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Canon 7D

 

Like many others, I've been sucked into the world of the new Video-DSLR cameras.  But unlike many others I've been expecting this for many years as I always knew the day would come when I would be able to use my Canon lenses for more than just photography.

I've been into photography since my brother introduced me to it in the late 90's and since then I've been experimenting. While I found animation a progression from illustration, the same has happened here a progression to video from photography.  So I've decided to write a blog on how I've been getting on with the Video-DSLR over the last few months.

 

The Basic Spec

  • 18 Mega-pixels
  • 8fps photography
  • Full HD movie - 720p 50,60fps, 1080p 24,25,30fps
  • & All the normal features you get with a DSLR 

My overall view is that it's fantastic and a great tool to create stunning photos and very high quality videos.  Of course it's not designed solely for video so there are a few workarounds to get the best out of it.  This for me is half the fun and I like working out new methods and using limitations to experiment in different ways.  To see how others are getting on I recommend checking out: http://philipbloom.net/ & http://www.vimeo.com/patricklawler

 

My Setup

I believe in utilising the fact that it's very small and 

lightweight, and I want to make sure I keep it this way!

I believe in utilising the fact that it's very small and 
lightweight, and I want to make sure I keep it this way!Therefore I've put together all the essential kit I need inside a Pelican Case http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1150.  So as well as being small and extremely strong it's also waterproof which is very important as I go out on the water alot.

 

I have four lenses that I cannot go on a shoot without: 20mm Wide, 50mm, 50mm Marco and 200mm.

The LCD screen on the 7D is massive and great to film with but it's not good in harsh sunlight.  The normal solution is a Z-finder and I've been really interested in the Zacuto one, for now a simple plastic box with a spare eyecup from a Sony Z1 does the job just fine.

 

As well as using my standard Video Camera tripod with fluid head, I've been using Benbo Trekker Tripod which has been about the most useful thing ever!  I can place the camera anywhere quickly and easily. And where a typical HDV camera would fail because it's too heavy you can place the 7D at extreme angles.

 

What makes the 7D also great is that it has a digital level, so using the Ballhead you can get the shot level within seconds.

As the camera is so light I've found sometimes there is a bit too much camera shake if you are using a lens above the 50mm.  So to overcome this I built a very simple lightweight rig.  Parts were all brought from the local DIY for under £30.  It comes apart in 3 pieces so becomes very compact. (Below right photo)

 

Other equipment I have includes lighting rigs, bounce boards, x2 converter, mics, filters and a laptop and a few other lenses. 

 

Stop Motion & Animation

While I use the camera pretty much exactly the same as my old DSLR for stop motion I've found it also very useful for animation.  The 7D shoots at 8fps, which is very fast for stills, fast enough that I've used it to help capture keyframes for animation.  So by taking a lot of photos in quick succession there are instant key frames to help plan animation!  Also it serves as a fast and effective method for capturing data for rotoscoping.

Software

The camera comes with excellent software, the main piece connects the PC to 7D via USB.  This allows complete control of the camera using the computer.  You can also set it up for it to take photos at timed intervals which is perfect for timelapse videos.

Editing

I had a few issues when I first started to edit video taken on the 7D.  After placing about 5 minutes worth of footage the software would crash!  Basically it comes down how the file has been recorded. The H264 format looks great and perfect for recording but it is not good for editing.  Therefore you need to convert the file first.

To get around this I've been using NeoScene from the CineForm website: http://estore.cineform.com/index.aspx It is an extra cost but well worth it as the software does everything for you and the quality looks fantastic!

I then take the files into the editing software, I've been using Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum. I've been a fan of Vegas for years and I think it does the job perfectly, it is fast easy to use. It also comes complete with BluRay authoring software.

 

Benefits of a large mega pixel camera

For years now I've tried to take a decent photograph of the moon, I remember trying when cameras needed film and then all I got was a bunch of blurry prints!  But finally I've taken a photograph of the moon I can say I'm happy with.  It's not going to win any awards and it's nothing compared to the amazing photos NASA produces!