DSLR for Videos? Old-time Dilema, Again.

[MidEastGal]

Hello,

I am a brand new member here. My question might be old-time-worn but I just had to ask again. Why? Because things change quick in this field. I want to buy a camera for short videos/documentaries and also will be needing to take high quality stills. I am a beginner student and work in social media where I will need to do short films. I aspire to do professional documentaries in the near (hopefully) future.


I read some threads here about this question of mine; yet, I wanted a fresh look at it in hopes of gaining the most recent views. My budget is around
$800 - $ 1000. Can I do decent HD videos with a DSLR? HDSLR vs. Camcorder? Which ones you recommend? What extra gear would I need as beginner to make up for audio? I heard good recommendations about the Canon 60D (~ $1000) and a Sony A57 (~ $700).

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[thevideographer]

Get a used 60D with 1 or 2 lenses and a Rode Videomic. That should be close to your $1000 budget.

 

[TheKenTurner]

People say 60D but you should be fine with a T3i. Equipment: you'll probably want primes instead of a zoom lens, and if you get a zoom lens, get one with a constant aperture

Sorry I'd answer more but I'm tired and on my phone

-Ken Turner

 

[brunerww]

Hi MidEastGal and welcome to the forum. Since you plan to shoot docs, you may want a camera that can shoot long interview takes. The 60D and T3i shut off after 12 minutes of continuous recording (you have to restart them) and the A57 shuts off after 30. My first video capable DSLR was a Canon T2i, but I sold it and replaced it with a Panasonic GH2, a DSLM (where "M" is for mirrorless), rather than a DSLR - primarily because the mirror gets in the way of the viewfinder when shooting video.

The GH2's video clip length is essentially unlimited - and its viewfinder and autofocus continue working in video mode (unlike the Canons - where the viewfinder goes black due to "mirror lockup" and the autofocus stops working as soon as you switch from stills to video).

Here is an example of a travel documentary shot with the GH2:

[video=vimeo;42107369]http://vimeo.com/42107369[/video]

You can find more examples of what this camera can do at Videos in "Panasonic GH2" on Vimeo

And here is what still shooters are doing with it: Flickr: The Panasonic DMC GH Camera Club (GH1, GH2, GH3) Pool

You can get a new GH2 with the 14-42 kit lens on eBay.ca for less than $1000CDN.

Hope this is helpful and Best of the New Year,

Bill

 

[Railphotog]

The Canon T4i focuses during video shooting, and the Canon 18-135 STM lens focuses silently.

 

[brunerww]

Here's my test of the T4i touchscreen autofocus with the 40mm STM (not the 18-135, which was not available when I rented this camera) - note how its autofocus "hunts" and the noise from the autofocus motor (and the camera's viewfinder still blanks out):

 

[brunerww]

Contrast that with touchscreen autofocus using the GH2 - no autofocus "hunting" - and the 14-140 lens is absolutely silent:

 

[MidEastGal]

People say 60D but you should be fine with a T3i. Equipment: you'll probably want primes instead of a zoom lens, and if you get a zoom lens, get one with a constant aperture

Sorry I'd answer more but I'm tired and on my phone

-Ken Turner

Ken, Thanks for your reply. I would actually prefer if I can find cheaper than the D60, especially that I have no specific experience with neither. Is there a professional sample video/film shot with T3i that you could direct me to? Also, what about th eperiod of video on the T3i, how long till it shuts/stops?

 

[MidEastGal]

Get a used 60D with 1 or 2 lenses and a Rode Videomic. That should be close to your $1000 budget.

Videographer, Thanks for teh tip on buying "used". I will look into such options!

 

[MidEastGal]

Hi MidEastGal and welcome to the forum. Since you plan to shoot docs, you may want a camera that can shoot long interview takes. The 60D and T3i shut off after 12 minutes of continuous recording (you have to restart them) and the A57 shuts off after 30. My first video capable DSLR was a Canon T2i, but I sold it and replaced it with a Panasonic GH2, a DSLM (where "M" is for mirrorless), rather than a DSLR - primarily because the mirror gets in the way of the viewfinder when shooting video.

The GH2's video clip length is essentially unlimited - and its viewfinder and autofocus continue working in video mode (unlike the Canons - where the viewfinder goes black due to "mirror lockup" and the autofocus stops working as soon as you switch from stills to video).

Here is an example of a travel documentary shot with the GH2:

[video=vimeo;42107369]http://vimeo.com/42107369[/video]

You can find more examples of what this camera can do at Videos in "Panasonic GH2" on Vimeo

And here is what still shooters are doing with it: Flickr: The Panasonic DMC GH Camera Club (GH1, GH2, GH3) Pool

You can get a new GH2 with the 14-42 kit lens on eBay.ca for less than $1000CDN.

Hope this is helpful and Best of the New Year,

Bill

Brunerww, Thank you so muc for the detailed reply with examples! Now you have opened my eyes to a totally new option than what I came here for which I appreciate. I spent a couple of hours researching sample videos with eth Panasonic GH2 (and 1). The price is great. Videos look amazing especially by that Gunther Machu on Vimeo. Yet, I Googled in general on DSLM vs. DSLR and I was surprised at some negative reviews about the DSLM/mirrorless such as (why would you buy a "wannabe" DSLR and goa step below the latest technoloygy) and the like. Again, I am sure there is negative review for prety much anything. It's just I am still weary of going to a total unorthodox choice as it is not so popular. Would you please elaborate on this? I really liked the price as it will give me room to buy gear/lenses but I don't want to regret after I buy a camera that I didn't ask all the questions.

 

[MidEastGal]

Guys, one more point I wanted to ask about (maybe I'll also post in a separate thread). I already have a Canon Power Shot Sx30 IS. I bought it last year when I was doinga photography project for school. It did a nice job, but now that I am moving up I started looking in the DSLR and the like. Would I have use for this older Canon of mine or should I try to sell it? I really want to know how valuable it is to have it as a second camera?

 

[sekhar]

Yes, GH2 is an incredible camera and a steal at current prices (which I guess dropped because of GH3). You really need to see the footage, it's unbelievable at that price point. There are a ton of comparisons on the net too against much more expensive cameras (including 5D3), where GH2 nicely holds its own. No wonder GH2 is so popular among indie filmmakers. It even has some unique features like clean HDMI out. You might want to apply the firmware hack if you decide to go with it.

Remember though that GH2 has a sensor that's smaller than APS-C. Be sure to check the depth of field and low light capabilities (if you plan to shoot in available light) to make sure you like them.

 

[TehYoyo]

Hello,

I am a brand new member here. My question might be old-time-worn but I just had to ask again. Why? Because things change quick in this field. I want to buy a camera for short videos/documentaries and also will be needing to take high quality stills. I am a beginner student and work in social media where I will need to do short films. I aspire to do professional documentaries in the near (hopefully) future.


I read some threads here about this question of mine; yet, I wanted a fresh look at it in hopes of gaining the most recent views. My budget is around
$800 - $ 1000. Can I do decent HD videos with a DSLR? HDSLR vs. Camcorder? Which ones you recommend? What extra gear would I need as beginner to make up for audio? I heard good recommendations about the Canon 60D (~ $1000) and a Sony A57 (~ $700).

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I'd definitely, with all my heart, recommend getting a dSLR.

I just got an A57 and it's great. You only need 24p if you want to do documentaries/short films b/c you definitely want the 24p look. If you really need 30p, you can just deinterlace 60i in post. It also shoots great stills.

I got mine for $550 (body only. If you're getting it on Amazon, which I would recommend, prices will stay lower-than-normal until about January 28th, according to historical price trends on Amazon. From there, I would get two nice lenses. My first and most heavy recommendation would be to get old SR-mount lenses and then modify them using this guide. If you're not up to that (which is understandable), I'd get a standard 50mm f/1.8 and another lens that you like. I'd also get a microphone, although not necessarily the Rode Pro (which is what most would recommend). Check out video for great recommendations on cheap microphones that still sound good.

 

[MidEastGal]

Yes, GH2 is an incredible camera and a steal at current prices (which I guess dropped because of GH3). You really need to see the footage, it's unbelievable at that price point. There are a ton of comparisons on the net too against much more expensive cameras (including 5D3), where GH2 nicely holds its own. No wonder GH2 is so popular among indie filmmakers. It even has some unique features like clean HDMI out. You might want to apply the firmware hack if you decide to go with it.

Remember though that GH2 has a sensor that's smaller than APS-C. Be sure to check the depth of field and low light capabilities (if you plan to shoot in available light) to make sure you like them.

Sekhar, Thank you. I will add another question to you and the others above. What about the stills on the GH2? As I said I am interested in both. My current Canon (Power Shot Sx30 IS) is neither DSLR nor DSLM, it's almost only a fancy point and shoot! and I am afraid of buying a camera that is just a bit better. I want to make sure it is much better professionally.

 

[MidEastGal]

Hello,

I am a brand new member here. My question might be old-time-worn but I just had to ask again. Why? Because things change quick in this field. I want to buy a camera for short videos/documentaries and also will be needing to take high quality stills. I am a beginner student and work in social media where I will need to do short films. I aspire to do professional documentaries in the near (hopefully) future.


I read some threads here about this question of mine; yet, I wanted a fresh look at it in hopes of gaining the most recent views. My budget is around
$800 - $ 1000. Can I do decent HD videos with a DSLR? HDSLR vs. Camcorder? Which ones you recommend? What extra gear would I need as beginner to make up for audio? I heard good recommendations about the Canon 60D (~ $1000) and a Sony A57 (~ $700).

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I'd definitely, with all my heart, recommend getting a dSLR.

I just got an A57 and it's great. You only need 24p if you want to do documentaries/short films b/c you definitely want the 24p look. If you really need 30p, you can just deinterlace 60i in post. It also shoots great stills.

I got mine for $550 (body only. If you're getting it on Amazon, which I would recommend, prices will stay lower-than-normal until about January 28th, according to historical price trends on Amazon. From there, I would get two nice lenses. My first and most heavy recommendation would be to get old SR-mount lenses and then modify them using this guide. If you're not up to that (which is understandable), I'd get a standard 50mm f/1.8 and another lens that you like. I'd also get a microphone, although not necessarily the Rode Pro (which is what most would recommend). Check out video for great recommendations on cheap microphones that still sound good.

TehYoyo, Thank you for the enthusiastic reply. Oh my! I am getting total opposite replies regarding DSLR and DSLM... I am totally split between both at the moment. Seeing that video up on vimeo made me lean a lot towards the GH2, though, and with that sweet price. But I care too about the stills. I want to ask you, what do you say regarding teh tip above on the length of the video shooting on the Sony A57, for example? Is it irritably short taht I need to stop every 10 minutes or so? Are there other cameras you know of DSLR good video and still?