When I talked about getting into video, I meant it. My proof arrived a couple of days ago — the new Canon 7D, all beefed up with new features and of course, video shooting capability.

I have to say I didn’t make the purchase decision lightly. There’s no pool of green that I’m wading in. I made a calculated decision and decided that I needed to make an investment and stay on top of the game instead of always lagging behind and getting older technology. I sold off my 40D to partially fund this camera.

So far, this camera has certainly impressed. In every way, it is a better camera than my 40D: more resolution, faster frame rate, better high ISO performance (if you can believe it), excellent auto-focus, magnificent LCD screen, and last-but-not-least the full HD video. All these upgraded features certainly seemed, to me, worth the premium that I paid on top of the 40D sale.

It’s built in similar size to the 5D, and the construction feels firm. I haven’t shot much with it, but the new auto-focus selections and expansion of focus points are great blessings. Now I feel I can really tackle sports photography, especially with the 8 frames per sec.

But the video is what you’re interested in, right? Just the ability to shoot full HD and at 24p is sweet. I’ve been trying to tape general footage that I can use for some future project. I probably won’t be able to cobble a decent clip too soon though as I still have to work towards getting good audio and then putting it all together in a video-editing software. Still, I’m very optimistic on where this is going, and with some time put in, I hope my videography skills can improve.

Right now I’m still primarily a photographer. It’s what I’m good at, whereas with video I’m merely a toddler playing with toys. But I do see video as an increasingly important skill set that I need to acquire, which in turn will lead to more opportunities.

There was a time when I would slag anyone who suggested I jump ship to video rather than stay as a tried-and-true still photographer. How times have changed. I’ve seen some of the HD capabilities of the new DSLRs, from the Canon 5D MKII and now the new Canon 7D. And I am sold completely.

Perhaps that means I cheated on the love (for photography) that burgeoned about two years ago. But this is not a divorce. I’m merely embracing the new facet of video, and acknowledge that audio and motion combined with still imagery is one unstoppable force. Just look at the slide show-maker Animoto, or the Bebb Studios’ “Fusion Is Now” movement. Soon photographers will be expected to produce short video clips for their wedding couple clients.

I’ve never owned a video camera, but I’m planning to make the Canon 7D my first. Apart from being a competent video camera, the user reviews so far say the still images are impressive too. Even the specs of the 7D trump my backup 40D in almost every way. The $1699 price tag is a little intimidating, but at least still reachable compared to the 5D2‘s $2699 tag. I always believe in worthy investments and my goal would be to earn back the investment from future assignments.

The 7D’s are hard to find right now, but that only festers the itch of trying  out its video capabilities.

Meet Herman Chiu — my new partner in amassing beautiful images to make clients gleefully happy. Our plan is to bring together a small team of photographers/videographers and charge camera first into the highly competitive pool of wedding and portrait photography. We’ve got a few details worked out, including pricing and shooting arrangements, now all we need are clients to stroll right in. Currently our working name for the ‘company’ is Perfect Shutter, but since I’m all for creativity without the cheesiness on top, I’m open to any wacky suggestions.

A one-man show is tough. You’re a shooter naturally, but you also take care of marketing, administration, and finances. Photography I can do well; I’m not so sure about the rest. Having a small team or a business partner does make sense in this regard, as responsibilities can be distributed. Bear in mind that neither of us have a business degree, so we’re still in experimentation mode. But at the very least we can share gear and offer clients the luxury of two shooters.

Although another friend has asked me to join her event photography business in NY, that’s more of a part-time job for them. Since I’m here in the midwest, there doesn’t seem to be any harm in doing a little entrepreneurship. Small overheads and a close team of like-minded individuals should lessen the risks. Of course there is no guarantee of success, and that level of success is highly dependent on who comes looking for our services. My hope is they’ll come, but we also need to have a veritable marketing plan to make that happen.