7D basic video tips

[GarryF]

As a relative novice with video, and total novice with DSLR video until I got my 7D a few weeks back it's been hard work learning all the camera settings, then how to get the video off the camera and into a program that can do some editing, there's also lots of conflicting info around on what does/doesn't work, so here's what I figured out so far :)

Camera settings.
Different video speeds are shown depending on whether you set PAL/NTSC, there's a nice tutorial here (http://blog.tylerginter.com/?p=341) showing how to set different custom modes for 1080p/720p etc.
Generally set the shutter speed at double the fps

Picture styles aren't necessary but can help increase dynamic range etc, tutorial here (http://vimeo.com/7256322) showing what can be achieved.

I can't find any software that can just clip files right now, if I have a 2min clip and want 5s from it, I need to keep the whole (large) clip around. Only work around is to clip the video in camera to new files before loading onto the PC :)

Windows Software
To view 7d MOV video files you need to use Zoombrowser or install quicktime player

Editing 7D files can strain the fastest PC's, as I understand it the codec the 7D uses is designed to save space, this needs more power to decode and edit. The work around seems to be to transcode 7D files to a new format, this then makes it easier for current editors to work with the files.

So far I've found out the following different options
Option 1
Pinnacle Studio 14 can work with the native files, I've had a play with this and it does indeed open the 7D MOV files, I don't much care for the program though

Option 2
There's a free very basic editor called videopad, I've downloaded it and it does seem to open 7D files, need to play with it more

Option 3
Transcode the files with Neoscene, costs $100+ then you can work with the files in vegas/premier. I've not tried this option

Option 4 (The one I'm trying)
Transcode the files with mpeg streamclip which is free, tutorial here (http://chrisfenwick.squarespace.com/converting-5d-movies/) for Mac users, windows workflow is similar except that we don't get any of the (Mac) codecs he uses. So for the last week or two I've been stuck trying to find a windows codec, and this thread here (http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eos-7d-hd/467883-neoscene-mpeg-streamclip-2.html) suggests using "Avid DNxHD" which is a free download

So far so good, the files in option 4 open for me in vegas and play in realtime so I need to experiment a bit more, but I've now reached the point where I'd have been importing tapes from my miniDV camera

Anyways as I said I'm learning this as I go along but hopefully might help some other 7D owners to get setup and working with the video files without weeks of research :)

[FlyingPhotog]

PAL/NTSC aren't there to give you different speeds .. They're different broadcast standards.

If you encode a project in PAL, it won't play on TVs in the US or Japan. Likewise, NTSC won't play in most of the rest of the world.

[GarryF]

PAL/NTSC aren't there to give you different speeds .. They're different broadcast standards.

If you encode a project in PAL, it won't play on TVs in the US or Japan. Likewise, NTSC won't play in most of the rest of the world.

Yeah, I appreciate that, I'm planning on playing with the 24fps mode and want to use the 720p 60fps mode to allow slow-mo at 40%, so set the camera to NTSC

So depending on whether you pick NTSC/PAL you get different effects, slowing 50fps to 30fps, 50fps to 25fps, 60fps to 24fps etc

[FlyingPhotog]

They're not different effects. They're different scan rates and are not compatible with each other.

MAP (http://www.barrel-of-monkeys.com/graphics/prod/dvdplayers/tvideostds.html) of World Television Standards

[GarryF]

Are you saying there's a difference in the 1920x1080 24fps files from the 7D depending if I set it to NTSC or PAL?

[rjv]

Is there a problem with Pinnacle Studio 14 HD? I've been researching, and it seems like this is the only program that transcodes the .mov files. Is the progam adequate enough to make videos of kids stuff?

I don't want to spend too much on multiple programs just to decode the video files to a different file. I am planning on upgrading my computer this blackfriday.

[GarryF]

There's a trial you can try, it just limits what you can output but you get a good idea how it works and whether your PC will be fast enough etc

[freshcargo]

thanks for the info, IMO it is pathetic that canon themselves did not include some basic editing software with the 7D.

[factoryphoto]

Any basic setting for HD video shooting motocross ? I have tried 6 times today shooting video and its washed out, colors are bad, does not focus.. Do you have to hold the focus button down the whole time? Because I can hear it watching the video. And the video just skip skip skips along. I watched the tutorial and have searched all over the net im a straight beginner at video I know nothing about it and was hoping to get the 7d and get some good hd vid today but its total garbage. And yes I know its all user not camera thats why im asking for some tips in 101 terms.
I was going to download corel studio pro 2010 its on sale for $59 bucks I read somewhere it works with the 7d. I been trying to watch the vids I shot today in quicktime and the fram is skipping and its just horrible looking. I went through that guys vid and set up the camera for video like he said but I dunno im doing something very wrong this camera is twice as confusing as an 1d series ive had those pro models are simple LOL

[GarryF]

Any basic setting for HD video shooting motocross ? I have tried 6 times today shooting video and its washed out, colors are bad, does not focus.. Do you have to hold the focus button down the whole time? Because I can hear it watching the video. And the video just skip skip skips along. I watched the tutorial and have searched all over the net im a straight beginner at video I know nothing about it and was hoping to get the 7d and get some good hd vid today but its total garbage. And yes I know its all user not camera thats why im asking for some tips in 101 terms.
I was going to download corel studio pro 2010 its on sale for $59 bucks I read somewhere it works with the 7d. I been trying to watch the vids I shot today in quicktime and the fram is skipping and its just horrible looking. I went through that guys vid and set up the camera for video like he said but I dunno im doing something very wrong this camera is twice as confusing as an 1d series ive had those pro models are simple LOL

Most important thing is that you must use MANUAL focus :) if you want autofocus your better off with a camcorder

Here's a video of motocross done on 7D, have a read of the comments to see what lenses, techniques he used. There's a few others on vimeo if you search
http://www.vimeo.com/6860546

[factoryphoto]

Just curios is there anyway of looking through the view finder instead of the lcd while recording? I cant see anything on the lcd when im out side and cant tell if im in focus or not. I give it up for you guys making these nice vids with the camera I just cant ever tell if im in focus or not. Maybe someone will make a hack lol

[factoryphoto]

Great thanks that looks like something that can definitely help.
Little pricey for a piece of rubber but bet it is worth it.
Thanks

[GarryF]

There's also the zacuto z-finder if you've money to burn, it's like the hoodman but maginfies the lcd x3 too

[Dooms_day]

24p is neither PAL nor NTSC so if you have it set to that, you should be in for a nice cinematic effect

[rickyvogas]

Hi..
Thanks for sharing the useful tips and about that DSLR i have gone through the first time so its new for me to understand but here you did good work.

[ETERNAL]

nice write up.

[canonloader]

I can't find any software that can just clip files right now, if I have a 2min clip and want 5s from it, I need to keep the whole (large) clip around.
Try MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 15 Plus (http://www.magix.com/us/movie-edit-pro/?partnerid=9009&AffiliateID=22&et_cid=6&et_lid=661742&et_sub=us_mgx_main_100top_movieedpro&gclid=CKyQpLbt0J4CFQQMDQodDUkWrg). $90. I use an earlier version, 10 and it is all I need as an amateur. This program is great and your never going to beat the price. You owe it to yourself to look it over before spending more money on something that will take months to learn.

[davidfig]

I have to agree with Mitch. Magix Movie Edit Pro is awesome. For a reasonable price you get almost all the gadgets. I think I have version 10 as well. In a few months I will probably get the latest version so I can do Bluray and AVCHD. I also think the new multicam editing is a great feature for videographers. Here's a hint, when starting your dual cameras at a shoot, use a flash to sync the videos. That's right start the camcorders, point them both at the guy with the flash and then band your done. Makes a great replacement for the clap board.

[Terjay]

Clapperboard (or a dude clapping and saying a take/scene number) helps to sync the cameras and a possible external audio recorder in the edit.

[haknslash]

I've seen good reveiws about Magix Movie Edit Pro. It came in at #4 for the top 10 on Top10 reviews http://video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Review http://video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/magix-movie-edit-pro-review.html

[myjunk]

You can also try medicoder (free & uses Open Source programs)

I just played w/ it yesterday to convert the MOV file to usable AVI files (though I have to try like multiple times to get the right / correct one which will / can be imported into ProShow Produced)

It's Great!! Gotta learn more on how to control video.

[SomeBoy]

Thanks for the great tips. I`ve downloaded Zoombrowser and it is a lot better than my program used before. Thanks for the whole article. :)

[jgrussell]

Try MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 15 Plus (http://www.magix.com/us/movie-edit-pro/?partnerid=9009&AffiliateID=22&et_cid=6&et_lid=661742&et_sub=us_mgx_main_100top_movieedpro&gclid=CKyQpLbt0J4CFQQMDQodDUkWrg). $90. I use an earlier version, 10 and it is all I need as an amateur. This program is great and your never going to beat the price. You owe it to yourself to look it over before spending more money on something that will take months to learn.Mitch, do you have to convert the 7D video before using it in this program?

[canonloader]

Heck no. The 7D video file is a .mov and it opens fine, even my several years old version 10 opens them. By the way, in the post above, I think I mentioned the cost was $89. That's for the pro version. Most people will only need the regular version, which is only $49. I have nothing to do with these people, but have been using their sound editing software for like 10 years, and could not believe the price, even then. I bought my boxed version of the sound editor at Best Buy.

But, my old version opens the 7D video files just fine, and it also exports at a large number of selectable sizes, frame rates and formats. It uses timelines, you can break apart the file and delete parts, add fades or a large number of other animated options, separate the video from the audio, add text, animate the text, add sound tracks of your choice, merge other video files, change the speeds and there must be a thousand different options for add in effects.

I really can not go into everything this software can do, as I have never found the end of it. I also know the price is going to make many people sceptical, but all I can say is, I have bought 3 versions of movie edit and sound edit and will upgrade to the latest movie edit version very soon. Let's put it this way, it's more than worth the $49 price tag.

[jgrussell]

Heck no. The 7D video file is a .mov and it opens fine... it's more than worth the $49 price tag.Terrific, thanks very much. I'm using another inexpensive program but it sounds as though this may be able to do even more.

[canonloader]

There is a download free trial. Give it a try. In fact, I often download and install free trials of software, just to add the enclosed Codec's they use to my library. Even when you uninstall these programs later, the codec will stay on your machine. When I open my other programs, these new codecs are recognized and used by other programs. :)

[NaKiD EyE]

Yeah, I appreciate that, I'm planning on playing with the 24fps mode and want to use the 720p 60fps mode to allow slow-mo at 40%, so set the camera to NTSC

So depending on whether you pick NTSC/PAL you get different effects, slowing 50fps to 30fps, 50fps to 25fps, 60fps to 24fps etc

you can actually do both at the same time via some PP. Shoot in 720p 60p then use "Cinema Tools" to take it down to 24p. Bam! HD slo mo vid in 24p.

[davidfig]

Finally got Magix Movie Edit Pro 15 plus.

To make AVCHD DVD disks I did the following.
1. Update program from help menu.
2. create a project with HD 1920x1080i format.
3. import MP4 files into the program.
4. Burn AVCHD DVD.
5. Play on Sony 360 blu-ray player. Awesome

Best part is I bought the program on sale at Frys for $29.

[basroil]

Finally got Magix Movie Edit Pro 15 plus.

To make AVCHD DVD disks I did the following.
1. Update program from help menu.
2. create a project with HD 1920x1080i format.
3. import MP4 files into the program.
4. Burn AVCHD DVD.
5. Play on Sony 360 blu-ray player. Awesome

Best part is I bought the program on sale at Frys for $29.

You know AVCHD supports 1080p as well right? Why not use that instead of interlacing?

[Bruce Foreman]

Is there a problem with Pinnacle Studio 14 HD? I've been researching, and it seems like this is the only program that transcodes the .mov files. Is the progam adequate enough to make videos of kids stuff?

I don't want to spend too much on multiple programs just to decode the video files to a different file. I am planning on upgrading my computer this blackfriday.

I use Pinnacle Studio 12.1 on a Q6600 quad core 2.4GHz based Dell. It wouldn't even recognize Canon 7D 1920x1080 .MOV files until I followed a suggestion to rename the extensions from .MOV to .MP4

To do this I had to go to the "accessories" in the "all programs" menu and then select "DOS command", navigate to that folder and then was able to use the "rename *.mov *.mp4

After doing this, Studio showed the clips in the album and I could drag them down to the timeline and edit. Studio 14 should work well on most modern quad core or Core i5 or Core i7 computers.

[Bruce Foreman]

There's also the zacuto z-finder if you've money to burn, it's like the hoodman but maginfies the lcd x3 too

FactoryPhoto and GarryF and anyone else wondering how you see the LCD in daylight.

The Hoodman Hoodloupe 3.0 works very well if you don't want magnification, it's optics allow diopter adjustment for individual eyesight and the image although 1:1 can appear smaller. For accurate focus you may have to use the +5 and +10 function but the image is bright and clear. I never ordered the "cinema strap" elastic band but did use 12" rubber bands from an office supply place (only color I could get was red).

Zacuto makes a loupe viewfinder for the LCD's with a 3X eyepiece and those who use it swear by it, but it comes in at about half the price of some lower priced L series lenses.

Another option is the CAVISION viewfinder system at very little more than the Hoodman product for the loupe with 6X eyepiece. Can be ordered from B&H. You will also need to order the rubber frame adapter for 3" LCDs. I took it a step further and ordered from the company in Canada (their website is not order friendly so I got the phone number from the site and called to order), what I wound up with was the viewfinder loupe, mounting plate, a riser piece to lift the camera a bit (the mounting hardware is configured for the 5D MkII), and the "swing away" adapter. All this for the T1i I had at the time but what they sold me fits the 7D much better. Total cost shipped from Canada was about $240.00 - it takes about 2 minutes or so to mount or dismount it (that's why the "swing away" is a good idea) and this has worked well for me. Coupled with a Manfrotto quick release adapter compatible with the 501 head and I can go from shoulder brace to tripod in seconds.

The 6X eyepiece makes focus without going the 5x 10x button practical in most cases. To keep the cost down you could just use the basic loupe with rubber frame and 12" rubber bands to hold it in place.

Hope this info helps someone, but you cannot effectively use the LCD as a viewfinder outdoors.

[carshop]

Good reading

[belongus3]

FactoryPhoto and GarryF and anyone else wondering how you see the LCD in daylight.

The Hoodman Hoodloupe 3.0 works very well if you don't want magnification, it's optics allow diopter adjustment for individual eyesight and the image although 1:1 can appear smaller. For accurate focus you may have to use the +5 and +10 function but the image is bright and clear. I never ordered the "cinema strap" elastic band but did use 12" rubber bands from an office supply place (only color I could get was red).

Zacuto makes a loupe viewfinder for the LCD's with a 3X eyepiece and those who use it swear by it, but it comes in at about half the price of some lower priced L series lenses.

Another option is the CAVISION viewfinder system at very little more than the Hoodman product for the loupe with 6X eyepiece. Can be ordered from B&H. You will also need to order the rubber frame adapter for 3" LCDs. I took it a step further and ordered from the company in Canada (their website is not order friendly so I got the phone number from the site and called to order), what I wound up with was the viewfinder loupe, mounting plate, a riser piece to lift the camera a bit (the mounting hardware is configured for the 5D MkII), and the "swing away" adapter. All this for the T1i I had at the time but what they sold me fits the 7D much better. Total cost shipped from Canada was about $240.00 - it takes about 2 minutes or so to mount or dismount it (that's why the "swing away" is a good idea) and this has worked well for me. Coupled with a Manfrotto quick release adapter compatible with the 501 head and I can go from shoulder brace to tripod in seconds.

The 6X eyepiece makes focus without going the 5x 10x button practical in most cases. To keep the cost down you could just use the basic loupe with rubber frame and 12" rubber bands to hold it in place.

Hope this info helps someone, but you cannot effectively use the LCD as a viewfinder outdoors.

Thanx for this share Bruce. Very useful informations.