Canon 5D Mark II - HD??? - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 11-18mm Aspherical Di II LD IF f/4.5-5.6 for Canon Digital

09/24/2008 01:21:54 PM · #1

I know there have been other 5D Mark II threads. However, I had a pretty specific question. On the surface the idea of being able to record HD footage, using the camera, is pretty cool. I'm confused though about how that works and how good the quality of the picture would actually be. First of all, can you use any lens to record the footage? I'm asking because I used to have a Canon XL2 camcorder. It had the ability to interchange lenses. With a special adapter, you could use regular Canon SLR camera lenses...but the picture quality was poor because the lenses were not designed/optimized for the camcorder system. How will this new 5D system work? Will you need a special adapter in order to use it as a camcorder? Would I be able to use my 70-200mm lens to record HD footage? Would that footage look sharp and clear? I just a little confused about the practicality of incorporating HD into a DSLR. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

freakin_hilarious

Canon EOS-550D Rebel T2i

09/24/2008 01:29:32 PM · #2

Disclaimer: Everything I'm about to say I learned in other DPC threads, so there you go.

First of all, can you use any lens to record the footage?
Any lens that works for stills works for video.

How will this new 5D system work?
Change a setting in the menu (to switch from stills to video), hit the set button to start recording

Will you need a special adapter in order to use it as a camcorder?
No

Would I be able to use my 70-200mm lens to record HD footage?
Yes

Would that footage look sharp and clear?
Yes

Check out this sample video and the blog that's linked below it for more info.

rmezzo

09/24/2008 01:30:13 PM · #3

check out the movie samples at the bottom of this preview

Tamron SP AF 11-18mm Aspherical Di II LD IF f/4.5-5.6 for Canon Digital

09/24/2008 01:52:29 PM · #4

Those videos are pretty cool. I guess I can see some uses for the integrated HD video.

rmezzo

09/24/2008 01:59:55 PM · #5

Originally posted by freakin_hilarious:

Check out this sample video and the blog that's linked below it for more info.

Thanks for that link. The images in that video were stunning.

nova

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

09/24/2008 02:02:11 PM · #6

(edit: Ooops! Sorry too slow!)

These lenses were used in the Laforet video:

FD 7.5mm f/5.6 (converted to EF mount)
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
EF 135mm f/2L USM
EF 200mm f/1.8L USM
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM
EF 500mm f/4L IS USM
TS-E 24mm f/3.5L
TS-E 45mm f/2.8

Message edited by author 2008-09-24 14:03:57.

Tamron SP AF 11-18mm Aspherical Di II LD IF f/4.5-5.6 for Canon Digital

09/24/2008 03:02:09 PM · #7

That's pretty cool. What about sound? Is there some way to attach a boom to the camera? HD video is great, but sound can be just as important.

Tom

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/24/2008 04:15:05 PM · #8

Originally posted by chafer:

That's pretty cool. What about sound? Is there some way to attach a boom to the camera? HD video is great, but sound can be just as important.

There's a built-in mic (probably not too great) but there's also a port to plug in a stereo mic jack. I think it'd be funny to see a shotgun mic attached to the top of the 5D where the flash goes.

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

09/24/2008 04:31:39 PM · #9

Originally posted by rmezzo:

Originally posted by freakin_hilarious:
Check out this sample video and the blog that's linked below it for more info.

Thanks for that link. The images in that video were stunning.

It certainly was. A $5k budget and about another $10k+ worth of lenses, on top of the $3k camera and a boat load of lighting, mounts and steadycam gear along side it.

Message edited by author 2008-09-24 16:31:57.

rmezzo

09/24/2008 05:17:18 PM · #10

Originally posted by Gordon:

It certainly was. A $5k budget and about another $10k+ worth of lenses, on top of the $3k camera and a boat load of lighting, mounts and steadycam gear along side it.

You mean I won't get that image quality on the movie I want to make in my basement? What if I extend my budget and go with (2) exposed 60 watt light bulbs? ;)

Tamron SP AF 11-18mm Aspherical Di II LD IF f/4.5-5.6 for Canon Digital

09/26/2008 03:30:13 PM · #11

Without good sound, what is the advantage to having the HD video capability built into the camera? I can see some limited uses, but I definitely can't see it as an alternative to HD camcorder.

Moose408