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To 7D or not to 7D

Brad Webb

Brad Webb

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So I'm seriously thinking about giving some of what little money I have to Canon. I've always wanted a fancy DSLR camera, and to get one that also shoots decent video seems like a bonus. Of course I will still want to get the scarlet when it comes out, but I figure I can get shooting now, and maybe even make the money I drop on it back by the time the scarlet comes out. Worst case I'm out 2 grand worth of modules for the scarlet.

Anyways, I have some questions for you DSLR and Canon 5D users:

1. Has anyone pre-ordered the 7D yet? and if so, have you received an estimated delivery date? I talked to someone at Abel Cine and they said sometime mid October. Just wondering if Amazon would be faster.

2. For those of you that shoot video on the 5D, what speed CF cards do you need, and what brands do you recommend (or better yet, what brand of CF cards should I never buy).

3. I've looked at as much sample footage as I can find, but I'm worried about the jello. Has anyone shoot any test footage with the 7D to see how it handles this? I can get over some aliasing and moire, but jello drives me crazy.

4. 5D users - How long do those batteries last in both still and video mode? How hot does the camera get in video mode? Anyone recommend any cheaper 3rd party batteries?

4. Any other advice for a new DSLR user?

Thank you in advance for everyone that replies.
 
Go for it, but understand that there are severe limitations on the "1080p" video. The 5D2 sometimes produces horrendous artifacts and aliasing that can completely ruin your shots. It's not trustworthy in that sense.

You can use x133 CF cards on the 5D2, and the batteries last forever. With a pocket full of them, you could shoot for days.
 
Tom L said:
Go for it, but understand that there are severe limitations on the "1080p" video. The 5D2 sometimes produces horrendous artifacts and aliasing that can completely ruin your shots. It's not trustworthy in that sense.

You can use x133 CF cards on the 5D2, and the batteries last forever. With a pocket full of them, you could shoot for days.
Click to expand...

I am aware of the video limitations. That's why I watched every 7D clip I could find, not to mention all your posts. I'll have to learn how to work with the camera's strengths and how to compensate or work around it's weaknesses. Most of the stuff I shoot now is on the DVX or the HVX, so I feel this is a nice step up.


P.S.
Tom - I am completely blown away by your work. My desktop background is the attached pic of yours. I hope to see this shot on APOD (Astronomy Pic of the Day) soon.
 

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Just yesterday I received an email from my supplier that he will take stock of the camera this coming Tuesday or Wednesday (Sept. 29 or 30).
 
I think you'll love the 7D if you're used to a DVX or HVX... If you're used to a RED and it's luxurious artistic grading possibilities, then you'll quickly feel trapped by the baked in looks the 7D gives you.

But really though it's pretty incredible value for the money... I can't wait to fire that 8fps shutter on mine next week... and shoot 23.976!!! sweet..
 
I'm thinking about the 7D as well. I don't have a lot of cash, so if the Scarlet was just around the corner i might wait. But my 20D (yes, i had still been using a 20D) just died and I need a camera. I also shot a music video on a rented 5DmarkII and was generally very pleased with the results.

I heard early-mid October for the release date. And I think there is an adapter for a PL mount.
 
Brad Webb said:
Tom - I am completely blown away by your work. My desktop background is the attached pic of yours.
Click to expand...
Mr Lowe now you can apply to the gang

- the gang's female side
 
Hallvalla said:
Well, Bloom blogs about your very question:

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/09/23/5dmkii-or-the-7d/

7D or 5DII
Click to expand...

That is interesting. I wonder if Canon is going to be able to fix the noise problem.

Since they are supposedly binning the photosites to downsample to the final 1080P stream, do you think that the 7D having less photosites to work from results in the noisier final image? Or do you think it's because it's a prototype camera?
 
Hallvalla said:
Well, Bloom blogs about your very question:

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/09/23/5dmkii-or-the-7d/

7D or 5DII
Click to expand...

Going down Phil's list the 7D would clearly be my choice between the two cams. 24P to 60P and and proper video monitoring in trade for a bit more noise. I'm just fine with APS-C for my style of shooting.

To quote Phil though:
"Rolling Shutter 7d seems marginally improved, what this is down to I have no idea, but it seems a bit improved although still VERY present"

Ouch. That could really be a boon for Scarlet. Or not, if the price premium is simply too much for most folks.
 
...And the plot thickens.

...And the plot thickens.

Going into last Friday I had pretty much made up mind that I was going to get the 7D. I did some more research about all the things I would need to buy along with the camera to get up and running. I was one button away from buying it (mostly due to that damn Amazon iphone app, so easy.)

My cart was loaded with the 7D kit, a very nice (yet affordable) constant aperture zoom lens, a cheap but well reviewed 50mm lens (which with the crop factor on the 7d would be my nice close up prime), some Cf cards, a CF card reader, an extra battery, and a battery hand grip. All for about $2700.

I took a deep breath and was like, no rush the camera's not even out yet. Sleep on it, then make the decision on Monday. Beside, you're probably gonna have to call the bank and let them know your about to spend a lot more than you usually do, so please do not decline this transaction.

Plus it's Friday night, check out Reduser to see if they post any more info. Most likely they won't since they just posted a whole bunch of info last weekend, and they still have to work out the kinks of those new sensors.

Of course I get home to find this...
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=35497
and this
"Details of the release schedule for EPIC and Scarlet coming sometime in October. We are taking our time so you won't be disappointed."

There is no doubt in my mind that I am going to buy a 2/3 Scarlet. Red is amazing. Not just for the cameras and the things they can do, but the way they run their company and interact with and take care of their customers is simply amazing to me. I want to be apart of that almost as much as I want to shoot with their cameras. You just know that Red is going to treat you as well as you treat your camera gear. Not to mention the camera will only get better with free firmware upgrade and more software advances. The only questions are do I buy the fixed or the cinema, and how many modules can I afford.

I guess I could always just order the 7D now, get it in October, and if the release date of the 2/3 Scarlets is soon, then I can just return the damn thing to Amazon. Of course knowing my luck I'll get the 7D Oct 1, Jim will announce everything Oct 31.
 
Bloom just posted this jello test of 5D2 vs 7D.

http://vimeo.com/6763664

The moiré seems a little better, but is still visible, which makes me think that Canon is essentially using the same sampling method. No major shifts in how the image is brought down to 1080p.
 
The one hopeful thing about these cameras is MAYBE the jello effect will kill the overused shakycam shots.:biggrin:
 
Ha, that's looking at the glass as half full, Michael! Considering that I stumbled out of D9 with a green face and was seasick for 24 hours, I agree. ;)

I looked at the 1080p version of that Bloom video very closely, and there really is not a lot of difference in terms of the moiré and that blueish/magenta "false chroma" artifacting.
 
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