Anyone using Canon 7D for HD DSLR Video?

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djkoz

Well-known member
I am thinking about upgrading my Canon 50D to the Canon 7D for several reasons. I am curious if anyone has used the Canon 7D for shooting serious video.

If so, I would appreciate your comments about your experience. Specifically, did you experience any problems? (jello effect, etc.), can you use the auto focus while shooting video, can you zoom while shooting video, other issues? Would you rather be using a dedicated video camera?

I know audio is an issue, but the Zoom H4N seems to solve the problem, although syncing audio and video can be a bit more work.

Thanks for your comments.

Dan
 
this has all been covered to death. just search 7D and sit back for the onslaught of info.

the long and short:

- ALL CMOS (rolling shutter) sensors suffer from jello to some degree. you just have to learn how not to wield your DSLR like youre used to wielding your video camera
- canons have the biggest problems with moire / alaising. but its most prevalent in 720 mode
- no. the 7D does not have autofocus while shooting. not like a video camera does anyway
- as far as whether a video camera would be better. it depends on what you shoot and how youre used to working. a video camera and a video capable DSLR are two different tools for different needs...
 
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you may want to visit this:
http://www.similaar.com/foto/equipment/us_cam.html#canon


also:
* no autofocus while shooting video on any canon DSLR
* you can zoom while shooting video, but it's not a good idea most of the time (unless you're doing the MTV camera work, it cries "home video"), plus it's not a motor zoom (it's a ring that you turn with your hand) so it won't look as smooth as with a video camera
* other issues? yes, lots of them! aliasing/moire (huge problem if you can't control what's in front of the camera and how you shoot it), jello (not a huge problem, just be reasonable when moving the camera around), bad audio...
* would I rather use a video camera? it depends; an AF100 or FS100? maybe but they also have their issues; a C300? sure!! but that's too expensive for me; anything with a small sensor? no thanks, I have no use for that


edit: I don't know if you're a newbie or just didn't get on the DSLR train; if you're a newbie, you may also want to visit this:
http://www.similaar.com/foto/tuten/600.html
 
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There are lots of people shooting DSLRs for a wide range of video specific applications. The consensus, which as stated has been covered to death in threads on these forums and others, is that DSLRs have great strengths and great weaknesses. They're just like every other camera system in that sense.
 
the biggest thing to be aware of is that DSLRs by nature are still cameras with video functionality. so if youve been using a video camera for several years. you cant just go get a DSLR and go about shooting the same way you did with your video camera. you have to reevaluate how you shoot and what you shoot.

the quick answer is that generally a DSLR is better for controlled situations and a video camera is better suited to ENG / run and gun stuff.
not that both cant do a little of both. but its a matter of the better tool for a specific job.
 
Alex H. said:
You might find a couple of people shooting HD with a 7D in this forum: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/forumdisplay.php?189-7D-Footage-Stills

... which is a subforum of this: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/forumdisplay.php?187-Canon-APS-C
Click to expand...

Wait, people shoot video on still cameras these days?? ;)

All joking aside, welcome to the party, OP. I suggest reading the stickies on the APS-C section here: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/forumdisplay.php?187-Canon-APS-C

Especially the following:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?249559-Video-DSLR-FAQ-(Canon-APS-C-Edition)

and

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...APS-C-Camera-models-(7D-vs-T2i-vs-60D-vs-T3i)
 
One can sometimes get lost on these boards, best thing I ever learned about this site was "new post" found it kept me currant. I am using the 7D for a six min short and working now on how to get audio properly. I'm thinking two separate audio recorders and then mix it in post for my needs may work best, in the middle of running tests now. Also taking my time with tests for green screen. The dslr way was a great way for me to put together cinematic pre planned shots and moves.
 
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