Canon video firmware update for 5D MkII

Canon announced today it will release a firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II allowing users to manually control exposure when shooting video. The new firmware will be available for download from 2 June 2009 on Canon Europe’s support web site.

Following the launch of the EOS 5D Mark II in September 2008, Canon’s Research and Development team has listened closely to customer feedback to develop additions to the camera’s movie recording functionality.

Allowing EOS 5D Mark II owners to achieve even more stunning video results with the camera, the firmware update will include the following manual controls when shooting video:

Full aperture selection
ISO speed: Auto, 100 – 6400 and H1
Shutter speed: 1/30th – 1/4000th second

These features transform the use of the 5D MkII in video mode, and would be equally useful if ported to the EOS 500D. The Nikon D90 and D5000 both allow manual or mode governed control of settings, where Canon opted for limited control and a programmed exposure system heavily dependent on ISO variation and relatively long shutter opening times. The ability to set manual shutter speeds will alter the rolling shutter effect and make freeze-frame extraction, for news purposes, more useful.