this is a DSLR not a point and shoot with flip out screens. I hope that this camera will be good for when I go fire fighting and take it into buildings and bush fires. Should be able to get som great shots.

Comment by Brenden 09.27.08 @ 11:12 am

Many thanks for the article!

Comment by Rebel 09.27.08 @ 3:37 pm

[...] decir de la capacidad impresionante de filmar video con esta c

Pingback by Nueva Canon 5D Mark II. Consecuencias - Foro de fotograf 09.28.08 @ 2:32 am

Do the naysayers over on Fred Miranda know what they are talking about?
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/688941

Comment by reaimage 09.28.08 @ 1:07 pm

[...] REALLY liking: Canon 5D MKII [...]

Pingback by fuzzy, boiler. » Blog Archive » New look… 09.28.08 @ 5:10 pm

[...] REALLY liking: Canon 5D MKII [...]

Pingback by fuzzy, boiler. » Blog Archive » New look! 09.28.08 @ 6:19 pm

The movie is very impressive! Great job.

That said, I don’t need video. I would have greatly preferred a full weather sealing and two processors for faster shooting rate, and more focusing points.

Well, I will not buy this Camera. If I have something to buy, I will buy the 50D.

Comment by Pierre Bellefeuille 09.28.08 @ 8:05 pm

Vincent… Your images are stunning and will sell thousands of Canon cameras. The low-light noise levels are almost too good to believe. As the owner of a Sony F900R CineAlta, I can state that the 5D MkII is at least 2+ f-stops lower in noise. This means that Sony’s noise level at the standard 320 ASA is about the same as this new camera at 1600 ASA!

As a person who’s been involved with 24P technology since its inception, I was surprised to note 2 unusual characteristics with the direct from camera files that you and Canon were kind enough to post…

First, the camera should be shooting video at 29.97fps, not 30fps. This tiny difference will mean that any video from this camera that’s imported into an existing 29.97fps 1080 timeline will have to be converted using Apple’s Cinema Tools or some other program that can change each file’s header info.

Also, based on the original clips you posted, the 5D MkII records audio at 44.1Kz. This sample rate should be 48Kz to be compatible will all professional broadcast formats including DVD’s, BluRay, HDCam, DVCPRO, DigiBeta, DVCam and any other format that I’m aware of. You can re-sample the audio to 48Kz on each clip, (Final Cut can do it on-the-fly) but you’re setting yourself up for sync problems on long-form HD projects.

I was also surprised that Canon didn’t add the option of recording video at 24fps (actually 23.976fps). This could have been an easy menu selection to incorporate. Canon was probably incorrectly concerned that only certain TV’s can display HDMI progressive scan video at 24fps. (Unless 3-2 pulldown is added as per Canon’s small HF-10, HF-11, and other cameras)

Maybe these changes and the possibility of additional frame rates will be features of the 1Ds Mk IV when it eventually hits the market.

Thanks again for the best product demo I’ve ever scene.

Comment by Glenn Przyborski 09.28.08 @ 10:20 pm

[...] Enter the Nikon D90 and the Canon 5D MkII. They both do an amazing job of video, even in low light. So what, right? Well here’s so what: now you can use all kinds of available lenses for video, from crazy wide-angle fisheyes, to monstrous telephotos. Camcorders with built-in zoom lenses are history; I feel for the people (I know some) that have recently purchased $5-6,000 models… To see a few examples of video that’s so high quality I can’t even play it on my computer, click here. [...]

Pingback by Camcorders Are So 2nd-Qtr 2008… | Living Martyrs 09.29.08 @ 5:43 pm

1080P video sounds great and the H.264 codec means high quality video can be captured in a comparatively small space (compared to HD or SD recorded on tape). However H2.64 is really ideal for content DELIVERY. In other words it’s highly compressed great for squeezing movies into a small file but it’s not at all suited for editing. I can only guess the quicktime files would have to be converted to an uncompressed movie file before they can be edited.

Comment by richard 09.30.08 @ 9:11 am

I am wondering about “rolling” images, I didn’t see a lot of fast panning, but that’s when you usually see it. Sometimes in slow pans with radical changes in luminosity.
I wonder why they chose to go 30fps instead of 24 fps. 24 would have been a truly significant change. much of video changed when 24p became common.
It still matters when it comes to that “film-look”.
I too have questions about the editing and am wondering if your editor can answer some questions?

As far as who predicted this first.
Pllleeease.
Everyone has been dreaming of a hybrid since they picked up a camera - whenever that was.
For instance, I have been grousing about the need for a hi-rez-video/hi-rez-still camera since the 16th century. When I sailed over from France with Jean LeFitte and his pirates.
Had we had some nice cameras back then - woohoo! That would’ve been a site shooting the first French/Filipino settlements in the New World!

Comment by Wes 09.30.08 @ 12:18 pm

Hi Vincent,

Nicely done in such a short amount of time. Do you have any uncompressed test footage captured through the HDMI output?

Regards,

Previn Edward

Comment by Previn Edward 09.30.08 @ 6:16 pm

So The movie is a compressed RAW format? That’s significant!

Comment by Dominic Green 10.01.08 @ 12:52 pm

[...] Obviously Vincent Laforet is an experienced professional photographer, but he has discussed this camera with other pro cinematographers and is pretty blown away. Just read his comments on his blog. [...]

Pingback by Is this for real?! « Creative Video & Moving Image 10.02.08 @ 8:24 am

[...] When I saw the movie done by Vincent Laforet using the new Canon, I was all the more interested. You can see that video here, BTW: http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/09/20/something-very-interesting-is-comingboth-to-this-blog-and-... [...]

Pingback by Nikon D90 24fps Movie Mode Tests : artguglielmo.com Blog 10.02.08 @ 4:21 pm

[...] Povestea celui care a imprumutat pentru 72 de ore aparatul si a reusit acest viral in intregime aici. [...]

Pingback by Marketeer.ro - digital marketing pioneer » Viral care a rupt banda de upload la Canon, Inc. 10.03.08 @ 2:42 am

How do you check for sound when you are shooting video?

Comment by Jose Baking 10.03.08 @ 6:05 pm

One very important thing that concerns me as mention above is the ability to “edit” the footage, an example would be using one of the best apps out there Vegas. Is the H.264 format going to cause apps to crash when you try to load it up and then begin to slice and dice it. I’m not an Apple user, I’m a PC user and I’m not going to spend even more money after buying the camera and lenses to get Mac to do the editing..that would be out of the question for me, plus I really love using Vegas video (NLE) for my editing.

Any further info on this subject appreciated.

CM Reply:
November 9th, 2008 at 4:46 pm

Hey John,
I spent a few nights integrating some of the test footage from dpreview into a Cinelerra project:
http://crazedmuleproductions.blogspot.com/2008/11/converting-1080p-video-part-iii.html

Cinelerra is a Linux NLE. The footage is definetly editable, though you will probably have to transcode/convert it to a format more agreeable to your favorite editing system. And have the horsepower to run it, of course.

Comment by John 10.04.08 @ 6:59 am

I’ve been wanting to purchase a video camera (Sony HDR-SR12) but just been looking around. I’d be consider quite a novice compared to most of you folks! So here is my question: Is this camera and all it’s extraordinary features a better option for HD Video in making small family videos. I’d wait and spend the dollars if this new technology is worth it…or this this camera too much for a novice…Additionally I collect rare 18th century maps and will need to make close up shots for my book…would this camera be a good choice and what lens would you recommend for close up shots and for regular shots? Thank you so much for your help. and Vincent the video was just remarkable and extraordinary it blew me away!!!!

Comment by DRLYON 10.05.08 @ 2:51 pm

It’s what we want, a HIGHEND STILL CAMERA, and a HIGHEND VIDEO. I don’t see why some even post negative before even trying it. I swear they are the ones who sit at a green light and then punch-it in reverse.
Go ahead and drag all that dual luggage to Europe.
I’ll take one Thank You. I’ve waited long enough to go forward.

Comment by Philscbx 10.07.08 @ 1:38 pm

From the Canon Site Warning:
DUE TO HIGH DEMAND OF VIDEO CLIPS WE HAVE EXCEEDED OUR DOWNLOAD CAPACITY.

WE ARE NOW INVESTIGATING ALTERNATIVE HOSTING METHODS.

Comment by Philscbx 10.07.08 @ 2:39 pm

From the Canon Site Warning:
DUE TO HIGH DEMAND OF VIDEO CLIPS WE HAVE EXCEEDED OUR DOWNLOAD CAPACITY.
WE ARE NOW INVESTIGATING ALTERNATIVE HOSTING METHODS.
___

Comment by Philscbx 10.07.08 @ 2:40 pm

[...] an interesting article about art that is not terrible, look here. It’s all about the video capabilities of the Canon 5D high def video. (You may cry once [...]

Pingback by benhider.com/blog :: Worst art ever!!! 10.08.08 @ 8:20 pm

anybody know if the cam will have 25fps (PAL) for the european market?
Sick video footage Vincent!

Comment by AndyK 10.09.08 @ 8:43 am

Gadget…

Great article, Go Gadget go…

Trackback by Gadget 10.12.08 @ 10:00 am

[...] propio Vincent explica cómo fue la historia en su blog (más algún detallito técnico). Y hasta hay un “making of”: El making of de [...]

Pingback by otro blog más — Canon EOS 5D, Mark II. Menudo monstruo… 10.12.08 @ 10:14 am

Pardon the intrusion - but since you have Canon’s ear please ask them to set the viewfinder information default for more than 4 seconds - or have the info come on when the main dial is turned. Jumping back and forth from half-click to dial is not productive. Thanks

Comment by Paul Snyder 10.12.08 @ 1:55 pm

[...] out this post by Vincent Laforet for a low-light microbudget film shot in the weekend with 12 hours of pre-production on the 5D Mark [...]

Pingback by dslr.ws: Digital SLR Camera News, Reviews, and Information » Blog Archive » The Canon 5D Mark II 10.13.08 @ 6:33 pm

Wow…nice pics, amigo. The visuals are stunning as usual. I’m going to order mine right away. Who needs expensive set-ups anymore? Digital cinema has finally arrived!

Shaky J

Comment by Josh 10.15.08 @ 2:20 pm

I like your site. Brokakeroko

Comment by Brokakeroko 10.20.08 @ 4:54 pm

[...] … amazing. If this rings any bells of interest for you then you simply must check out this review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. (It has me interested and I’ve been a Nikon guy for [...]

Pingback by Updates for October - Projects at Hand … | Markets of Conversation with Tom Parish Social Media Strategist 10.20.08 @ 8:02 pm

This is much more interesting then the ads. I’m amaze…

Comment by Razali 10.21.08 @ 12:42 am

Tanks Vincent for the beautiful video. I noticed in a final cut tutorial on vimeo that the format is 1080i not 1080p as the specs says. do you know anything about that? Keep up the good work.

Comment by Stefan Stjerna 10.22.08 @ 9:12 pm

[...] for Hollywood and photojournalism. The shots look amazing, and the camera is cheap. Read the director’s blog for more about the film and why this is such a cool [...]

Pingback by Amazing Video w/ Still Camera | Kevin Burke 10.24.08 @ 6:39 pm

[...] la pantalla pero tine copyright. puedes pasar y ver lo que dec

Pingback by Canon 5D MKII - Toda la informaci 10.26.08 @ 4:57 am

Absolutely great to see a big debate going on around a long awaited camera. Commercial, community, the web, big money, big egos, enterprise, hope, ideas and complaints all coming together. And then there will be more to come!
Bip

Comment by Bip 10.26.08 @ 6:43 am

I love the look of this WordPress site. It has such a clean look to it! What theme are you using? Please email me back your reply… I’d love to use a modified version of this with a different background.

Comment by Antonio Cotto 10.26.08 @ 3:46 pm

Hay man, it would be very useful if you did not strip the exif information, at least shutter speed and aperture.

Comment by tom 10.27.08 @ 8:24 am

[...] ihre gute Bildqualität bei wenig Umgebungslicht gelobt worden. So begeistert sich der Fotograf Vincent Laforet auf seinem Blog darüber, dass die 5D Mark II selbst Motive in der Dunkelheit einfangen kann, [...]

Pingback by Das Foto & Video-Blog für Verbraucher » Canon EOS 5D Mark II: Videoqualität verändert Fotografen und Kamerindustrie 10.28.08 @ 4:44 am

This nice little gem will work beautifully for pickup footage, special effects, and other applications. The trouble comes when considering the unit as your main “film or movie production” acquisition camera. Remember, the shutters in still cameras have always been very loud in comparison to Arriflex, Aatons, Panaflex cameras. This is especially true when comparing the decibel levels of it’s CCD counterparts such as the Canon XL-H1. Tape and tapeless are currently the quietest in the ENG/EFP industry. The only way to address this issue on the set would be to make sure that the DP attaches a barney or blimp apparatus to the still camera. Unless of course, Canon has already thought of that.

Comment by Film Dude 10.28.08 @ 12:43 pm

check this out

http://www.redrockmicro.com/redrock_dslr.html

Comment by deniz 10.29.08 @ 10:12 pm

I love this.

Comment by herry 11.04.08 @ 10:54 am

[...] further outlines the impact this will have on the photojournalism community. Some of it is a bit technical, but the point [...]

Pingback by Canon’s New Camera and What it Says About Adaptation « Editorial Ephemera 11.06.08 @ 8:52 pm

[...] the ability to capture the scene, whether in high res stills, or high def video - definitely a game changer. Finally, that last track in the video is “Poupées Russes” by Kraked Unit, a French [...]

Pingback by Stunning new HD video from the Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Jeffzilla 11.07.08 @ 1:58 am

This is crazy. I cant picture myself holding a DSLR HD Camera to shoot wedding… Its gonna be weird…
But im always open for discussion

Comment by Dimar Brata 11.09.08 @ 1:40 pm

But somehow i knew this will happen.. save alot of bucks…
If this was the “It” thing, then i regret myself buying letus extreme for my sony z7 recently…

Comment by Dimar Brata 11.09.08 @ 1:46 pm

WE HAVE 25P!
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eos 5D Mark 2 Hacked 25p!
Eos 5D Mark 2 Hacked 25p!
Eos 5D Mark 2 Hacked 25p!
Eos 5D Mark 2 Hacked 25p!

Here is the link to the guys. they take orders!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/2460640318_8ceb39f556.jpg?v=0

Comment by ds 11.11.08 @ 9:30 pm

Comment by EdCor 11.12.08 @ 5:34 am

[...] lens in place in front of HV20 and other "cheap" HD video cameras. Canon’s already had cinematographers out shooting with the 5D. The results are pretty impressive. Now, you’re not necessarily going to become a full-time [...]

Pingback by Wishful Thinking?? - PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Community 11.15.08 @ 9:32 pm

Your video looks astounding. But the issue that you and Canon both fail to address,is that,to retain long form audio/video sync. The camera has to be recording at 29.97 frames per second,not– I repeat– NOT 30 frames per second. So,when it comes to use as a videography tool,won’t work as anything more than a novelty act. And,no 23.97. What’s up with that? REALLY,couldn’t this all be fixed with a firmware update. Or,is Canon REALLY worried about completing with its video camera branch,which understands the framing situation.

T Patrick Murray Reply:
November 20th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

30fps is in fact 29.97… sync will not be an
issue…

And 24p, I mean, 23.97, is overrated… DOP is where cinema meets video…

This camera is the Holy Grail of filmmaking.

Bet my life on it.

T. Patrick Murray

Comment by keiairra 11.16.08 @ 4:42 pm

[...] want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!In September of this year, photojournalist Vincent Laforet went to the Canon headquarters for a meeting with executive David Sparer. Laforet, who sometimes [...]

Pingback by How Cannon Went Viral with Vincent Lafore Reverie Video — Viral Conversations 11.19.08 @ 8:57 am

[...] market segment a year from now became the issue. Recently released cameras like the Nikon D90 and Canon EOS-5D offer somewhat compromised, but still quite usable movie modes that encroach on Scarlet’s [...]

Pingback by Call Box » RED Retools Scarlet camera 11.20.08 @ 9:24 pm

[...] to host it on his own site because of the massive bandwidth required to serve it. (Here’s his writeup, and here’s the “making of” [...]

Pingback by It was shot with a still camera… « Media Flow 11.21.08 @ 9:13 pm

Vincent,

I just had to leave a comment to say, what I have seen of REVERIE is really extremely powerful and great work, I admire your talent very much.
Favourite moments in REVERIE: I LOVE the silhoette of the woman and that momentary glint of red coming from her earing, it probly only last for half a second or less but it’s great, and the woman at the end falling (aparently) into the people on the sidewalk, my jaw dropped when I first saw it
Music is spot on and your timing is right there as well (not that I am an expert, but I know what I like).
You have made me think again about the 5dII that’s for sure!
Peter Studt
New Zealand
p.s. I hope I filled this out right
pictures-of-paradise.com

Comment by Peter Studt 11.29.08 @ 1:18 am

30p is schit

regards

Comment by denden 11.29.08 @ 9:49 pm