I was gobsmacked to read on Canon’s web-site that the main drivers for the inclusion of video on the 5d mk2, were Getty and Reuters.
According to the site, both of these major agencies want to be able to offer more video content, and are keen to get it from their existing photographers.
When will these people learn?
There have been many attempts to turn photographers into Photographers/Videographers, PA tried it a few years ago, and we had a extensive video production facility at Page One until 2000, so we know all about what is required to produce good video.
But the simple truth is that the two formats are not the same, and they require different skills, and different sensibilities.
Thinking that we can add Videography to a photographers tasks denigrates the work that the photographer does. Its a clear indication that in fact the commisioner has no clear understanding of the skills required, and in fact is not interested in aquiring good photography.
If we as photographers allow ourselves to be turned into a sort of bastard photo/video operatives, we will further lower the value of the work that we do and destroy the medium.
I find it almost a act of betrayal that Canon, who should be supporting and encouraging photographers, should produce such a important pro camera that essentially compromises its usefullness as a photographic tool to add a function which will in no way aid those who want to produce the best photography.
There are some good people out there who are producing both video and still images, and doing it successfully and well, but there are probably more people out there who just want to be a great photographer. In fact the very best photographers have no interest in becoming videographers, just as the best doctors have no desire to become dentists.
The most amusing thing is that the 5d mk2 is in reality not going to be a usefull camera to Reuters and Getty because it does not preform well enough in terms of AF and Capture rate, to be a usefull sport or news tool, so the guys will probably end up carrying their 1 series as well……
Canon added video at the cost of frame rate and improved AF, to sell maybe 200 cameras to Getty and Reuters. Bizarre.
This industry is getting it in the neck enough as it is, we sure don’t need our suppliers colluding with big business to lower the value of what we do even further.
