Should I consider the Canon 7D?

D

dallasbagley

Member
Greetings,

My name is Dallas Bagley and I am new to this forum/website. I would like to start off by saying hello and thank you for any and all help. I am currently in the process of saving up some cash to purchase a camera with 1080p and 24p capabilities. I will mainly be using this camera for high quality Youtube blog videos, music videos. relatively ambitious short films, possible features and basically anything I feel like doing. I'm not all that new in regards to the organic side of film production. I have written, produced and directed commercials, short films, online TV pilots etc. I have been messing around with FCP, as well as a Canon XL2 for about 2 years now. I just feel that it's time to step my camera game up. And I was hoping one of you fine people would be generous enough to offer a technical newbie some advice. So far I have been doing a lot of research on the Canon 7D. It seems to be an incredible deal for the price. But obviously, it's primary service is that of a still camera. However, the video it produces looks incredible. I also heard it performs very well in low light situations. On the not so bright side of things... It ONLY features manual zoom, has either poor audio, or no onboard audio, can only record up to 12 minutes at a time in 1080p, tends to overheat quickly and requires one to purchase a lot of pricey accessories in order for the camera to perform the way a professional videographer would want it to. I have also been eyeballing the Canon XLH1. I don't know too much about this camera... Except for the fact that it's been out for quite some time now... And I would rather not purchase a camera that features primitive technology. However, I am obviously willing to make some exceptions, lol. Basically, here's what I need... Beyond the whole HD/24p thing, what else should I be looking for in a camera? And what are some of the best camera's one could get for under $5,000? Or, what's a good website, and or page on a website that could answer some of these questions for me? I would sincerely, sincerely appreciate any help that one could offer.

regards,

Dallas Bagley
 
For under 5k you could get a 5D or a 7D. The 7D does overheat from time to time but I have never had it overheat quickly. It does have onboard audio and it is not great. Just get a rode videomic and a zoom H4n and you are good on the audio side. It does have the time limit but the GH1 does not. The hacked version is a monster. If I had, say $4500 I would get a 7D, a few nice lenses, and a some sort of stabilization solution, but that's just me. I love DSLR shooting and the workarounds are nothing to me now. I don't regret leaving my HVX at all.
 
Thank you for the advice. Is there any way to solve the storage issue in regards to how much video I can record at once? And what's a good website that sells 7D accessories?
 
Dallas how soon do you need it? I dont usually advocate anyone wait on a purchase. But the Pana AF100 is going to be out soon (few months), if I were a non working shooter I might consider seeing what this comes in at as far as price goes, and also to see what it does to the market prices of other gear.
 
dallasbagley said:
Thank you for the advice. Is there any way to solve the storage issue in regards to how much video I can record at once? And what's a good website that sells 7D accessories?
Click to expand...

Lenses you can get anywhere pretty much. I buy from service photo and keh.com. as far as accessories you can go with Zacuto, Indisystem, Redrock Micro, Cavision and many others. depends on how much you want to spend. I strongly recommend picking up a Z-finder, LCDVF, as well. Totally Worth the money and you will use it all the time.

Noel Evans said:
Dallas how soon do you need it? I dont usually advocate anyone wait on a purchase. But the Pana AF100 is going to be out soon (few months), if I were a non working shooter I might consider seeing what this comes in at as far as price goes, and also to see what it does to the market prices of other gear.
Click to expand...

I totally agree with this as well. The AF is looking real good so far. But if you need a cam now you do have options.
 
Thanks Rich, I'll look into that.

Noel - I actually made the decision two days ago to purchase a camera. As of right now, I don't have a dollar to my name. But I do have a job and plenty of things to sell. So I guess I'm not in a real big rush.
 
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