The Canon 5D MkII (5DM2) was only the second digital SLR to offer video, after Nikon’s D90, and the first to offer serious features like the vital external microphone socket. Since then a firmware update has given it the ability to set the exposure manually when shooting, hugely boosting the creative possibilities.
But if Canon can change the firmware, why not anyone else? Well, because it’ll invalidate your warranty, that’s why, but if that doesn’t put you off the open platform Magic Lantern Firmware have been busy adding extra features like on-screen audio meters, on-screen crop marks for 16:9, cinemascope, and 4:3.
Only for the brave at the moment, but it’s a good bet that Canon are keeping their eye on developments here too.
I tried another time-lapse this evening, pointing the camera from my window at the sky rather than the ground. Cloud formations are a classic in this genre, though I was a little unlucky that the best one escaped the frame without replacement following or forming. I also tried auto this time - rather than manual exposure settings. The result is a little poppy in brightness terms, but at least it doesn’t fall off as soon as the sky darkens. A word of caution thoug - don’t leave the camera in Auto - Auto without flash is the key. I’ll keep trying though.
My site has been more static than a balloon that’s been rubbed against a jumper for four hours, but it’s time things changed. Rather than just advertising my services, it’s time for this site to offer something of use to everyone (well, everyone with a camera, camcorder, or who shares any other of my passions). To that end I’m going to start putting some fun tutorials upon this site, as well as my YouTube channel, starting with the world’s easiest and cheapest Teleprompter (or Auto Cue).