Top 10 Canon 7D Accessories for Videography

Shooting weddings & corporate videos with the Canon 7D has been one of the funnest aspects of running a video production company. Just our Wedding division alone has booked over 35 weddings for 2010 and we’re steadily filling up the calendar for 2011 and even 2012. Last fall I made the decision to adopt Video SLR technology that others told me would be a bad move. I was hearing it from all angles. “Don’t buy that camera, wait until the bugs are fixed”.. “I would never adopt new technology like that.” Good thing I didn’t listen to those guys. We’re slowly seeing an increase of clients that specifically request our company because of the look and feel we can deliver.

Below you’ll find a list of some of the Top 10 canon 7D accessories we have found useful for our company. This in no way is supposed to be a comprehensive list. Just some of the new tools we’re using. We’re also not paid to advertise for these companies.. Although we’re all ears if the right offer comes along.

First, you’ll need the actual camera body itself. The prices are dropping recently and you can probably pick one up for about $1500-$1600

Top 10 Canon 7D Accessories for Videography

1. You’re going to need some lenses. Start with one of the most popular lens, we shoot with the 17-55mm 2.8 IS for most of the work we do. Even though it’s not an L series lens we like the fact it has image stabilization and most EOS L series lenses don’t have IS until you step up to the telephotos.

2. Another great lens is the 70-200 L f4 IS or the 70-200 L 2.8. Obviously the 2.8 is more expensive however the f4 has served us just fine. Unless your using it in doors you can get away with the 4 instead of the 2.8.

3. Once you have all your lenses and body, you’ll need to be able to mount it on a tripod. Red Rock Micro offers a number of DSLR rig kits. You can even build your own. You’ll need a base plate with rods. We’ve had good luck with our set up.

4. Your rig is still not complete because you’ll need some sort of focus assist. A good place to start would be to get a follow focus system. Again, Red Rock Micro offers a great option if you’re looking to save some money. Their follow focus version 2 is great and is reasonable priced for the quality and build of it.

5. You’ll still need more focus assistance while shooting with the Canon 7D because of the small screen. You can either go with a Zacuto viewfinder or you can go for a full blown LCD. We suggest both given your shooting conditions. The viewfinder for the 7D is very good and the magnification helps greatly.

6. If you want to do it right, go with the LCD. Marshall offers a great option. The Marshall V LCD651ST is one of the best HD LCDs on the market and as of today’s pricing they just lowered it from $1,695 to $1,394.95. Can’t beat that!

7. Almost done. Your rig is just about there. Once you have all this sweet gear you’ll need media to record to. We suggest getting at least 16GB CF cards with a minimum of 60mb/s. You’ll Probably need about 4-8 of these bad boys.

8. You’ll need a professional source of audio because the canon 7D has auto levels which means it’s not that great for audio and will clip your audio. Get a H4n zoom recorder for all your audio needs it comes with two XLR inputs for wire/wireless mics.

9. Speaking of wireless mics you’ll need a pair of Sennheiser mics. I suggest getting two because you never know when you could need both.

10. You’ll need reference audio as well. We suggest the Rode video mic with a 3.5m mini plug for the Canon 7D. It records fantastic audio which is great for reference and if you’re lucky you might be able to use if for some natural audio in your project.. that’s if the auto levels don’t ruin it first.

11. I know this is a top 10 list. However, you’ll probably need some other basics such as additional batteries, cables, cards, headphones, on-board lighting and such. Stay tuned for an updated list.

This is just a handful of useful pieces of equipment we use. Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions.

Gary Vincent – The Man Behind the Mask Video

We just wrapped up another Music Video in April featuring Christian Country artist, Gary Vincent. The Song was from Vincent’s latest album, Somewhere Down the Road. The song is called The Man Behind the Mask. We shoot the entire video at the Collins Center in

Andover, MA. We had a small crew with great talent. We chose to shoot the video on the Canon 7D because of it’s portability and lens options. We’re sad that it’s over but we’re excited to be apart of this great journey with Gary Vincent.

About Gary,

International recording artist Gary Lee Vincent makes his debut into Contemporary Christian music with his newest album, Somewhere Down the Road. Vincent’s music can best be described as a combination of country and soft rock, intertwined with Christian/soul influences. His sound is best compared to the likes of Keith Green, David Meece, and Mickey Gilley.

The first single, The Man Behind the Mask is an emotional tapestry, displayed by the feeling behind the vocals and the representation of the lyrics. It has a darker and more morose sensation that allows it to cross over into different musical genres, with hints of a Jim Steinman/Meat Loaf sound.  It features several guitars, the keyboard, soothing background vocals, and the drums.

Click here to watch the video on YouTube.

Click here to watch the video in HiRes.

Video Credits:

Crew

Kathy Farrelly, PreProduction & Producer

Benjamin J. McElroy, Producer & Director

Stephen Troy, Director of Photography

Jonathan Barbato, Script Supervisor

Brittney Marvin, Production Assistant

Talent

Gary Vincent

Krystal Spoon, Pianist

Laura Pizzuti-Gamache, Actress & Vocalist

Terri Nobleman, Actress & Vocalist

Vanessa Leigh, Actress & Vocalist

Rebecca Dennis, Actress & Vocalist

The Man Behind the Mask | Music Video

First two minutes of ‘House’ Shot with 5DmkII

The First two minutes of house is now available for viewing on youtube. HD Video SLRs are really making some headway in Hollywood.  Learn more at Gizmodo

Don’t miss the season finale, MON 5/17 at 8/7c on Fox.

Check these blog entries on the ‘little brother’ of the 5D, the Canon 7D.

http://mcelroyfilms.com/canon-eos-7d-sample-footage

http://mcelroyfilms.com/canon-7d

Top Ten Tips for Creating a Cinematic Style Video

View on PRWEB

Ben McElroy of Massachusetts based McElroy Films explains the top elements to look for in cinematic style videos when hiring a video production company.

Leominster, MA (PRWEB) February 9, 2010 — The recent movie making excitement in Massachusetts has started New Englanders thinking about translating their lives in slick Hollywood fashion. Wedding, corporate, nonprofit and music videos can all be approached in cinematic style. Video production companies, such as Massachusetts based McElroy Films, are now producing videos using techniques from the movie industry.

“The demand for better looking video is on the rise and Hollywood films are synonymous with a high quality look. Movie industry techniques can be found in most high-end video productions. Cinematic style wedding videos are so popular I now refer to them as ‘wedding films’ to distinguish them from other wedding videos.” explains Ben McElroy of McElroy Films.

“Recently we were approached by NIKE who specifically requested the use of the Canon 7D. The Canon 7D is a new High Definition Digital SLR camera. They wanted the cinematic look of this camera. Clients are starting to think differently about video. They want the look and quality of a Hollywood film but not all of them are clear about what elements they are looking for. I work with them to get them the look they want.”

McElroy explains the top elements to look for in a cinematic style video:

- Storytelling
Cinematic films require pre-production, including research and scripting. Most use interviews, voice-over narration, or both. The video production company you hire should have a skilled producer to write a compelling script, create interview questions that bring out emotion and drama, and who is able to put interviewees at ease so they come across in the best way possible.

- Imagery
The videographer must be familiar with film industry standards for subject placement and composition. The filming should not only be visually beautiful, but capture true emotions. It is the feeling the audience gets from watching a film that will compel them to take action or connect them to your story.

- High Definition Equipment
Not all “high-definition” equipment is the same. To create a cinematic style video, HD cameras with 1920×1080 resolution need to be used. Most modern HD cameras shoot in “progressive mode”, which is essential for encoded video on the Internet.

- Lighting
Lighting is an important element for cinematic videos. The right lighting creates the mood and depth seen in Hollywood films.

- Movie Industry Speed
Hollywood uses a 24 frames per second (24p) frame rate. This eliminates the amateur “home-movie” look and will automatically give a professional cinematic feel.

- Glidecams and Dollies
The use of Glidecams gives a smooth cinematic look. It allows the camera to stay steady even while the videographer is walking or running. A dolly allows a camera to move smoothly to and from a subject.

- Professional Audio
Sound quality is essential to creating a cinematic video. Wireless microphones, booms and a good audio technician should be used on productions to create crisp, movie quality audio.

- Multiple Cameras
Having multiple cameras allows the production company to have a variety of camera angles and perspectives to work with when editing a cinematic video. The final product will have a more interesting and realistic look.

- Music
Good quality music from a music library is another important element in cinematic videos. Music helps to move the video along and sets the mood for different scenes.

- Cinematic Editing Techniques and Special Effects
All movies have a movie “trailer” which shows exciting highlights of the full-length feature film. Video production companies can borrow this technique from Hollywood when editing your video. Popular techniques for cinematic videos are color correction, black and white and soft focus.

About McElroy Films
McElroy Films LLC is a professional high definition video production company serving Massachusetts and New England. Specializing in corporate, educational, non-profit, wedding, independent filmmaking and music video production, McElroy Films provides a high quality product at a fraction of the cost. McElroy Films prides itself on its client-driven results and boutique-like service by affording each project the attention it deserves.

Canon 7D TV Commercial Shoot with Davis Advertising

We had the opportunity to work with Davis Advertising of Worcester, MA. McElroy Films was contracted to shoot a TV Commercial called “Think First” a tv campaign for the Webster First Federal Credit Union. Using the New Canon EOS 7D exclusively.

We had multiple locations in and around Worcester. Mainly taking place in residential homes. Each scene featured a different actor or actress saying different one-liners such as, “What’s the best way to safeguard my family’s financial future?

“I finally found the house that I love.  Now I need to find a mortgage.”

We used an Arri 1k softbox chimera, and 2 x 650w for all of the lighting. We also used the Canon 7D with HDMI out to a 26 inch Samsung 1080p monitor for focusing and playback. We had a Canon XL2 to capture audio and an Indie Dolly for all the shots.

NIKE SPARQ Training

We had an exciting shoot yesterday for NIKE in Springfield, MA at the Basketball Hall of Fame. NIKE came to us specifically looking for the Canon 7D for their event. We provided coverage including setup and general overview of the day. The 7D allowed us to be mobile and fast while capturing action from course to course.

NIKE’s SPARQ Training division stands for Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction, and Quickness. They were in MA this weekend evaluating some of the North East’s best high school basketball players. Each player evaluated receives a score based on five simple tests. The score is their SPARQ Rating which shows athletes exactly where they can improve their athletic performance through training.

Shooting in the Basketball Hall of Fame was pretty exciting. Standing beneath hundreds of photos and life-sized replicas of some of the greatest basketball players that ever lived was very moving.

To learn more about SPARQ Training click here.

Burlington Foundry MA

This week we had an exciting shoot at the Burlington Foundry. One of the original Aluminum Foundries in Massachusetts. We’ve been asked to produce a short 1-2 minute vignette on the process that Burlington Foundry has been using every since they were found back in 1954. They specialize in producing quality aluminum castings for clients of all industries.

We used the Canon 7D and the Sony EX1 Cameras for the job. Making this the third project we’ve used the Canon 7D on. The foundry was very low lit and the 7D gave us the ability to shoot in these conditions with out a problem. The EX1 was used for back up and also did fantastic in low light. Check back for more updates.

To learn more about the Burlington Foundry Click here.

Wellesley Country Club Wedding

Wicked Hip-Hop Christmas Music Video