NIKON D7000 vs. CANON 7D for VIDEO "ONLY" ???

George D.

Well-known member
I realize the Nikon D7000 is not out yet, but it will be very soon, and some people have even already got their hands on it.

I was just wondering if anyone has done any research, or experimenting, or tests, comparing the features and resulting quality of Video from the Nikon D7000 and the Canon 7D.

Video is really the only thing I'm interested in about these two cameras.

I know the Nikon is going to be using SD cards instead of Compact Flash, which I don't think is a good idea. And, the total pixels from the Nikon will not be as much as the Canon captures. But, what will the video be like from the Nikon even though?

What are the video files from these two cameras?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
For just video I would look at the 60D. Articulating screen and manual audio control. Plus the sensor and video are identical to the 7D. For a lot cheaper.
 
I'm sorry everybody, but I am interested in the comparison between THESE two cameras ONLY.

I am NOT asking how they compare to others, just them.

Thanks.
 
I believe both will be H264 files. The concern with the D7000 is that the bit rate within the files will be lower. This could lead to more compression artifacts than what you might see on the 7d. As far as the problem areas (aliasing and moire) it's still hard to know what wins in this area!
 
The D7000 has full manual control BUT you must set the aperture before entering live view. You can set the ISO and Shutter speed in live view, but not aperture. For video that's really backward - shutter speed is normally fixed and you use aperture, ISO (and perhaps ND filters) to adjust exposure.

The frame rates on the Cannon are more usable; I would miss the 720/60p (or 50p) modes for slow motion and 1080/30p.

The only video advantages the D7000 seems to have is a longer recording time 20 minutes versus 12 minutes and dual card slots.
 
George,

based on material i have seen shot by some DPs including that of macgregor, I have noticed aggressive compression in the color space of the d7000, this is not ideal especially when color correcting. I found the shadow areas more compressed as compared to the 7D's. I can pull a lot of detail from the dark in grading from the 7D. I don't think this would be the case with the d7000.
The blacks are showing macroblocking characteristics.
Also the 7D resolve detail better. Color wise they are both comparable. Assuming you have tweaked both cameras.

Also, the 30P and 60P of the 7D is very useful compared to just 24P of the d7000.

I too was looking forward to much improvment from the nikons over existing technology video wise. The Nikon d7000 video is much improved though, COMPARED TO ITS OWN D90, D5000 etc.
But after knowing that it still has moire and aliasing similar to the canons, i've concluded the canons are still the right choice at this time.
 
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George,

based on material i have seen shot by some DPs including that of macgregor, I have noticed aggressive compression in the color space of the d7000, this is not ideal especially when color correcting. I found the shadow areas more compressed as compared to the 7D's. I can pull a lot of detail from the dark in grading from the 7D. I don't think this would be the case with the d7000.
The blacks are showing macroblocking characteristics.
Also the 7D resolve detail better. Color wise they are both comparable. Assuming you have tweaked both cameras.

Also, the 30P and 60P of the 7D is very useful compared to just 24P of the d7000.

I too was looking forward to much improvment from the nikons over existing technology video wise. The Nikon d7000 video is much improved though, COMPARED TO ITS OWN D90, D5000 etc.
But after knowing that it still has moire and aliasing similar to the canons, i've concluded the canons are still the right choice at this time.

Thanks Teddy Bear,

I appreciate your input, and your advise, but I've already decided, and am taking action to get rid of my Canon and getting the new Nikon D7000.

I realize the few set backs and compromises I will have to make. The main reason I'm doing this is to cut down the hassles with trying to adapt all my Nikon lenses to the Canon, and the fact that it has follow focus "during" video shooting. Even the adapters I have already bought do NOT allow the lenses to couple with the camera with all the electronic functions, and THAT is a real drag.

Also, this is only my "secondary" video camera for the less important scenes. The primary camera being the RED-One.

Since I have always been a die-hard Nikon user, it was kind of painful for me to get the Canon in the first place. And, after receiving it, I really didn't like it anyway. So, why keep it?

Thanks again, and be well over there.

.
 
The D7000 has full manual control BUT you must set the aperture before entering live view.

Wow! Didn't know about that... they just can't get it right, can they?

I really like the out of the box look of the Nikon video and had great hope for them (having no video department to worry about)... they just seem to miss the boat on every launch.
 
Wow! Didn't know about that... they just can't get it right, can they?

I really like the out of the box look of the Nikon video and had great hope for them (having no video department to worry about)... they just seem to miss the boat on every launch.

Shoot with manual nikon glass and you can always adjust aperture post recording anyway. The low-end Nikons don't support stop-down-metering though for some weird reason.
 
Adjusting aperture before entering live view really isn't that much harder or more difficult, it hardly rates as "missing the boat". I have been extremely happy with the video out of my D7000. I cant stand using a T2i and the d7000 feels way more natural to use.
 
my impression from what ive seen so far is that the D7000 is noticably better in the higher ISO's when it comes to photos and it seems to carry over to its video as well. ive seen samples that put it right up there with the D700 (i use a D3/same sensor) as for as low noise. i cant say this for the T2i/6D or 7D. i havent noticed the shadow blockiness some here have referred to but will be looking to see if its really an issue. aside from my regular video cameras i have a 5DmkII and a T2i but admit im very curious to see more from the D7000. also im wondering how usefull the D7000's AF in video mode really is. looking forward to some reviews as to how it really works in a normal situation. i am skeptical but will wait to hear from a reliable user.

david
 
Well I can't make the D7 comparison, but I can tell you after having the D7000 that I am blown away. The high ISO capabilities are off the charts cool. I have seen some of the direct 7D comparison footage, and admit that right out of the camera, the 7D seems to be a little better on contrast and color. But that is easily remedied in post. I am quite happy with my new Nikon.
 
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