SlashGear Japan
We told you the video feature on Digital SLR is the next big thing in digital SLR camera industry, and we are not far off. Vincent Laforet, an international acclaimed photographer from New York, which also the Pulitzer winner has published a short review of Canon EOS 5D Mark II video aspect on his personal blog and a commercial-grade film is forthcoming.
In reference to his article, Vincent was given a hands-on opportunity. It comes unexpected while visiting Canon’s HQ and had less than 72 hours to come out with a production level short film. Vincent is no film expert; a sudden assignment with little time for preparation is quite a challenge for anyone who has never shot a film before. The result? Nothing short of amazing according to Vincent.
See what he has to say.
“It produces the best video in low light that I’ve ever seen – at 1080p.”
“you no longer need half-million dollar’s worth of high definition video cameras and lenses delivered by a truck with its own driver to shoot a high definition film in low light – you just need a $2,700 camera and a few lenses”
“Everyone has been waiting for the video camera that can also take stills… here’s a still camera that can shoot stunning video.”
His amateur opinion in film equipment may not favor or qualify him for a professional review, but was concurred with a top commercial film editor with expertise in the $20k RED camera. “the 5D MKII is far superior to the RED camera in terms of low light performance…”
A $2,700 camera doesn’t turn you instantly into a production level film maker. A great artistry presentation comes a long way- Pair of God-gifted eyes, high quality lens, film crews and travel expenses just to name a few. But that’s not the point; video feature in Digital SLR has the potential to change the industry. The RED camera popularity relies greatly on its compatibility with SLR interchangeable lens; now imagine millions of D-SLR owners! Soon they can express their artistic ability in motion rather than still pictures without the cost or size of pro-level equipment. Its compact size and user friendly operation would benefit wedding photographer or photojournalist on the run – not having to purchase separate tools for filming purposes.
In his reply to his reader, he called an amateur digital video camcorder Canon XH-A1 unusable garbage when it compares head-to-head with Canon 5D Mark II in night scene. Meanwhile, let’s take a quick peep at the film.
[Update : the film is out. See post here]
The current model doesn’t provide 24fps, a swivel type LCD screen or equipped with better audio inputs; hopefully the next one will. As a Canon shooter, I’m glad they finally came out with something that is useful than the “Print” button. As a Digital SLR owner with no prior knowledge or training in film photography, I can’t wait to try it!
25 Responses to “Canon 5D Mark II video capture is comparable to $500K pro video equipment?”
Brandon Mulnix September 21, 2008
Just wondering what they were thinking… I am not going to say I am not going to buy one, but why? Why did they add video to an D-SLR? Was there a need for it? Was there a desire to have it? Why so many megapixals. I have been using the 5D since its birth and am overwhelmed everyday by its Raw file size. Why more pixels for the 5D MKII? Please help me answer these questions.
-16Daniel Lim September 21, 2008
Brandon,
This is where the industry is heading, i doubt we have any choice but we can always choose not to use it. For a still working pro that’s looking into production level quality film without spending the big bucks, the 5D mark II looks like a bargain compare to RED cameras. The high dollar Digital cam about to face a big challenge when this thing takes off. The key is the ability to use your existing high quality DSLR lenses with paper thin DOF. I guess the manufacturer can’t please everyone, just goes with the flow. :)
I am with you on the megapixel race. i would prefer smaller image size hence faster fps, or better AF points and system. I have not seen a jaw-dropping with exception IQ sample coming out from this camera yet, it’s diffraction-limitation with excessive NRed algorithm? I don’t want to draw any conclusion yet until we see the raw file.
-1David September 22, 2008
Its out. Check is latest blog entry.
-1Daniel Lim September 23, 2008
Thanks for the head up, David.
-1Eric September 24, 2008
RED still kicks this camera’s video seven ways to Sunday given that this uses a lossy codec; not to mention a list of several hundred features needed to make a commercial film. Regardless, I’m buying one to replace my 5D.
-1Sanibel Photographer September 24, 2008
Nothing short of phenomenal! I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these!
+1Robert September 24, 2008
Eric, you have a very good point, however the HDMI output on the Mark II delivers uncompressed 1080p in a 4:2:2 color space (at up to 10 bits), completely bypassing the H.264 inter-frame codec. Most filmmakers and/or videographers (including me) would transcode the H.264 footage to ProRes or Cineform or any other intra-frame codec prior to editing anyway. This is a HUGE step up for those with HDV cameras that record the “lossy” MPEG-2 codec at 25mbps. One concern I have though, is the audio quality on the Mark II, but that’s not exactly a huge problem since everyone who buys this camera for video use would use an external audio recorder anyway.
Cineform is working on an external encoder for video cameras that output uncompressed HD via their HDMI connection so that it can record the video to a portable hard disk using the Cineform intra-frame “visually lossless” codec that’s far superior to DVCProHD in every aspect. Note that RED RAW is a visually lossless codec very similar to Cineform.
NeutralRobert September 24, 2008
It does record the audio in uncompressed PCM. That’s very good.
-1Photographic Culture September 25, 2008
I am a long time Nikon user, but the 5d has always made me think about switching. But with the recent announcement of the 5d Mark II’s HD Video capability, I am switching over. In the visual journalism industry you are now being taught be be your very own productions team, shooting stills, recording video and sound, editing and writing. Canon has seen that and adjusted to the average photographers needs. Yes the RED is amazing but 17k is not affordable in todays economy. I am so excited to be able to carry around just a camera again, instead of a Hand Held and a camera. Plus the low light and changeable lens make it even more appealing.
+3Anmol Mishra September 26, 2008
Robert, Are you sure that the HDMI is 10-bit uncompressed 4:2:2 ? Sometimes the HDMI can be output after compression..
+1Robert September 26, 2008
The only thing I’m not sure about is whether it’s 10-bit or 8-bit. I’ve never seen anything as far as an acquisition device goes that doesn’t output uncompressed 4:2:2 through HDMI. I could be wrong about that, but I haven’t seen anything yet that doesn’t offer something like that through HDMI.
+1Anmol September 30, 2008
I believe the Nikon D90 outputs the compressed MJPEG signal on HDMI. It has the same artifacting – seen from Kholi at dvxuser
[quote comment="50201"]The only thing I’m not sure about is whether it’s 10-bit or 8-bit. I’ve never seen anything as far as an acquisition device goes that doesn’t output uncompressed 4:2:2 through HDMI. I could be wrong about that, but I haven’t seen anything yet that doesn’t offer something like that through HDMI.[/quote]
-1dale October 12, 2008
How many jobs does this camera threaten? I want one but it scares me. Any thoughts?
-1alan doyle October 13, 2008
i have been testing this camera..and it is the 1st model of it’s type.
+1it will be in the future a revolutionary device.
but canon have crippled this very powerful beast in video mode..
maybe they have issues with canon broadcast division.
but what this product has clearly demonstrated is canons technological power.
if an lossless hdmi output device is made and canon put 24p and manual exposure..
this will kill red as a company.
this should be looked at as a starting point for canon.
the future is exciting…shooting video at beyond 5000asa…wow.
Luke Miller October 27, 2008
Alan,
NeutralCan you settle the discussion on the uncompressed 1080 out thru HDMI? Do you currently have acsess to the 5D Mark II??? Would be very helpful info!
alan doyle November 4, 2008
i believe it is uncompressed signal…forget hdmi output for seperate storage device at the moment only good for a monitor..
-1all viewfinder info is fed out as well as picture.you cannot just get pure picture signal out….so no go on image capture..
whoever said this was as good as a 500k camera is talking complete shit.
what camera is that for 500k…unlike the stills guy vincent i have shot 16mm and 35mm moving picture film which is still the best format for tv commercials…dramas films.
all the big product jobs have not gone over to digital arri d20,red etc.. FILM STILL RULES.
any one saying different does not work in real high end stuff.
all the top uk commercials guys still shoot 35mm film.
i love what i got out of the canon but it kind of reminded me of using super8 film…many flaws and lot’s of work arounds,quality wise i believe it is still fantastic and for the money a bargain piece of technology. as i said this is the 1st try for canon..
next year your gonna see some amazing small stills and hi def cameras coming..
nikon and panasonic are the ones to watch…sony like canon have to be careful as they have a big broadcast division,so who knows what they will do..
Tom Maynard November 14, 2008
[quote comment="53616"]i believe it is uncompressed signal…forget hdmi output for seperate storage device at the moment only good for a monitor..
all viewfinder info is fed out as well as picture.you cannot just get pure picture signal out….so no go on image capture..
whoever said this was as good as a 500k camera is talking complete shit.
what camera is that for 500k…unlike the stills guy vincent i have shot 16mm and 35mm moving picture film which is still the best format for tv commercials…dramas films.
all the big product jobs have not gone over to digital arri d20,red etc.. FILM STILL RULES.
any one saying different does not work in real high end stuff.
all the top uk commercials guys still shoot 35mm film.
i love what i got out of the canon but it kind of reminded me of using super8 film…many flaws and lot’s of work arounds,quality wise i believe it is still fantastic and for the money a bargain piece of technology. as i said this is the 1st try for canon..
next year your gonna see some amazing small stills and hi def cameras coming..
nikon and panasonic are the ones to watch…sony like canon have to be careful as they have a big broadcast division,so who knows what they will do..[/quote]
Alan.. Are you for real? People have been using digital formats for the past 10 years on highend film and commercials. Sure film has its place and does give a certain warmth or coldness that is hard to get from a digital HD camera. But to say that people who don’t use film are talking garbage is bordering on farcical.
Neutralalan doyle November 16, 2008
yes i am for real…
i think i used the word high end…
bbc drama looks shit now cos they use digital…most good american drama still use film..
name me or show me mecedes..audi bmw work that is on tape…
film is expensive this is the reason..the first was is low fi 16mm.
http://world.honda.com/message.....dreams/cm/
http://www.knucklehead.co.uk/html/player.php?id=63
-1http://www.knucklehead.co.uk/h.....php?id=167
Grav November 20, 2008
I have to agree with Alan to a degree, for moving picture decent film and optics will trump even hd video, but the gap is narrowing. For me, I suspect the new 5d maybe the death knell for me and film for still photography. The resolution with a decent lens is likely going match my Fuji 6×9 (Somewhat larger than Imax frame still negatives for those of you not familiar with the old beauties.) and the iso range is phenomenal. The only wild card for me is dynamic range. If I can get DR close to pyro developed film, I’m afraid my Fuji will spend most of it’s time on display. That’s my two bits.
Grav
-1headphone November 24, 2008
Hi Guy’s
Just wondering,can anybody tell me how much running time (video recording) the 5D will have?
Regards
NeutralBrian Artka December 4, 2008
headphone:
I read that with a 4GB SD card (or CF card? not sure) it will record 24 minutes of HD 1080p footage.
In any event, I love this. It remindes me of shooting on the 16mm film cameras I have used in the past, but in HD. For the price, and the potential… I dont think you can beat it. Oh, and being a film/video guy, its nice that it can replace my Rebel XTi, EF-S lenses, and an HDV camera.. love it!
Neutralalan doyle December 7, 2008
as i said in high end circles film is still king..
-1red,genesis or sony cinealta.. has not destroyed the user base for quality tv commercials..
yes the crap stuff is still being done on video..washing up liquid etc…
anyway to try to assure you i am real,i shot with the canon a couple of months ago..
i thought i did ok since i do not use video or digital….
http://alandoyle.smugmug.com/
Eric K December 31, 2008
4:2:2 is a compressed video signal. It refers to the compression of color. The RED cameras have 4:4:4 color sampling for truly uncompressed video.
That said, if the Mark II is able to give even 8-bit 4:2:2 over it’s HDMI that is a huge step for Canon and I would expect them to start integrating this into their video cameras like the HD-X1. Sony already has a pro-sumer camcorder that does 4:2:2 1080p to flash memory and it’s fantastic. The advantage with the Canon is the larger sensor and awesome selection of lenses to use with the camera.
I’m excited to see what comes in the next year in the film world because of this. Maybe we’ll see the first film shot on a dSLR show up at the Sandance, Tribeca, or other film festivals.
NeutralPablo Vazquez January 14, 2009
[quote comment="49851"]
.. I have not seen a jaw-dropping with exception IQ sample coming out from this camera yet, it’s diffraction-limitation with excessive NRed algorithm? I don’t want to draw any conclusion yet until we see the raw file.[/quote]
Hello Daniel Lim,
Please could you explain that comment to me in more clear way ? (my english is not very good, but I’m interested to know what you are exactly refereing to, since I’m evaluating to purchase a 5D Mark II – but not sure how good it is, and still miss some features on it…)
I’m one of those who work in Photography and Visual Arts, but also study movie making, and REALLY want to take advantage of the capability of a DSLR as a Movie/Video recording tool, with all of its advantages (thin DOF, low light capability, interchangeable lenses, etc)
The only features I still miss and NEED for a really Pro use are:
1- The possibility for Full Manual Setting of exposure while recording video (Extremelly important)
2- Availability of (adjustable by the user):
A-More than one frame rate
B-More than one bitrate
C-More than one compression level
3- A Focusing Assistance System. I find this extremelly important.
Why?, Because the Video/Movie mode is only displayed on the LCD screen while recording, and that image is too small for a full HD movie, then a fine focusing could be really difficult (not visible in the LCD, but visible when watching the full HD in a full HD display)
4- Also would be Really great to have an AF system for Video. It IS very possible, since it is based on LiveView mode, and it can track an object all over the screen. Sometimes (very often) you need to concentrate on framing a scene or moving subject, and can Not set the focus manually at the same time (that’s why there is an extra person to manage the focus when making movies)
I would appreciate your explanation about your previous quoted comment.
Thanks a lot.
Pablo Vazquez Leoncini
NeutralVISUALTECH Studio
zcream February 12, 2009
Hi Robert. Just wondering how you can actually tell if the footage is 8-bit or 10-bit uncompressed. In Live View + Face Detect we can get a non-overlay frame, but we are not sure how to tell if its uncompressed or not..
Please email me at amish153 at hotmail dot com.
Thanks!
[quote comment="50124"]Eric, you have a very good point, however the HDMI output on the Mark II delivers uncompressed 1080p in a 4:2:2 color space (at up to 10 bits), completely bypassing the H.264 inter-frame codec. Most filmmakers and/or videographers (including me) would transcode the H.264 footage to ProRes or Cineform or any other intra-frame codec prior to editing anyway. This is a HUGE step up for those with HDV cameras that record the “lossy” MPEG-2 codec at 25mbps. One concern I have though, is the audio quality on the Mark II, but that’s not exactly a huge problem since everyone who buys this camera for video use would use an external audio recorder anyway.
Cineform is working on an external encoder for video cameras that output uncompressed HD via their HDMI connection so that it can record the video to a portable hard disk using the Cineform intra-frame “visually lossless” codec that’s far superior to DVCProHD in every aspect. Note that RED RAW is a visually lossless codec very similar to Cineform.[/quote]
Neutral