How do I shoot video with the 7d?

[arich]

I don't like using the autofocus while recording for a couple of reasons:
1) If you're using the built-in mic then the sound of focusing comes through on the recording.

2) Not terribly accurate, especially in darker/low contrast situations

3) takes longer than just manually focusing

Manually focusing takes some practice but most people can pick it up pretty quickly, even if you don't nail the focus immediately the in-out shift until you do tends to look more artistic than messy

[hdctx]

Mike, the people at Stillmotion use a minimal setup of the camera with a viewfinder over the LCD on a monopod for most of their shots. You use manual focus only. I'll point you to two very inexpensive pieces of hardware to get you started.
One, a viewfinder. The cheap $50 ones do a great job if your eyes are good. I wear reading glasses, and I had to spend a hundred dollars on a Seagull LCD viewfinder. Works like a champ, and I didn't need to add any extension frames.
Second, here's a link to a very inexpensive follow focus kit that doesn't require a frame or rail mount. DSLR Follow Focus
I use old Nikon and Zeiss/Contax manual focus lenses. Excellent glass, reliable adaptors, and very reasonably priced prime lenses. Shooting video, beyond composition and editing, is all about motion control. You can find tons of tutorials on Vimeo, Planet 5D, frugal filmmaker, etc. Two other items worth mentioning. The DriLine slider available on Amazon is the basis for 80% of the available sliders, and it's around $200. The last recommendation is a Glidecam 2000 or 4000. You can then walk around, run up and down stairs, and shoot very smooth video. Best wishes, and I'll answer any questions I can.

[arich]

:jawdrop: the Follow Focus just blew my mind. How simple yet genius. I need one, that just solved my biggest issue with shooting video. Any mic suggestions?

[hdctx]

Originally Posted by arich

:jawdrop: the Follow Focus just blew my mind. How simple yet genius. I need one, that just solved my biggest issue with shooting video. Any mic suggestions?

The gold standard is the Zoom H4n 4 channel recorder, but a Tascam will give you better audio, though it's only two channel. I have a mike list I will forward tomorrow, all affordable, lavs and a boom. The Zoom has good built in mikes. The only thing anybody uses onboard recording for is audio sync. You can easily sync up, or use plural eyes if speed is of the essence.

For weddings, the sennheiser wireless lav. If you're actually interesting in both, I found a great deal for the Zoom and Sennheiser together that will save you a few hundred. I can't do both right now, and will just rent wireless when I need it.

If you really want to get focus, there are some pro grade 7" monitors that will show peaking (color control) and help you focus. There are also a few pro color profiles (free firmware) that improve the quality of the end video, Magic Lantern and Technicolor. Browse Vimeo and search for Canon HD videos. They will knock your socks off. Canon DSLRs are AMAZING movie cameras.

[crbeveri]

cinema5D.com .... proof that the 7D can shoot amazing video. As far as shooting video have the camera in Manual. If you wanna change the DOF during recording then change your apature. Your shutter speed should be around 1/50th then adjust your ISO to balance and properly expose. These settings are suggested by the DoP for House M.D. who regularly uses a 5D2 for their productions now.