How do I shoot video on my Canon 5d Mark II?

To shoot video on your Canon EOS 5D Mark II, you'll activate the Live View mode, enable movie shooting through the camera's menu, and then follow a simple process to record high-quality footage.

How to Shoot Video on Your Canon 5D Mark II

The Canon 5D Mark II revolutionized DSLR video, offering full HD recording capabilities. Getting started is straightforward, though mastering its video features offers extensive creative control.

Step-by-Step Guide to Video Recording

Follow these steps to begin capturing video with your 5D Mark II:

1. Access Movie Function Settings:

   • Turn your camera on.
   • Press the MENU button.
   • Navigate to the third tab (usually denoted by a camera icon) and select [Live View/Movie func. set.].

2. Enable Movie Shooting:

   • Within the Live View/Movie func. set. menu, find the Movie shooting option.
   • Set this option to Enable (or On). This activates the camera's ability to record video.

3. Set Movie Recording Size:

   • Still in the Live View/Movie func. set. menu, select Movie rec. size.
   • Choose your desired resolution and frame rate. Common options include:
     • 1920x1080 (Full HD): Typically at 30, 25, or 24 frames per second (fps).
     • 1280x720 (HD): At 60 or 50 fps for smoother slow-motion capabilities.
   • Tip: 24fps (23.976 fps) is often preferred for a "cinematic" look.

4. Display the Live View Image:

   • Exit the menu.
   • Press the LIVE VIEW SHOOTING button (often marked with a camera icon and a "LV" symbol) on the back of your camera.
   • The mirror will flip up, and the live image from the lens will appear on your LCD screen, ready for recording.

5. Focus the Subject:

   • Manual Focus (Recommended): For best results in video, manually focus your lens. Turn the focus ring on your lens until your subject is sharp. Use the MAGNIFY button (often marked with a magnifying glass icon) to zoom in on the LCD screen for critical focusing.
   • Autofocus (Limited): The 5D Mark II offers a contrast-detection autofocus system in Live View. While present, it can be slow and noisy, making it less ideal for dynamic video shooting. Press the AF-ON button or * button to engage autofocus if needed, but be aware of its limitations.

6. Start Shooting the Movie:

   • Once your subject is in focus and your exposure is set, press the SET button (located in the center of the scroll wheel) to begin recording.
   • A red recording indicator (a dot or timer) will appear on the screen, showing that the camera is actively capturing video.

7. Stop Shooting the Movie:

   • To end your recording, press the SET button again.
   • The recording indicator will disappear, and the camera will return to waiting in Live View mode.

Advanced Video Settings and Tips

To elevate your video quality, consider these additional insights:

Exposure Control

While the 5D Mark II can shoot in fully-automatic modes, using manual control offers superior results for video.

• Manual (M) Mode: Gives you complete control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
  • Shutter Speed: For a natural motion blur, a good rule of thumb is to set your shutter speed to roughly double your frame rate (e.g., 1/50 sec for 24fps or 25fps, 1/100 sec for 50fps).
  • Aperture (f-stop): Controls depth of field (how much is in focus).
  • ISO: Adjusts the sensor's sensitivity to light. Keep it as low as possible to minimize noise.
• Aperture-priority (Av) / Shutter-priority (Tv) Modes: Can also be used, but Manual mode is generally preferred for consistent exposure in video.

Audio Recording

The 5D Mark II has a built-in monaural microphone, which is suitable for ambient sound but not for high-quality audio.

• External Microphone: For professional sound, always use an external microphone plugged into the camera's 3.5mm mic jack. Options range from shotgun mics to lavalier mics, depending on your needs.
• Audio Levels: You can adjust audio recording levels in the Sound recording menu option under Live View/Movie func. set. for better control.

Memory Cards

Video recording generates large files, so a fast and spacious memory card is crucial.

• Speed: Use Class 6 or Class 10 SD/CF cards (CompactFlash for the 5D Mark II) with a minimum write speed of 6MB/s or 10MB/s respectively.
• Capacity: A 16GB or 32GB card is a good starting point, but larger capacities will allow for longer continuous recording without interruption.

Stability and Support

Handholding the camera for video can result in shaky footage.

• Tripod: Essential for stable, locked-off shots.
• Monopod: Offers more mobility than a tripod while providing some stability.
• Shoulder Rig/Stabilizer: For dynamic, smooth moving shots.

Quick Reference for Key Video Settings

Setting	Description	Recommended for Video
Movie rec. size	Resolution and frame rate (frames per second)	1920x1080 (24, 25, 30 fps) for cinematic look; 1280x720 (50, 60 fps) for slow-motion
Sound recording	Adjusts audio input levels	Auto or Manual with external microphone
Exposure Mode (Dial)	How the camera determines brightness	M (Manual) for full control; Av/Tv for specific needs
Shutter Speed	Duration the shutter is open	1/50s for 24/25fps, 1/100s for 50/60fps (180-degree rule)
ISO	Sensor's sensitivity to light	As low as possible to reduce noise
White Balance	Color temperature adjustment	Preset or Custom for accurate colors
Picture Style	In-camera color processing (Standard, Neutral, Faithful, etc.)	Neutral or Flat (User Defined) for more grading flexibility

For further detailed information, consult the Canon EOS 5D Mark II user manual or resources like B&H Photo's guide to DSLR video.