Canon 5D Mark II's manual video controls arrive

Half a year after the camera's debut, Canon released promised firmware that updates its vaunted EOS 5D Mark II SLR with the ability to manually control camera settings while shooting video.

The much-desired feature lets users set aperture, ISO sensitivity, and shutter speed manually. It was the first Canon SLR to support video, and the only one so far that can shoot 1080p video at 30 frames per second, but previously it only could shoot video in a fully automatic mode.

The firmware 1.1.0 update is available from Canon's Web site, as are update instructions (PDF).

The omission led to much carping among those who expected more control over their imagery from a 21.1-megapixel SLR that costs $2,700 with no lenses. For example, people couldn't specifically set a wide aperture to attain a shallow depth of field that blurs the background behind the video subject, a cinematographic effect that's hard to attain with standard point-and-shoot video.

The new video mode is activated using the standard controls for setting ISO, aperture, and shutter speed after the camera dial is set to the "M" mode for manual shooting. See the excerpt from the user manual update below for details.

On my camera, the update took about two minutes to install and my testing showed that the feature worked as advertised. The firmware fixes five other glitches, too; the full list is at the bottom of this post.

Update 8:30 a.m. PDT: Contrary what I found earlier, aperture and shutter speed can be changed while you're shooting. Of course doing so shakes the camera and adds audible noise if you're using the built-in microphone, and exposure changes in fixed steps, not smooth transitions, that are pretty glaring in the video.

You also can set ISO to "auto," in which case the camera makes its best guess about exposure while leaving shutter speed and aperture alone.

(Credit: Canon)

Aside from the video feature, here's what Canon says firmware 1.1.0 fixes:

• Disables the function of the depth-of-field preview button when images are played back or when the menu screen is displayed on the LCD panel.

• Fixes a phenomenon where the peripheral illumination of images cannot be properly corrected, even if the images were captured with the lens peripheral illumination correction function set to Enable. Digital Photo Professional software version 3.6.1 or later (for Windows and Macintosh) can be used to automatically correct the peripheral illumination of raw and JPEG images that were captured in the Peripheral Illumination Correction setting with cameras that have Firmware Version 1.0.7 or earlier.

• Fixes the algorithms of the Auto Lighting Optimizer function when Custom Function C.Fn II-3 Highlight tone priority is enabled.

• Fixes incorrect indications on the Arabic, Romanian, Spanish, and Ukrainian menu screens.

• Changes the battery information displayed on the camera when using the optional Battery Grip BG-E6.

[TimGray--2008]

I dont want my Pro DSLR to shoot video. Why is this useless feature on these cameras? They are turning pro cameras into consumer grade junk by adding this.

When are they going to put a cellphone in it? It needs to twitter whenever it takes a picture.

[terminalblue]

alott of photographers find the feature useful. funny thing is i have owned a video camera. but i have always had a still camera that shot good video. its a nice add on if you dont want a video camera and you jus want to shoot a few minutes at a time, i dont think that it is trying to replace video cameras...but for alot of eole its a selling point.

[Splinter4]

@ TimGray

I'm right there with you Tim. I don't understand why everyone needs to broadcast to the world updates on every moment of their day. We have definitely gone way overboard with our daily addictions to technology. "...twitter whenever it takes a picture." ...man, that cracked me up. And what's even funnier is that someone somewhere has probably already come-up with a point and shoot that will actually do this. Ughh!

However... I have to strongly disagree with your statement that giving a Pro DSLR the ability to shoot video is useless. Perhaps you and other folks have no use for it, but that hardly makes it useless. Especially since we're talking about the ability to shoot a legitimate 1080p HD video with a full-frame sensor that allows for the very shallowest depths of field. Add to that the ability to invest in legitimate (and arguably Cinema-grade) glass from Canon that will easily transfer to the next big upgrade to the camera body, and you are now talking about the wet-dream of every Independent Film Maker out here... me included.

I'm not trying to start any big debate here. I'm simply pointing out that even with ALL of the many shortcomings the new DSLR Video shooting technology presents, the Independent Film Industry has been falling all over itself to embrace this new technology. Just as one example, go check out the investment Zacuto has made in this new branch of the industry...

http://store.zacuto.com/DSLR-Gunstock-Shooter-Kits/

The response to this new technology has truly been overwhelming, and I really think it's safe to assume that it is absolutely here to stay. I'm just saying.

[Shankland]

@TimGray: Video certainly isn't everybody's cup of tea, but don't confuse your tastes with those entire market. There's a consequence to putting video in an SLR--research and development costs are higher, product debut is later, price is higher. But video is real, and there's also a competitive consequence to leaving it out, too. I certainly don't use video most of the time, but I took a video last week that I thought was pretty darned good, and it would have been impossible with a point-and-shoot, and I'm not going to invest in a separate high-end video gear. And as others have pointed out, the 5D Mark II's big sensor means you can take video in dim conditions today's videocameras struggle with.

Video feels awkward overall in the 5D Mark II--it's clearly technology that's only just arriving now--but I expect it'll get significantly more mature and capable in the next couple year. I also believe we've seen the beginnings of higher-quality videography on the Web that's comparable to the good enthusiast photos you'll see from still cameras alongside all the tedious snapshots of friends at the bar.

[ralfthedog]

Twittering the time, GPS, Shutter , aperture and frame number every time I take a picture would not be that bad of an idea. I know the information is stored as meta data, however sending it back to my self by internet would be useful sometimes. Thanks for the idea.

Now, time to hack my camera.

[seethebright]

Wow Tim. That video button must really be screwing up your still shots.

I suggest you do a little research, and maybe step outside the still-shooter's box a little. It's no accident that pro cinematogs often have backgrounds as pro photogs. While it isn't your cup of tea, it is nothing short of revolutionary to the indie film, corporate video and commercial markets. I just got back from a video shoot in Seattle where we rolled a MarkII along side a $17,000 shoulder mont Sony HD camera. The editor ended up using the 5d files for 80% of the final cut. 80%, Tim. This isn't an "argument" for the "video function." This is real life, and very real money. HE ACTUALLY THOUGHT WE HAD A RED ONE ON THE SET--THE SAME CAMERA THAT NOW HAS A STRONG FOLLOWING IN THE MAJOR MOTION PICTURE MARKET. Anyway, for me personally, the "video" (and, hey, it's really not a video camera, it's a motion picture camera with a very small form factor) has launched me on a fresh new career path. My 5d Mark II has made me more money than all of my other equipment (both Nikon, Canon and Sony) combined. The feature is only useless to you because you don't care about shooting anything but stills (probably of inanimate objects in your backyard, I'd guess). Still confused?

[cjophoto]

You must not be making a living with that camera. If you were a "pro" then you would know that to stay in this BIZ you must continue to grow. It will be the next step, remember film to digital took about seven years, this will take just two years. Be ready

I am a photographer/videographer.
I shoot most of my video with a Panasonic P2 video camera (AG-HPX500)...
I have shot with a Canon 1D for several years...
I wear both hats and see three primary advantages in the 5d MkII (which I have used for about 3 weeks).
1) Small -- great video for b-roll and pickup shots. A simple DIY camera support can give the b-roll a Steadi-Cam-ish feel without blowing the budget (limited to smaller lenses; the 70-200 is not an option -- too heavy). Definitely a run-and-gun option -- although it looks pretty good when I take the time to put it on a decent tripod. It fits well when up against the P2 material.
2) Glass -- I have 3 L-series lenses... and a couple of standard Canon lenses. I have a ton of creative control with the Panasonic (perhaps more than I will ever use), but the variety of Canon glass allows me some additional creative latitude if I wish.
3) Very nice still images.

As for the -- consumer grade junk -- comment:
A) The entire line has the "little green square"/full auto mode. It's not a junk mode, but it was designed for someone other than a professional/serious hobby-ist.
B) If you think it's junk don't use the video mode. See comment 3 above.

[bceugene]

Yeah Tim, why would anybody that takes photographs ever want to shoot video? that's just crazy! totally useless! jeez, some people are just clueless....