Canon has introduced a really exciting new camera, the EOS 5d Mark II. It would be remarkable if all it did was take still pictures with its CMOS Sensor and 22 megapixel resolution. Even better, though, it can also record video.

The 5d also shoots HD video at 30 fps 1080P. A firmware update expected later this month will allow for 24P as well. This is high quality video in any camera, but since it’s SLR (single lens reflex), the lenses you can use on the camera are different from you typical video camera like the EX1 or HVX200. You can create a much more filmic look with more control over your depth of field.

Of course, buying this camera for its video function may not be the best idea. Its compact flash cards can only hold 12 minutes of video at a time, which is not ideal for most shoots. Additionally, its controls are designed around photography so the video controls are not entirely intuitive.

However, this is a great leap forward in the ease and accessibility of high quality video– especially at prices under $4,000. We’re keeping our eyes peeled to see where the 5d will take us.

Below is a short film made in Tokyo, shot entirely on the 5d.

Tokyo Reality (Canon 5D MarkII) from Florent Porta on Vimeo.

The Nikon D5000 also shoots in 720P HD video. Rainn Wilson of the office made a short film on this camera: