Ever wondered what the Canon EOS–5D Mark II looks like deep inside? Someone was crazy enough to actually do it, with the aim of modifying it into a mirror–less camera optimized for video shooting. Note how the lens mount was also modified to accomodate what appears to be old-school screw–type Pentax lenses.
In case you missed it, the upgraded firmware for the Canon EOS–5D Mark II that was announced recently was made available yesterday. Version 2.0.3 of the firmware has been in development for a few months now and adds a 24p (24 frames per second) option for a more film–like output. The 30fps version has been tweaked to conform to industry standards, which is actually 29.97fps.
Audio recording is now at 48KHz, up from 44.1KHz, along with the option to manually adjust the recording level.
Here’s the download page for firmware v2.0.3, but be sure to check the upgrade instructions (PDF) beforehand.
It is rumored that the Leica M9 will be using the same sensor as that on the Canon EOS–5D Mark II. Reportedly, profiles for the M9 are showing up in certains versions of some RAW conversion software, suggesting that the new Leica is almost here. However, it would be quite strange if Canon indeed lends the 5D CMOS sensor to Leica as they’re not known to produce sensors for other camera makers. But then again, we know that Leica sells cameras with a huge premium which may just allow them to offer a good price for the 5D’s imaging sensor. And since the the M9 will be nowhere near the 5D Mark II’s price, there’s little chance it would hurt Canon’s market.
If Leica announces the M9 with a 21–megapixel CMOS sensor, it’s probably from Canon.
Hack your Canon EOS–5D Mark II firmware and make it do more! Though not for the faint of heart, indie film–makers will like the audio enhancements made available by this one hell of a hack. In effect, this is much like the CHDK project for Canon point&shoots.
The latest firmware update for the Canon EOS–5D Mark II enables manual exposure control for video. NO need for the mounting hacks to get the most out of your bokeh!
Wondering if it’s possible to shoot a complete wedding video using an all 5D Mark II lineup? No traditional video cams at all?
This video should prove it’s more than possible. It rocks.
An all 5D Wedding Video Shoot and Same Day Edit: Irene and David from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.
Jason’s writeup on this thing explains how everything was, which can summarized as “overwhelming.”
Credits to these great Filipino wedding videographers, a collaboration of four of the most talented ones you can find on this side of the world:
I came across several sites detailing the problems of Canon’s latest full–frame SLR, the EOS–5D Mark II. Sadly, it seems the problem is as widespread as it shouldn’t be.
So should they start selling the 5D Mark II for half the price? :D Seriously though, I hope Canon gets their act together before it affects sales so badly. I wouldn’t be buying this camera even if I could afford it, at least not anytime soon.
Yes, it’s now confirmed, the Canon EOS-5D Mark II is a real camera! After months (or was it years?) of speculation on how Canon would update the full–frame 5D, it is now finally here. Unfortunately, it’s not even close to the rumored 5D update we wrote about last March.
Highlights of this new camera:
Not to be outdone by Nikon’s D90, movie recording is available at HD 1080p, besting the Nikon which maxes out at the not–too–shabby 720p setting. Certainly, most of the changes are evolutionary, except for the new CMOS sensor which stands out, almost doubling the 12–megapixel model it replaces. And with sensitivity expansion reaching ISO 25600, the 5D Mark II will certainly be in the bags of Canon–shooting pros pretty soon.