HDSLR Solution

HDSLR Solution

I really want the next version of the 5D Mark II but I don't think I can afford to wait for it. This Canon 7D is just awesome. I played around with one at HD Expo and it definitely planted its little seed of desire in me. I'm most likely going to have to buy something camera-wise this year so what's it going to be? An EX1 definitely fits the mold for most of the work I do but this setup may just work:

Canon 7D Body $1699 @ Amazon

That's just the body. Would need a few cards, extra batts, case, etc. but those are relatively inexpensive. Also, Canon has a battery extender/hand grip for this camera that I'm going to guess will be a necessity for use in an actual production environment. Not sure the price on that.

Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens $1379 @ B&H

This wide angle lens will magically transform into a 38.4-112 on your 7D. A good range but really not quite wide enough. I would probably pick up the 17-40 as well which is another $1549 at our good friends, B&H.

and the most expensive item ;) but without it, I can't imagine the back, shoulder, and neck pain.

Zacuto DSLR Marksman $2216

I don't know anything about these Zacuto SLR Rigs but this one looks like it would actually be pretty comfortable to operate. Their plate and rod system for lens adapters is the sh** so I imagine this guy gets the job done.

TOTAL BASE COST: $5294

Not comparing the DoF to a naked EX1 here but this 7D setup is still cheaper than a new camera alone which is $6099. For a real basis of DoF comparison, to go the lens adapter route you could effectively triple that. So we'll say about $20,000 for an EX-1, Letus Ultimate, Zacuto setup, and a handful of used primes (not a fancy ZF set).

So in my crude and hurried assessment, both camera packages do the same thing: create beautiful filmic images with all that sexy depth of field. Both solutions are far from perfect. Each has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages but comparing 5,200 to 20,000 is one point that can't be argued.

Canon Delivered

Canon Delivered

In a surprise move from a large, international corporation, Users had a list of features they wanted, and Canon listened. Sort of (APS-C?). It's still not the camera I was hoping for. I'm waiting for the TRUE HDSLR - a camera that is fully committed to both shooting stills and video while compromising neither. Basically what RED has promised the Scarlet/Epic will be. The 7D is a stills camera with some really great video features but it's still not the camera that I think we'll have sometime in the near future. I'm stoked for the 7D but can't wait for the full frame version which will be the next iteration of the 5D Mk II. Read this guy, HD Warrior's post. He's got some good points. I think it's easy to get caught up in the hype and not take a step back and actually evaluate what this thing can and can't do. Nonetheless, it's a tremendous step in the right direction and if you want to see some truly awesome images of HDSLR's in action on professional sets, I recommend you follow Rodney Charters (DP of 24), on Twitter. From a technology standpoint, this is where we're heading and I'm loving it.

Canon 7D

Canon 7D

According to my 2 favorite sources of HDSLR enthusiasm @5tu (ProLost) and @philipbloom (philipbloom.net) there are rumors swirling on twitter that the upcoming Canon 7D will shoot HD video at 1080 24/25/30p and 720 50/60p. If this is the case, I'll definitely consider joining the HDSLR Club. Canon's English language Press Release is live tomorrow so all will be either elated or disappointed. We'll just have to wait and see!

In the meantime - read this ragged translation from the Chinese press release that is the source of all these tasty rumors. >>>