I have been lucky enough to acquire a Canon 7d for the next few weeks to give it a good old road test from the point of view of someone who will use it for the video mode.
So over the next few weeks keep an eye on my blog as I will play around with it as much as I can.
I am writing then when I should be packing as my taxi is coming in an hour and am not ready. Off to Dublin for 4 days to do some workshops out there on Film look and DSLR Cinematography. I will have the 7d with me of course. There are a few places left on the Saturday so if you aren’t already coming, hurry up and book the last places. All attendees will also get a discount on Genus products.
As soon as I can I will be out shooting with the camera. In the meantime here are photos I took of the camera, pimped up with Zacuto baseplate and rods, Rode stereo mic and of course the Genus Mattebox, perfect size for the 5d.
Any requests of what you would like to see from me with the camera please post below…
Initial thoughts. Nice weight in hands. Teeny bit heavier than 5dmk2. Takes same batteries and love the new dedicated video mode button on back. But the real test comes when I start shooting with it and that will be very soon. I promise. I will be showing some footage on the big screen at the workshop/ seminar in Dublin too.
endeavour
September 3, 2009 at 10:57I don’t think you are going to be short of willing assistants at the weekend to help with testing.
Jean Dodge67
September 3, 2009 at 19:02Please check to see if the screen can be cleared of all crosshairs, boxes, etc so that the 1080i signal sent out in live view via HDMI cable might be captured somehow. On the 5D, you could never get that darn box out of the way.
All issues regarding monitoring a high quality image while recording are technical bottlenecks preventing better use of the canon DSLR cameras for indie motion picture production. Is there any improvement on the possible solutions for running multiple monitors, compared to what is known about the 5dmk2?
Please post high ISO low light shots with 5D and 7d for side by side comparisons using same lens, etc.
Take photos and measurements that might speak to the issues of adapting various cine lenses to the 7D. Mirror clearing issues, etc. Also please test MF nikor lenses for rear clearance issues, esp wide angles such as 35mm f1.4 Ai’d, 28mm f2.8, 24mm f2.8, 20mm f3.5 etc. To use these on the D5 mk2 one often had to mill down flanges.
thanks, and have fun in ireland!
Myles
September 3, 2009 at 11:51Dammit – really wish I had signed up for the Dublin course (would have meant leaving the kids alone at home for the weekend). Bah.
hudson
September 3, 2009 at 11:54Three things that I would appreciate if you could test:
* HDMI output while recording. Does it drop from 1080i to 480p?
* AGC? Is it always on?
* Bitrate in 24p mode? Is it still 48 mbps, which would mean that each frame would be higher-res than in 30p mode.
Thanks!
david montoya
September 6, 2009 at 14:19hudson, do you think the 7d is better whit an smaller sensor ? or still thinking the 5d is best even whit conversion? is the DOF acceptable ” cinematic feel” i really think the 5d2 is better even whit the 7d. Maybe i wrong.
Peanut
September 3, 2009 at 11:58Can’t wait to see your footage Philip. The release of this camera may finally make my DSLR film dreams come true!
I’m also really excited about the F-Stop stuff. Can’t wait to hear the final details.
akaPeanut
PhillipGibb
September 3, 2009 at 12:07niiice.
did u use the 5d to take photos of the 7d?
lol
mikeyacp
September 3, 2009 at 12:17*Any requests of what you would like to see from me with the camera please post below…*
Can you check out the HDMI port on it and see what you can/can’t do with it?
Some handheld shooting to analyze the jello effect would be helpful.
If there is anyway you can set up a shot next to a 5dmii to show a comparison to low-light capabilities, that would be awesome.
Thanks for taking suggestions. I’m jealous that you get to play with the 7d.
Neil
September 3, 2009 at 12:24I think what a lot of really want to know:
What comes out of the HDMI port?
Ed Barton
September 3, 2009 at 12:45Think the main thing I’m after is some info on how the HDMI port is outputting and what can be done with that. I can imagine it’s exactly the same but here’s hoping!
Mark Thompson
September 3, 2009 at 13:36It would be great if you have a steady cam to see some shots on the move with the 7D. Of course focus will be an issue, but it would still be good to see how the camera handles this.
And if you have the time, a hand held telephoto shot, fully zoomed out.
if you found yourself in the situation where you needed to shoot like this, would be nice to see how the cam handles.
Thanks. All the best
fabien
September 3, 2009 at 13:51For me the bigest question about the 7D is : do you think a 7D is a better choice than a 5D mark II for video ?
aps-c versus full frame
thanks
keenast
September 3, 2009 at 14:46Philipp, please throw a light onto the infamous HMDI thingy. What does it do?
What’s coming out of it?
tx, K
fer castro
September 3, 2009 at 14:53Some one knows what kind of Matte Box is using? specifically the black bag for the lens? I think one of this will be useful to me.
Billy
September 3, 2009 at 16:08You have a few Nikon mount Zeiss lenses right? I saw that you used one or two with the 5D. Can you try shooting some footage with them on the 7D? I have the 35/50/85 CZ primes and they are beautiful, I’d like to continue to use them with the 7D for photo/video.
Owen
September 3, 2009 at 16:18May we have your comparison between the 5dmk2 and the 7d? -What the pros and cons are for each, etc.
That would be very informative. Thank you.
rondawson
September 3, 2009 at 17:37Can’t wait to see the results mr. bloom.
On a different note, get rid of the registration requirement to comment on your blog.
Norman Pogson
September 3, 2009 at 17:43Congrats on getting the 7D quickly, I just ordered one. I would like you to review the low light performance of the 7D, especially with lower iso.
richardvanle
September 3, 2009 at 17:55Which version of the Genus Mattebox are you using?
kitp
September 3, 2009 at 18:18I wish to see the comparison between all speed modes – 24p, 30p etc.
Thomas
September 3, 2009 at 21:00I would love to know if they have updated the jelly effect and if the codec is the same size?
Rob
September 3, 2009 at 23:07Thanks for all Phil!
Yes, please check Nikon lens on the 7D body and could you please specify which adapter you will use.
Also with audio, recording voices loud and low and also ambient sound with a seperate mic.
Low light on high and low iso, even with a few candles!
Kee Sitt
September 4, 2009 at 05:23Thank You Philip!
Canon 7D Specs Announced – RED Camera, Scarlet and EPIC
September 6, 2009 at 18:20[...] Bloom has some great pictures of the Canon 7D [...]
alejandro Alventosa
September 7, 2009 at 11:20Hello, I am Alexander, and I am with much impatience to the delay of your testimony, it was about to to buy the D5 MarkII now and not that to do. Thanks.
Ben
September 8, 2009 at 15:38What do you think of the Rode stereo video mic that you’ve got on there?
pbloom
September 8, 2009 at 22:52not tested it yet am afraid
Mikeauknz
September 11, 2009 at 04:47Hi Phil.. I shot a lot of complex type landscapes etc using Time-lapse and HDR for the National Park Service etc and a travel program and quiz show. I have had a couple of 5ds for a few years which are TOTALLY wore out with shutter wear and repairs and moisture problems but I must say they have been fantastic! The video quality you are getting is very exciting and I am waiting for the update on the 1d series before I make a move as I feel that the 5d was Canon’s first attempt at Serious HD Video with great glass wear, the 7d is showing the response from that with the improved width it now offers. And reading the rumor logs are expecting a release date of the end of this month on the 1d?? What do you expect to be in the release..A unit with great HD and inbuilt HDR LOL, Any thoughts would be of value..
Steve
September 15, 2009 at 23:34I was just wondering if you know if the 7D has the time lapse feature built into it or not?
mungkey
September 17, 2009 at 23:00Hi guys, if I wanna put a nikon lens on the 5Dmk2 or the 7D like 50mm f/1.8 D to take videos or photos, how can I do it without running into problems.
paul hirschberger
October 15, 2009 at 11:26Did you ever get a response about using Nikon lenses on the 7d? I’m curious, which lens work best with the 7d, especially at the wider focal lengths.
Zachary Melms
March 28, 2010 at 03:34The only issue I have run into using nikon glass on a T2i, which should respond similarly to the 7&5d is that you have to confirm that a lens is attached and you can’t shoot wide open without some blooming in the highlights – everything goes all fuzzy for one reason or another beyond my current understanding and the solution is closing down a stop. Unfortunately this takes my nice ƒ1.4 50mm nikon and makes it an ƒ2 and it takes my ƒ2′s (24 & 35) and makes them ƒ2.8′s. Which is how I justified buying a Tamron 17-50vr ƒ2.8. It’s slower than the 50mm but stabilized and I can autofocus.
rashad
April 7, 2010 at 07:1028mm
Sean Lee
September 23, 2009 at 15:08How good is the Rode Stereo VideoMic compared to Rode VideoMic? I just pre-ordered my 7D and was not sure about which mic to get. I see that you put Stereo VideoMic on yours.
pbloom
September 23, 2009 at 15:54wish i knew. my stereo mic has gone missing!!
Elliot porter
September 24, 2009 at 00:27When you get to test it, very interested in the audio characteristics since they seem to be non-existent in all the write-ups.
The 5D had audio auto gain control which was awful and could be corrected by the BeachteK adapter. However, it would great if the 7D had better audio characteristics and eliminated the need to go dual system recording.
quote from Beachtek:
Important note regarding the DXA-5D XLR Adapter for the Canon 5D Mark II
A few people have voiced a concern over the low volume levels when recording into the Canon 5D Mark II. The DXA-5D adapter is a passive device and outputs a unity gain signal – therefore, the output signal will only be as good as the microphones you are using. Remember that the Canon 5D Mark II is far from perfect as an audio recorder. The preamplifiers in this camera have a rather poor signal to noise ratio which create excessive hiss – especially if the input signal is low.
It is important that you use a sensitive condenser type microphone and place the mic as close to the sound source as possible. Also, both trim pots on the adapter should be kept fully open for no attenuation. For the very best results, you can use a mixer in front of the adapter to boost the signal to whatever level you need. Most wireless mics also work very well through the DXA-5D as they have a relatively hot output signal. In addition, there is second output jack on the adapter to record to a digital recorder such as the popular Zoom H4 or Sony PCM-D50 when you need the highest quality audio. You can then use the nifty new software program from http://www.singularsoftware.com to easily sync up the audio from the digital recorder without having to use time code.
The DXA-5D is designed as an interface device for this camera. It allows you to connect professional audio sources and gives you switching, level control, phantom power and monitoring features. Please remember the audio limitations of the Canon 5D Mark II – no device will turn this camera into a high end digital audio recorder.
Thanks for your work on this. take care,
Elliot
Simon Ladd
October 29, 2009 at 00:25Nice tip re singular software and syncing to external recorder without time code…-thanks Elliot and Phil. That seems to be the best solution for people like me who have good field recording device. I will still watch the results of the camera test pimped up with Rode mic with interest, assuming Phil finds it again! I’m interested in the stereo mic and its directional characteristics + of course what sounds it picks up from the camera and what techniques are used to minimise that.
dfg
September 26, 2009 at 08:13Hello! I’ve been serching the web,but I didn’t found the information I need: is there a audio level control or only automatic level control. If it’s manual, can You control channels separately? Many Thanks ! dfg
pbloom
September 26, 2009 at 12:26not sure what you mean. the 7d has no manual audio control. the 5dmkII does but only with the Magic Lantern firmware
Nikola
March 3, 2010 at 21:19For interviewing, 5D or 7D? And what wireless mic with it? Is H4N necessary? Thanx!
Nikola
pbloom
March 3, 2010 at 23:08either..and yes probably!
Bob
October 5, 2009 at 04:13Thanks Philip for all the great information on the 7D. I am looking for a new HD camcorder, the first thing I need to do with it is record my daughter’s volleyball matches so I can get some great footage to send to college recruiters. I need to capture the full court, but want the players to not look like they are 4 foot tall. I am thinking of either the Canon 7d with a wide angle lens, or the Canon VIXIA HF S11 with a WD-H58 Wide Converter.
What are your thoughts on these two setups? Which lens would you recommend for the 7D? Do you think the rolling shutter will be an issue if I zoom in to follow a player occasionally?
Thanks Again,
Bob
ZJ
October 11, 2009 at 13:39Am most interested in still image quality compared to 1DMkIIn bodies. I know this has bigger files but… are the images actually better in use?
How does Auto Focus compare to the 1DMkII series? Any problems with focus on warm days with moving subjects like too many of the 1DMkIII cameras?
Nix Stanza
October 30, 2009 at 20:02Hi! What’s the model of the mic attached to your 7D? I heard that the 7D only has an internal mono mic… Was wondering how I could get good audio with this baby… I also heard that you can attach a mixer to it so it can record in stereo. Any thoughts about this? Thanks!
Bjoern Kjellby
January 12, 2010 at 15:09Nice rig you got there, what settings do you use on the stereomic?
what lens and camera did you use to take the pictures of the 7D?
Justin
January 30, 2010 at 17:10Hi Philip, Canon5D did a rig review and they only gave the Genus Mattebox 1 star out of 10 for quality. I was wondering what you thought of that. I wanted to get one since it seemed like a pretty good price. Do you like yours?
pbloom
January 31, 2010 at 11:24yeah a lot of controversy with that rig review. I don’t know how they came to some of those conclusions
Hajue
February 15, 2010 at 16:10Sorry but after a lot of pictures and testings with my 7D with Filming HD I am realy not satiesfied. It is such a bad resolution, the question about modulation in fine structures– nobody talks about that. Everybody is diskussing about the best rig! Look at the hard detail-lines. This camera is only good for nice close up, with soft sharpness.I am sorry to say that but when you look at the pictures on 1080-1920 screens, you will see these realy big mistakes in modulation. And it is not the fault from the lens, it is the codec. It destroys details over 1500 lines. More is unpossibil. you can use the best lens for filming. The end of resolution is near.
hajü
Zachary Melms
March 2, 2010 at 21:15That is saying something, I’ve been more than tentative at purchasing a 7D so I waited for the T2i. And guess what, same sensitive sensor but also same terrible compression. Can’t believe someone would pay for a 5D after seeing the results, if you are on a budget maybe, if not …. you get what you pay for. “The end of resolution is near.” – And we can thank youtube and digital cable/tv for that. We should all be crossing our fingers for the Magic Lantern guys and a firmware update that gets this thing working with a Convergent Designs Nano Flash.
pbloom
March 3, 2010 at 01:32I’ve seen stuff from 7D, 1dmkiv and 5Dmk2 on 44 foot screen and looked insane!
andrea
April 22, 2010 at 07:23yes, that’s the main problem with videos on these dslr
some of the lines are “skipped” to reduce the resolution to 1920×1080 pixels
instead of scaling down with anti-aliasing algorithms, the lines are simply cut down
some improvement may be achieved recording at 1080p and than, scale down to 720p in post-production..
cheers
a.
Taos Turner
April 6, 2010 at 21:21Hi guys,
Forgive my ignorance, please, but could one of you please let me know what kind of external mic I should get for the 7D? Could you let me know which mic is seen is these photos here?
Thank you very much!
Taos Turner
David C.
June 10, 2010 at 18:31Excellent looking camera! I used a Canon 7D the other day to film a triathlon. It’s not as good for filming as our HVX200 but for some shots it worked excellent. Not the greatest for snap zooms and rack focusing as I was hoping. I do like what you’ve done to your camera though.
David
andrew
July 3, 2010 at 19:35Hi, i want to buy both the 7d and the 5d mark ii, but the only issue is the overheating. How can i but a camera that does not overheat
Please advise asap.
Kedevin Golding
July 6, 2010 at 03:17i am in Jamaica, help!!!!!!!!! i get the 7d love it
daniel
July 26, 2010 at 22:21please, list the set of accessories you used? thanks!
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