Another 5D2 video...Quite good.

[AndrewCCM]

Not sure if this has been posted...But I thought it was an excellent example of what can be done with the 5D2.

It is based on the same "Free Hugs" concept that was out on YouTube for quite some time. But the cinematography on this is quite good.

http://www.vimeo.com/2681050

FWIW.

[phillip ino]

That is really nicely made and well done indeed. But, to be honest, if I was going to make videos/short movies like that, I would go ahead and invest in a separate video camera that has AF and all the other bells and whistles to make life easier.

[AndrewCCM]

I would too if I had$30k extra.

You cannot do this kind of video on anything under the price of a RED camera. No other camera made shoots 1080P with a 35mm sensor and allows for L lenses.

Most all films (motion picture and shorts) are typically manual focus in nature. If you shoot sports or camcorder type of events, then this is NOT for you.. Most definitely get a video recorder.

[RobyMD]

This short was very well made. I've been looking for more 5D content like this, but most content I've run across so far says First shots, Test..., and the like. I'm interested to see how this camera is going to shape the industry(s).

[luis_relampago]

For more serious video work you have to focus manual to get total control of your shots. The 5DMKII will reshape the industry that is a fact. It will give a good economical option to independent film makers to get excellent HD quality and the usage of excellent lenses for an awesome look. For me the 5DII video option will give my business an extra source of income besides taking superb stills.

[ngoduyviet]

Very well done. I've been contemplating getting a 5D2, but still wait for all the bugs to work out & finding all the justification I can to get it. This helps

[Joe_Lorenzini]

That's nuts! Creative with exceptional quality. Thanks for posting.

No questions on the video capabilities of that camera (blows the D90 out of the water).

Joe

[ldelacruz]

Nice video but when I watch it I notice the exact issues I am having. There is a reason the director uses short clips for each shot, you can see that any amount of movement on the subject you lose focus. You can't keep them in focus for night shots because of the limitied DOF because you can't control the aperture. It is a great camera for these types of videos but until they unlock more manual controls it will be worthless to most.

Either Canon needs to come out with a 40-200 F8 or unlock the manual controls.

[AndrewCCM]

Point the camera at a bright source until you get the aperture you desire. Lock the exposure. Then recompose, and hit the exposure button on the right. It will begin by raising ISO until it reaches 3200, then it will begin lowering shutter, finally...if there isn't enough light, it will start opening the aperture. It's a kludge for sure...but it works.

I am just glad that it works in that order.. ISO/SHUTTER/APERTURE.. This at least gives you a workaround.

But yes...frustrating and manual controls should definitely be there. It certainly isn't a video camera for everyone or every type of shooting. Very specific for sure.

[nastytrucker]

The ability to manual focus to draw your attention to certain subjects REALLY gives it a higher end look compared to a standard consumer vid. camera.

[ldelacruz]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

Point the camera at a bright source until you get the aperture you desire. Lock the exposure. Then recompose, and hit the exposure button on the right. It will begin by raising ISO until it reaches 3200, then it will begin lowering shutter, finally...if there isn't enough light, it will start opening the aperture. It's a kludge for sure...but it works.

I am just glad that it works in that order.. ISO/SHUTTER/APERTURE.. This at least gives you a workaround.

But yes...frustrating and manual controls should definitely be there. It certainly isn't a video camera for everyone or every type of shooting. Very specific for sure.

Andrew,
You have given me this tip and others and have really made it workable. Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

I also want to point out that a lot of people are defending the manual focus. It is not the manual focus most users have issues with but the lack of manual controls when using video mode. The camera controls all the settings except for focus. So unless you want to do a lot of prep work you will not get the style of shot you are going for.

For for the money I don't think you can beat it for low light or this type of video?

[AndrewCCM]

Totally agree with Lonnie.

With focus, I am going to start using an external field monitor/LCD to assist with focus. I haven't found one with an HDMI input, so I am currently using the standard def output. Still, overall, it's much easier to use. Articulating and larger than the 3" helps tremendously. However, it still is tough to follow focus with shallow DOF.

I also plan to try out my old Glidecam 2000 with the 16-35. At a wide angle, the DOF should be as much of an issue and it "should" give an interesting effect. Getting the darn thing balanced is a whole separate issue.

BTW: I just ordered a Sony PCM D50 to do all of my field audio. Gets great reviews and will be cool for recording concerts and such as well. Kinda pricey, but I know that I won't second guess myself going with the build quality the Sony produces over the competition (at least with field recorders...)

[ldelacruz]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

Totally agree with Lonnie.

With focus, I am going to start using an external field monitor/LCD to assist with focus. I haven't found one with an HDMI input, so I am currently using the standard def output. Still, overall, it's much easier to use. Articulating and larger than the 3" helps tremendously. However, it still is tough to follow focus with shallow DOF.

I also plan to try out my old Glidecam 2000 with the 16-35. At a wide angle, the DOF should be as much of an issue and it "should" give an interesting effect. Getting the darn thing balanced is a whole separate issue.

BTW: I just ordered a Sony PCM D50 to do all of my field audio. Gets great reviews and will be cool for recording concerts and such as well. Kinda pricey, but I know that I won't second guess myself going with the build quality the Sony produces over the competition (at least with field recorders...)

Keep me posted on how the Sony works out. I just ordered a Canon HD camcorder that has manual controls, it will go down to F1.8 so I thought I would give it a shot and see how it performs.

[AndrewCCM]

Will do.. Congrats on the new camcorder too..
I swore I'd never get back into video after I burned out a few years ago (just as HD started)...Figured I'd not spend the money to retool for HD and I was getting tired of it anyway.

I just hope that the excitement that I got from this 5D2's video capabilities is not short lived due to the limitations. Oh well..guerrilla filmaking can be fun.. Keeping a positive attitude... :)

[ldelacruz]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

Will do.. Congrats on the new camcorder too..
I swore I'd never get back into video after I burned out a few years ago (just as HD started)...Figured I'd not spend the money to retool for HD and I was getting tired of it anyway.

I just hope that the excitement that I got from this 5D2's video capabilities is not short lived due to the limitations. Oh well..guerrilla filmaking can be fun.. Keeping a positive attitude... :)

The power went out during our family Christmas party and I had the MKII and an 85 F1.2 II. It was about 4PM so the house was pretty dark but the HD video when played back on my 1080P LCD TV was amazing! I was shocked! I also took video from earlier in the day when we had power but used a video camera with every light in the house on and it was your typical grainy video.

Anyway got to go pratice my exposure manipulation techniques.