This is just a general inquiry question, so I really just want some personal and professional opinions. I've been planning on buying a Canon7d for a while now. I read all the articles and have worked with some of the footage and I'm pretty sold on the camera. Here is where I am at. I'm wanting a DSLR (Canon7d..???) that is versatile (good still camera, good video camera) that won't break the bank (read: Canon 1d mark iv). Since its my first venture into DSLR I don't want to drop a ton of money on the body, but maybe in the future upgrade to a better DSLR(body). But I want to start off on the right foot with the lenses. So my questions would be be if I go with the Canon7d, where should I start on GOOD (not necessarily the BEST...price can matter) lenses that I can take with me to future DLSR bodies? I was thinking of starting with some type of fixed 50mm. Also I understand since the 7d is not a full frame but a cropped sensor so there is a 1.6x crop with the lenses. Thanks for any advice you can give.
Buying A Canon...7d?
- Thread starter bentpixel
- Start date
Upcoming Canon T2i is looking pretty affordable and from the looks of things will have most of the bang of the 7D. Remains to be seen if image will be identical but looks like codec implementation is the same.
The 7D/5D/T2i make awful video cameras. This is not a camera to use for shooting long performances, this is a camera better suited to those shooting short films and who have the patience, resources, and time to get the shot right. And don't forget about the CMOS issues and aliasing and moire problems. Just be aware that at some point you'll have to deal with these obstacles.
The 7D is a 1.6x crop in relation to full frame photography, but that's not really an issue if you're coming from a film background because APS-C is actually the same sensor size in relation to 35mm film. So you'll be getting the same DOF characteristics as film. It helps not to think of the 7D in terms of full frame photography because if you're shooting motion it negates the full frame thinking and tends to muddle things. Just a warning, if you're coming from a video background the APS-C sized sensor takes getting used to since you're dealing with a much more shallow DOF and for shots with movement you will either need to stop down to increase your depth and/or focus pull.
A 50mm is a good starting lens, though it comes down to taste. I actually like the look of a 28 or 35 more for general walking around. Or better yet pickup an f2.8 zoom so you have more focal length choices and aren't limited to 50. For film I like the look of primes but for ease of use a zoom can save a ton of time. If you're going to go with manual primes you lose the use of autofocus I think it's worth picking up Canon mount primes because the focusing comes in handly for quick shooting and when you're doing photography.
The 7D/5D/T2i make awful video cameras. This is not a camera to use for shooting long performances, this is a camera better suited to those shooting short films and who have the patience, resources, and time to get the shot right. And don't forget about the CMOS issues and aliasing and moire problems. Just be aware that at some point you'll have to deal with these obstacles.
The 7D is a 1.6x crop in relation to full frame photography, but that's not really an issue if you're coming from a film background because APS-C is actually the same sensor size in relation to 35mm film. So you'll be getting the same DOF characteristics as film. It helps not to think of the 7D in terms of full frame photography because if you're shooting motion it negates the full frame thinking and tends to muddle things. Just a warning, if you're coming from a video background the APS-C sized sensor takes getting used to since you're dealing with a much more shallow DOF and for shots with movement you will either need to stop down to increase your depth and/or focus pull.
A 50mm is a good starting lens, though it comes down to taste. I actually like the look of a 28 or 35 more for general walking around. Or better yet pickup an f2.8 zoom so you have more focal length choices and aren't limited to 50. For film I like the look of primes but for ease of use a zoom can save a ton of time. If you're going to go with manual primes you lose the use of autofocus I think it's worth picking up Canon mount primes because the focusing comes in handly for quick shooting and when you're doing photography.
Stephen Mick
Totally Usable
I'd start with the Canon EF-S 17-55 f2.8 zoom lens. I have it, and it rarely comes off my 7D. I also like the 24-105 f4L for outdoor shooting.
The two primes I use the 24mm f1.4L and the 50mm f1.2L. Not cheap, but great lenses.
My clients would vehemently disagree.
The two primes I use the 24mm f1.4L and the 50mm f1.2L. Not cheap, but great lenses.
My clients would vehemently disagree.
Thanks for the info so far. I'm not exactly sure about them being awful video cameras, I quite like the footage so far, is it on par with the RED? .... certainly not, but I find the footage quite good having worked with both RED and Canon footage. I am familiar with the workflow and time limits on video clips. I am also aware of the aliasing and compression having already worked with the footage. But again I am looking entry level price and versitility in the DSLR body. And making a step higher in lenses. Haven't heard of the Canon T2i, I will check in to before making any purchases. And I like the advice of a f2.8 zoom, I may look at starting with that. Great info so far, thanks.
Barry_Green
Moderator
Isaac's not talking about the quality of the footage shot. He's talking about using it as a replacement for a conventional video camera.
shaocaholica
Well-known member
Read the usual lens review sites.
Dpreviw.com
photozone.de
slrgear.com
first party lenses are usually overrated. Don't take my word for it, just read the reviews both formal and informal.
Performance does not scale linearly with cost. Especially with lenses like the f/1.2s.
Dpreviw.com
photozone.de
slrgear.com
first party lenses are usually overrated. Don't take my word for it, just read the reviews both formal and informal.
Performance does not scale linearly with cost. Especially with lenses like the f/1.2s.
Yes. For shooting all day corporate conferences I would not use this, but for using a 7D for interviews where I have control and another more conventional video camera handy, sure. Could you get by with just a 7D for that situation? Sure, but it requires some workarounds. At the end of the day you can do what you want, just be prepared to be attaching extra accessories to make it work.
Stephen Mick
Totally Usable
Gotcha, Issac.
Matt Gottshalk
Resident Preditor
Yes. Get these two and the Tokina 11-16mm on the wide end and you are GTG.