7D virgin needs tips

[Brad Grimmett]

So it looks like I'll be flying the 7D next week. I'm getting a prep day, which is great, but I'm (sadly) fairly clueless about these cameras. I've read a fair amount here that should be helpful, but I'm hoping to get any other tips that will help me not look like a complete idiot.

Thoughts?

[John atkinson]

Brad,

 

You'll need and HDMI monitor, or better yet a Black Magic HDMI to HDSDI converter w/12V power cable for the sled. After that, a lot of top weight. Best of luck on the focus, though! Take care!

 

John A

Florida

[William Demeritt]

Brad,

 

Just a few quick questions: does your sled have an SD or HD monitor? What kind of rig do you have, actually?

 

If you have an HD monitor, then yes you'll need an HDMI to HDSDI converter. The 7D has a "mini" HDMI port, so make sure you have a mini-HDMI to HDMI cable.

 

If you have an SD monitor, then make sure you have the AV breakout cable (one end looks like a mini-USB plug, other end is composite video/audio (yellow RCA plug). Get a female RCA to male BNC connector, and you'll be OK. Wouldn't hurt to have a backup cable, or even own one, they sell for $20 online.

 

The 7D has a camera shut-off feature that usually annoys me to no end. If you set it to more than 5 minutes, you'll burn through batteries and possibly overheat the camera (if you're exterior). If you set it to 30 seconds - 2 minutes, you'll be rehearsing and the camera will shut off while playing.

 

Make sure you have plenty of spare camera batteries and chargers.

 

If you're just using still lenses, make sure you have lens gears so your follow focus will spin the lens.

 

What sort of equipment will you have for the camera? Beware of matteboxes and iris rods that are flimsy plastic and mate to the 7D base. I've found they're incredibly weak, and if the lenses have any stiffness to the focus ring at all, the motor will push the lens and camera away.