Canon 5d Mark II users have been waiting for this firmware update for a while: Canon announces firmware update for EOS 5D Mark II. If it indeed comes out this month, I may be picking up my heavier Sony video camera a little less often.
One big factor that keeps me from using the Canon for video more often is the terrible audio quality. No choice but auto gain at 44.1 khz. Broadcast quality audio has a 48 khz sampling rate. And using auto audio gain is like using auto exposure: what looks like an easy (lazy) way out leads to mediocre results at best. The new firmware promises a 48k rate and manual control of audio levels. Outstanding.
I’ve been using the camera along with the Sony EX3 while working on The Clermont documentary, especially when I have a second shooter. Ease of portability, large sensor/shallow depth of field, awesome HD quality. The update, which also includes frame rate choices, will make this camera approach perfection. On-board XLR inputs would bring it even closer, but I ask too much.
