Am I crazy to buy a 7D for studio product video???

G

GavinGear

Active member
OK, there's more to this story... I'm looking to upgrade my HD camera, but also want to do serious studio product photography as well. With my budget, I'm best off buying one good camera that can be used as a hybrid. I know there are serious tradeoffs for video, but I've accepted that.

More detail about what I'll be using this camera for (most important first):
- Informational product DVDs
- HD product videos posted to YouTube/Vimeo
- Studio product shots (with ~3 strobes, etc)
- Studio portraits
- Event photos/videos
- Nature photography

I've been taking a serious look at the 7D, and the GH1, and have settled on the 7D for the following reasons:
1. I hate the ergos on the GH1 because I have large hands, love the feel of the 7D

2. Lens availability

3. 18 MP -vs- 12.1 MP

4. Accessories and wireless flash options

So right now I'm leaning heavily towards the 7D, but have reservations about doing my product videos without autofocus. That seems to be the big advantage of the GH1 for my uses (SD cards and articulated LCD panel are also quite nice... as is the price...).

As I contemplate the AF issue, I'm wondering if I'm better off with manual focus anyways? It would be way better for some shots, but would be a hinderance (no AF) for other shots - like when something is in focus, then I move my hands close to the camera in the same coninuous shot to show up-close detail. With the 7D, I'd have to do those shots in two cuts, and focus between them. Not a huge issue.

On the flip side, how would the GH1 be for pro-quality studio shots and portraits? It seems to be less for the serious still photographer, and more for the hybrid user (best DSLR video, *can* do stills with great quality but not "made" for that).

Anyways, if anyone can shed some light here, that would be great.

Thanks everyone.
 
GavinGear said:
As I contemplate the AF issue, I'm wondering if I'm better off with manual focus anyways? It would be way better for some shots, but would be a hinderance (no AF) for other shots - like when something is in focus, then I move my hands close to the camera in the same coninuous shot to show up-close detail. With the 7D, I'd have to do those shots in two cuts, and focus between them. Not a huge issue.
Click to expand...

Large budget commercials are still often shot on 35mm or 16mm film. Guess what they don't have...

Buy a follow focus, and learn to use it.
 
They are both great cameras with their own weaknesses. In the right hands they both will provide equally good video and stills in their own way. FYI the GH1 has more lens options than the Canon with the use of adapters not to mention no over heating issues or 12 minute record time limit on the US models.
Again they are both great cameras with their own strengths and weaknesses. I would recommend getting your hands on both (rent or borrow) and run some tests similar to your line of work and see which one works best for you. Just remember they are both still cameras with video modes and not the other way around.
 
....but then you'd kill the cinematic experience because you have no control over where the image is being focussed. It'll end up looking like tourist videos.....blahhh
 
That's what I meant. AF is more for point and shoot tourist videos. For cinema you would want Manual Focus.
 
i think a studio is one of the better places to use a 7d because you have time to focus, change lenses, etc. not like reality tv which would be nearly impossible with a 7d.
 
stock said:
i think a studio is one of the better places to use a 7d because you have time to focus, change lenses, etc. not like reality tv which would be nearly impossible with a 7d.
Click to expand...

That's been my fear/reluctance in switching to a DLSR as well. Run and gun with a 7d seems less than practical in my mind.
 
I work for a 10 time emmy winning studio, and we just bought a bunch of 7D's and 5D's for our studio work. The compression is a downside, but i think if it's good enough for serious high paying clients, then i think it's good enough for the amatuer shooter.
 
also what is studio product video

the object is stationary if it s a product,

one can therefore make 'video' of it at an arri beating 5k using a 7d - and timelapse/motion control

S
 
Thanks eveyone- I decided the ergos and photo capabilities were worth more to me than the AF on the GH1 and decided to go with the 7D!

Picked it up yesterday at BestBuy (10% off through 1/11/2010) !
 
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