Canon adds 24 and 25fps HD Movie recording to the EOS 5D Mark II with Firmware 2.0.3

London, 2nd March 2010 – Canon today pre-announces the release of a firmware update for the multiple award-winning EOS 5D Mark II. Originally announced in late 2009, the update adds 24* and 25 frames per second (fps) recording to the camera’s EOS MOVIE video function, and will be available as a free download from the middle of March.

5d mark ii1 - 5D Mark II Firmware Announcement

Developed following feedback from photographers and cinematographers, Firmware 2.0.3 further enhances the EOS 5D Mark II’s excellent video performance. The addition of new frame rates expands the camera’s video potential, providing filmmakers with the ability to shoot 1080p Full HD footage at 24fps (actual 23.976fps) – the optimum frame rate for cinematic video. 25fps support at both 1920×1080 and 640×480 resolutions will allow users to film at the frame rate required for the PAL broadcast standard, while the new firmware will also change the 30fps option to the NTSC video standard of 29.97fps.

A new histogram display for shooting movies in manual exposure, shutter-priority (Tv) and aperture-priority (Av) have been added, and exposure modes will also be available in movie mode. Improved audio functionality will allow users to set sound record levels manually using a sound-level meter displayed on the LCD screen. The audio sampling frequency has also been increased from 44.1KHz to 48KHz, providing the optimum audio signal typically required for professional or broadcast material.

With its full frame CMOS sensor and compatibility with Canon’s wide range of premium lenses, the EOS 5D Mark II is already recognised for its outstanding HD video performance. Launched in September 2008, the camera immediately created a wide range of new possibilities for photographers and videographers, and the addition of new frame rates and manual audio levels extends those possibilities even further – allowing movie makers to shoot stunning movies to suit practically any creative purpose.

Extreme sports photographer Richard Walch was one of the first to be given the chance to use the newly updated EOS 5D Mark II to shoot the snowboarding movie “I Love My Friends”. Commenting on the EOS 5D Mark II’s video performance, Richard said: “The addition of the new frame rates opens up a whole new range of possibilities. If you’re a cinematographer, independent film maker or just enthusiastic about making your own movies, get out there and give it a try”.

Download Available March 16, 2010 we hear: http://www.canon.com/eos-d/

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279 Comments

  1. Andrew Richards on

    I can’t understate how thrilled I’ve been with the 5DMII. I’ve had so much fun with it between recording priceless moments of my newborn to chasing around bald eagles and osprey in New Hampshire. This latest firmware will only improve these experiences…

    Thanks to Canon many times over for their efforts on improving the 5DMII. For me, acquiring this camera was a major financial purchase, and it has been worth every cent.

    That being said, I hope, even desperately so, that they come out with a 60fps update. My heart just sunk when I read it isn’t included in this firmware…

    Is there any chance it will be introduced in the future??? Or is Canon moving on?

  2. Maybe someone can guide me but in displaying the video files in AVID and Final Cut with each clip the SMPTE Start Time Code is set to “zero”. In shooting I would like to see progressive time codes clip to clip. Anybody have an idea? Thanks.

    Skiff

  3. Knowing that they used this camera for the last season series of the TV show “House” & on George Lucas’ next film Red Tails, operated by Philip Bloom… I went ahead and bought the camera today.

    I needed a new still camera, upgrading to full format… Not sure what to choose, the Nikon D700 or Canon 5d mk2.

    The fact is, Canons 5d mark 2 has more advantage for creativity… you won’t be saying “it’ll get the job done” you’ll be saying “it’ll get the JOBS done”.

    If people are noticing what this truly is already, and using as not only as a Pro Photographers tool, but a Cinema tool as well… Then imagine down the road what we’re starting here.. beginning with the 5d Mark 2.

    and its shipping to my house… ya baby!

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