Questions regarding video capability in 7D

I'm thinking about making the jump to a 7D in the coming weeks/months (depending how soon I can rob the local bank). At the same time, as a student who wants to get into the film industry, I really need to be versed in videography. I'm trying to look up the answers to my questions, but I'm having trouble finding them.

I want to know, how long can you shoot record video for in a 7D? Can you keep recording until you run out of card space? How much runtime would be allotted if you shoot 1080 30fps video in a 8 GB card? 16? 32? What kind of CF card is ideal for shooting HD video?

In other words, I want to know how feasible it is to compile recorded clips from the 7D in a short film. I'd have a hard time if I have to buy 10 CF cards or buy a laptop to carry around with me as I shoot various places.

There's a chart on page 157 in the manual. At 1080, file size is 330 MB/min. Due to the type of filesystem Canon uses on the card, you are limited to 4GB files or ~12min. Once the limit is reached, it stops recording and you can press the <start/stop> button again to start recording to a new file.

Total recording time:
4GB card = 12 min
16GB card = 49 min

The time is not limited by the file system. The time is limited by the USA import duty on video cameras. By keeping the recorded clip time under the threshold of that law, Canon avoids the import tariff. You'll find the same limitation common across other cameras sold here also.

Thanks for the info. Has there been hacks of any kind of overcome the ~12 min limit?

Don't forget that you'll want to take a couple of breaks rather than shoot in long periods with the 7D because the sensor can and will overheat.

newton wrote in post #9696559
Thanks for the info. Has there been hacks of any kind of overcome the ~12 min limit?

Yes, they are called camcorders.

mikeassk wrote in post #9696599
Yes, they are called camcorders.

Well, figure out for me how I can use EF/EF-S lenses with these camcorders and I'll be sold.

bsmotril wrote in post #9696549
The time is not limited by the file system. The time is limited by the USA import duty on video cameras. By keeping the recorded clip time under the threshold of that law, Canon avoids the import tariff. You'll find the same limitation common across other cameras sold here also.

So do non-USA 7Ds have the ability to record more than 12mins?

Nope I think the 12 minute limit is universal but before you hiss and boo watch a film, documentry or soap and take note of how long a shot lasts. It's usually seconds or minutes at most so 12 mins is not a problem and may even force you too shoot better for later editing.

I work for a tv network and our guys have just used a 7D to shoot network promos. I've only seen some of the early test stuff but they look really good. Made me wonder why I'm carrying around a $30,000 tv camera on my shoulder when the 7D puts out similar quality. Although in my mind, bigger is better.

It is limited by the file system

FAT32 can only hold 4GB files.

Ive not heard of this time limitation for the USa before.
We have it over here with the Panasonic TZ7 (amongst others) and a lot of people over here end up buying a ZS3 from the USA due to it not having any limitations except due to the size of card used.
You learn something new everyday.

Anyway, ive got two questions. Am i right in thinking the 7D only has manual focus and not full time auto focus when shooting video? (im guessing im right but wanted to check).

And does the ISO make a difference with video?

Thanks.


EDIT: Ok, i had a quick search and have got both answers. Please ignore me, its been a long day.