Microfilmmakers ideally look for five features in a video camera: (1) A large recording sensor, (2) 35mm Lens, (3) True HD (1920x1080) with a variety of resolution and compression choices, (4) Low noise and high color fidelity, (5) Affordable.
So with that said, let’s look at the details of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II as they pertain to filmmakers:
A large recording sensor
Smaller sensors reduce Depth of Field (depth blur). And we will spend plenty of money and tolerate enormous inconveniences (like the loss of auto focus, and carrying around enormous bulky rigs with rail systems) to add adapters to restore Depth of Field. The EOS 5D Mark II has a large format sensor out of the box.
35mm Lens
All flat images are distortions of three-dimensional reality. The size and shape of the lens determines the qualities of the flat image. And the 35mm distortion looks like movies. It’s like the difference between oil paints and crayons. It’s not just the 35mm format, lens quality is also critical. The EOS 5D Mark II shoots through Canon EOS glass, world renowned as some of the best lenses made.
True HD and a variety of resolutions/compressions
The combination of the shooting resolution and the compression method determines the quality of the video in post. What we want are options. If you can shoot in full 1920x1080, 30 frames per second progressive with acceptable compression, then you never have to worry about dealing with blurry, low quality images on critical parts of a film.
On the other hand, overshooting the resolution and quality for a project creates a ton of data that has to be discarded in post – creating lots of work and increasing the cost of production with no benefit. So, ideally, we want Full HD with options.
Now, the EOS 5D Mark II records in two sizes: HD or NTSC. There are actually no compression options ( both record in a 4:2:0 color space with mp4 compression), so it’s not exactly on target, but it’s close enough to warrant a closer examination.
Filmmakers want 24 frame per second recording and, ideally, variable frame speed recording for effects shots. The EOS 5D Mark II currently only offers 30 fps progressive. That means you can’t get a “dreamy” motion blur from this camera. Everything looks super sharp.
