If I could have just one thing that should be achievable with a firmware update:
I want to be able to select x5 view when recording (or better still 1:1 which I think is just under x5).
Or, have picture-in-picture so I could check both framing and focus simultaneously. I'd want to be able to move the p-i-p focus area around the screen while recording, just like in the current x5 and x10 views.


If I could have another:
A live histogram (both pre recording and while recording).


Because even 24fps footage looks bad when out of focus and incorrectly exposed.

My arguments for in-body IS:

1) Regarding existing in-lens IS technology: It was invented to help photographers shoot with slow shutter speeds - totally different use than video IS. Therefore current photo IS lenses are:

a) Noisy (mic picks up the noise)
b) Slow or relatively slow (can't use in very low light situations)
c) Usually big and heavy (difficult for hand held videography)


2) Regarding Canons' self-interest to implement in-body IS for video:

a) Competition. If they don't, Sony will! People seem to have put a lot of expectations on Nikon lately. But Nikon has a lot of catch up to do re video (just look at D90). Sony is already there. I believe the next big step in FF video DSLRs might come from Sony. If not for any other reason, just because Sony has already made a managerial decision to challenge Canon in the DSLR arena. The A-series is the living proof.

b) In-body Canon IS does not need to substitute lens IS. It can be video-only. This will INCREASE Canon non-IS lens sales to videographers. But it will not decrease IS lens sales: they will still be needed for photography.

c) Ability to use smaller, faster lenses for hand held videography = increased camera portability = more camera uses = more camera sales.

The reason I insist so much is because I shoot mostly hand held, "run-n-gun" documentaries, under completely unpredicted environment conditions. So, the ability to have a light, un-intimidating, autofocusing camera producing *useful* hand held images in any light condition is too much to resist!

We are in new territory here. The game is changing. If good in-camera IS for video is technically achievable then, honestly, I don't see why Canon would not want to implement it.

So... ask and you may receive :-)

Let me burst your bubble.

Canon will *never* build image stabilization into their high end DSLR bodies. Yes, we all agree it would be fantastic... because if they did, us photographers could stop spending $500-$1000 more on the IS version of Canon's lenses! And thus the problem. Regardless of what the micro market of DSLR video might want, Canon will never let their lens market take a hit like that. They aren't going to implement an in camera IS system just for video mode, just for this micro market, and leave it disabled for photography lenses. That would leave the other 99% of their market screaming bloody murder (and rightfully so).

The reason other manufacturers have, is because they don't have a huge lens market to undercut.

You got to have a dream... but you might want to pick a more realistic one.

Or buy a monopod. I think you are putting way too much importance on IS for "small" lenses and run n gun anyway. Plus, there really isn't that much size difference. Is an extra 2oz of lens really ruining your shoot?

I like being able to zoom to 5x during recording for focus checks as well and would definitely add this to the master list.

Forget about hardware upgrades, not going to happen.

Firmware upgrades would be very limited too.

About the only thing that may be possible is full manual control.

Hopefully they can set the frame rate to 29.97 to conform with video standards.

24,25 FPS and variable frame rates are out of the question as it probably requires revision of the hardwired coding in the Digic processor.

Better off petitioning for a reasonably priced video camera with an 11.37mm x 36mm chip that uses the Canon EF mount with all the features you want.

Dave Smith

I'm pretty sure the big difference with this upgrade will be full manual control in video mode. It's a known fact that they wanted to offer it from the beginning but Nikon released the D90 before, so they had to rush the release of the 5D a few months. The firmware update is coming at the same time they intended to release the camera at first, so it will probably add everything they wanted it to have initially.

I think 25p is possible. Mainly because they know it's a must for PAL countries.

If they have to mess with the processor to adapt it for PAL countries, maybe they'll end up offering 24p.

I just want to add one suggestion: The Canon photo section should start to colaborate very, VERY closely with the professional video section. Hybrids are the future and the next step after the Panasonic GH1 will already be very close to perfection. Canon has the chance to do that one.

José,

I think you nailed it. Canon is motivated to sell their own lenses, rather than Nikon's, so they need to add manual control. 30p is a deep insult to more than a third of their market, so they need to add 25p. Hopefully, 24p, 23.976 and 29.97 will come along for the ride...

That's exactly what the ProLost blog guy was complaining about when previewing the GH1. He said that the Panasonic video and photo engineers actually seemed to talk to each other when developing new stuff, not like the Canon workers.

Let's hope the first 5D MKII was a quick response to the D90 to say "hey, we're here and we can do it too!" and not a lack of comunication between Canon photo and video departments.

If we're right and the next upgrade includes full manual control and 25p, I'll have a hard time trying to decide between the GH1 and the 5D... or maybe not since all my current equipment and glass is Canon.

If not, well the GH1 looks really good.

That's Stu Maschwitz, author of The DV Rebel's Guide. He's a DV Info Net member as well.

And I agree; he's absolutely right.

Wow! I'm sorry if the "guy" thing sounded a bit simple...

Stu, if you're reading this, let me say I read your blog everyday and your analysis on the GH1 video skew was both great and scary at the same time.