Live video out?

[azboy1985]

It's probably been covered somewhere in the threads, sorry for the stupid question... But does this camera have live video out? Or only video playback? via HDMI...

[morgan_moore]

and at what res

full res would mean external recorders, no time limit, decent monitoring would it not?

[morgan_moore]

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos7d/page6.asp

"The EOS 7D's connectors all live down the left-hand edge of the camera under a split rubber flap. There are effectively two columns of connectors each with its own cover. On the left we have PC sync and the remote terminal (N3). On the right there is the Microphone input, the combined Audio/Video out and USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) plus HDMI (mini). Note that the camera is not supplied with a HDMI cable."

It all means nothing to me - but I cant see the simple plug that I use for my steadicam pilot monitor !

S

[xbourque]

The A/V Jack should give you composite output. It does on the 5D2.

The million dollar question is wether or not the HDMI can output full 1920x1080 without text overlays and other crap in the frame.

-X

[morgan_moore]

I cant see that jack (being dumb?)

Indeed the no crap question is very important

S

[xbourque]

It's a combo A/V jack + USB. It's right under the mic jack. You need to use the supplied break-out cable.

See "What's in the box":
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=19356#BoxContentsAct

[ryansheffer]

To me a more important question is whether you can still see the cameras LCD when video output is active. Such a headache to split the signal, etc.

[Malkmus]

Pretty sure the answer to this is no, but there isn't any audio level display, right? So audio would still have to be "played by ear"...

[Rhys Day]

I've heard that HDMI is only SD when recording video

[Jean Dodge]

I've yet to see a definitive answer for the question of live video out. It's important, but I'm not going to hold out much hope for an improved situation compared to the 5dMk2.

The combined USB-to-RCA video/audio cable is the same composite signal as used by other canon SD video cameras. There is no mini plug like on the 5D.

To me a huge bottleneck that keeps the 5d from being adpapted more readily to indie film production is the poor quality of the monitoring options while the camera is recording. It was my understanding that the signal put out by the HDMI cable to an external HD monitor was 480p, not 480i though. Does someone have the real answer on that one?

I predict the same standards is what we will find with the 7D, but there's always hope.

[Matthew Bennett]

My instincts tell me.... no.

WHo knows what the difficulties involved are ... probably something harder than adding multiple framerates, etc...

Remember these are wee devices with only so much power to spare, and so much work they can do before overheating...

Any engineers out there to chime in?

[azboy1985]

Any of you Mark II users... I'm assuming the 5D does live video out, but only in composite? And when you do live video out does the on screen LCD turn off?

[Michael Olsen]

Just got off the phone with Phillip, from Canon Customer Service. According to Phillip, the EOS 7d HDMI output can be used to monitor at 1080p/whatever while recording. It will show any selected overlays. At this time, there is no way to completely remove overlays.

Let's hope Phillip knows his stuff.

If anyone else would like to call in to confirm, the number is: 1-800-652-2666

[azboy1985]

Thanks for the info Michael! Yes, lets hope Phillip knows his stuff...

[Jean Dodge]

Now tell us this, did this philip person have a 7D camera in his hands when he told you this? And was he looking at an external monitor? Or was he pulling answers out of his hat?

Because the 5D Mk2 sends out one signal while at rest - full 1080 HD - and quite another while recording - 480 only. Yes, it uses the same HDMI cable to do this but the signal that goes to an external monitor is the same VGA quality signal that would be going to the live view on board/ built in small screen.

I'm extremely skeptical here. My money is NOT on Philip.

[Michael Olsen]

Now tell us this, did this philip person have a 7D camera in his hands when he told you this? And was he looking at an external monitor?

I doubt he did any of those things. I did ask him, very specifically, if the camera sent a 1920x1080 signal out the HDMI to an external monitor while it was recording 1080p. He replied in the affirmative.

Feel free to call customer support and ask. I don't know why they'd lie - sure, they might sell a camera but when people figure out they weren't honest they'll have to deal with the returns...

[Jean Dodge]

Well, according to Phiip Bloom via twitter, this tech support guy is incorrect. He confirms what most suspect, which is that the set up is the same as on the 5D mk2, which means the HDMI sends a 1080i signal when in live mode (at rest) and then drops down to a SD signal, 480p when you hit the record button.

via twitter: from knowledgeable user Philip Bloom
http://philipbloom.co.uk/personal-blog/

"Straight off I can tell you SD out only when recording off hdmi. Lcd better. AGC still present. ISO can be set to auto."

Let's hope that philip the second is wrong and philip the first is correct, but i wouldn't bet money on it.

[Ian-T]

I have a question. But if this cam is able to output 1080p via HDMI while not recording....then why not record that signal instead (using a PC or whatever)? I've done this with my HV20 by putting it in camera mode and using the PC to record a 29.97, 16:9, 1080p signal (remember HV20 does not do 30p…only the HV30 and above). It came out fully progressive @ 30p. I was still able to change shutter and aperture etc. Or is it still compressed?

I think the only obstacle in trying this with the 5Dll/7d would be to get rid of the video overlays.

[robmneilson]

any links for an HDMI (type C) to comp cable? Google has not been kind with results...

[xbourque]

Ian-T:

Because 5D2 puts overlays/menus on the HDMI out just like the on-camera LCD monitor.

-- X

[azboy1985]

back to one of my questions to Mark II owners... Can you attach an SD LCD monitor and see what your recording on that monitor? And does the LCD turn off when you have that external monitor attached?