the UK really, really does have to learn how to deal with snow....

I disagree, because the tripod will also move. You'll also need it every single time you touch the lens to focus, so leave it on. Don't believe it? try it.
An 055 with 501HD head isn't really heavy or stable enough.

I've already said it once and I'll expand it here: video is a completely different world.

- more contact points needed - handheld is truly awful
- focussing while video is running needs a *lot* of skill and excellent eyesight (hence the zacuto z-finders of this world)
- HDMI out that works while filming eases this issue mildly but not really
- HD vids are stupidly large
- a video clip says nothing. You then need to process it and cut it and show a background to the story; where a still will show the action on stage, the video needs the setup and breakdown to make sense or it's just a clip
- lighting is just as important as on stills - shadows disturb if you want professional-looking results.
- processing is a nightmare due to the file sizes and computing power required to make it look good. Colour correction? ha

you essentially have two choices in video: Gonzo or Pro. There's nothing in between.

Bret

I've been doing a lot of work with a 7D and my personal opinion:

- use SR

- Shutter speed 1/30 for "movie" feel and a little blur, faster for crisper pics (I don't see the need for what I do, but that's another story)

- set exposure and ISO to suit, test with a pic so you don't get blown highlights.

That's it.
Oh, and practice your manual focussing.......and a video NEEDS a story, unlike a photo. It's a very different world.

Bret

Excellent, nice story.

1) Download and use PhotoMe. It's free and just drop a file onto it.
2) no. You need a BG4.

Bret

I like winter tyres...

if it's an older octy, the fit is 5x100, centre bore 57.1 and ET of 6x15s should be around 35. Try pepperpots from an A3....

Bret

electric snow blower or a heated drive (we do this here a *lot*) - they heat them to +3 or so and leave them there.

Bret

It's warming up here. supposed to be getting a load of snow again tonight (which doesn't really surprise me).

So, now my track is booked (anyone else want to come and stand around in the cold? Bring a K5 or K7 with you!) I can relax with a small Balvenie Portwood

Bret

Hmm, Elan valley. I think I might need to search for one of these...

Bret

most keyboards are spillage resistant and many older ones will survive the dishwasher if given time to dry afterwards.

We actually tried killing a laptop this way and failed. For a video for work - talking about backup - we spilled coke over an IBM 3 times. Left it to dry outside in -1 for three hours and then tried it - it worked.

Bret