Beechtek pro audio adaptor for 5Dmk2 now available.

<p ><strong><em>Received the following in an email from Beechtek:</em> </strong></p>

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<p ><strong>To all Priority Customers on our Hot List: </strong></p>

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<p >I am happy to announce that our new DXA-5D XLR Adapter for the Canon 5D Mark II camera is now available! </p>

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<p >We have made special arrangements with B&H Photo Video in New York <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bhproaudio.com/" target="_blank">www.bhproaudio.com</a> where you can order this device at a special promo price of $340 USD (regular price $379). Details on how to obtain the promo code for this special price are still being arranged. </p>

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<p >Note that B&H has a limited number of the DXA-5D adapters and will likely be sold out quickly. We will be supplying them with additional units in June. </p>

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<p >Thank you for your patience in waiting for this device to be released. </p>

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<p >Cheers, </p>

<p >Harry Kaufmann </p>

<p >Product Support </p>

<p >416-690-9457 </p>

<p >BeachTek </p>

<p ><em><em>The Audio Adapter Specialists </em> </em></p>

<p ><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.beachtek.com/" target="_blank">www.beachtek.com</a> </p>

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<p ><em><strong>NB: I do not work for Beechtek, I have dealt with them through my video work, just passing this on for interest of 5DMk2 users.</strong> </em> <br /> </p>

<p>It never ceases to amaze me how a "special professional audio adapter" can cost 10x compared to<br>

normal xlr --> whatever-you-want stuff.<br>

But ok, it's still good news.</p>

<p>Because there is circuitry inside it that help to cirvumvent the issue of auto gain control, there is switchgear for level control and channel switching, the audio monitoring circuit and level control, the cost of the robust custom fitted case and not least, the cost of research & development.<br>

I have made my concerns about using the 5DMk2 known before now, but this device will go some way to addressing my concerns on the audio side of things at least.<br>

For the folk who want to shoot video with decent audio this is worth further investigation at least.</p>

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<p>But you can get an HD cam-corder for much less than that, AND have better video.</p>

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<p>No,...you can't. The 5D Mk II is capable of stunning video with film like qualities that can't be achieved with small sensor home video cameras.</p>

<p>I am on the side of the HDCAMMERs. Add a lens on to the cost of a 5DMK2 (you will need a lens) and the price difference between something like a sony FX7 or Canon XH-A1 isn't great.<br>

I do video professionally and there is no substitute for on the fly lens controls and built in professional audio connections, controls and monitoring.<br>

The shallow depth of field offered by the 5DMk2 is about it's only appeal over a dedicated camcorder at a similar price, a dedicated camcorder has far greater appeal over the 5DMk2 as far as video goes. This is not unexpected.<br>

Similary priced camcorders have:<br>

Rotating LCD screens to view from multi angles.<br>

Nice big grips and handles.<br>

Built in audio with manual audio control, or the option of using external sound gear.<br>

Audio monitoring.<br>

On the fly manual iris control (aperture for the stills only guys)<br>

On the fly manual focus movements (such as pull focusing)<br>

On the fly lens movements<br>

Format switching (HDV, DV, 16:9 4:3, interlaced, progressive)<br>

Ease of use with even older macs & Pcs through firewire. Try cutting AVCHD on anything other than vista or Leopard.<br>

I could go on, but for folk dabbling in video with their 5DMk2's, or for photo-journalists who only want to carry one unit the beechtek may just make the video feature more useful.<br>

I'm sure when they attempt to pan or tilt or follow a fast moving subject that the shallow depth of field will make up for the manual zooming, slow contrast detect follow focus and the motion artefacts inherent to AVCHD, but if they insist they may as well get half decent audio.<br>

I applaud Canon for the introduction of this feature, I can see the practical uses for many users, I look forward even more to it's next incarnation, but it ain't a video camera.<br>

I posted the link for those who are using it as one as the stock audio is rudimentary. I'll have a 5DMk2 for stills anyday. For video I'll have a video camera.<br>

What isn't there to understand?</p>

<p>I would like to use my 5D2 to record small music recitals, and so I would really like manual control. Automatic levels means that background noise rises substantially during quiet passages. The Beechtek sounds like it would help, but I would love to hear from actual users (audio samples would be great) because I have my doubts about the way it works: wouldn't the same inaudible signal that tricks the camera into thinking that there is sound also use up valuable headroom for real signal? I can't imagine that this issue isn't addressed, or it would be a toy.</p>

<p>BTW, according to some reports on vimeo.com, at least one bright engineer has figured out how to extend the programming of the 5D2 with his own modifications, and his first project was manual audio along with on-screen level meters. The demo video looks really good, and because the approach taken doesn't actually write to the camera's ROM it's pretty unlikely to damage the camera, but there are no guarantees, alas.</p>