New Canon EOS 5D Mark II Firmware Adds Manual Exposure For Movies

Canon has shown that yes they are listening, and yes they want to sell more cameras (to filmmakers), by announcing a firmware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II that allows for manual exposure in movie mode. After installing the new firmware (available June 2) users will now be able to control:

• Full aperture selection
• ISO speed: Auto, 100 – 6400 and H1
• Shutter speed: 1/30th – 1/4000th second

This practically erases the only real negative of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II’s movie mode, though a couple of continuous focus lenses might be nice? Still factor this new firmware and a little rumor stating that Apple’s snow leopard version of Quicktime will add realtime editing of the 5D Mark II’s .h264 files, and movie making just got a lot sweeter on the Canon platform.

On June 2, you can get the firmware update here.

Press release follows

Press Release

LONDON, UK, 27th May 2009: Canon announced today it will release a firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II allowing users to manually control exposure when shooting video. The new firmware will be available for download from 2 June 2009 on Canon Europe’s support web site.
Following the launch of the EOS 5D Mark II in September 2008, Canon’s Research and Development team has listened closely to customer feedback to develop additions to the camera’s movie recording functionality.

Allowing EOS 5D Mark II owners to achieve even more stunning video results with the camera, the firmware update will include the following manual controls when shooting video:

* Full aperture selection
* ISO speed: Auto, 100 – 6400 and H1
* Shutter speed: 1/30th – 1/4000th second

The EOS 5D Mark II integrates full HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1 Megapixel camera; opening a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. Since its launch the camera has proved its appeal to professionals working in diverse fields, from studio and wedding to nature and travel. Now, following customer feedback, Canon has improved functionality for professional video users, further unleashing the potential of the EOS 5D Mark II for cinematographers and photographers alike.

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