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Showing posts with label dslr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dslr. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Canon EOS 70D Video Test

Canon EOS 70D with Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens by Chad Soriano

The Canon EOS 70D with the amazing Dual Pixel CMOS AF for continuous AF servo during video recording hits a homerun for DSLR video capture. My Canon EOS 70D Video Test clearly demonstrates the pin point accuracy of the AF Servo during video recording and the very useful touchscreen controls for critical focus. Other great features include 3x to 10x Digital zoom for 1080p video, choice of ALL-I and IPB video compression, full manual control over video and audio, intuitive touchscreen controls with the articulating LCD screen and the remote features of the built in WiFi control make the Canon EOS 70D truly a winner in the competitive HD DSLR market.



A 1080p video shot with the new Canon EOS 70D at 29.97 fps. Edited with Final Cut Pro 6.0.6 and used the Canon E-1 Movie Plugin 1.5 to transcode to AppleProRes422 from H264. I exported the FCP timeline using Compressor at "Best" quality to yield a 2 GB H264 video file for my Youtube upload.

Canon EOS 70D Video Test by Chad Soriano

The Canon EOS 70D was paired with the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS, EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5, EF 70-200mm f/4L IS, EF 300mm f/4L IS w/ EF 1.4x and the EF 35mm f/1.4L lenses. For stability, I used the Manfrotto MVH500AH fluid video head with BENRO 3580 tripod legs. For audio capture, I used the Sennheiser MKE400 shotgun microphone with wind muff and the RODE VideoMic GO microphone with RODE wind muff. To control incoming light to shoot wide open aperture, I used the FADER Mark II Variable ND Filter and the GENUS Variable ND Filter as well.



A 1080p video shot with the Canon EOS 70D paired with the Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS lens with Canon EF 1.4x extender at 29.97fps. Edited with Apple iMovie '11 and exported with Quicktime with "Best" quality for a 137mb H264 video file. For support, I used the Manfrotto MVH500AH fluid video head paired with BENRO 3580 tripod legs.

Canon EOS 70D Video Test by Chad Soriano

To capture the "Blood Moon" Lunar Eclipse, I used the 3x to 10x Digital 1080p video zoom built in the Canon EOS 70D. This yields almost a 6400mm focal length equivalent with crop factor, extender and digital zoom for a great reach into the heavens.

Canon EOS 70D Video Test by Chad Soriano

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Thursday, March 21, 2013

New Canon EOS Rebel SL1/100D Announced



Big things do come in small packages, especially when it comes to Canon's smallest and lightest creation, the Canon EOS Rebel SL1/100D DSLR. Boasting an impressive 14.36 ounces for body only with a size smaller than the current Canon Rebel T4i/650D, the new Canon Rebel SL1/100d still packs a mighty punch like the Canon EOS M digital mirrorless camera.



The new Rebel SL1/100d touts an 18 megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor with DIGIC V processor. 9 AF points fill the frames along with 4 frames per second shutter rate. A new version of the AF Servo called Hybrid AF II allegedly has better AF Servo during video recording. I will keep my fingers crossed for that past disappointing AF feature in the previous Canon Rebel T4i/650D.



For an upcoming retail price of $649 body only and $799 with the new STM enabled kit lens in April 2013, the new Canon EOS Rebel SL1/100D will be a great value just like the previous Canon EOS Rebel T3i/600D. The new Rebel SL1/100D has an impressive 1080p capable video function with an external microphone input for audio as well. Of course, video and audio have full manual control for ultimate creativity. Just like the previous Canon Rebel T4i/650D and the Canon EOS M, the new Canon Rebel SL1/100D keeps the touch screen user interface but only with a fixed 3.0 inch LCD screen. Beggars cannot be choosers!



I almost forgot! It has only been 10 months since the previous Canon Rebel T4i/650D was released, but there is an almost identical and new Canon EOS Rebel T5i/700D coming soon to replace it. What's the point? There is really nothing new besides a "real time" Live View of Creative Filter Effects and other minor things not worth mentioning. Just keep your current full size Canon Rebel and save up for the smallest and lightest DSLR from Canon next month.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Canon EOS 6D Verdict and Video Review



Just like the BMW 3 series, Canon introduces entry level full frame luxury with the 20 megapixel Canon EOS 6D with a street price under $2000. In the EOS full frame lineup, the Canon EOS 6D is the smallest and least expensive compared to the venerable Canon 5D Mark III and the ultimate Canon flagship, the 1DX.



To the majority of DSLR owners, the lesser expensive APS-C cropped sensor sits comfortably in their camera bag. Why full frame then? Full frame means a true focal length equivalent of your lenses. A wide angle 14mm lens with a full frame sensor will give that extra wide reach for landscapes and architecture. The larger surface area of a full frame sensor produces a dreamier background bokeh with your glass compared to cropped sensors. A must for portrait photographers.



Enough of the "why?" and now more to the "what?"...The Canon EOS 6D touts a 20 megapixel CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 5+ processor to keep up with the 4.5fps shutter rate. The smaller form factor of the Canon 6D is just about the body equivalent of the Canon 60D. Also like the 60D, the Canon 6D has only a single Secure Digital memory card slot. Similar to the rest of Canon full frames, no built in flash. The Canon 6D has a 97% viewfinder coverage with interchangeable screens to satisfy most demanding photographers.



The Canon EOS 6D is the first Canon DSLR with built in Wi-Fi connectivity to mobile devices and GPS capability. With the free Canon EOS Remote App for both Apple and Android operating systems, you can remotely control, capture and view images on your Apple iPad or even a Samsung Galaxy Tablet. For social media fanatics out there, you can photograph in full frame glory and wirelessly transfer your images directly to your Apple iPhone's Camera Roll. Fuzzy cellphone Facebook pictures are now things of the past...



A true test for ISO capability is a tungsten lit portrait at ISO 3200. In the usual Canon fashion, ISO 3200 is nice and clean with wonderful skin tone and detail. The Canon EOS 6D boasts an expandable ISO range of 100 to 102800. Enough range for even the faint of heart...



He shoots, he scores! The Canon EOS 6D has 11 AF points to satisfy most soccer moms and dads. The 11 AF points does not compare to the flagship Canon 1D series, but the sports photography performance of the Canon 6D is decent in my opinion. With my Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 IS lens set at wide open, I was able to track my son with any of the 11 AF points in the viewfinder with no problem.



Now for the video nitty gritty. A dedicated selectable video/still record button gets you up and running for multiple resolution HD video with your choice of ALL-I or IPB compression. The Canon 6D touts the extended record time up to 29 minutes and 29 seconds with built in Time Code. Only one SDHC memory card slot for all those disappointed redundancy fans. Low light video capability? ISO 3200 is nice and clean. The Canon EOS 6D HDMI output is a selectable info overlay cropped 1080i signal that does not black out when you press the record button. An audio input allows external stereo microphones for dual channels of manually adjustable audio but of course no headphone jack to monitor audio like the Canon 5D Mark III. Ugh!



How about aliasing and moire? I pointed the Canon EOS 6D in the direction of busy textured surfaces such as brick walls, patio screens and landscape foliage with no success. Despite all the online reviewers out there, in my honest opinion I found no horrible or distracting aliasing and moire with my practical hands on review. Other than the usual CMOS jello shutter and vertical smearing of fast moving objects, the Canon EOS 6D is a quality FULL HD DSLR.



My Canon EOS 6D video review opinion? The Canon EOS 6D has outstanding full frame video quality but of course no headphone jack for true video fans like the more expensive Canon EOS 5D Mark III. Entry level is entry level, full frame or not...Is almost $1000 a worthy upgrade to the Canon 5D Mark III for audio monitoring ? IMHO, YES!!! For aspiring filmmakers upgrading from a Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D to glorious full frame affordability of the Canon EOS 6D? Of course, an astounding YES !!!.



My Canon EOS 6D verdict? The Canon EOS 6D is a full frame still image powerhouse that caters to old school 35mm photographers. Now considered "Dinosaurs" of our time, still photographers cherish a picture worth a thousand words. Despite all the fancy gadgetry and Full HD video, the Canon EOS 6D shines as a phenomenal still image maker with outstanding resolution and low light capability. The extras are for the other 99%.



You can view more pictures and videos in my Canon EOS 6D Verdict and Video Review Gallery shot with the Canon EOS 6D paired with the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L, EF 24-105mm f/4L IS and the 70-200mm f/4L IS lenses.



Stay updated with the latest HD DSLR gear by Becoming a Fan on my Facebook Fan Page and following me on Twitter!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Canon EOS 6D Video Test



Patience is a virtue. The lure of full frame sensor DSLRs is now a step closer to reality for all those drooling APS-C sensor owners. The new Canon EOS 6D is the latest addition to Canon's full frame DSLR lineup along with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the flagship Canon EOS 1DX.



Categorized as an entry level full frame DSLR in a compact form factor, the Canon EOS 6D packs a mighty punch with a 20 megapixel sensor, DIGIC 5+ processor, 4.5fps shutter, 1080p video with full manual control and selectable compression and the first Canon DSLR built in Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity. Enough of the pleasantries, more of the good stuff later in my upcoming Canon EOS 6D Verdict and Video Review. Let us move on to video!



My brief Canon EOS 6D experience was the direct result from my friends at North Tampa Photography. With Canon EOS 6D in hand, I quickly shot some video to get some hands on time with this Canon 60D sized body with a full frame sensor. A big sensor means wonderful and dreamy bokeh with a true lens focal length equivalent in the viewfinder. A must for popping portraits and wide detailed landscapes. Full frame ROCKS !



Now for the video nitty gritty. A dedicated selectable video/still record button gets you up and running for multiple resolution HD video with your choice of ALL-I or IPB compression. The Canon 6D touts the extended record time up to 29 minutes and 29 seconds with built in Time Code. Only one SDHC memory card slot for all those disappointed redundancy fans. Low light capability? ISO 3200 is nice and clean. The Canon EOS 6D HDMI output is a selectable info overlay cropped 1080i signal that does not black out when you press the record button. An audio input allows external stereo microphones for dual channels of manually adjustable audio but of course no headphone jack to monitor audio like the Canon 5D Mark III. Ugh!



How about aliasing and moire? I pointed the Canon EOS 6D in the direction of busy textured surfaces such as brick walls, patio screens and landscape foliage with no success. Despite all the online reviewers out there, in my honest opinion I found no horrible or distracting aliasing and moire with my practical hands on review. Other than the usual CMOS jello shutter and vertical smearing of fast moving objects, the Canon EOS 6D is a quality FULL HD DSLR.



My Canon EOS 6D video review conclusion? The Canon EOS 6D has outstanding full frame video quality but of course no headphone jack for true video fans like the more expensive Canon EOS 5D Mark III. Entry level is entry level, full frame or not...Is almost $1000 a worthy upgrade to the Canon 5D Mark III for audio monitoring ? IMHO, YES!!! For aspiring filmmakers upgrading from a Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D to glorious full frame affordability of the Canon EOS 6D? Of course, an astounding YES !!!.



There is more full frame goodness of the new Canon EOS 6D in my upcoming Canon EOS 6D Verdict and Video Review. Stay updated with the latest Canon 6D updates by Becoming a Fan on my Facebook Fan Page and following me on Twitter!

***UPDATE***

My Canon EOS 6D Verdict and Video Review is posted with my full evaluation with ISO comparisons, more images and video tests.

Click here for more...Canon EOS 6D Verdict and Video Review

Monday, September 17, 2012

Canon EOS 6D Full Frame DSLR Announced



The full frame sensor DSLR market has new competition with the introduction of the 20 megapixel Canon EOS 6D. According to Canon, the Canon EOS 6D is the smallest and lightest full frame DSLR with built in GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities. Consider the Canon 6D a full frame Canon 60D with no articulating screen but with most of the features of the bigger and more expensive Canon 5D Mark III. I have to say most features because there is no headphone jack to monitor audio for video as well as dual slots for flash memory. At a retail price of $2099, the Canon EOS 6D is expected around December 2012 to hit the streets.



The full frame Canon EOS 6D is priced and marketed in between the Canon 7D and the more expensive Canon 5D Mark III in the EOS lineup. Canon APS-C and EF-S lens photographers maybe less shy to upgrade to all the advantages of a full frame sensor. Take note, the Canon 6D with DIGIC 5+ has only an 11 AF point focus system compared to the 61 AF points of the 5D Mark III, along with a slower 4.5 fps shutter rate compared to 6 fps of the Mark III. You get what you pay for...



The Canon 6D's shortcomings are made up by the additional features of consumer add-ons like GPS tagging and Wi-Fi capabilities. Camera Pro's may frown upon gimmicky features, but the built Wi-Fi has caught my consumer eye. Canon has developed a mobile device App to work in conjunction with the Canon 6D for a host of Wi-Fi enabled remote capabilities. The Full HD video features carry over from the Canon 5D Mark III as well, except for the infamous headphone jack to monitor audio during video capture. Minus that useful function, the Canon 6D can record up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds of 1080p video in ALL-I and IPB compression rates like its big brother. I have to add full control over video exposure and audio levels, also. Not too shabby for a smaller and better featured Canon 5D Mark II...Did you notice the removal of the joystick controller on both body and new BG-E13 grip? You now have the Canon 60D multi-controller dial instead. Hmmm...at least you have the Live View/Movie record button to quickly go back and forth from stills to movie mode!



I almost forgot about the new Canon Powershot G15 announcement. Obviously, overshadowed by its bigger Canon G1X advanced point and shoot brother, the Canon Powershot G15 features a smaller sensor and a faster f/1.8 multi-zoom lens. The Canon G15 loses the articulating screen of the previous G12 and still does not feature full manual control over video like the ,yet to be released, mirrorless Canon EOS M. Not to exciting in my opinion...



My Canon EOS 6D Verdict and Video Review will come shortly on this small and compact powerhouse. I am curious about the capacity of the buffer memory shooting RAW images compared to the 5d Mark III as well as the new 20 megapixel CMOS sensor's ISO capabilities. It is only 98 days until Christmas...

Stay updated with the latest HD DSLR gear by Becoming a Fan on my Facebook Fan Page and following me on Twitter!

Images courtesy of Canon Europe Press Release.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D Video Test



Almost 16 months after the venerable Canon Rebel T3i/600D hit store shelves, Canon unleashed a new Canon Rebel T4i/650D to the entry level DSLR market for a retail price of $849 for body only. The Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D is now touted as Canon's flagship to its Rebel lineup. Although it shares the same 18 megapixel CMOS sensor as its predecessors, the Canon Rebel T4i/650D features a DIGIC V processor to handle the faster 5fps shutter rate, a new Hybrid AF system to work in conjunction with Canon STM (stepper motor) lenses for video, a more sensitive 9 point AF like the Canon 60D and the first the touchscreen control for Canon DSLR's. Of course, there is much more to list but that will have to wait for my upcoming Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D full review. Patience!



As soon as I picked up my Canon Rebel T4i/650D from my friends at North Tampa Photography, I hit the ground running by capturing some video to evaluate image quality and the new touchscreen feature on the swivel LCD. The video above was shot at 1080p with the Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D at 29.97fps. I edited the video using Final Cut Pro 6.0.6 using a modified Canon E-1 Movie Plugin to transcode the h264 video files to AppleProRes422. I used Compressor to export a 470mb h264 video file. I paired the T4i/650D with the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L lens and captured audio with the Rode VideoMic shotgun microphone.



Now for my brief video evaluation of the T4i/650D! First the good stuff... The extra indent on the power switch for movie mode makes the transition easier to capture video without turning the mode dial almost a full 360 degrees. The built in camera microphone is now stereo and placed above the viewfinder. Hesitant at first for change, the touchscreen LCD controls are surprisingly good and practical for recording video. With a touch of the Q (quick menu) button, you have touch control of all major functions including aperture, shutter, ISO, focus point, focus magnification and much more to list. The touchscreen is quite handy especially when choosing focus point and magnifying digitally for critical focus. No more fumbling with control dials and menus anymore. Total video recording time is now up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds. Just like the Canon 5D Mark III, a new continuous video file is created when the 4gb file limit is reached. The new Hybrid AF system for Servo AF during video capture looks very promising and I will have a full review and Hybrid AF video test shortly.



Now the bad stuff...Gone are the days of 1080p 3x to 10x digital zoom video capture like in the previous Canon Rebel T3i/600D. Canon completely removed this useful feature adding that extra reach for distant subjects like in my Supermoon video. Next problem is the removal of the AF Quick mode option in movie mode. I found the AF system of the stills mode is much more accurate and "quick" than the new Flexizone single focus point. Habits are just too hard to break! As an added note, the Movie Servo AF is enabled by default in movie mode. It has to be disabled because the AF will be constantly hunting for focus during video capture. Another brief critical issue with the AF is switching between stills mode and movie mode. If you are in AF Quick mode in Live Mode for stills, your selected setting in movie mode for AF will be set to the AF face tracking mode by default. Confusing? This maybe corrected in some future firmware fix, hopefully. As of now, that briefly wraps up my initial positive and negative video aspects of the new Canon Rebel T4i/650D. Everybody will have to wait for my full review and in depth look into the Hybrid AF system with Canon STM lenses.



Look familiar? This is my modified .plist for the Canon E-1 Movie Plugin v1.3 to make the Canon Rebel T4i compatible with the Log and Transfer feature of Final Cut Pro. All of the other higher end Canon DSLR's can quickly and easily transcode h264 video files to AppleProRes422 for smooth non linear editing except the Rebel series. I fix that problem easily like the previous Rebels here. Be warned! Follow instruction carefully in that link and click on the picture above to view the .plist modification for the Canon Rebel T4i/650D. Good Luck!



There will be more to come especially with the new Hybrid AF tracking system with Canon STM lenses including the new Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens or "shorty forty".



This concludes my first of many Canon Rebel T4i/650D Video Tests. Some extra tidbits I have to mention regarding video. Like the Canon 5D Mark III during video recording, the HDMI output is a cropped 16x9 version that is displayed with or without camera information. This sure beats a 4:3 480p video output like the previous Rebels! Just like the previous Canon Rebel T3i, the new T4i keeps the manual audio control for video and the added video resolution of 720p at 59.97fps as well.



Stay updated for my upcoming Canon EOS Rebel T4i Verdict and Video Review by Becoming a Fan on my Facebook Fan Page and following me on Twitter!










***MAJOR UPDATE***


I posted a new Canon Rebel T4i and EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens Video Test here
. See the amazing new "shorty forty" especially when paired with the T4i/650D.

***Major Update #2***

I just posted a new Canon EOS Rebel T4i Verdict and Video Test here.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D DSLR Announced



Canon has done it again! The announcement of the new Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D DSLR with a 18mp APS-C sensor with DIGIC V+ processor gains new ground in the entry level DSLR market. The previous Canon Rebel T3i/600D was already impressive, but from all the added features of the new Canon Rebel T4i/650D makes this camera shine brighter. In a nutshell, consider this entry level DSLR a Canon 60D in a Rebel body, but with touchscreen LCD capabilities and a new Hybrid AF system for even smoother focus during video recording. On top of all that, you can add the Canon 60D 9 point AF system. As soon as the new 5 frames per second Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D hits the store shelves, I will post my upcoming Canon Rebel T4i/650D Verdict and Video Review very soon.



Pancakes are not for breakfast anymore! The new Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM prime lens or pancake lens was also introduced as a compact travel lens for full frame and APS-C sensor DSLR's. A very thin and low profile standard prime lens featuring the new stepper motor technology to make focus even smoother during HD video capture with the new Canon Rebel T4i/650D DSLR. The budget filmmaker can rejoice because the retail price of this small gem is $199. Call it a "nifty forty"?



The ultimate entry level walk around lens is reinvented. The new Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens makes a fabulous pair with the new Canon Rebel T4i/650D DSLR. The new stepper motor technology combined with the T4i/650D's hybrid AF system makes it possible to focus smoothly during video recording. This sounds like a promising budget kit lens for soccer moms and amateur filmmakers.



***MAJOR UPDATE***


I posted a Canon Rebel T4i/650D and EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Hybrid AF Video Test here. See this amazing pancake lens when paired with the new Canon Rebel T4i/650D.



Stay updated with more Canon Rebel T4i/650D updates,reviews and video tests by Becoming a Fan on my Facebook Fan Page and following me on Twitter!


***Major Update***


I just posted my Canon EOS Rebel T4i/650D Verdict and Video Test here.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Canon 5D Mark III Practical Review and Video Test



The new Canon 5D Mark III hit the store shelves with much anticipation. It has been three long years since Canon 5D Mark II owners have been waiting with high expectations of a suitable replacement. In September 2008, award winning photographer Vincent LaForet showed the world an affordable consumer grade camera can achieve a filmmaker's cinematic look and feel in Full HD.



Fast forward over three years later to March 2012. The Canon 5D Mark III based on the Canon 7D design emerges with a 22 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor with a host of major improvements over its predecessor like a 61 point AF system and a headphone jack to monitor audio during video capture. Just like the 1D series, the addition of dual memory card slots adds to capacity and redundancy along with a bright and wide 100% viewfinder. I will list more major improvements with examples. Read on...



I spent the last month immersing myself with the Canon 5D Mark III shooting pictures and video of real life situations. No fancy scientific charts or graphs in my Canon 5D Mark III practical review. I bring to the HD DSLR world just a family point of view through the lens of the Canon 5D Mark III. The baby stroller comes in handy as a camera gear caddy, as well.



I will get straight to the point for still photographers. The Canon 5D Mark III can freeze fast action with AI Servo in low light with a very clean 6400 ISO all day and night. The new 61 AF points and the DIGIC V+ processor can crank out the 6fps with decent accuracy at my kid's Spring Carnival at night. I am a Canon 1D Mark IV owner with a tenacity for dead on focus at a fast frame rate. The Canon 5D Mark III new 61 point AF system is top notch for a non 1D series camera without the 1D series price tag. Brilliant!



Believe it or not, this is ISO 51200 freezing action at 1/800th shutter speed at aperture f/4. Not entirely noise free, but clean enough for candle lit Wedding receptions. It is a vast 3 ISO stop improvement over the Canon 5D Mark II. This 5D Mark III at ISO 51200 looked better than my 2006 Canon 1D Mark II N at ISO 800. How times have changed...



High Dynamic Range photographers rejoice! The Canon 5D Mark III is the first Canon DSLR with built in camera HDR processing. With a press of a dedicated HDR button, you can automatically capture three images at different exposures and the DIGIC V+ processor will do the rest magically. You can immediately view the aligned and processed JPEG from the super sharp 3.2 inch LCD screen. For even more manipulation, you can post process the HDR images in the newly updated Canon Digital Photo Professional version 3.11.26. Say goodbye to Photomatix and hello to the free Canon Digital Photo Professional with built in HDR tool.



No more print button to access Movie mode in the Canon 5D Mark III. The Canon 7D selector dial on the Canon 5D Mark III now makes it easier to shoot Full HD movies. Just like the 7D, the Canon 5D Mark III now has 1280x720p at 60fps video resolution. All this cinematic goodness comes with a choice of two H264 video compressions, ALL-I and IPB. I am still investigating the pros and cons of both at the moment. The ALL-I compression captures Quicktime MOV video files at a massive 3 times the size compared to IPB. Your memory cards and hard drives will burst. Just like broadcast TV cameras, embedded video Timecode is now a reality for HD DSLR's. RecRun and FreeRun Timecode can make logging hours of footage more manageable.



The 4gb FAT32 flash memory card limitation is a thing of the past when it comes to the roughly 12 minute video recording cap of the Canon 5D Mark II. The Canon 5D Mark III can record up to a full 29 minutes and 59 seconds during one video capture. The DIGIC V+ processor records consecutive 4gb files to the memory card. In post production non linear video editing, you can line up the consecutive video files in your timeline for a seamless edit. As for in camera memory card space, you can program the camera to automatically jump from one card slot to the next when the first card becomes full.



Audio capture with HD DSLR video recording has always been a challenge. Although not perfect, the Canon 5D Mark III shines with the new addition of a headphone jack to monitor audio, displayed and adjustable audio levels during recording and touch sensitive controls for quiet adjustments. I am not a big fan of stereo mini jack audio connections. They get loose over time along with the crackly noise that follows. I do not expect Canon to put a full size XLR audio connection on the Mark III anytime soon. That is what the new Canon C300 and C500 full blown cinematic cameras are made to accomplish. Their hefty $15,000 and $30,000 price tag for professional audio is overkill. The new Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO will just do fine at the moment.



A 1080p video shot with the Canon 5D Mark III at 29.97fps. Edited with Final Cut Pro 6.0.6 and used the Canon E-1 Movie Plugin version 1.3 to transcode to AppleProRes422. I used Compressor at high quality to get a 1gb h264 video file. I used an AZDEN ECZ-990 shotgun microphone for audio and a Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x for critical focus. For support I used a Manfrotto 701HDV head with Benro 3580 tripod legs. I also used a FADER ND Mark II variable neutral density filter to control exposure at the optimal 1/60th shutter speed, wide open aperture and an ISO of 160.



The picture above with lines of code is my modified .plist of the Canon E-1 Movie Plugin version 1.3 for Apple Final Cut Pro editing software. My point? Just like in my Canon Rebel T3i Video Test, I modified the plugin for an entry level DSLR like the T3i to transcode automatically to AppleProRes422 like the big boys. Now with the addition of the Canon 5D Mark III to the Canon E-1 Movie Plugin .plist, Canon Rebel T3i/600D owners can have their dessert, also.



A 720p video shot with the Canon 5D Mark III at 59.94fps. Edited with Final Cut Pro 6.0.6 and used the Canon E-1 Movie Plugin version 1.3 to transcode to AppleProRes422. I used Compressor at best quality to get a 750mb h264 video file. I used an AZDEN ECZ-990 shotgun microphone for audio and a Zacuto Z-Finder Pro 2.5x for critical focus. I also used a FADER ND Mark II variable neutral density filter to control exposure at the optimal 1/125th shutter speed, wide open aperture and an ISO of 160.



The Canon 5D Mark III verdict? For a retail price of $3499 for body only, the Canon 5D Mark III is not in the Canon Rebel category when it comes to price. When compared to the Canon 5D Mark II, the price is justified especially with the 61 AF point focusing system and the plethora of video improvements. The Canon 5D Mark III is a Wedding Photographer's dream DSLR. A high ISO capable full frame sensor with accurate multipoint AF system with Full HD video capability. It is a no brainer for current Canon 5D Mark II owners to upgrade to this amazing camera. A game changer to the DSLR industry in 2008 and again in 2012.



You can view more ISO examples, product shots, HDR photos, videos and more in my Canon 5D Mark III Practical Review and Video Test Gallery. Shot with the Canon 5D Mark III paired with Canon EF 17-40 f/4L,EF 24-105mm f/4L IS,EF 70-200mm f/4L IS,EF 35mmf/1.4L,EF 85mm f/1.2L and the EF 70-200mm f/2.8l IS II lenses.



Stay updated with the latest HD DSLR gear by Becoming a Fan on my Facebook Fan Page and following me on Twitter!
***UPDATE***
Canon EOS 5D Mark III Firmware 1.2.1 Update Released for Download with new features such as a clean HDMI out and cross-type AF points at f/8.