is there a time limit on video recording
 

I was told to keep the amount of video recording to a minimum,also stick to the 4gig stoarge cards to protect the camera as it gets hot,is this true ,is it ok to shoot say 8 minutes of video straight

You can shoot up to twelve minutes at a time in HD mode (which will just fill a 4GB card, by the way) and up to 30 minutes at a time in standard definition. Hope this helps,

Technically, the "real" limit is 4gigs. Canon quotes 12 minutes, but it'll vary depending on what you're actually shooting. For example, for sit down static interviews, I typically get more like 13+ minutes, but again it depends on motion and background, etc.

I've shot up to ~30 minutes in HD and haven't experienced heat-related problems - but you do have to stop/start every 12 minutes, you can almost just double-tap the record button and drop just a second or so between clips.

I've read that you can get up to 14 minutes or so, if you're filming a talking head or other static scene. If you're hand holding the camera on a white water raft, the time limit might be shorter.

I'd suggest "sticking to 4GB" cards is the result of a misunderstanding.

I believe the 5DII is limited to 4GB individual file size because the file system it uses to be compatible both with Macs and PCs has that restriction.

I think that it's a good idea to have multiple SD cards whatever the size. They do fail occasionally & it would be a disaster if you had all your eggs in one 32GB basket rather than a few 4,8 or 16GB cards.

I know you meant to say multiple CF cards, but it's important to make the correction for the benefit of other folks who may not be fully familiar with the 5D Mk. II.

thanks for the info
 

I appreciate all the answers and feel more comfortable now using the video

stan

Now I see my problem. No wonder the little buggers kept falling out the card slot:-)

Thanks for pulling me up for inaccuracy.

Heh. "That rattle in your camera is normal, it's just the stabilizer mechanism sliding around."

Lol. SDHC card firmware update please.