5D2/7D etc Video Tips

Anyone have any good tips for shooting video with these great cameras? I know it's been a hard transition for me as far as the settings, focusing/follow focusing etc. Also noticed that my 5D2 had some banding in the shadows at 6400 ISO, and that was pretty frustrating. It's a learning experience, and maybe we can all learn from each other!

Please post tips for the best results with video quality, focusing techniques, and please post with the specific cam settings!

Whoa.. You don't ever want to shoot have your ISO above 800 with the video. If its ever that dark, try to throw some extra light on your subject. I would suggest trying to keep the ISO as low as you possibly can.

Since the mk2 has a small LCD screen, and you can't look through the viewfinder, I usually will digitally zoom the screen (top right button on the body) before recording. This allows you to achieve an attenuated focus.

Guess I learned that lesson the hard way. I'll remember to not shoot above 800 ISO. How bout shutter speed or aperture? Any recommendations?

Lastly, if you have any tips on follow focusing, I'd appreciate it.

mafibasheth wrote in post #9306406
Whoa.. You don't ever want to shoot have your ISO above 800 with the video. If its ever that dark, try to throw some extra light on your subject. I would suggest trying to keep the ISO as low as you possibly can.

Since the mk2 has a small LCD screen, and you can't look through the viewfinder, I usually will digitally zoom the screen (top right button on the body) before recording. This allows you to achieve an attenuated focus.

Odd... go to cinema5d videolog and they have plenty of video shot in the 2000-4000 iso range, and looks great.

+1 for basroils post. I've experimented with shooting high ISO video on my 7D and all went fine.

WEVA is hosting a free online expo on 2-17-10 with speakers you can access on demand that will be talking about the 5D/7D regarding video. Info and registration info can be found here:
http://events.unisfair​.com/index.jsp?eid=499​&seid=30

Free is always a good thing!

Thanks guys! Let's keep this going!

Any good zooming/follow focusing advice?

[QUOTE=SCMedic;9307507​] How bout shutter speed or aperture? Any recommendations?

quote]

One good tip is to remember the 180 degree rule i.e. shooting at a frame rate of 30fps a shutter speed of 1/60 sec should be set. More information on these very important rule can be found here: http://blog.tylerginte​r.com/?p=385

SCMedic wrote in post #9326131
Any good zooming/follow focusing advice?

Practice, practice, practice. I believe no amount of tips or anything is going to help you learn follow focus. It's amazingly difficult is what I have found on my 7D, and it's all in technique. The only thing that anyone can offer you as for advice is that when your subject moves farther away, turn the ring counter-clockwise! And when they get closer, clockwise. Beyond that, practice, practice, practice...

SCMedic wrote in post #9326131
Thanks guys! Let's keep this going!

Any good zooming/follow focusing advice?

coming from a film background I can say that follow focusing takes some time, but there are a few tips that can aid you.

Look at your surroundings, anything from a tree to a sign to the dirt on the ground is a marker for your eye. Take that into account when shooting, that object will give you an idea in your head of where he subject could be coming or going.

I usually try to find a marker every 10 feet or so. That way I have an idea of when that person is at that marker, then I need to be at that focal point.

Are there any good online forums or blogs dedicated to the 5DMKII and 7D's video capabilities? I would like to read up on the setups pros are using and advices on workflows. Thx!

videochicke wrote in post #9324987
WEVA is hosting a free online expo on 2-17-10 with speakers you can access on demand that will be talking about the 5D/7D regarding video. Info and registration info can be found here:
http://events.unisfair​.com/index.jsp?eid=499​&seid=30

Free is always a good thing!

Awesome i just registered for it!

videochicke wrote in post #9324987
WEVA is hosting a free online expo on 2-17-10 with speakers you can access on demand that will be talking about the 5D/7D regarding video. Info and registration info can be found here:
http://events.unisfair​.com/index.jsp?eid=499​&seid=30

Free is always a good thing!

Thanks for the tip. . . .just signed up.

lsquare wrote in post #9379099
Are there any good online forums or blogs dedicated to the 5DMKII and 7D's video capabilities? I would like to read up on the setups pros are using and advices on workflows. Thx!

There are few most mention is cinema5D.com

-capt3450

My only manual focusing tip is when using a zoom lens, zoom right into the subject, sort your focusing out, and then pull out and set up the frame as you want.