On or about March 17, the Canon 5D MarkII moves a few steps closer to becoming the “ultimate” HDSLR motion-capturing camera. That’s when the long awaited firmware announced in the summer of 2009, bringing enhanced functionality to the camera’s video capabilities, becomes available for download. The improvements included in Firmware 2.03 are far beyond what many had envisioned when Canon originally announced the planned firmware update, and as outlined in a recent release by Canon, appear to be well worth the wait. The improvements and new features include the option of recording at 24 and 25 fps (NTSC and PAL respectively), an adjustment of the camera’s original frame rate of 30fps to conform with the NTSC protocol, manual adjustment of recording sound levels, a change in sound sampling frequency to match that of the 7D and 1D MarkIV, shutter and aperture priority movie shooting modes which give users control over shutter speed and aperture, and histogram display during manual exposure shooting. I can’t recall a camera manufacturer that has implemented this number of substantial changes to a product, and one which is nearly 18 months old at that. While the changes do not bring all of the resolution and frame rate options available on Canon’s newest models to the 5D MarkII, they do bring consistency to what are probably the most widely used frame rates available on Canon’s latest releases (7D, 1D MarkIV and Rebel T2i.) and the 5D MarkII. Those using multiple camera models will appreciate this.
The nature of the firmware changes underscores the fact that today's digital image-capturing tools are computers. It also confirms the belief of many that manufacturers have tremendous latitude to adjust and improve products, as well as add functionalities during their lifecycles; unfortunately, many do not, opting instead to release new products. Canon could have easily introduced a new model and left the 5D MarkII as is; thankfully, they did not. As a HDSLR, these changes make the Canon 5D MarkII with its full frame (35mm film-sized sensor) an undeniable value leader in terms of price, features and image quality. This is tremendous for those who have been shooting with it since day one, and have come to appreciate what it offers as well as understand and work around its limitations for video, both capture and after-capture workflow. With this firmware release, a stellar imaging machine will be getting even better. The fact that the firmware update is free makes this all the more compelling. While Canon has not announced or indicated that similar firmware upgrades will be made available for other cameras, 7D and 1D MarkIV users must be wondering if they are going to see some of these enhancements made available for those cameras as well.
Canon does acknowledge that the new advances are targeted specifically towards professional video users. Last month’s announcement of the EOS MOVIE Plugin-E1 which was developed to enhance the workflow for Canon HDSLR users editing with Apple’s Final Cut Pro software makes it abundantly clear that they feel there is a substantial professional videographer market for the 5D MarkII as well as their other HDSLRs. The fact is that as the Firmware 2.03 has been described, most video shooters, from the seasoned professional to the enthusiast to the novice, should benefit from the changes and enhancements to the 5D MarkII, although as is the case with all camera features, everyone may not take advantage of them: By way of example, people who are shooting video without recording sound, may not appreciate the significance of the audio control and/or the frequency change.
As the ranks of HDSLRs grow, the technology continues to evolve. Not everyone is going to be happy with some of the features or the lack thereof or the balance between still and video capture capabilities. It is difficult—if not impossible—for a product to be all things to all people. This is and will remain particularly true for multi-media capturing devices. As far as Canon and the 5D MarkII are concerned, the bottom line is that Firmware 2.03 represents a promise kept and then some.
For more details on the upcoming 5D MarkII firmware release, click here.
UPDATE 3/16: The 5D MarkII firmware is available now. Make sure you read and follow the instructions carefully.
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