Kay and the new 5D Mark 2
Freedom BMX editor/publisher/designer and photographer Kay Clauberg has always has a penchant for the latest in camera technology, this latest one though is a little bit different. His new Canon 5D Mark 2 not only is a much more advanced digital SLR, but also a High Definition video camera. It lack normalities in the way it cannot autofocus, but it does have the advantage of depth of field.
Since Kay is the first to have and use this camera we thought we’d ask him a few questions about it…
You’ve just got the new Canon 5D Mark 2, what’s so special about it?
Besides the huge resolution of 21 million pixels (which also can be quite annoying) it has a video option. It does record in ‘full hd resolution’ or 1080i 30p for all the nerds out there.
How much have you filmed with it so far?
Not a lot since I bought it right before Christmas I only filmed my daughter under the Christmas tree and played around in the office so far. I went to a local skatepark to try it out under ‘real life circumstances’ but failed completely, haha. I got not a single clip out of it that was in focus… The first time that I actually filmed with it was at the Simpel Session in Tallinn. It was kinda hectic since I shot photos for our story in Freedom BMX but also wanted to have a clip online on Monday after the contest. It worked out so far. But you need to use a tripod!
How much did it cost?
I got it from a local dealer in cologne for 2250 Euros incl. tax.
Which lens’ do you have for it?
I have a 15mm, 17-35mm, 1,4/50mm, 2,5/55mm Marco, 2/135mm and a 70-200mm, plus I have an adapter from Canon EOS to Hasselblad V-Mount. WIth this I can use my hasselblad lenses (fisheye, 80mm and 120mm Macro) and at the same time this is a workaround since I can set the apeture manually. I’m planing to buy a TSE 45mm when I got rid of my old 5D, haha.
Is the lack of autofocus a problem?
Yes and no. If you come from a videofilmer-background you gonna hate it I guess, but since I rarely use autofocus when I shoot photos I’m kinda used to it. But yes, the lack of autofocus is one of the biggest problems besides the lack of manual settings in videomode. People are hoping that this is going to be implemented with upcoming firmware upgrades. On the other hand this camera gives you a beautiful depth of field and that’s what a lot of filmers are looking for. An interesting website what’s possible and what’s not with the camera is www.cinema5d.com
Do you think this camera will replace the videocamera?
No. I would see it as a perfect addition to videocameras. For me as a photographer it’s just cool to have the possibility to decide if I want to film or take photos and don’t have to worry about what I’m going to put in my backpack.
Where can people see what you’ve filmed with it so far?
This is the very first clip that I ever did, plus my virgin steps with Final Cut:
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