Not sure if there really is an answer to this but would be interested in others' experiences. I predominantly film in nightclubs and events and find that, when using the Canon 7d, people normally assume I am taking photios and 'freeze' in a pose anticipating that a photo is being taken rather than realising their being filmed. As you can guess, when you're trying to get action shots this can be exteremly frustrating! Has anyone come up with a novel way of solving this? (short of wearing a large t-shirt with this written on!)

Use a proper video camera?! :-) Sorry. Couldn't resist.

Martin - that doesn't work either. I've lost track of the number of times wedding guests have asked me to 'take their picture', even though I'm humphing round a well laden Z1 with furry mic shield. I dutifully film their poses.

try and mingle in, be part of the party, fade into the crowd, dont mess about with settings for too long when in the crowd....failing all that..shoot with a longer lens.

Glue that on your Mate box top

http://pickasign.com/Images/ProductImages/b-rah1.jpg

A matte box and shoulder mount would probably solve the problem.

A megaphone and a riding crop would be cheaper...

Don't forget the director's chair. :)

I actually like being incognito. I have never paid for a shooting permit and don't want to start now. Both in Hollywood and Seattle.

A matte box and shoulder mount would probably solve the problem.

Problem is that rather detracts from the compact, light benefit of the 7d but take your point!

I've found that if you put a shotgun mic with a dead cat/coyote on it people treat it as a video camera. In fact you can put a dead cat wind muff on almost anything and people will think it's a video camera....

Weird.