I checked the clip above (on PC), and while it shows the regular "jumping ahead" about every 1/2 or 3/4 second, and one extra quick "jump" at about 60% of the play through (*just* after the pink cap disappears off to the right) I didn't see anything I'd call a freeze.
I agree with your comment that there's a codec issue or something regarding the regular jumping. My system wasn't even breathing hard to display this clip, according to the Task Manager and Resource Monitor. I believe I have the most up-to-date Quicktime software as well.
I've now had a chance to watch a few of these videos, and agree.
The video capture on these cameras is dreadful.
With the holiday spirit in mind and being a kind hearted person, I will entertain trading even up, one of my 40D's with one of you poor souls who bought into Canon's hype.
__________________ You can only fish for so long before ya gotta throw a stick of dynamite in the water.
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Greetings Folks,
Drew, firstly thanks for the review and taking time to reply to some of these threads.
I've had the 5D MkII for a couple of weeks now as I'm reviewing for a magazine in the UK. I have to add my thoughts:
Firstly, as a stills camera, the files this thing produces are absolutely superb. I've used both Nikon and Canon DSLRs over the years, and even including the D3, I have to say that I have yet to see a file which is this good. The detail and colour accuracy at even 6400ASA are astonishing. On a news job I photographed President Sarkozy leaving 10 Downing Street using the 5D MkII and a 300mm f2.8L at 6400ASA; everyone else had to resort to flash as it was pitch black - this camera pulled a picture out the bag that was truly astonishing. If anyone's interested there are a few pictures on my blog with my experiences with the camera: photo this & that: Canon 5D MkII By Night
Moving onto video, Drew I have to mainly disagree with you; the headline is journalistically sensationalist and very tabloid and wrong in nature. Anyone who wants to shoot video will use a tripod and an external microphone (I've been using the Rhode VideMic). For moving around you can get an £80 shoulder gadget that lest you shoulder mount the camera. The video capabilities are an add on to this camera; first and foremost, its an exceptional stills camera. I don't know of any camera at a near price point that has full frame, interchangeable lenses and allows shooting at such low light. Is it perfect? No, its not. Is it the best camera for shooting video at this price point? I would say definitely yes. I do wish there was more control on the sound gain and manual over rides on video, but there are work arounds. I've been shooting with Zeiss lenses and the ability to change and set your aperture, overcomes much of the problem of manual control on video. The £80 Rhode mic actually produces amazing results considering that the camera has auto gain - in an ideal world I would love there to be a headphone jack and manual gain controls.
However, one thing to bear in mind is that this is the first generation - take a step back and look at what this first generation video DSLR can produce. Looking at Vincent and Dan's work is testament to this. Even in my novice hands I'm beginning to get a real thrill and interest in video for the very first time; ever!
Having spoken with Canon, the reason there are some cut backs on the video functionality (we were talking about clip length) is because it would push the camera into the video segment, and its associated import tax bracket. I think now that the interest has proven so high, maybe Canon will design the next camera with all the video and sound controls we'd like and charge more to include the higher tax brands - I for one wish they do.
This is a revolutionary camera folks; both in its still capabilities and as a video camera.
I think the whole dust-up over the video mode really depends on your expectations going into using this mode.
If one sees it as simply a "freebie" add-on to the still camera, then I suppose it is a not a disaster- just simply an interesting trial, or first take. You might as well have fun with it, because it's free.
Where I think expectations may have gotten a bit out of whack is when pros start pushing it as a true pro tool that will "change everything," or some such other nonsense.
It is not nearly ready to be called a pro tool.
It does have some great potential. Perhaps Canon should take this feedback, from a former video pro, as simply trying to help them reach that goal. If, indeed, the intent is to have it be a pro tool.
I do, have to generally agree with your assessments of the camera's still capabilities. The video mode shortcomings will not affect my overall high recommendation of the camera.
I suppose if I had published that first, and invoked a slightly less emotional descriptor in the title of the article people would have responded to the salient points more reasonably.
But, hey, I went with emotion, no problem that the responses come back with strong emotion.
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
I mean, honestly, the points I make about the video mode are much more serious than the current black dot fiasco that people are obsessing over.
In fact, almost none of the video defenders here disagree with the shortcomings I have pointed out, they simply seem to have gotten stuck on one word in the title, rather than the content of the article.
My fault, I guess, but it is also by design. People respond to emotion, not reason. This article is but one example. It garnered more traction and activity in the forum than anything I've seen since the last review article that I published.
If you want to know why the internet is the way it is, just take a quick look at the stats for the two video articles. The "Disaster" article currently already has over 14,000 views and over 100 linkbacks. The more professionally written, balanced article (the Open Letter to Canon) with clear and reasonable suggestions has received about 1,000 views.
You can call it "sensationalist", or "yellow" journalism all you want. But an emotional title is simply a vehicle that is commonly used to get people to actually come read, and just possibly, digest the rational meat of the article. Without the pretty wrapper, it will simply be a tree falling in the forest.
Speaking of which, we need some good writers/ reviewers. People that can editorialize along the lines of an engadget or gizmodo. Know anyone?
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Thanks for the reply. I think we're just going to have to differ.
Whilst it is a "free" add-on, I think its actually much more than that. The video capabilities (manual control), especially sound, can be bettered for sure. But to call it a freebie I think is cheapening what is actually a superb capability.
Two out of four film makers choose the 5D MkII as their choice of camera for documentary shooting!
My favourite cameras were the film Leica rangefinders - technologically very simple and light years behind the EOS 1 and F5. However, in the right hands, the Leicas produced amazing pictures, even with their shortcomings. Looking at the films shot by Vincent Laforet and Dan Chung, it just goes to show that the 5D MkII is a very capable and professional tool. I don't imagine making films as good as these yet (for a long time!) but in the right hands....
Linear Mode
