To 7D or not to 7D?

Barry, would it be fair to say that you might be a little bias when it comes to comparing an HVX or HPX to a $1,700 Picture camera? Considering you sell books that offer your expertise exclusively in these cameras, I would think the 7D poses a significant threat to you.
Well, considering I also own a 7D and a GH1, and am in the latest stages of putting together a training DVD for them, I'd say they pose no threat to me whatsoever. :D

And besides -- what I'm saying is the simple truth. Whether it cuts in my particular favor or against it, doesn't change what the truth is. I'm posting scientifically observable data, not conjecture or things being taken on "faith". Anyone, anywhere in the world, is free to repeat the tests and post their findings, and they'll find that the results are exactly what I'm saying.
 
Okay KennonF, here's an oldie but goodie:

Three cameras. One is the 7D in video mode, one is the 7D in still-camera mode, and one is a 1/4" CMOS video camera. You pick which is which, and maybe we'll be able to get to the bottom of this "perception vs. reality" thing once and for all.

I don't know how interesting this will be, but I'll go for it...

Left - 7D video
Middle - HMC 40
Right - 7D Still
 
I'm with Chuck:

Left - 7D video
Middle - HMC 40
Right - 7D Still

Well, considering I also own a 7D and a GH1, and am in the latest stages of putting together a training DVD for them, I'd say they pose no threat to me whatsoever. :D

Did I hear 7D training vid??? :love4:
Cheaper than Blooms'? Any hints on content?? Release date? Giddyup on this asap stat please!!! :Drogar-Happy(DBG):
 
Did I hear 7D training vid??? :love4:
Cheaper than Blooms'? Any hints on content?? Release date? Giddyup on this asap stat please!!! :Drogar-Happy(DBG):
Yes.

Way.

Technicals on operation, practicals on how to make a fabulous movie on an HDSLR.

Not yet. Big project in the way first.
 
Okay guys, I want input, that's why I'm asking.
That's what forums are about, right?

Right now I have a Canon A1/SGBlade with some sick Nikon glass.
I know there are pros and cons to the 7D.

But am I upgrading when it comes to format if I kick the A1 set up for a 7D set up?


Thanks guys!

Well it seems you're getting a bit more than what ya bargained for in responses to your question, eh...:shocked:
Personally...I think you are upgrading, if you plan on making the move into the 'smaller cam, interchangeable lens, shooting in 'film style' ( aka shorter takes and /or multi camera shoots - b cam)
Images and DOP on 7d are to quote Borat " very niiice", and you already have a stabilizer, tripod, rails and RR mattebox - which, if I'm not mistaken, can be used with 7D as well. ( not sure if you were planning to get rid of your entire kit)
Tough call dude...you have a decent setup as it is. If there's a chance for you to borrow / rent a 7D, do it. Take it out for a day...shoot the HELL :evil: out of it as you would your other cam and see what the results are. See how it feels, and what it's capable of...I'm pretty sure, with what you already own, you're fully capable of putting the 7D thru a workout!! :nads:
You are the one that's going to have to work with it, do post with it, and create with it, so we can say all we want, pro and con, but ultimately it's what's gonna work for you.
There sure is alot of hype around the HDSLR right now. Good and bad. I think it's driving people mad, and make them question what they own and if it 'holds up' to new cams coming out. It's nice to see what possibilities are around the corner for indie filmakers, but it also seems to be creating a false image as the 'be all and end all of video cameras. Not so. It's just another tool that makes nice images when you know what you're doing...just like yours.
 
Ok not sure if this helps anyone but I sure do like the sevenD or not.....

and hope this makes sense to someone out there.....

This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had None,
And this little piggy went “Wee! Wee! Wee!” all the way home.


Miss Piggy bought a 7D but wet her pants on her way home due to its awesome video quality while her sisters missed out on its sheer awesomeness?
 
Miss Piggy bought a 7D but wet her pants on her way home due to its awesome video quality while her sisters missed out on its sheer awesomeness?

baaaahahahahaaa...

I was gnna say "ya snooze ya lose" ?....but yours is much better
 
It really depends on the content you want to shoot. If it's in a controlled environment where you don't have to worry about "capturing the moment" (ie: reality tv, doc work, etc) the 7D can be really versatile. The controls and features on a prosume or professional video camera can't compare to the 7D. Also consider the 20x lens on your A1, it will cost a lot of money to get an equivalent SLR zoom lens for your 7D (not to mention extremely bulky). The 7D isn't especially great for action stuff like if you're shooting martial arts you'll likely want to stop down or focus will be nightmare and of course the roller shutter issue will be much more noticeable. You'll also be hardpressed to find a decent lens for doing smooth snap zooms and such. Having said all this, I've found the 7D to be invaluable for most jobs I get hired for are run like a film set.
 
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Thanks for the input!

I shoot event to pay the bills, but I do do a good amount of "scripted" or "controlled" environment stuff.

Seeing everyone's input is great. This has been the best advice, honestly.
All this bantering about specs is driving me nuts!
I know about all that. I was looking for a more "macro" answer to my specific situation, mainly going from HDV with 35mm d.o.f. to an HDSLR.
All this HVX jabber came in, which, no offense guys, didn't help me at all.

Thank you for taking time out of your life to contribute to mine!
 
Thanks for the input!

I shoot event to pay the bills, but I do do a good amount of "scripted" or "controlled" environment stuff.

If you are shooting to pay bills, why not keep the A1, sell the SGBlade, get an adapter for your Nikon glass, and get the 7D?

If you shoot in an uncontrolled environment for paid work, you will regret using the 7D. You can't tell the people to stop what they are doing while you stop recording to change the f-stop, shutter, refocus, or whatnot. Your client won't care what camera you used when you come to him with missing footage.
 
If you are shooting to pay bills, why not keep the A1, sell the SGBlade, get an adapter for your Nikon glass, and get the 7D?

Sounds like a winner, 2 cameras out of the deal. Kinda of how I made the decision on a T1i over a letus (before the 7d came out).
 
Don't wait for Red...especially if you are not currently an original Red owner. You'd still have a decent waiting period before actually getting one in your hands (IMO).
 
I wouldn't wait either....there are 7000+ RED owners out there that get 1st dibs on the new cams when they get released....it'll be a while before joe public get a piece of the action.
 
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