Positioning
In order to view 100% of the scene while recording in 16:9 ratio HD or 4:3 ratio SD, the
camera automatically adjusts the LCD display to the proper aspect ratio with unused portions
of the normal 3:2 aspect ratio still image area partially grayed out. The display can also be set
to include exposure and time remaining indicators, as well as the movable focus frame area. In
playback mode, a familiar tool bar allows you to jump from scene to scene, pause action, or
proceed in slow motion. When connected to an HDTV via an optional HDMI cable, the
camera automatically senses the resolution of the TV and provides the proper signal for the
highest quality video playback possible.
Since the camera records video using the popular “.mov” storage format, a wide variety of
movie editing programs can be used to edit the video clips or combine clips into short
videos. Canon includes its Movie Edit Task software, for Mac or Windows computers, to
allow basic video editing at the computer. These clips can then be resaved on a CF card and
played back on the camera monitor or fed out to an HDTV via an HDMI cable or provided
audio video cable. That’s a great way to show off your video highlight or even slideshow
portfolios of your favorite subjects.
Thinking outside the box: Many still photographers have never even used a camcorder or had
video training. To them, the HD video recording mode on the EOS 5D Mark II might seem as
odd a feature as adding Live View Function once did on a DSLR. (But once you’ve used Live
View Function to shoot an otherwise impossible macro shot, or take photos remotely from a
computer, you’ll understand its benefits.) So here are some scenarios where the video recording
feature might help to increase a photographer's sales or capture unforgettable moments:
Wedding photographers: Some couples can’t afford to hire both a professional photographer
and a professional videographer, and when they can, both pros can’t always be in the same
place at the same time. The EOS 5D Mark II can be used to capture an HD video of the
bride throwing the bouquet (freezing the flowers in mid air in a still frame, of course!) and
then continue to record HD action as bridesmaids and guests battle for control of the
bouquet (or turn and run in the other direction!)
16
III. VIDEO RECORDING ON EOS 5D MARK II
Video Display (16:9)
Video Display (4:3)
