Wow !, It seems the age of the indy filmmaker has finally arrived. Hot Rod Cameras will soon be offering a PL mount adapter for the Canon 7D so you can place real cinema glass in front of the Canon’s happy little HD sensor.. I smell RAW acquisition right around the corner..

Companies like RED will probably dominate in raw-land but with Canon stepping up their game and people like hot rod cameras delivering on killer accessories the HDDSLR market is surely going to florish.

Skip to 1:15 to see the PL mount in action on a Panasonic GH1, it will be the same for the Canon 7D & 5D2, near the end you will see the sweet compat Zeiss lenses that cover the 5D2’s full frame sensor.. Awww, damn it, I’m drooling on my keyboard again !

Looks like Mr. Bloom just got his hands on one too !

7D PL mount camera from Some Like It Shot on Vimeo.

The following is from hot rod cameras, enjoy : )

Those of you wanting to mod your 7D, you should be able to place your order on Hotrodcameras.com on Wednesday, February 17. You will also be able to purchase a brand new 7D-PL direct from Hot Rod Cameras. Turn around time for a camera as of today is less than 2-weeks.

In the next few days I’ll be posting more details of the mod, and next week I’ll also be posting details on the HRC Extended Warranty program. Obviously a custom mod to your camera voids the original factory warranty, so If you choose the HRC extended warranty, and your camera fails during normal use your Canon camera can be covered under warranty repair for up to 3-years. The original factory warranty is only 1-year.

You can add the purchase of the extended warranty any time up to the day we ship the modified camera to you. Warranty is optional, you can go without, the good news is that all service under the warranty program is handled by an authorized Canon DSLR service facility in either Los Angeles or the New York tri-state area. And if you do elect not to purchase the warranty, the same facilities can do the repair work at their normal hourly rate (which is $$$). It is not easy getting this kind of custom modification certified by an insurance provider, and I feel like it’s a wonderful validation of the quality of our work. This is an exclusive extended warranty program for cameras modified by Hot Rod Cameras only.

Oh, and good news for those of you who recently purchased a Canon 7D and would like to cover it with the same warranty after the custom mod, if you purchased it within the last 90-days (and it passes inspection before modification), you can also have your camera covered by the same extended warranty.

For those of you looking to have a 5Dmk2 modified (yep it can be done, and Zeiss compact primes cover the ENTIRE sensor!)

I start accepting orders for 5Dmk2-PL on March 1, and I’ll start taking orders for a 1Dmk4-PL around the end of March.

Prices vary for a 7D-PL (mod or new) depending on accessories and warranty. Mod prices starts at $2600, and a brand new 7D-PL Deluxe Kit starts at $4800.

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I love it when companies get into the pulse of the community and create content that is out of the “norm”. Here in “uncle Jack”, you will see the perfect example of a well executed “promo” video. I am thoroughly impressed. My friend Tim on the Big Island has one of the older Pentax cams and it’s pretty sweet, the line of pancake lenses they offer are quite impressive.. I’m all about stealthy non-flashy rigs and Pentax certainly supports this workflow.. Well done PENTAX !

Compact, magnesium alloy body
One of the smallest DSLRs in its class, the K-7’s compact, magnesium alloy body lets you travel light while still maintaining durability and build quality.

14.6 megapixels
The redesigned 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor offers improved noise control, four channel output for faster image capture and movie capture capabilities. Plus the new sensor offers the ideal combination of resolution and file size, allowing for large (poster size and larger) prints and cropping flexibility.

3 inch LCD
The 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution is perfect for detailed image or movie capture and review and is ideal for the Live View function.

Weather, dust and cold resistant
The K-7 is weather, dust and cold resistant (to 14° F or -10° C), making it ideal for use in any environment.

New PRIME II Image processing engine
Fast 5.2 frame-per-second shooting with the powerful new PRIME II Image processing engine, which features fast circuitry and low noise image processing. Ideal for sporting events or any fast-action situation.

High top shutter speed
A top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action and gives creative control over apertures in well-lit settings.

New 77-segment metering system
A new 77-segment metering system quickly and accurately determines exposure, even in the most complex and dynamic lighting situations.

Live View mode
Live View mode, with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display, allows you to quickly compose your images without having to position your eye against the viewfinder.

100% field-of-view viewfinder
A 100% field-of-view viewfinder (with 0.92X magnification) and bright focusing screens are ideal for accurate image composition and focus.

HD Movie Capture
Widescreen HD Movie Capture features adjustable quality settings and aperture control, as well as Shake Reduction, and an external microphone terminal for recording stereo sound.

High resolution playback
HDMI port with selectable output resolution (1080i, 720p, 480p, and auto) offers high resolution playback of images and video on high definition TVs.

Multiple exposure settings
Multiple exposure settings, including Green, Program, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, Bulb, X-sync, Movie and USER modes, provide extensive creative control over the exposure for photographers of all experience levels.

Faster, more responsive AF
The PENTAX 11-point autofocus system features improved focus algorithms over previous-generation K-series DSLR cameras, providing faster, more responsive AF. A dedicated AF-assist lamp further improves autofocus response and accuracy in low light conditions.

Shake Reduction system
The PENTAX-original Shake Reduction system now compensates for rotational sensor movement, improving the sharpness of your images at the moment of capture.

Dust-free image capture
The K-7’s Dust Reduction system, improved over previous K-series cameras, features a piezo-ceramic vibration action to the sensor’s low-pass filter for dust-free image capture.

Advanced white balance settings
Advanced white balance settings include highly customizable white balance fine tuning, color temperature adjustment, and post image capture manual white balance selection for perfect pictures, even in the most difficult lighting.

Extended battery life
New high capacity battery offers considerably longer life. Ideal for travel photography or video work.

Electronic level function
Electronic level function ensures your pictures have level horizons, minimizing post-capture editing.

Advanced image capture settings
Advanced image capture settings, digital filters, and aspect ratio provide outstanding flexibility and creativity while minimizing the need for computer image manipulation.

Custom Image modes
Custom Image modes with advanced parameter settings including new Key adjustment, allow you to customize your processing mode to your creative style.

Dynamic Range setting
A Dynamic Range function with highlight and adjustable shadow correction brings out hidden or lost details in both highlights and shadows, even in the most contrasted dynamic lighting.

Lens Correction function
A Lens Correction function adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations, allowing you to maximize your image quality for every digital lens.*

* Compatible with D FA, DA, DA Limited and DA Star lenses. Distortion correction is not applied to the DA 10-17mm Fisheye lens.

Dedicated PC socket
Dedicated PC socket for studio flash offers convenience for the studio photographer without adding hotshoe adapters.

Mirror Lock-up function
A dedicated Mirror Lock-up function eliminates image blur due to mirror movement during long exposures.

HDR image capture mode
An HDR image capture mode blends three separate image exposures to widen the exposure gamut, bringing out detail in all exposure areas of your images.

Creative special effects
Advanced capture options include multi exposure and interval shooting for creative special effects and time-lapse photography.

Composition adjustment feature
A composition adjustment feature allows you to make minor adjustments to the composition of your image using the Shake Reduction mechanism, without having to physically move the camera. Ideal for tripod use or macro photography.

Embedded copyright feature
Programmable embedded copyright information preserves artistic integrity and image ownership during image capture.

Quick-glance overview
Rear LCD Status Screen displays exposure and setting information for a quick-glance overview and modification of image parameters.

RAW file compatibility
PENTAX RAW or Adobe DNG file selection offers RAW file compatibility with industry standard image editing software.

Dedicated RAW button
A dedicated RAW button allows easy situational switching between RAW and JPG file formats without having to access camera file format menu settings.

Custom file name selection
Custom file name selection lets you tailor your image file names to your shooting needs.

Unparalleled customization
Advanced Custom Function settings offer unparalleled customizability, allowing you to adapt the camera to your shooting style, not vice-versa.

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With yesterdays announcement of the Canon Rebel T2i, I had to sit back and smile.. $799 body = 18mp stills & 1920X1080 HD The Rebel T2i will also be able to shoot at the beloved 24p frame rate as well as 60p in 720mode for footage that can be truly slowed by 40% for some pretty sweet slo-mo. Paired with the Zoom H4n for audio and you can capture some beautiful media for about a grand, that’s CRAZY ! I remember when I thought my grandfathers new video camera was so awesome but now isn’t even capable of better looking footage than a cell phone ! Anyways I just wanted to take a moment to express my excitement with this new cam, I’ll surely be getting and making cool demo vids for my Redheads with it : ) Full press release is below..

Canon Rebel T2i - Game changer

THE NEW CANON REBEL T2i DIGITAL SLR TAKES ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS BEYOND THE STILL WITH ADVANCED VIDEO FEATURES

The Family Camera is Back, Introducing the EOS Rebel T2i Featuring a Large 18-Megapixel CMOS Sensor and Full HD Video Recording with Selectable Frame Rates up to 30 fps

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 8, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the new flagship model for the Company’s highly popular Rebel DSLR line: the Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Today’s photo enthusiast is looking for a camera that will grow with them as they learn, and that is a perfect description of the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Retaining all of the traditional characteristics that have made the EOS Rebel series beloved by entry-level photographers and an industry best-seller, the new Rebel T2i succeeds in bridging the gap between an entry-level camera and a true pro-sumer camera.

The Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera includes a variety of new features for photographic assignments as varied as grabbing that action shot from the sidelines or creating memorable family portraits, including: 3.7 fps shooting, an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800), a 63-zone Dual Layer Metering System, and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor. There are some moments in our lives where video helps capture the moment better than a still image, and the Rebel T2i offers the best of both worlds with Full HD 1080p video as well as 18-megapixel still images. The Rebel T2i DSLR continues Canon’s industry-leading trend in Full HD DSLR video capture with manual exposure control, selectable frame rates and a new external microphone input. There is also a new feature for standard definition recording, Movie Crop, which provides an approximate 7x additional zoom with no loss of image quality when shooting SD quality video.

“There is no question that HD video is the biggest trend in DSLR technology and because of this we are seeing the creativity of still photographers transferring to the moving image. Still photographers are using the various lenses and accessories they are already familiar with to create amazing video footage,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Taking that HD video quality and putting it in the hands of entry-level photographers with cameras like our new EOS Rebel T2i, we are seeing a new generation of creative digital artists emerge.”

Lights, Rebel, Action – EOS HD Video
Canon’s EOS HD video capture has helped spark a major movement in digital imaging, empowering still photographers with the ability to experiment, learn and capture stunning high-definition video through a variety of creative lenses. Continuing this imaging revolution, the new EOS Rebel T2i puts entry-level photographers on the frontline equipped with all the latest EOS HD video features including full HD video at 1920×1080 resolution, selectable frame rates, full manual exposure control and the visual options of interchangeable lenses. Manual video exposure control provides novice filmmakers with the image control they are accustomed to in a still camera, all while shooting professional-level cinematic video. Professional photographers utilize creative lighting, adjustable depth-of-field and a variety of lenses to create powerful still images and video footage, and these are exactly the tools that the new Rebel T2i gives to budding photo and video enthusiasts. Adding a new professional-level feature for EOS cameras, the Rebel T2i includes an Auto ISO function that works in all Creative Zone exposure modes including Manual where users can set a limit to the highest ISO the camera will use, enabling them to retain the lighting and look they desire for a scene. By setting an Auto ISO range, videographers can retain dark shadow areas and avoid blowing out highlight areas in a scene while still retaining the benefit of automatic ISO adjustments. The Rebel T2i DSLR captures video in both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards at selectable frame rates including Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30 (29.97), 25 or 24 (23.976) fps, and HD 1280 x 720 or Standard Definition 640 x 480 quality video, at 60 (59.94) or 50 fps.

For easier video recording operation and familiar functionality for beginners, the Rebel T2i’s autofocus can be operated before or during video recording by pressing the shutter button half-way down in video mode. Another feature debuting in the Rebel T2i is Canon’s new Movie Crop mode, where the user can achieve 7x magnification when shooting SD video for a significantly increased “telephoto” effect. Unlike the digital zoom feature found in many compact digital cameras, Canon’s new Movie Crop mode actually crops the image directly from the CMOS sensor at full SD resolution to preserve maximum image quality and provide additional zoom power. The new Movie Crop feature is especially helpful for achieving extra full resolution zoom power when filming youth sports, such as a child running to the furthest end of a field. For better sound quality when shooting video, the Rebel T2i DSLR includes an external stereo microphone jack, a first for an EOS Rebel model, in addition to its built-in monaural microphone. These audio and video features supplement a tremendous range of additional must-have video features in an entry-level Digital SLR camera.

For enhanced viewing pleasure and easy video sharing at home, the HDMI video-out capability of the Rebel T2i DSLR includes a new Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) compatibility which allows users to play back still or video files on a CEC-compliant HDTV, using the TV remote to control the camera when connected via HDMI interface.

Camera Feature Set
The EOS Rebel T2i DSLR features a newly developed 18-million-pixel Canon CMOS imaging sensor providing outstanding resolution and light sensitivity for amazing poster-sized prints with fine detail and stunning color. The camera exhibits exceptional low-noise performance incorporating many of the same technologies used to reduce noise in professional cameras such as the EOS 7D. The Rebel T2i camera’s basic ISO range is an amazing 100~6400, and via a Custom Function, it can be extended to ISO 12,800. The outstanding ISO range combined with its noise reduction technology allows the Rebel T2i to capture outstanding low-light pictures at events such as candlelit birthday celebrations or recitals where flash photography may be prohibited.

The camera provides 3.7 fps continuous shooting for still photos, making it the fastest shooting Rebel model to date and enabling users to capture that great image of a little leaguer’s first swing. The camera features Canon’s proprietary iFCL 63-zone dual-layer metering system offering intelligent Evaluative metering with much finer segmentation than any previous EOS Rebel model. The new Rebel T2i also has an expanded ± 5 EV exposure compensation range allowing for much more versatility when shooting in extremely bright or dark environments; or when shooting HDR (high dynamic range) images.

The Rebel T2i DSLR includes a number of professional-level user-selectable Canon image processing features to enhance the image quality of in-camera JPEG files, and to tag RAW images for processing later through Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software (included with the camera). These features include Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer to enhance shadow detail and add contrast to “flat” scenes, Highlight Tone Priority adding up to one stop of detail in bright highlight areas, Peripheral Illumination Correction for automatic correction of vignetting, High ISO Noise Reduction with four user-selectable settings, and Long Exposure Noise Reduction applied to exposures one second or longer. These Canon image enhancements provide new photographers with professional quality automatic image correction on JPEG files right out of the camera.

The EOS Rebel T2i digital camera includes a new enhanced 3-inch LCD monitor featuring 1.04 million dots with a wide 3:2 aspect ratio, wider than previous EOS models. The Rebel T2i camera’s LCD monitor can display a full-screen video image utilizing the entire screen during playback. For maximum storage capacity the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is the first EOS model to support SDXC memory cards. With all the new and exciting features of the EOS Rebel T2i, the Rebel series continues to provide great Canon features such as Live View, a built-in pop-up flash, and the EOS integrated cleaning system, as well as compatibility with Canon EX-series Speedlites and Canon EF and EF-S lenses allowing users to fully explore multiple creative photographic possibilities. The new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is also compatible with Canon’s new BG-E8 battery grip and new RC-6 wireless remote control for both still images and video capture.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in early March, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $799.99. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $899.99.

I’m reserving mine today.

Sample footage from the Canon Rebel T2i.

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