5DII Video a Gimmick?

I don't think so

1 camera
1 $60 boom mic on the hotshoe
1 guys (and 1 girl) trip to Taos, NM

Pretty freakin cool video

My buddy got his new 5D on release day and got used to the MKII fast. Most shots with 24-105 or 16-35. He's been having so much fun with video he only took about 5 photos the entire trip. So, I ended up doing all the photography.

enjoy.

Lo-Fi for bandwidth purposes link.
http://www.vimeo.com/3​000621


Please disregard our poor attempts at being x-gamers.
Of course photos from that trip are on my website.

I will also add that the boom mic wasn't used most of the time. IIRC

Every shot made indoors, including the opening shot, was out of focus. Outdoors where it could stop down it seemed to do OK. While I appreciate that you guys had fun, that thing just is not a very good camcorder.

How big in megabytes was the video uploaded and how long did it take to upload?
Video looks really good and looks like you all had a great time.

Zepher wrote in post #7219161
How big in megabytes was the video uploaded and how long did it take to upload?
Video looks really good and looks like you all had a great time.

Admittedly the focus needs work. And we all know that. But that doesn't mean this camera was supposed to be a camcorder. Makes a DECENT video. As for size I don't know.

The video out of the camera is about 1gb for every 3 minutes. It can be converted to 720p for web HD and you can get it to 1/5 the original file size or even less with good results.

As for the focus, I get the best results when I pre-focus (zoom in and MF), take a relatively static shot, and then repeat the process for the next shot. AF is pretty slow and erratic and the AF noise is picked up by the internal mic. MF during the shot is do-able, but it isn't always easy to do depending on the lens being used, aperture, and whether you're using a tripod or not.

It's definitely not a camcorder...but it is really fun to use, and is obviously somewhat unique in its capabilities.

Gimick.

Neilyb wrote in post #7219428
Gimick.

Really, have you ever heard of a guy named Romy Ocon?
http://exposureroom.co​m/members/RomyOcon.asp​x/videos

TheHoff wrote in post #7219144
Every shot made indoors, including the opening shot, was out of focus. Outdoors where it could stop down it seemed to do OK. While I appreciate that you guys had fun, that thing just is not a very good camcorder.

Good thing its a DSLR then...

I guess it will take the 1D Mark IV for people to accept it more.

Ducky 2.0T wrote in post #7220221
Good thing its a DSLR then...

I guess it will take the 1D Mark IV for people to accept it more.

If his indoor shots were at all focused, there wouldn't have been much to complain about with the camera's performance in his video. It isn't about 'accepting it' -- I accept it. Video will be in DSLRs. Great. The problem is that very few people have the skills to put together an interesting clip for more than a minute or two... and the camera will never have the 'shape' to be good for much handheld.

Gimmick? For 99% of owners, I say yes.

With a choice I wouldn't want video but I think we're seeing the future (video on still bodies) of FPS. They'll get the resolution worked out.

TheHoff wrote in post #7220346
The problem is that very few people have the skills to put together an interesting clip for more than a minute or two... and the camera will never have the 'shape' to be good for much handheld.

Gimmick? For 99% of owners, I say yes.

I agree, most people won't have the know-how/talent/skills to make good videos. (But that's already a given even for those who buy camcorders. ). In its current state, it does have an odd shape for handholding. However, I'm sure someone could easily rig up a handle/bracket that attaches to the tripod mount so that the camera could be carried with greater ease in one hand while freeing up the left hand to adjust zoom/focus.

I think it's great that they're adding video to the top-ol-da-liners these days. I'd happily let all you guinea pigs experiment on the 1st generation and down the road, I look forward to picking up the 2nd generation. 5d3, or whatever comes next w/ the better upgrade.

TheHoff wrote in post #7220346
If his indoor shots were at all focused, there wouldn't have been much to complain about with the camera's performance in his video. It isn't about 'accepting it' -- I accept it. Video will be in DSLRs. Great. The problem is that very few people have the skills to put together an interesting clip for more than a minute or two... and the camera will never have the 'shape' to be good for much handheld.

Gimmick? For 99% of owners, I say yes.

What if this "gimmick" sparks an interest into video. I think the limitations will then force you to upgrade to a dedicated video camera.

For instance, I have never had any interest in shooting video. After buying my Mark II, I've taken a few clips and have since looked into editing software etc. I will never do anything "professional" but for the time being it is fun to tinker around with it and shoot clips here and there. If I had more time and less on my plate, I could see this sparking another hobby, but I barely have enough time to shoot stills let alone video.

You're a fool if you buy the camera for video, but having something else to play with, without spending a few extra grand on a dedicated camcorder that I would most likely never use, was an added bonus.

I always ask the question. Would you get the Mark II if it never had the video feature? My answer is yes.

Ducky 2.0T wrote in post #7220455
What if this "gimmick" sparks an interest into video. I think the limitations will then force you to upgrade to a dedicated video camera.

For instance, I have never had any interest in shooting video. After buying my Mark II, I've taken a few clips and have since looked into editing software etc. I will never do anything "professional" but for the time being it is fun to tinker around with it and shoot clips here and there. If I had more time and less on my plate, I could see this sparking another hobby, but I barely have enough time to shoot stills let alone video.

You're a fool if you buy the camera for video, but having something else to play with, without spending a few extra grand on a dedicated camcorder that I would most likely never use, was an added bonus.

I always ask the question. Would you get the Mark II if it never had the video feature? My answer is yes.

Again I really believe you're seeing the future of FPS and it will take the pray and spray approach to a whole new level.
The photographer wall send a live stream to an editor could be half way around the world and the editor will find the moment. All the photographer has to do is shoot whats in front of him. I truly believe its just a matter of time.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #7220505
All the photographer has to do is shoot whats in front of him. I truly believe its just a matter of time.

At that point, he ceases to be a Photographer.