canon video update
ok so here’s an update from our uber talented video assist + typing fiend at jdk. ross has brought up answers that i wondered about outloud via an earlier post, specifically we’re taking aim at why/how the shutter on canon 5D II’s hd video program controls light + secondly why it stops at 1/30th.
Hey Heath! I’ll take a stab at your first question:
AFAIK the video shutter must be an electronic shutter, meaning that the mechanical shutter is open the entire time, and the image sensor is only “open for business” for the shutter duration. My nikon d40 is able to get down to 1/4000th this way.The other question is why the shutter speed stops at 1/30th. If I understand your question then it is simple – because the camera needs to shoot 30 frames a second. If it shoots at 1/25th, then it could only shoot 25 frames a second. The only thing the shutter speed controls is what % of that 1/30th of a second the shutter is open for.
and on the same note our man has been kind enough to throw this out for your consumption as well. it’s a beta offering similar to CHDK mentioned back here. wired’s scoop is available as well. haven’t dug in yet myself but that’s what holidays are for right. happy independence everyone, use it well. hard to believe this thing’s been alive two years to the day friday.





