Canon 7D One Shot Music Video for Prospect Hill

[David Kruta]

Hi folks,

we just shot a music video using our new Canon 7D. Still getting used to it and learning what settings work best. Flown on a Steadicam.

http://www.vimeo.com/7867769

I'd appreciate any feedback and criticism (and tips for next time!)

 

[Joshua Murray]

Nicely done, did you shoot using available light? Also, I assume you had a focus puller, or was that using auto focus? I'm going to order my 7D next week, can't wait to get my hands on it.

 

[David Kruta]

I have to say that available light comment is a compliment! It was shot at night with a good amount of lighting. Many practicals inside, strategically positioned cars, lights in most windows, and even a van with lights placed on top.

We used a bartech wireless focus system with m-one motor for focus. We geared the lens ourselves.

Still learning a lot about the 7d but it's fantastic so far. Congrats on your purchase!

 

[Sanjin Jukic]

Very nice video!

 

[Brandon J. Garcia]

I have to say that available light comment is a compliment! It was shot at night with a good amount of lighting. Many practicals inside, strategically positioned cars, lights in most windows, and even a van with lights placed on top.

We used a bartech wireless focus system with m-one motor for focus. We geared the lens ourselves.

Still learning a lot about the 7d but it's fantastic so far. Congrats on your purchase!

I really enjoyed watching this video. I am really impressed with the direction and coordination of it all...very Orson Welles. Good job man. If I were to nittpick. I'd say the lighting in some spots were kinda meh, (like the guitar solo) ...but really though, awesome job. I liked it a lot.

 

[David Kruta]

I agree and had we had the equipment, the lighting would have been much better. We were working on a limited budget and we had so much to light with very few lights. Next time though!

I really enjoyed watching this video. I am really impressed with the direction and coordination of it all...very Orson Welles. Good job man. If I were to nittpick. I'd say the lighting in some spots were kinda meh, (like the guitar solo) ...but really though, awesome job. I liked it a lot.

 

[DDirector]

We used a bartech wireless focus system with m-one motor for focus. We geared the lens ourselves.

That was really good! As I commented on the video. Never seen before an uncut video like this. Awesome!

As to the quote above. I was thinking of getting a camera, and one of the cams I had in mind was a 7D. What do you think of it when shooting a film?
and, the bartech wireless focus system - where did you get this & how much?
I've never seen these used. Im pretty new with this. So, another person was following you and doing the focus, right?

And what else did you have besides the camera, steadicam, & matte box.. anything else? (for the cam.)

 

[David Kruta]

I've attached a photo of our 7D Steadicam setup. That's operator Jeff Melanson flying the rig.

The 7D is hands down, the best camera for under $5,000. Even with good lenses, you can get a kit under that price. We own the Canon 24-70L and the Tokina 11-16 2.8 (found that rare beauty at a little shop in Madison, WI). For this shoot, we rented the Canon 16-35L 2.8.

We used my Bartech focus system and M-One lens motor for focus. They can be bought directly from the companies below. Just call them up, they're very nice and friendly. Jim at Bartech Engineering is great to talk to and geek out with, and will gladly answer any questions. We also use a small v-mount battery and battery plate with D-tap (or P-tap, depends on who you ask), to power the system.

http://www.bartechengineering.com/
http://www.palomarengineering.net/m-one.html

Sarah the AC was following Jeff with the wireless controller and judging focus by her marks and the distance from lens to subject.

Also, we geared our lens (on the cheap). Just one of the following zip gears and some super glue does the trick (no sense in buying the $115 piece that holds it on). If you rent a lens, double sided tape works, too.
http://store.zacuto.com/zip-gear-replacement.html

Our total kit is the following:

Steadicam Flyer LE w/ 2 Batteries
Canon 7D
Lens w/ lens hood
RedRock Micro RED Edition Mattebox
Marshall V-LCD-70P-HDMI 7" Monitor
Mini-HDMI to HDMI Cable
Bartech Wireless Focus System
M-One Lens Motor
V-mount battery with P/D-tap plate (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/538207-REG/IDX_P_VS2_P_VS2_V_Mount_Camera_Plate.html)
Letus Extreme35 Rod System
RedRock 19mm to 15mm adapter
19mm Rod Extensions

It takes a lot to make a good, functioning Steadicam setup, and this is pretty low-end. You could probably get away with a lot less (for example, a mattebox isn't always necessary, or can be made out of a good, small wastepaper basket). Just get out there and shoot!

That was really good! As I commented on the video. Never seen before an uncut video like this. Awesome!

As to the quote above. I was thinking of getting a camera, and one of the cams I had in mind was a 7D. What do you think of it when shooting a film?
and, the bartech wireless focus system - where did you get this & how much?
I've never seen these used. Im pretty new with this. So, another person was following you and doing the focus, right?

And what else did you have besides the camera, steadicam, & matte box.. anything else? (for the cam.)