I’m finally having some fun with my Canon 5D Mark II HD video capability. I did some test footage with my girl Jordan… had to cut out a lot because as we all know, getting a toddler to remain still within your focal plane is a mission not easily accomplished =)
LENSES:
Lenses used for this footage: 85mm f/1.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. A combination of handheld and monopod operation, I definitely recommend some sort of stabilizer as handholding the Mark II is uncomfortable when shooting video. After all, it’s meant to be handled as a still camera!
FINAL CUT EXPRESS 4:
The video was edited in Final Cut Express 4. I’m still trying to figure out the best HD export settings but the compressed results for the web aren’t looking too bad. The original file I have is so much better looking. No special effects or color correcting was done other than simple transitions. The video here was embedded from my Vimeo Account.
PROS:
Using its full frame sensor and Canon professional lenses results in amazing video quality right out of the camera! Not to mention the shallow depth of field is easily achievable, something many cinematographers seem to like and talk about with this camera and the cool interchangeable lenses you can use.
CONS:
I was having trouble focusing manually since the autofocus in video mode totally sucks. It’s slow, inaccurate, and noisy. Not to mention the LCD may look great for reviewing photos, but not so great as a video monitor – too small IMHO.
SOLUTIONS:
1. The LCD isn’t the best tool for me for focusing, maybe an extended viewfinder for the LCD would help. Or even an outboard monitor for the real deal setup.
2. A follow-focus device would be nice to have for a real cinematography setup.
3. Use an external audio recorder and mic. The internal mic is not good enough for pro audio. Hence why I made up some music to replace the crappy audio.
I need to get Jordan into child modeling, lol.
by Armin
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