5dmk2 initial impressions

Hi Y'all,

Just took delivery of my 5Dmk2, fully intending to put it in my modified Subal C10 housing (now working with the 5dmk1 and 40d).

1) Shutter, Main and Rear Command dial should work fine

2) Top buttons needs adjustment, I only use AF/Drive as well as the ISO, so it shouldn't be too bad, unfortunately Canon moved the position of the illumination lamp, so may have to resort to using a small flashlight on night dives for that.

3) Video Mode, likely doable if I can shift one of the unused buttons to the direct print/live view button. I will have to change how I use the Set Button thought, I like it for Image Playback, but on the Mk2, it's the record button. Also, AF is possible with Video Mode, I will need to build a transfer pad to move the "*" button to press the AF-ON button. There are 3 AF Modes in Live View, in my decently lit office, the Live Mode couldn't focus at all, Quick mode does, so this will be a consideration for shooting video UW.

I haven't done any image testing yet, that's for the weekend. Shutter sounds very different from the Mk1, more of a subdued "Ka-thunk" than the Mk1's "Ka-think"

Rear LCD is gorgeous, much better than the Mk1. I'm running it off 6AA batteries using the BG-E6 grip, all in all, the camera fells ever so slightly chunkier in hand than Mk1 when in vertical orientation. Will try the fit in my housing tonight and report back tomorrow. No dives scheduled for a while though but may jump in a pool or something just to see how it works out.

Regarding AF, I've never had AF issues with my 5D, I've always shot AF underwater since my film days with the A2e. My 5Dmk1 was able to AF with the Suprema 44 LED light on mating mandarin fish. The 5Dmk2 seems snappier to focus but that's just subjective to me using the 100 USM macro and 85 f1.8.

Stu

Hey Stu - thanks for the info! I can't wait to hear how it wedges into your C10 housing - since I have one too :-)

Cheers

James

exciting times... at last all the conjecture can be put aside and we can start to look at some production-model files.

Hey Stu - thanks for the info! I can't wait to hear how it wedges into your C10 housing - since I have one too :-)

 

Cheers

James

Hi James,

Figured you'd be the first to respond! Yes, will figure it out tonight. Will be bugging Bill to see about the 2 buttons, AF/On should be no problem, just needs a lever, it's the Live View that could be the deal breaker, we shall see.

Stu

Who cares about the live view??? I know Bill is a perfectionist, but I'd be happy to have both controls, the top right buttons (iso, etc) and the "play" button :-)

Cheers

James

Who cares about the live view??? I know Bill is a perfectionist, but I'd be happy to have both controls, the top right buttons (iso, etc) and the "play" button :-)

 

Cheers

James

Live View enables the video mode as well, SET button becomes record. AF is through the AF-ON button (or shutter, depending on the AF Mode you select for video)

Play button is easy, I have the SET button for that, it's just a Custom Function. I'm 99% sure that the top buttons will work, may be as simple as enlarging the pins in the Subal with hot glue ....it's the LCD illumination that we're likely SOL. If I line up the hot shoes, the buttons slightly overlap...so they should work, I'll confirm later. The original transfer pad by Bill might even work for Menu and Info.

Oh, for those who say that the high ISO will suck compared to the other brand.... going down to SRAW1 (10 MP) nicely even things out... http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp...essage=30227170

Stu

OK, the mk2 has a thicker bottom so a new base plate needs to be machined up. However, by shimming the camera so that the VF is in line with the one on the housing, the shutter, main and rear dials work! As I surmised, the top buttons need to be modified so that the user can change ISO, AF etc.

More later

Stu

....it's the LCD illumination that we're likely SOL. Stu

Hey Stu

You need not worry about the LCD illumination button. All you have to do is to display the "Camera Shoot " function which gives you a large white display of everything you need to see and adjust - clearly visible day and night. You can even have this screen as the default so it will always come on after you taking a picture ( even if you dont have access to the Info button ). See page 190 and 191 of the manual.

Cheers, Andre

Stu,

With the viewfinders lined up, where is the lens relative to the center of the port opening?

Cheers

James

Hi Andre,

That's a thought, but the 10D had the teeny tiny 1.8" LCD, so the info on the 3" Mk2 LCD can't be fully seen.

James, the lens seems to be pretty centered, but camera was a bit wobbly so I'll need to wait for Bill to machine the new base. I'd say it's about the same as how the 5D lines up in the 10D housing right now. Bill now uses Delrin instead of Aluminum so it'll be lighter (that's what he did for the 40D), I'll be seeing him next week.

Stu

Thanks Stu - wow that's pretty exciting!

I'm also curious to hear how it will fit in existing 5D housings - that news should be trickling in soon I'm thinking. Ryan's probably already gotten his 5DII I bet.

Cheers

James

Anyone know how a Canon 30D compares with the 5dMKII for control positioning? They look pretty similar in the photos/diagrams. I'm wondering if I'll be able to get the 5DMKII to fit in my Ikelite 30D housing.

Any updates Stu?

Cheers

James