Hi everyone,





I wanted to create one thread about the lovely 5D Mark II's film options. Since it's fully automatic you can't do much, but there are some tips that I wanted to share, as well as make a thread to collect experiences so we can all gather each other's tips in one place and get creative filming.


I was blown away by Vincent La Foret's short 'Reverie' that every Canon fan must already have seen by now [] If you haven't: http://www.vincentlaforet.com/





Tips (filming):


La Foret shared some simple but handy tips on his blog about filming with the 5D Mark II:


• Use prime lenses if you want to get the best possible picture quality.


• Use a tripod with a proper video head for fluid movement.


• Use an external mic, Like Rode's Video Mic, for proper sound.


• AE-Lock also works for film (!) Helps if you want to force different exposure.


• If you want to force shallow DOF during daylight: use neutral density filters: they work wonders!


(Example video: http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2009/...the-scenes-ii/ I was amazed how much of a difference something that simple can make: wow!)





Tips (Post production):


• LaForet uses Final Cut Pro to edit (Final Cut Express does a good job too I think but only supports output to 1080i which is a shame in this case since the 5D outputs 1080p)


• LaForet uses a transcoded source (unaltered) from H264 to AppleProres for better editing. Beware that this transcode will produce enormous (and I mean enormous) files.


• LaForet uses Apple 'Color' (part of the Final Cut Pro package) to grade some of his work (Reverie was completely ungraded). (Please note that cheaper options such as Final Cut Express still offer pretty good basic color correction tools).


• The soon-to-be-released iMovie 09 will also work to edit your stuff at 1080p ( am told by Apple).


• Both iMovie 09 and Final Cut have plugins to reduce camera shake []


• Editing HD files requires a fast computer, and a fast and large harddisk.





Links for inspiration:


Promo reel of different shoots all done with the 5D Mark II (very very inspiring):


http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/11/26/7-days-7-shoots-eos-5d-mkii/





Some more tips about remote controls and batteries:


http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/12/05/tips-and-tricks-for-the-5d-mkii-part-i/





Behind the scenes reel involving the 5D Mark II on a boom to create a cool overhead shot:


http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/12/28/behind-the-scenes-i/





Happy filming!


We are in preproduction of a student film ourselves at the moment, so after we cast everybody and find the proper location, we will be filming with the 5D Mk II: Let's see what happens!