The long awaited firmware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II was pre-announced today as previously expected. The update adds 24 and 25fps HD Movie recording to the EOS 5D Mark II model. No download link yet.
Full press release after the break:
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.
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”.
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7 Comments
Admin, I believe the firmware was preannounced, and not actually released today. Give it two more weeks, per the rumors.
sorry – I changes the text, now we also have a “pre-announcement”
In announcements like this I recommend informing the reader about what the prior condition of the camera/industry/situation was. For instance, explaining why this is a good thing. I don’t know what the situation was before, so I have no idea how to gauge this as an improvement… Is this just a gimmick?
GlobalGuy, this makes sense – my concern is not to post long paragraph that nobody will read. Instead, I am keeping the reported information to minimum and then providing links and/or press releases for all the details if someone is interested. I can still however give a very brief summary (only few sentences) before I report something like that. Thanks for the feedback!
Good work Canon!
the hardware is ready
and it took them this long to let us know
don’t expect Mark III soon
what a marketing team
What is Canon doing with the last year or so doing these “pre-announcements”?
800/5.6L will come out! (assuming we get FDA approval)
We’re coming out with a new IS system and macro lens!
We’re coming out with a new firmware!
We have the best AF in any Canon camera tested to date! (Just ignore the recalls and firmware updates!)
Both Nikon and Canon have spies working for the other side. They are continuing their little game of cat and mouse. I’m guessing that Nikon will, before the summer, release the D700s with 1080p video that will blow the 5DMk2 out of the water in regards to quality. And Canon knows it.