Canon EOS 5D Mark II firmware v2.0.3 will make the camera better suited for filmmaking courtesy of several tweaks to the video and audio capabilities of the camera. The 30 frames per second video rate will be replaced by a 29.97 frames per second rate, and there will also be a new 24 frames per second rate, both matching TV production standards. The audio sampling frequency will also increase from 44.1KHz to 48KHz, and a manual audio level control will be added, answering a very common request from videographers.

There will also now be a histogram display when shooting movies manually, to assist with correct exposure, as well as both shutter and aperture-priority movie shooting. Canon is also noting that there will be improvements in camera / lens communication when manual sensor cleaning is used.

The new firmware will be available for download free of charge, later this month.