Video

After the EOS 5D Mark II and the EOS 500D the EOS 7D is now the third Canon DSLR to come with a video recording feature. Unlike the 500D though the EOS 7D offers full manual control over shutter speed and aperture (The 5D Mark II did not offer manual control over video initially but the feature was later implemented via a firmware update).

Despite the manual controls current DSLR video modes can in many areas not quite keep up with dedicated camcorders. On the other hand though the ability to shoot movies with a large sensor (and the shallow depth of field that this brings with it) and interchangeable lenses will appeal to a large number of budding videographers.

Video specification

The 7D offers HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080P) at 30, 25 or 24 frames per second or 1280 x 720 pixels (720P) at 60 or 50 frames per second. The built-in internal microphone captures monaural audio. There is a socket for a 3.5mm external microphone that allows recording of stereo sound. There is also an option to cut the beginning and end of a movie in one second increments in the camera.

Using Movie Mode

For easier operation the EOS 7D features a dedicated switch to change from other shooting modes to movie mode. Then press the Start button to start/stop video recording. Still images can be taken at any time by pressing the shutter button. A half-press of the shutter button or a press of the AF-ON button will trigger the AF. AE lock is possible as well.

When the shooting mode is set to M you can adjust shutter speed and aperture via the control dials and also set the sensitivity manually. In all other modes exposure is controlled automatically.

Movie mode displays

Movie setting menu	You can choose between three output sizes. The frame rate options in this screen capture are for the NTSC setting.
Once recording has started, the red recording dot is displayed on the top right corner of the LCD. By half-pressing the shutter button during video recording you can display exposure information and ISO sensitivity.	Additional information can be displayed by pressing the Info button.