THE RAVEN – 720 HD from THE RAVEN FILM on Vimeo.

The future of film in Hollywood is changing. With the availability of equipment that can create incredible quality images at a low budget, more filmmakers are able to compete with large productions. Products such as RED & the HDSLR’s are becoming more prominent in production. The season finale of House is shot entirely on a Canon 5D MKII. This is an amazing notion considering how accessible these cameras are.

Although The Raven is somewhat derivative of movies such as District 9 and ‘good guy’ with super powers being hunted by a government agency, the visuals of the film is what interests me. The quality of the cinematography is on par with high cost products. It will be interesting to see how cameras like the 5d mkII, 7d and similar cameras will be included in new productions. The ability to shot in small spaces and still get the film look is an advantage many filmmakers have been wanting.

US Pricing : $1699 body
Canada Pricing:  $2099 body
UK Pricing : £1699

Buy 7d From Amazon.com
Buy 7d w/ 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM From Amazon.com

From Canon

A Whole New Class of EOS.

With a host of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process, from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera.

Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, the EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation.

The EOS 7D’s Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly-designed technology, provides 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting.

The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection.

The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and weather-resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles.

Compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses as well as with EOS System accessories, the creative opportunities – not just with stills but also with video – are beyond amazement.

Samples

Stills

Although the image quality seems to be better then the 50d by the sample images, I’m slightly disappointed by images at a high ISO. Its too early to draw an conclusions without more images. I guess we will have to wait awhile.

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos7d/page14.asp

Movie Mode

There haven’t been many video clips shot on the 7d that show much what the 7d can do.  If this camera can do close to what the 5d mkii can do at the price it is I will definitely be looking closely at getting one.

I’ll update this as more videos come in. *Note – Keep an eye on Philip Bloom’s website for 7d movie examples.

Philip Bloom
Shaving It Back – First decent short
http://www.twitvid.com/5F538

ISO 6400
http://www.vimeo.com/6413346

ISO 800
http://www.vimeo.com/6413483

ISO 100
http://www.vimeo.com/6413439

720 at 60fps
http://www.vimeo.com/6394796

Canon Japan
http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/samples/eos7d/