5DM2 or 7D to shoot short film?


Lenscape

Member
Hi experts!! Im planning to shoot a short film.

I wanna ask a really noobie question. Is there any difference in shooting using the above, since one is a FF, the other a crop camera? I mean, are the digitized footage the same irregardless of what camera im using? Assume the videos are shot with the same rate.

I hope i phrase my question correctly and you get what i mean.

Thanks..
 

Crop or FF, both will give you the same aspect ratio i.e.16 x 9 in 1080p or 720p.
 

5D Mark II uses a full frame 35mm sized sensor while the 7D uses a smaller APS-C sized sensor.
7D can use Canons EF-S lenses while the 5D can only use EF Lenses.
If you like wide shots, go for 5D Mark II as it has access to a cheaper and wider range of wide angle lenses, while 7D would let you go to your subject nearer as it reduces the field of view at the same focal length.

On the 5D, since it’s a full frame camera, a 16-35mm lens is a a true 16-35mm, while on the 7D this same lens becomes a 25.6-56mm.

If you want dramatically wide angle shots, the 5D is the clear winner here.
If you want excellent low light sensitivity, 5D is the winner here.
If you want variable frame rate, 7D is the winner here. Slow Motion is extremely smooth if you were to shoot in 50fps.
If you want DOF, due to full frame sensor, 5D would be the winner here, however it's pretty hard to pull the focus here due to the real shallow depth.
If you are new to using the DSLRs for Video, I strongly suggest perhaps a 7D or even a 550D.
With the 7D or 550D, you get 35mm movie-camera field of view and depth of field. These sensors is almost exactly the same size as a 35mm movie camera so it will replicate the DOF characteristic of a 35mm motion picture cam perfectly.
 

With the 7D or 550D, you get 35mm movie-camera field of view and depth of field. These sensors is almost exactly the same size as a 35mm movie camera so it will replicate the DOF characteristic of a 35mm motion picture cam perfectly.

Couldn't agree more, sometimes the 5d DOF is too unreal. The DOF on the 7d is much more "familliar" to me.

the price difference is also pretty extreme hehe.
 

5D Mark II uses a full frame 35mm sized sensor while the 7D uses a smaller APS-C sized sensor.
7D can use Canons EF-S lenses while the 5D can only use EF Lenses.
If you like wide shots, go for 5D Mark II as it has access to a cheaper and wider range of wide angle lenses, while 7D would let you go to your subject nearer as it reduces the field of view at the same focal length.

On the 5D, since it’s a full frame camera, a 16-35mm lens is a a true 16-35mm, while on the 7D this same lens becomes a 25.6-56mm.

If you want dramatically wide angle shots, the 5D is the clear winner here.
If you want excellent low light sensitivity, 5D is the winner here.
If you want variable frame rate, 7D is the winner here. Slow Motion is extremely smooth if you were to shoot in 50fps.
If you want DOF, due to full frame sensor, 5D would be the winner here, however it's pretty hard to pull the focus here due to the real shallow depth.
If you are new to using the DSLRs for Video, I strongly suggest perhaps a 7D or even a 550D.
With the 7D or 550D, you get 35mm movie-camera field of view and depth of field. These sensors is almost exactly the same size as a 35mm movie camera so it will replicate the DOF characteristic of a 35mm motion picture cam perfectly.

Thanks Xinwen. You summed it up perfectly. :thumbsup:
 

Couldn't agree more, sometimes the 5d DOF is too unreal. The DOF on the 7d is much more "familliar" to me.

the price difference is also pretty extreme hehe.

VERY extreme i must say.:sweat:
 

5D mark 2 hands down. Why?
Two words: Magic Lantern.
It turns your 5D into virtually a movie camera.
 

With the 7D or 550D, you get 35mm movie-camera field of view and depth of field. These sensors is almost exactly the same size as a 35mm movie camera so it will replicate the DOF characteristic of a 35mm motion picture cam perfectly.

The sensors in 7D and 550D are not 35mm FF to begin with. So why will their sensor be same size as a 35mm movie camera?
 

the 7d sensor is closer in terms of size to a 35mm motion camera. the 5d sensor is much larger than a 35mm film sensor.

sensor_sizes.png
 

i have shot with both cameras 5D as the main cam & 7D as a B-cam for slow mo, close-ups , etc. The footage from the 2 camera cut really well together which is great. If you got extra hands on set that can shot, have the 2 cameras work together, its a beautiful process. The time & money you save on production may be far greater than the cost of renting an extra 7D or 5D body.

My main issue with the 7D, besides the ones that has been pointed out is that it overheats. Its kinda scary for me to take out the card, fan it, then put it back.

I have used the 5D under 50 degree celcius desert with no overheating issues.

So if your short film has lots of slow mo- go 7D
If u like the shallow DOF, & you got number of night scene - go 5D
 

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Just newbie opinion here:

In term of the pricing, 1pc 5dmk2 = 3pcs 550D.
With 3pcs 550D, you can shoot multiple angles.
 

The hacked Panasonic GH1 can do better resolution video than 7D according to many sources. You can use virtually any lenses with adaptor.
Downside is for extreme wide you got to stick to limited lenses.
 

With the 7D or 550D, you get 35mm movie-camera field of view and depth of field. These sensors is almost exactly the same size as a 35mm movie camera so it will replicate the DOF characteristic of a 35mm motion picture cam perfectly.

hmm u got me slightly confused here. i have always thought that 5D is sensor truly 35mm.i cant see how the 7d can replicate that . i hope you can help me clarify.thanks in advance
 

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