Any reason an indie film maker shouldn't buy it?

J

jdv

Well-known member
Like a lot of indie film makers, I've been following the HD DSLR revolution for the last couple of years with great interest.

Just finished my 4th feature, 6th EXTINCTION, shot on a JVC GY 100. Happy enough with the images the camera produced, which I'd compare to well shot 16mm film - as well as toughness and ease of use - but I'm looking to upgrade.

I know there remains the possibility that the Mark II will get 24p firmware (although with every passing day that looks more doubtful); that the RED Scarlet will be available in the next year for $3 grand (again, looking doubtful); or that a company will make a true video camera with all the goodies the 7D has -
Canon XL-H2 anyone?

All that said, at this point in time is there any technical reason for me not to jump on the bandwagon and buy the 7D?

Thanks for any insight guys -

john
 
jdv said:
Like a lot of indie film makers, I've been following the HD DSLR revolution for the last couple of years with great interest.
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Couple of years!? The D90 was released last September y0!

No reason not to buy 7D it is cheap.
 
Wait and see when filmmakers start posting their stuff to decide if the quality works for what you want. Technically, it's small, light, and can be combined with shoulder mounts, follow focus, jibs, steady cams, etc.

I plan to use it mostly for photography, but the video is a hell of a bonus.
 
Scarlet IS coming. Sure we don't know when, but wouldn't all the people who bought a 5D (for its video capabilities) within a month or two of the 7D being announced- wouldn't those people have appreciated a heads-up from Canon letting them know whats coming? Well we have that forewarning with Scarlet. Yes they are having problems getting them to work, but I think we will see them sooner then a lot of people think.

For the price, the GH1 and the 7D are amazing cameras, with the 7D IMO tipping the scale in its favor.
 
luke stewart said:
Scarlet IS coming. Sure we don't know when, but wouldn't all the people who bought a 5D (for its video capabilities) within a month or two of the 7D being announced- wouldn't those people have appreciated a heads-up from Canon letting them know whats coming? Well we have that forewarning with Scarlet. Yes they are having problems getting them to work, but I think we will see them sooner then a lot of people think.

For the price, the GH1 and the 7D are amazing cameras, with the 7D IMO tipping the scale in its favor.
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That's why no matter what, I'll still have an awesome camera for photography.
 
luke stewart said:
Scarlet IS coming.
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Digital work & shallow DOF are a challenge. Scarlet won't shoot good footage automatically. In one year with a 5D or 7D or GH1 one can learn more than with analogue stocks in five years. Personally I'm glad I didn't buy an EX1.
 
Get a Canon 7D now! Get in the line.
I predict there will be a shortage like never before!
I already preordered. I am in Hollywood and already know of a low budget that was going to be shot on 5D that has preordered 3. The more the news trickles down most of the people who bought the 5D for video will sell it and buy a 7D. They are so cheap that I am sure this will be the official behind the scenes cam for any production shooting Red.

You have to understand it is already a DSLR so the photo guys were going to buy it but now all of these video guys are on it to. I sure hope they made enough. tigerdirect had over 200 orders by the time I called. I think over 500 would have been preordered by now!
 
jdv said:
All that said, at this point in time is there any technical reason for me not to jump on the bandwagon and buy the 7D?
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Yeah don't buy it if you're a complete knob, jokes aside if you're a filmmaker and know your way around a camera then you'll fall in love with it (I'm talking about the 5D MKII and speculating the 7D will deliver). Some people expect to be able to point and shoot like it's a camcorder and whinge when their shots look like ****.
 
luke stewart said:
Scarlet IS coming. Sure we don't know when, but wouldn't all the people who bought a 5D (for its video capabilities) within a month or two of the 7D being announced- wouldn't those people have appreciated a heads-up from Canon letting them know whats coming? Well we have that forewarning with Scarlet. Yes they are having problems getting them to work, but I think we will see them sooner then a lot of people think.
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LOL. Did you invest in RED or something?

If the 7D meets your needs better than another camera, then go for it. I held off with the 5D because it didn't meet all of my needs, and I'm glad I did.

If you are doing documentary or run'n'gun without a dedicated sound guy, it may not be the camera for you. As is the nature of the indy world, there is always a workaround...you just need to make sure it is worth it with this camera.
 
When I talked to Jim at NAB he said realistically the Epic X during the Fall of this year and realistically next Spring for the Scarlet. This may have changed, but that is too long to wait for me.

Rarely working you could make $1700 off of the camera before the Scarlet comes out.
 
With the low price point it is really hard to argue against the 7D. If you want to learn filmmaking, find the cheapest option and use it till it breaks (I still think the DVX is the greatest little camera made!). Just finished up shooting a stills only job w/the 5DM2 and it really shines as a stills camera. I'm going to miss that shooting stills with the 7D (FF, low noise, high IQ) and yes I know the 7D will probably outshine the 5D in video and that's why it makes it worth the $1700 (and I am pretty sure a good stills camera also).
 
The DSLR that shoots HD video is a bit like shooting 16mm. You need to treat it like a professional tool that is finicky, and have proper support crew. Double system sound may be
the best route,and a dedicated focus puller is a very very good idea too. Lots of investment in equipment that may not translate to other systems are needed as well. Be careful before you set down that road.

If by "indie film maker" you mean someone who hopes to make a short, doc or feature that screens on film at a fesitival there is a lot to be said for these cameras that make them more attractive than prosumer HD camcorders. But for run-and-gun or one man production they are not the best idea.

Each movie project is different and the cinematographic needs to be addressed as such.

A SMART indie film maker owns a reliable car, a fax machine and a laptop. And leaves the investing in gear to DoPs, gaffers and editors! Take that 1700 bucks and put it into housing, traveling and feeding your carefully selected cast and crew well. Or working one more week on your screenplay, etc.
 
I'd wait till it comes out. There was a lot of talk about the Panasonic GH1 that it was the best camera ever too. The 7D is not going to be perfect either. But it is probably going to be worth buying. On another thread Zak said he is keeping his D90. It is a great camera too.

I'm waiting for more reports for the D300s and then later from the 7D.
 
FatDaddy said:
With the low price point it is really hard to argue against the 7D. If you want to learn filmmaking, find the cheapest option and use it till it breaks (I still think the DVX is the greatest little camera made!).
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Great point - if you don't own your camera, this would be a pretty sweet way to loose your camera virginity!

john
 
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