Finally! 24 fps on the Canon EOS 5D MKII
Finally – it’s available – 24 fps on the Canon EOS 5D MKII.
So many of us have been waiting well over one year for this to happen.
So now one might ask: which camera should I use? The Canon EOS 5D MKII, The Canon EOS 1D MKIV, or the Canon 7D?
Well – as usually is the case – there isn’t a clear answer…
The Canon 5D MKII would be the clear choice for me BUT for two things:
Both the 7D and 1D MKIV offer two very important options – they allow you to shoot 60 fps at 720p (which is great for slow motion footage) but more importantly – they offer a consistent output via the HDMI-out port – from the time you are previewing to the time you hit “record.” This is not the case with the 5D MKII – which outputs a lower resolution output (of around 480p) when you hit the record button.
To some – this may not be a big deal – but if you are using external monitors, or the IDX Camwave wireless video transmitters for example – you will see the monitors jump each time (go blue) you hit record. The IDX Camwaves often lose their wireless signal altogether at times. More importantly – achieving critical focus on the 5D MKII while it’s recording – is significantly more difficult for this reason – if not impossible. The output resolution while recording is simply too low to achieve critical focus in my opinion.
Therefore – and this is definitely ironic – the camera with the largest sensor (and least depth of field) – is the toughest to focus while you’re filming.
Finally! It’s installed on two bodies and working…just wish they added a couple of things from ML
At least you get more options for audio wich is great! =)
Finally installed in my bodies…Now if I could only get better at editing 😛
No audio monitoring or HD monitoring during capture. It must be a tactical move on Canon’s part. They do not want to loose sales with their pro-video cameras and at the same time they want to be and stay the leaders in HDSLR.
is it just me or was this update also supposed to include 720p 60fps??
Vincent Laforet Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
@Jeremy, No it wasn’t unfortunately
Vincent Laforet Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
@Jeremy, No it wasn’t unfortunately.
What monitor would you recommend using the 5DMK2?
I want to use it on my steadycam and for better focusing.
Vincent Laforet Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@Sebastian Kubatz, I’ve been using the Marshall Electronics 7″ LCD and 6.5″ LCD with great results.
sometimes i just don’t understand the corporate world. Did Canon leave out the 60fps @ 720p because of technical issues or was it some part of a marketing strategy? The camera SHOULD have the components inside to pull that off. Will there ever be a 60fps hack? I WANT SLOW MO!
all of these questions and restrictions of the corporate world….and sadly i’m guessing that this will be the last update before moving forward to the NEXT generation hybrid camera.
i’ll still create with what i have but feel the need to complain ever now and then.
your awesome vincent. keep inspiring us all.
Mestizo Devon Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
@evan felts,
I don’t get why 720p would be left out, kinda creates a sore spot where there should be none. two lower units out perform the 5D hmmm, how does this please the customer?
Vincent Laforet Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
@Mestizo Devon, I’ve go to think it actually has to do with the internal technology of the 5D MKII – I could be wrong – but I think it’s a hardware limitation – not necc. a corporate decision. If they could do more – why wouldn’t they increase the resolution of the HDMI output for example? Seems that the 5D MKII can only do SO much internally – converting down from a 21.1 MP sensor at 30 fps and compressing it to H.264 live is a lot of work for any machine…
You are one of many people who talk about the signal going to a lower resolution when you hit record. I remember that happening the first few times I used my camera, but then it stopped. Now, and for several months, it holds steady @ 720p, whether I’m recording or not. I’m still trying to figure out why that is the case, because I’d like to help others solve the problem. And yes, the image is DEFINITELY 720p.
I love the 5D, and am still trying to figure out what the big deal was about the 7D (the 60p is the only thing I can think of that would have made it worthwhile). I’m still considering getting the T2i as a slo-mo/2nd body/crash cam. At $800, it’d be a pretty easy addition to the kit.
Thanks!
Tarkovsky Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 2:02 am
@kamraman,
The HDMI monitor out of the 5D always revert to 480P when you press record, which is a pain during shoot. Please share with us how you get 720P monitor out during record mode.
I really don’t understand why Canon didn’t fix this in the latest firmware. I think this is a very important feature,
Vincent Laforet Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
@Tarkovsky, Agreed – it’s a big drawback – to shooting w/ the 5D MKII w/ an external monitor. We just did some tests yesterday – and keep coming to the same unfortunate conclusion.
Not that epic imho…
T2i and the 7D outshine the 5dmk2, sad but true
Canon dropped the ball, and instead of picking it up they kick it further down the stairs
Vincent Laforet Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
@Giovanni, Have to disagree. On a number of levels.
Hope someone at Canon is reading this post. Hope this is not the last firmware update. Hope they realize that we feel cheated. How sad, despite giving customers something, which they really appreciate. However, they feel disappointed for what Canon could do so easily but left out: i.e. 60fps @ 720p
Man, I just want HD monitoring on my 5D! I’m very happy to have 24p, but it makes things so difficult not having HD monitoring. We’re interested in possibly shooting a feature with the 5D and the new Zeiss Compact Primes…but no HD monitoring makes it a tougher choice.
kamraman Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
@Tony Reale, It’s easy to have HD monitoring. Just send the HDMI signal out to an HDMI monitor. I have no trouble operating and pulling focus using my 17″ Panasonic 1710 monitor. On the back I have an HDMI-DVI connector. I also split the HDMI signal and send one to an HDMI-composite converter so I can send an SD signal downstream to whomever needs to see an image.
Vincent Laforet Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
@kamraman, Bigger monitors will help – but the signal form the 7D and MKIV make is very possible to accurately pull focus on a 6.5″ or 7″ monitor.
Tony Reale Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
@Vincent Laforet, I’m really on the fence between keeping my 5D MkII or upgrading to the 1D MkIV (or crossing my fingers for a 1Ds MkIV). We’re planning on shooting a feature this fall and using Canon DSLRs for it. I enjoyed your post on your hybrid HD-DSLR shoot and it got me thinking about possibly rigging up a Gefen wireless HDMI extender for my 1st AC who will be using Viewfactor wireless follow focus.
Also, I’d like to pick up the new Zeiss Compact Prime 2 lenses, but will they be still worth the investment if used on a 1D MkIV’s 1.3 crop sensor?
Thanks!
My friend and I, who both shoot with the 5D, were musing yesterday how Canon needs to accept reality and build the Red Killer. A small video camera body, with all the controls and features, with a mount for our lenses. Until then, it’s going to be a struggle to milk these cameras no matter what firmware Canon releases.
I use a Marshall 7″ monitor with the 1DMk4 and have to agree its a dream to use on shoots and definitely assists with attaining correct focus, even in low-light shoots it performs outstandingly.
One question which I have been unable to solve so far regarding the use of these monitors though;
Where on this earth is it possible to source as short (50cm), durable, right-angled mini-HDMI (from camera) to HDMI (monitor) cable??
The right angled mini-HDMI is to reduce stress on the connectors due to camera movement and general use.
In Australia NO ONE is making these cables per spec or is prepared to. The only option is to purchase 1/2 meter versions from domestic electrical suppliers (designed predominantly for plasma TV use) which cost a bomb ($350+ for high quality) and then fail after 3-5 shoots due to the rubbing and flexing of the mini-HDMI end during use.
HELP Vincent!
Vincent,
I am very surprised that you’re clear choice is the 5d if you had to choose one camera.
Can you comment on the value of the 1D’s improvements in low light (which look substantial) and rollingshutter/whip pan issues? I would have thought that those improvements (plus the fps and HDMI output bonuses) would make the 1D the clear winner in your book despite the 1.3 crop?
I am surprised that Hurlbut, yourself, and others talk about the 5d as the winner out of the bunch when the 1D appears to beat it on every issue handily (and importantly on low light and camera moves) except the sensor size.
Looking forward to your thoughts on the 1D vs the others as the best overall camera.
From Canon:
Recently we have discovered a malfunction that occurs with Firmware Version 2.0.3, in which the manual recording levels for C1/C2/C3 are changed and the camera becomes unable to record audio if the power is turned off (or if Auto power off takes effect) after registering “Sound Recording: Manual” in the camera user settings.
We apologize very sincerely for the inconvenience, but we are going to stop making this firmware available for download. For customers who have already updated to the new firmware, when using the camera with the mode dial set to C1/C2/C3, please either set the sound recording settings to Auto.
We are currently preparing firmware that will correct this malfunction. As soon as those preparations have been completed, we will let you know on this Web site. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience this represents, but please wait until the fixed firmware is ready.
I have to update my BABY 😉
From Canon again:
We apologize sincerely for the inconvenience caused to our customers by suspending the availability of the Version 2.0.3 firmware.
We are now introducing the Version 2.0.4 firmware. This firmware corrects the malfunction that occurred in the previous Version 2.0.3 firmware, in which the manual recording level changed and made recording impossible.
Customers who have the Version 2.0.3 firmware on their cameras should update the firmware to Version 2.0.4.
EOS 5D Mark II Firmware Update Version 2.0.4
This update is not working properly.
I’ve done the update but thinking to swich back to nikon 🙂
I am very happy to use my 5D MK II for video. I understand everyone’s desire for 24 fps but I figure if your not printing to film why? I would love for it to record 29.97 instead of 30 non drop though. Is this in the future for the 5D MK II? It makes it hard to multi clip with another camera that shoots drop frame. When you combine that with a stand alone recording device and trying to sync everything its quite a nightmare.
Sorry, I’ve been out of the country for a couple of weeks. I see the 2.0.4 does address my issue. Now if they would give us a better constant output via the HDMI like you suggest we would be better on our way.
I not so happy with 24p because its not smooth at all ,look my video and you see yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ_Z9B2tnr0
This was refreshing. I wished I could read every post, although i have to go away back to work now… Although I am going to return.
Hey.I ‘m extremly interested in the.Where can I learn additional material about this topic? Any advice?
Hi Vincent,
Regarding the focusproblem at 480 on a marshall…does the peaking not work well? Is it unreliable?
And Kamraman – if tou’re right about the 720 – it keeps me awake at night. Are you absolutely sure? If so, can’t you give us some testresults or pics? Is there really no way you can remember what happened back then?
Hope to hear from you.
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The one video I did record was with a z-finder on my 5D, it worked you can see the results on my website http://studiophotomontreal.com/ under videography. But seeing I want to start shooting wedding videos it would be nice to have a monitor, this way you can keep one eye on the lcd and the other eye scouting the room.
Very good quality