New Canon EOS 5D Mark II firmware to add manual exposure control for video recording

Hey, it's no autofocus, but Canon's sent word that a free firmware update is coming for the EOS 5D Mark II that'll enable manual exposure control while shooting video, including ISO and aperture settings and shutter speed. Excited? Yeah, us too. No word on what else the update might entail, but it looks like we won't have to wait long either, as the company's saying to expect the download sometime in early June.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 10:45AM]

Canon is the best camera maker in the planet and I wasn't surprised if they were listening to their customers. My uncle who is a wedding photographer trusts Canon and he loves it. I have a 5D Mark II myself and it does take awesome pictures.

Their lens selections are great too, unlike Olympus, Sony, Pentax, and Nikon.

[deadwolfbones Posted May 27th 2009 11:05AM]

lol?

Olympus, Pentax, and Nikon all have lens selections that easily rival Canon. Particularly Pentax, with its excellent reverse compatibility.

[PorkchopFlavoredCupcake Posted May 27th 2009 11:09AM]

iKurt,
It's cool to be enthused over the 5DmkII but in the process when you start slandering other brands as if they had no market influence whatsoever, then you sound very naiive.
And seriously, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, etc. don't have a great lens selection...? Dude, you're lost.

[Leicaman Posted Jun 2nd 2009 11:06AM]

I shoot Canon at work (1Ds Mark II and 5D Mark II) and Nikon personally. My 14-24 2.8 has no peer in Canon's lineup. I had a recent conversation with a Canon rep and he admitted, "Yeah, we have nothing to compete with that lens." The 14-24 is every bit as good as Leica's 19mm 2.8, one of the best wide angle lenses in existence - and it zooms! NIkon did this one right.

Also I own the Nikkor 24-70 2.8 and have used Canon's 24-70 2.8 for years (both lack vibration reduction, pity that). The Nikkor eats the Canon's lunch for image quality. But Canon does have that nice 24mm 1.4 which Nikon somehow seems to be incapable of bringing out! Grrrr...

This is a good update. I'm going to get it right about now.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 1:50PM]

Now all they need to do is make the video controls compatible with the new iPhone app and then we'll really have something to talk about, but this is still pretty awesome!

[Drace Posted May 27th 2009 2:24PM]

One of the points the press release is "Shutter speed: 1/30th – 1/4000th second." Is this just for shooting stills in live view or does this effect video in someway?

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 9:29PM]

Didn't i just read this on Gizmodo? wait...what website is this? Engadget? Gizmodo? the URL says engadget.com, but articles scream Gizmodo. i just don't know who to believe anymore.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 11:10PM]

good yayay

[petepete Posted May 27th 2009 11:51PM]

if only i could afford such a sweet camera...

[Plothole Posted May 28th 2009 12:31AM]

Honestly I would recommend against buying a camera by that mentality. There are cheaper bodies that are more than adequate for most. You shouldn't buy something like the 5D mark II unless you actually need it.

[petepete Posted May 28th 2009 7:43AM]

what are you my financial planner?

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 22nd 2009 2:45PM]

WE WANT 16x9 24p with true 1080x1920 resolution HD (in 24p) and a 1 stereo plug in for 1 Boom or 1 LaV. and that's it! Get it Canon? All the other crap you can keep and put that money into this for higher quality. Im never going to use 30p or 60p. Give us Prime Lens (included). Now that would bankrupt the RED-Silicone Imaging-sony-panasonic in the low pro FILMAKERS market. = ) Until then I and all my friends are sticking to RED rentals.