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.

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.

McElroy Films Around the Web

On Monday 9/21/09 we put out a press release announcing that McElroy Films launched affordable high definition video production in Massachustetts and New England.

We are pleased to hear our story has been picked up by noteworthy news sites such as Yahoo, Scottrade, and Topix to name a few.

Bellow is a list of the sites that have picked up our story.

Yahoo

Scottade

TreeHugger

Topix

TMC

Individual

DocStoc

International Business Times

India Times

I Said I do

RoadRunner

PRWeb Photo

PRWeb

EIN Press Wire

NewsTin

Burn Buzz USA Network

Excerpt:

Ben McElroy launches New England based McElroy Films LLC to make professional, high quality video production affordable for corporations, nonprofits and individuals.

Leominster, MA (PRWEB) September 21, 2009 — Video is increasingly important for businesses, organizations and individuals. From businesses looking for corporate videos to set themselves apart from the competition to organizations competing for fundraising dollars, from bloggers embedding video on their sites to brides hiring a videographer for their wedding, from filmmakers working on documentaries to bands making music videos, high quality video at an affordable price is in demand. McElroy Films of Massachusetts is reeling in business by offering professional video production on a budget.

Ben McElroy has incorporated his Limited Liability Company (LLC), McElroy Films, to further the mission of making professional high definition film and video more accessible to businesses, nonprofit organizations and the public. McElroy Films is affordable without cutting corners. McElroy uses his resource pool of industry professionals to create the right team for each project, allowing for a high quality, custom product at an affordable price.

Press Release

Ben McElroy launches New England based McElroy Films LLC to make professional, high quality video production affordable for corporations, nonprofits and individuals.

Leominster, MA (PRWEB) September 21, 2009 — Video is increasingly important for businesses, organizations and individuals. From businesses looking for corporate videos to set themselves apart from the competition to organizations competing for fundraising dollars, from bloggers embedding video on their sites to brides hiring a videographer for their wedding, from filmmakers working on documentaries to bands making music videos, high quality video at an affordable price is in demand. McElroy Films of Massachusetts is reeling in business by offering professional video production on a budget.

Ben McElroy has incorporated his Limited Liability Company (LLC), McElroy Films, to further the mission of making professional high definition film and video more accessible to businesses, nonprofit organizations and the public. McElroy Films is affordable without cutting corners. McElroy uses his resource pool of industry professionals to create the right team for each project, allowing for a high quality, custom product at an affordable price.

“I started this business because I have a passion for film and video. I like to work with people, figure out their vision and bring that to life. Video production has been around for years and has been very expensive up until this point. The niche I’m filling is the ability to offer inexpensive video without sacrificing on quality.” said McElroy.

McElroy Films produces each project using professional equipment. Tapeless HD cameras combine excellent picture quality with faster processing. Exporting to DVD, Blu-ray and the web is done with lightning precision, getting video to potential customers, donors or friends and family faster. Professional lighting and both wired and wireless audio are the same ones used for professional television, movies and sporting events. McElroy Films uses equipment previously found mainly on television and movie sets, such as GlideCams and dollies, to create trendy cinematic style of shooting.

Every project is customizable from start to finish and budgeted according to the client’s needs. McElroy translates his knowledge of video technology into understandable terms and guides clients toward possibilities they may not have known existed.

“Being young energetic professionals in the video industry we see things differently. We see videos not just constrained to DVD. With social networking sites on the rise, more companies and organizations are turning to online video. Businesses need to get on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter and embed videos into websites and blogs.” explained McElroy. “People aren’t going to be picking up a newspaper or flipping through the yellow pages. They’re going to be on search engines such as Yahoo, Bing and Google. Businesses need to drive traffic to their websites and get people to stay there and interact. They need to make sure they catch viewers’ attention. What better way to do all that than by adding online video content?”

McElroy introduced a new website to reflect this excitement and forward thinking ambition. It is designed to appeal to both video professionals and the general public. The website has sections for each of the company’s services, a Word Press Blog filled with tips and news, a Press Room with journalist resources and McElroy TV, an online video channel powered by MediaSilo. Kick Start Media customized the site and Studio Press designed the website’s template. It is interactive and easy to navigate. The McElroy Films website is now featured in StudioPress’ showcase and on MediaSilo’s website.

About Ben McElroy
Ben started in high school by filming documentaries on location in Turkey, Israel, Greece and India for organizations such as Open Air Campaigners, His Land Israel Tours and The People’s Baptist College and Seminary. His education continued at New York Film Academy, Full Sail University in Orlando, FL and the University of Massachusetts. Ben worked as a staff photographer for the Lowell Sun where he won a National Press Photographers Association award for outstanding photography. Additional career credits include the Associated Press, Manchester Union Leader and Time Warner. Ben has shot and edited corporate videos for Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bank of New York Mellon, Ropes and Gray and campaign videos for Presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

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.

Edit Suite

Photos of the new Final Cut Studio at McElroy Films
Photos by David H. Brow