DSLR For One Man Documentary

[cinecow]

Hello Forums,

I'm planning to film a documentary next year and am looking for the right dslr. This will be my secondary camera. It will be about stand-up comedy so a lot of filming will take place inside of comedy clubs, which means absolutely poor lighting. I also need to be able to record myself on stage without much assistance. The only help I'll have is a buddy who will make sure my equipment doesn't get stolen. Originally I had a small crew of film students to work with but I've come to the conclusion that they're too unreliable. I've already sunk too much money into this project to quit, so I will attempt putting something together myself.

Gear I Already Have:
*Canon EOS 5D Mark III
*Sigma 35mm f/1.4
*Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8
*Canon 24-105mm f/4 L IS

Right now I'm looking at the 70D and 5D2. I'm impressed with the 70D's continuous AF during video. It looks a lot more reliable than what the t4i and sl1 offer. Since the camera will essentially be unmanned for short periods I was thinking this is the way to go but I'm worried about the noise. The other option I'm looking at is picking up a used 5D2. My buddy offered me one for $1300 with a battery grip included and only 13,500 actuations total.

I know this should be a no brainer towards the full frame but since I'm in a scenario where I have a very limited amount of shots the AF might prove indispensable. Especially if I'm following someone and recording hand held. So, I guess the real question would be: Is the AF on the 70D advanced enough to warrant buying it over a 5D2 for these particular circumstances?

Thanks.

 

[goodguy]

The 70D is a very good camera for video taking but I am afraid it might not be the tool for low light shooting.
For that the 6D is probably the best camera for the job, its AF system is not as good as the 5D III or even the 70D but you are not going to shoot sports.
For the low light in the comedy club condition this is the camera I would want to have, its low light capabilities are known to be the best even better then the 5D III.

 

[runnah]

70d is a great choice. The built in flip screen is super helpful.

 

[rexbobcat]

The 70D is currently the only camera that autofocuses while shooting video too.

 

[curtyoungblood]

When you say you're going to have to record yourself on stage, are you gonna be filming just yourself or will you be filming other comedians too?

I am not sure how the 70d focus works, but I don't think the 5d2 is what you're looking for. Focusing video is pretty difficult on that camera. It certainly isn't going to be a great camera for setting on a tripod and leaving alone. I would expect those shots to be out of focus.

On a different note, you also don't have a lens long enough for this project.

 

[brunerww]

Hi cinecow - if your camera is going to be unattended, you're going to need absolutely bulletproof autofocus. The 70D's AF is much better than the T4i's. And with a fast lens, the 70D will do a good job in low light.

At your price point, I would get the $1199 70D plus a relatively inexpensive fast, long lens such as the $409 Canon EF 100mm f2.

That said, I would also look at getting a pro camcorder such as the $1697 Panasonic AG-AC90. You already have the 5D Mark III for shots where shallow depth of field is needed - so another DSLR may not be the best option, especially for an unattended camera.

For doc shooting, I would seriously consider getting a traditional pro camcorder as your "B" camera. It will do a good job in low light, autofocus will not be an issue, you can plug pro XLR mics straight into the camera and it will run for as long as you need it to - with no 30 minute continuous recording limit (and no moire).

Here is what this camera can do in a performance setting (the locked off shots are done with the AC90 - Paulo Teixeira shot the handheld stuff with a Panasonic GH2 and a 20mm f1.7 lens).

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your project!

Bill