Just rec'd via email:

Canon U.S.A., Inc., will be issuing a greatly anticipated firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera. This new firmware will accommodate a great number of user requests for manual exposure control in the EOS 5D Mark II video mode. Manual exposure control while shooting video on the EOS 5D Mark II is expected to make a big impact with cinematographers and videographers using the 5D Mark II for high-end HD video production. While being announced today, this firmware will not be available for download until early June 2009.

This is, of course, great news. I just saw the announcement on DP Review and was going to post it here. You beat me to it! I haven't received an email from Canon yet, which is interesting, since I think mine was the only review on Canon's site which NEVER got posted, regardless of how I changed it! ;-)

From dpreview.com:

"Canon Enable Manual Exposure in Video on EOS 5D Mark II

LONDON, UK, 27th May 2009: 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

The EOS 5D Mark II integrates full HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1 Megapixel camera; opening a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. Since its launch the camera has proved its appeal to professionals working in diverse fields, from studio and wedding to nature and travel. Now, following customer feedback, Canon has improved functionality for professional video users, further unleashing the potential of the EOS 5D Mark II for cinematographers and photographers alike."

Julian

This is great news!

We'll probably still want more features, so I'll spend next week figuring out the new firmware layout. Hopefully it won't take as long as the first time!

Ha! I spoke too soon. Just got the email! :-)

For sale: Bunch of old Nikon lenses. Ha!

Julian

Good NEWSSSS

EOS (SLR) Camera Systems - EOS Digital SLR Cameras - EOS 35mm SLR Cameras - Lenses - Flashes - EOS 5D Mark II Firmware Upgrade - Canon USA Consumer Products (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=MultiMiscPageAct&key=EOS_5DMKII_Firmware&fcategoryid=139&WT.mc_id=EM0905EO04001&Lead.FirstName=Thanh&LTYP=FRIENDS&CollateralRequest.CollateralRequestID=7866CR1000002618&Lead.Email=lvktv%40yahoo.com&cmpgn=eosn&LID=Lead.LeadID&Lead.LeadID=19248687)

http://www.usa.canon.com/app/images/EOS_2009/5Dfirmware/eos5dmarkii_03.gif

Updated my first post to include the .PDF that I received.

And I can't help but wonder, how long would we have been waiting for this to happen if it weren't for Tramm Hudson. I'm willing to bet that it was his firmware work that ultimately "encouraged" Canon to stop sitting on their hands and get the ball rolling on this thing... well done, Tramm, for spurring them into action!

I am shocked and amazed.

Based on all my earlier statements, it is time for me to prepare a large meal, including a nice entree of raven (I have to eat crow) and a nice side of baseball cap ("If Canon updates firmware, I'll eat my hat").

I'm very glad to be wrong.

For those who've looked over the attached .PDF, note the interesting choice of words:

"An Epic begins with M"

Hmm...

Also:

Based on all my earlier statements...Better make that a table for two, Daniel. I'm putting on my bib and will be joining you for dinner.

holy (expletive deleted) crap!

I can't (expletive deleted) believe they're really releasing a (expletive deleted) firmware update that addresses our requests! Way to go canon! Now the only thing is I have a (expletive deleted) shoot june 8th will it really be ready by then?!

(expletive deleted)!

Of course I also just purchased an (expletive deleted) zeiss nikon mount lens it's a beautiful 85mm lens and I guess it will go on ebay soon-maybe not...

Does anyone else find it curious that this firmware release is scheduled to happen right around the time that the GH1 is being released in North America?

Perhaps Canon feeling a little competition from Matsushita?

Now we just need Nikon to make a surprise announcement involving June and the circle will be complete...

I knew this was coming.

Rejoice!!

*cough-cough* Now we just need 24p!

Does this include manual shutter also? Or is it just saying shutter speeds go those particular ranges?

True no 24p is a bummer but this news is so BIG I can overlook it! WOW Looks like I'm going to invest in another 5D and more L-glass. 85 1.2, 50 1.2, 135 f2, and 70-200 2.8 here I come!!!!

Hey Chris thanks for the info!!! You have no idea how excited I am!!! I actually JUST did a shoot today (another scene from the music video I'm working on) and yet again in front of the talent/performer had to embarrassingly reach around to cover the lens to force an open aperture.

Beautiful news!

Yea! I'm glad I didn't invest in Nikon glass and stayed Canon. This is great news.

We'll probably still want more features, so I'll spend next week figuring out the new firmware layout. Well, this does nothing to address the audio features you've already demonstrated, so I for one am still looking forward to using your firmware.

Well, I have been sitting on the sidelines. I shoot with Chris Barcellos, and have enjoyed the images his Canon 5D has produced, but the workarounds were too much for me.

Great that manual control has arrived (?) but "I'll wait and see how it works" I say... but still magnificently encouraging. Still missing... audio (thank you Tramm for your efforts here - still wondering if separate sound may be in a lot of folks future) and video output during the shoot if possible (!). Bring those into the mix in a manner that works well and I will sell my Z-1 AND my Bolex EBM and go to the full sensor Canon.

I agree with Chris Hurd... I think it is fair to say that we owe this in very large measure to Tramm - most likely. (And posts hinting they were going to buy Nikon Glass along the way added in for good measure). But I think the fear that Tramm would crack the nut and have a hacked camera out there employing software that Canon didn't invent and support was just too embarassing and too market influencing for Canon - IMHO. Tramm ought to set up a website JUST with a paypal "Pay Now" link. I'd throw some money his way as most Canon owners likely would.

FINALLY !

Chris Swanberg

R.I.P. 1/3 inch sensors.

Thank you for the info Chris, and thank you Canon for listening and making this happen! As I have said before, my hat goes off to Tramm as well! I am seriously amazed and did not think that we would ever get this, let alone as early as the beginning of June. My advice to anyone that is still on the fence about buying the 5DII: buy one now before they are back-ordered for months!

Time to start dropping my cash on some "L" series glass! I'm glad this came when it did because over the past couple of days I have actually been shopping for Nikon glass.

This is great news! I'm going to eat my hat.

I'm not ditching my manual glass yet though, I'm not sure that the new firmware will allow you to 'ride' the aperture of a Canon lens in the way you do on a Nikon or Contax. Also trying to manual focus on my L glass is not as smooth or easy as with a Zeiss, most Canon lenses have a very short focus travel. That said, the ability to AF and then manual overide is pretty neat.

I've still got a small army of Canon lenses so I can test both now.

Dan

24P can be easily worked around, so can audio, just track to something like the Samson Zoom H4N. Anyway I knew this would happen because as I mentioned the Canon rep gave me word at NAB.

Brilliant !!!!

I think for now Canon has made a nice compromise for us all in this firmware...

They fact they would go back and add these features also gives hope that it's possible they will add others when the time is right.

Gentlemen, how would you like your crow prepared? ;)

I've been frustrated, but optimistic. I've just today built my collection to include the Canon EF 28 f/1.8, 35 f/2, 50 f/1.4 and 85 f/1.8. I just couldn't imagine Canon sitting back as their most vocal users promote adapters and Nikon lenses.

That said, the real reason I bought Canon lenses was because shooting stills of moving objects in changing conditions with manual Nikons was a pain in the rear. I figured that if I have to trick the camera on every video shot anyway, how much worse is it to fight/untwist/mylar the Canon lens setup?

So... will manual include manual audio gain? We will see.

I'm also optimistic about 24/25p. They promoted video to photojournalists in China (a 50 Hz country) recently. All of Europe is upset. Once they do 25p, they know that we will just shoot at that rate and slow it down by 4%, so they might as well offer 24p.

An Epic Begins with "M"

More to come?...

Hudson promises to continue to work on his sound workaround, and also has developed a Zebra process. He also seems to think his workaround will be able to be piggy backed on the new firmware.

His work arounds are actually made to run of the CF card, so you don't really replace the onboard firmware. If Canon doesn't fix issues, Hudson may still do so..

I'm also optimistic about 24/25p... ... All of Europe is upset.

You can count on that! We are treated as the last thing to do. Thanks Canon! :-(

I'm happy of course NTSC buyers finally start to have what they bought in the first place! ;-)

They had to see the GH1 on their back and a hacked firmware to wake up, the whole thing is pretty sad... How many months they took to do it??

One question for Tramm, without any support from Canon, how many hours have you dedicated to your firmware??

You can count on that! We are treated as the last thing to do. Thanks Canon!
It's probably the hardest thing to do, so I'm not surprised that it will take more time.

Also, this order makes sense. Add manual controls for 30p, then add 24/25p right the first time. Otherwise, they would release 24/25p with auto controls and potentially have to start from scratch to make it manual.

Anyway, I can't wait for the update!

This is GREAT!! Glad to have stayed with Canon lens. Unfortunately I'm in PAL land, and most of Asia is still hoping for 25P but still, I am grateful for this to happen!

Nice!!!

I put the EF 70-200L F/4 IS on the 5DMkII, the image stabilization helped make handheld footage more usable, but the noise of the IS motor is heard on the audio, fairly prominent.

The manual controls will be a great addition. I still think the video has excessive aliasing artifacts that should be eliminated. I can always dream.

Don't let me spoil it, party on...

...the noise of the IS motor is heard on the audio, fairly prominent.

An external mic is a must for any serious sound. Tramm's firmware will let us lock the gain and visually monitor the levels. All that's needed is a clean preamp with phantom power, and clean audio is yours.

...I still think the video has excessive aliasing artifacts that should be eliminated. I can always dream.Don't dream. Use softening filters! :)

It's probably the hardest thing to do, so I'm not surprised that it will take more time.

Also, this order makes sense. Add manual controls for 30p, then add 24/25p right the first time. Otherwise, they would release 24/25p with auto controls and potentially have to start from scratch to make it manual.

Why the hardest??

I can understand it may be hard to make a 24p/25p/30p. I can understand that to make a video PAL output can be difficult (?).

But unless I am wrong (I have been before!) there must be a line of code where the fps is declared, you just change 30 to 25. Then there are shutting speeds, with 30p they are 1/30, 1/60, 1/120. You change them to 1/25, 1/50/1/100... Even without a PAL output, a firmware that gives manual control and 25p would be a big step in the right direction. This could have been made since day 1...

Like everyone else I am delighted by news of this announcement. As always of course the devil will be in the detail. Will this be full manual control just like when taking stills with shutter speed, aperture & ISO entirely adjustable independently ? or some less functional 'manual' control? e.g. limited range of shutter speeds or shutter speed linked to aperture.

Just made my day! :) :) :)

Cheers!
/B

Nice! Just in time - I pick up my 5DMKII tommorrow - was on backorder :)

But unless I am wrong (I have been before!) there must be a line of code where the fps is declared, you just change 30 to 25.

Well, as a person who has never been wrong (okay, maybe once) I think I can tell, with quite certainty, that there's a bit more underlying code that has to be written for fps than "just change 30 to 25", (although it would be nice if it was that simple ;^)

-- peer

I'd really love to read what Mk II users (in NTSC land) will be able to do with this forthcoming upgrade that they can't do now? The longer the list the better ....

Fo real, I am in the market for Mk II if it can handle active panning and tilting.

what Mk II users will be able to do... that they can't do now? Manual control of shutter, iris and ISO in movie mode.

It's definitely a step in the right direction...

Well I admit I never thought it would happen too - even when there were rumors back in March that Canon was working on it. At this rate, crow could become endangered.

Interestingly, just last Friday I was at a video group meeting and someone that does work with - not for - Canon rather matter-of-factly said that Canon would be releasing a firmware update with manual support. I was skeptical. He also seemed to think it would support 24fps, but he must have got that wrong.

Still, the manual support is an awesome addition.

Happy day. Looks like the end of too many workarounds.

I'm hoping Hudson will be successful with his Audio hack as it doesn't appear Canon is adding that to manual control update.

I've got both Canon and Nikon lens and will continue to use both. Many static shots on tripod with Nikon lens works great. I use manual focus for most static shots, so no big deal on that. Also saved some $$ and got more lens.

Canon's 5 months of silence on this issue is still baffling to me. Could have saved myself a lot of time and frustration by announcing this a few months back. What did they gain by keeping silent?

Now, if they'd add some way for recording past 12 minutes, like maybe just starting a new file. My problem is the noise from the camera when the shutter closes when it reaches the file limit. Sort of ruins the shoot with the extra noise.

Anyway, happy as a pig in sh** that we are getting something.

Incredible news!! I have no reason not to buy the 5DMII now!!

Good news, but without 25p, me and lots of euro people still can't buy this camera and use instead of other solutions. :\

Good news, but without 25p, me and lots of euro people still can't buy this camera and use instead of other solutions. :\

What are the odds that 25p for PAL is in the pipeline?

The lack of 25p is the single most baffling aspect of this camera.

It's a very serious shortcoming which hopefully will be addressed, one way or the other.

Hey Chris thanks for the info!!! You have no idea how excited I am!!! I actually JUST did a shoot today (another scene from the music video I'm working on) and yet again in front of the talent/performer had to embarrassingly reach around to cover the lens to force an open aperture.

And I'm off to Canada at the end of June to do a Music Video so I'm pleased as punch not to have to be workarounds for every flippin shot!

Adding my voice to the show, thanks, Tramm, you're a good guy, you do great work on our behalf.
Also thanks to Canon for at last making this cam the best on the scene. The GH1 is trounced on its very release. Nice.

As for Canon keeping quiet for months then announcing the update just as the GH1 is released, sound like the way Apple do business to me. Mind you, they're all at it, we shouldn't be surprised.

Avey (Dan)

Wonder if the Rebel T1i gets a similar update...

This is awesome news. I've been looking forward to this!!!

Wonder if the Rebel T1i gets a similar update...

Oh, I'm even more curious of what the 1Ds now gonna get....

-- peer

Not only the 1Ds, but the 1D and 60D as well.

h--y f--k!

(I'm struggling to add anything more than that... but...)

That just made my morning. I am sitting here editing out clips I shot last weekend due to the auto iris controls. I would get it set and then forget to lock it :( This makes me happy!

Wonder if the Rebel T1i gets a similar update...
Well that would be awesome if it does :)