BREAKING: Canon Will Issue Firmware Update for 5D Mark II DSLR Adding Manual Exposure While Shooting Video



May 26, 2009
5D II video firmware

In a surprise announcement, Canon USA said tonight it will be issuing a much sought-after firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera that will add manual exposure control including ISO, aperture and shutter speed, to the camera's HD video mode.

Details on the firmware update, however, were scant. Canon made its announcement via email to members of the press and in a "special edition" of Canon's EOS eNewsletter.
No mention was made about adding a 24p mode to the camera's HD video function which would simulate film. (A 24p mode for the 5D Mark II has ranked high on cinematographers' wish lists.)

In the press email, Canon USA states:

"This new firmware will accommodate a great number of user requests for manual exposure control in the EOS 5D Mark II video mode. Manual exposure control while shooting video on the EOS 5D Mark II is expected to make a big impact with cinematographers and videographers using the 5D Mark II for high-end HD video production. While being announced today, this firmware will not be available for download until early June 2009."

The eNewsletter adds:

"The EOS 5D Mark II has been met with incredible enthusiasm by major motion picture studios, independent filmmakers and professional videographers. The consensus was that the EOS 5D Mark II is a phenomenal tool but needed to include manual exposure control within video to be fully realized.

After months of extensive engineering and testing, Canon is please to annouce a free downloadable firmware update that enables manual exposure controls while shooting video including: ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.

This update transforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark II into the first full frame 24mm x 36mm DSLR with manual exposure video control, creating an amazing tool for the video and motion picture industries alike, leaving no need to compromise with inferior workarounds."

PDNGearGuide.com will post more details on the firmware update as we gather them.







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