Production Canon EOS 7D video samples hit the web
We’ve already seen some video from a pre-production Canon EOS 7D, but it looks like it’s hitting stores now, and this is the first video we’ve seen from a final retail unit. It’s genuinely impressive, especially since filmmaker Dan Chung says most of it was shot at 1600 to 6400 ISO.
News link: here










49 Responses
10.8.2009
I think you should do a bit more research
10.8.2009
Bring it on Nikon!
10.8.2009
Canon should make a dedicated video camera that can use their SLR lenses, and ditch the still camera mirror internals and use a 3ccd system. That would be a product worth bragging about.
10.8.2009
Right, shooting with a 100$ f/1.8 lens on a 5dmkii, t1i, or the 7d is years beyond any sub 1000$ hd camera in low light situations.
10.8.2009
Video DSLRs have a such a distinct look, be it canon or nikon… It’s a very different aesthetic and a blessing for filmmakers of all kind or photographers who want to get into video. Exciting times all around.
10.8.2009
FTA – "it’s important to realize that he was also using some seriously expensive lenses, a specialized video viewfinder, a wide-angle mattebox to reduce lens flare, and a separate external microphone for audio"As a long-time Canon shooter, let me say, quit trying to turn still cameras into video cameras. I got a 5D MKII on loan from CPS shortly after it came out so I could do my own evaluation–primarily to see what all the video buzz was about. Let me sum it up for you. It’s a joke to attempt to use an SLR camera as a video camera. The ergonomics alone of trying to use an SLR as a video camera should be enough to discourage anyone from every doing it, unless you’re going to mount it to a tripod with a fluid head or a standard tripod and you want fixed shots. It just sucks as a handheld video camera. And forget about recording audio unless you use an external mic. Due to the placement and sensitivity of the mic, it basically records your hand sliding around on the camera or anything else touching the camera, like a strap, grip or cord. Focusing is tough, which is why they added the external viewfinder in this test rig. Yes, it shoots HD, but so does a Flip HD. So if you want to add thousands of dollars in accessories like they did, it might make for a decent video camera. It’s might be a great camera for stills, but the video is just a useless add-on as far as I’m concerned. A bit like the version of Pong that Kodak included on some of their pro digital cameras back in the 90’s.
10.8.2009
Yeah using a bare camera is going to suck trying to take video. But even with expensive glass, external mics, and a rig, it still costs far less than other pro video options out there. And you still have an insanely big sensor that allows you incredible shooting in low light.It’s not for everyone, and Canon certainly did not intend for the video to become this popular (no manual control when 5D first came out) – but the fact is this is a perfect solution for many people. I won’t use the video very much, but I’m thrilled to see the evolution and advancement. If you don’t like the feature, don’t use it.
10.8.2009
It is not practical at all, but the narrow depth of field and the quality of the glass allows some nice effects. I’ll love an accessible video camera with a Canon EF or Nikon F mount. Heck, I’ll even settle for a four thirds.
10.8.2009
What a wonderful world we live in. You can take still shots for HDR processing and record HD video on the same camera! *ducks bricks thrown by real photographers*
10.8.2009
I’m one of those 5D video guys. I knew what I was getting into, and already have all the requisite gear to make it work for video. Tripod, monitor, glide, jib, preamp, etc.Fact is, unless you’re spending $150K for a CineAlta, nothing looks as good as video footage shot with the 5D, not until the Epic comes out, and that’s still going to cost a fortune.Bitch all you want about it being a stills camera first, I’m willing to overcome those deficiencies to get video that looks like that – because nothing else does.
10.8.2009
Dugg for cute Asian chicks
10.8.2009
I would be worried about continuously exposing a DSLR sensor, it could get coated in dust rather quickly, especially if you are using a zoom lens that sucks air in and out.
10.8.2009
If you’re setting out to make a serious film, time is usually your most scarce resource. So it’s usually more economical to rent pro gear that will allow you to do things quickly. In which case dealing with the minor inconveniences of a DSLR over and over again will be more costly than just paying for better gear.That being said there are plenty of aspiring film makers who have the time and energy to deal with these minor issues in exchange for getting really high quality images. there are probably serious film makers who would be willing to deal with the issues for personal projects. being able to shoot a video in such high quality without needing all the prep and crew is awesome. it will surely result in a lot of really nice looking crap, but there will be some great projects too and I look forward to watching them!
10.8.2009
"i used to charge for this!" yea, i bet you did…
10.8.2009
Thank god I didn’t buy the 5D mk2. I don’t need the extra MP, and all my lenses are setup for a crop sensor. This thing is a dream.
10.8.2009
Digg linking to engadget linking to planet5D linking to original blog post available here: dslrnewsshooter.com/2009/09/25/another- …
10.8.2009
You obviously don’t understand what DSLR video have brought us do you?Canon gave us $3,000,000 dollar worth of video quality for $3000…and you want to reject it?Just three years ago if you wanted a video quality shown in the example you would have to buy something like ARRI 35mm film camera along with zillionwatts worth of lighting equipment…
10.8.2009
I did not know that. Thanks for the heads up.
10.8.2009
I would be remiss not to mention that the 7D’s variable frame rates and $1000 price tag means it’s head and shoulders a better value for the indie filmmaker….except that I already bought a 5D three months ago, and have a 20mm/50mm/85mm f1.8 lens set that would be far less useful on a crop sensor. Unless they want to watch the market for 5DM2 cameras collapse around them, they need to patch it to match the framerate performance of the 7D. They CAN, and they have thus far chosen not to.Kind of insulting.
10.8.2009
Unfortunately, the 7D has dual DIGIC 4 image processors whereas the 5D Mkii has one. Consequently, because of this reason and also because of the number of number of extra pixels the 5D Mkii is processing, I don’t believe that the 7D jpg frame rate will be ever possible for the 5D Mkii even with a firmware upgrade. Being a 5D Mkii owner myself, I feel your pain.
10.8.2009
holy crap… wish my 40d had a 6400 iso
10.8.2009
You’ve got 3200 ISO, but I wouldn’t recommend it on a 40D. The noise is something nasty.
10.8.2009
This kind of fits between the 5D MKII and the Rebel T1i as far as the video capabilities go. Not full-frame, but still takes decent shots. The linked video probably had a lens that was as or more expensive than the body, though. As a T1i user impressed by the quality of my camera at the price, I can say I would snatch the 7D or 5D Mark II if I had the cash. Great quality. The T1i has a tad grainy video in low light conditions, though.
10.8.2009
You can already use EF lenses on Canon XL series video cameras with an adapter.
10.8.2009
I believe this music vid was shot using a Canon DSLR (5D MKII?) youtube.com/my_playlists?pi=0&ps=20 …::
10.8.2009
What format does it record video in? Canon’s site says "Video: MOV (Image data: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM)." They don’t mention AVCHD anywhere, but I thought that AVCHD used H.264 compression? I’d think it would be big news if it didnt use AVCHD format, given how difficult it is to edit.
10.8.2009
L glass is amazing. I’ve preordered the 7D and can’t wait to put my 35mm 1.4L on it.
10.8.2009
Great… so you want people to buy a $2000 DSLR… *and* a $6000 XL H1A camcorder?
10.8.2009
I can get behind that. We don’t have a ton of lights, but one thing the 5D lets us do is put some thought behind lighting the scene instead of needing to blast the actors with a base coat in order to get a decent exposure. (I shot with Plus-X 16mm film all through school and THAT was an adventure in blowing fuses to light a room)
10.8.2009
Sorry was a link from my playlist youtube.com/watch?v=Z8Y1MalRrDcThat will work for you, sorry!::
10.8.2009
Great, priced at $1k, this should be really awesome for "uncle bob" to come and bug the hell out of me while I’m shooting a wedding. Now I get to spend time dodging him and asking him to get the helll out of my way. I’ll keep my D3 and be happy that I don’t have to worry about video. Go make a film, but get outta my way at the weddings I’m hired to shoot. Everyone will try to compare this to my D3 and I really hate that conversation.him "but mine has video!"me "i got paid."
10.8.2009
The D300s seems nice, haven’t had a chance to try one yet. I used a D90, it is cumbersome for video, but I like the results.
10.8.2009
It is assumed that while you’re shooting that there is a lens protecting the sensor at all times. Also, most L-series Canon lenses are sealed against dust and moisture.
10.8.2009
dugg for acknowledging the bricks, as I would have thrown some (maybe just in my head though).
10.8.2009
Not to misquote but "whoa"
10.8.2009
Canon’s said that the frame rates (even 720p60) are doable with a single DIGIC, and the extra processor is for that faster burst speed (what is it, 12fps?)Of course, this is a conversation that’s been had hundreds of times already. I’m just shooting with the thing and maybe someday they’ll announce what they’re going to do with the 5D line.
10.8.2009
Wow, that was actually one of the best music videos I have ever seen.
10.8.2009
backing up what meridian knight said… you have been able to use EF lenses on the XL series for a long time. The XL1 let you do this 12 years ago in 1997. camcorderinfo.com/content/A-History-of- …
10.8.2009
To you and I, it may not mean much but for independent film makers and students it’s nothing short of miracle…To them It’s like photographers witnessing 1Ds equivalent point and shoot camera coming to life right before them.
10.8.2009
$300,000* not $3m3 years ago typical 35mm ARRI camera or Panavision camera would cost you $30k for body only and because it was film it required a lot of light But these new DSLRs they have near equivalent image quality with far better light sensitivityIt’s not there yet still needs 24p and higher resolution but what we have is nothing short of revolution.
10.8.2009
Prosumer cameras do have poor low light performance, and with a 35mm adapter, that usually takes a stop away too.But lighting should be used anyways if one is doing professional video – thus the low light is usually not an issue. And with the Canon, with no XLR inputs, you’re already lacking in the industry standard for audio. Also the ability to monitor audio levels, adjust shutter, aperature, white balance, etc on the fly? Those features define a professional camera.
10.8.2009
Link doesn’t work.
10.8.2009
having a lens attached does not prevent dust from entering. Only the most expensive lenses are fully weather sealed.
10.8.2009
Finally, someone else noticed.
10.8.2009
most of the people I know who use 5d’s are photographers, not film-makers.. It is a great still camera and that is the reason to buy it, the video is just a nice bonus.
10.8.2009
Not to mention that for some one who both takes pictures and makes films, having a relatively low cost solution that works for both is amazing. Sure its not great for all things, I wouldn’t want to shoot a documentary with it, but for many things in the film world SLR cameras are heading in a great direction.
10.8.2009
I also tried the video on a D90 and also found it to be cumbersome and it is only 720p. I just hope the new line of DSLRs w/video has better audio. I tried out the Canon 5D Mark II and though the video is very nice, I found the audio to be lacking.
10.8.2009
Try this:Set the camera to Aperture Priority (Av). Manually set your aperture.Unlock the lens from the mount and twist just a tad (a mm. or two). The aperture on the LCD should now flash F00Set the camera to Video mode and shoot away. Just found out about this last night, and had fun playing with the results on my T1i.
10.8.2009
Uncle bob is going to be using a point and shoot with video capability, trust me. Normal people think $1k is A LOT of money to spend on a camera.