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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

What do you recommend?

What do you recommend?

  • USED Canon Xh-A1

    Votes: 4 5.8%

  • Canon 7D

    Votes: 24 34.8%

  • RED Scarlet Fixed

    Votes: 33 47.8%

  • Canon 5D MKII

    Votes: 8 11.6%
  • Total voters
    69
I cannot get the 5D II, or the Scarlet. Because that is just the camera alone, and it is already going over budget. Since its only the camera, I still need to purchase additional stuff - a whole rig. Which is way too much in the end.

So, I am going wit the 7D as of now.

BUT, even the 7D with the whole set up is going to cost me a lot.
This is why I am considering the T1i. Its not as good quality, but I guess it could be good enough.
I can get this for only $810 - with the kit lens. So, its a good price.

As everyone would say, its best to actually go out and film with whatever you got. I don't want to have too low quality, as that is a big drawback. So... would the T1i still be great for videos? Or should I not get it even though it is cheap and get the 7D instead?

*The T1i with the whole rig would save me $1550 compared to the 7D & rig.. Which is quite a lot.


ADDED:
.....Now, I am considering the T1i more. I can get the whole setup and eventually I can upgrade the camera to the 7D or another camera in the future.
 
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I am probably going to purchase the T1i, use it for about a week and if I like it, it seems to be good, I'll keep it. But, if not, then I'll just return it. I'd rather purchase it while it cheap as there is only one.

...wait. its 20f @ 1080p & 30f @ 720p. :S
I dont think this will work out. I was hoping 1080p. So, i might as well go for the 7D?
 
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carrying a laptop around with you will aleviate the issue of having enough memory cards on hand.

Keep in mind: I beleive that the 7D's video recording maxes out clip length at 12 minutes. this should be more than adequate for narrative work, but might imepede documentary or event footage.
 
Reason is, I want to get a rid; shoulder mount, follow focus, and possibly a matte box if I got money. Like this:
http://store.zacuto.com/DSLR-Sniper.html
or I might as well get the Marksmen kit with a Redrock follow focus to reduce the costs
Click to expand...

That shoulder rig can be built for about $50usd (minus the follow focus). Youtube IndyMogul. they have a really good tutorial on how to make your own.
 
Another hand in the air for the GH1. for video shooters, it is the better choice. For photographers who don't already have an investment in glass, the GH1 has a lot of things going for it when it comes to performance at a given price point. Your money goes a lot farther with micro four/thirds systems.
 
GH1 compression is horrendous, IMHO. Stick to my earlier advice and you will thank me later.
 
Tom L said:
GH1 compression is horrendous, IMHO.
Click to expand...
It will depend on your shots (and shooting style or needs).

As one of my former filmschool instructors on digital filmmaking was used to say (in 2003), a codec is not a finished coating brought to an end or conclusion.

Take a glance on:
http://vimeo.com/user1376168/videos

Italy or Atlanta clips-samples/examples.
 
Hi, DDirector. Can you tell us why you are considering DSLRs for narrative shooting? Is it the 35m-esque DOF? If cost is still too high even at the GH-1 level you may consider a consumer level dedicated cam corder such as the S11 or the HV30 and attach a 35mm-adapter on it. I believe there is one out there for about $100 and is designed specifically for small consumer cams. And these cams record at 24f/p
 
Also, DDirector

This is a real name forum. Please contact a moderator and have him change your name to your real name.
 
Tom L said:
GH1 compression is horrendous, IMHO. Stick to my earlier advice and you will thank me later.
Click to expand...

+1. If you think h.264 at 35mbs is difficult to use. Wait till you shoot AVCHD at 15mb. You can't really move the camera. Not because of Jello, but because the picture will fall apart. People talk about the 5D and 7D falling apart... But the GH1 picture literally falls apart on the screen. I've seen it first hand. It does make a great image when on a tripod (just like the Nikons) but it's even more difficult than the Canons for moving shots. The only time I've had a picture noticeably break up with a 5D is when shooting waterfalls.
 
Please don't lose sight of my advice, it was to buy a used A1 for $2k AND a GH1. I have seen used GH1's for $1k if you want to save more $. That's $3k for your two cam kit and you will need both cams (IMO), a 7D (new) with glass is going to put you around $2500.

I'm not saying the 7D isn't a great cam, it is, just make sure you make your money go as far as you can. I see a lot of kids lose site of that some times.

What kind of stuff will you be shooting? 7D does not have auto focus if your going to do run n' gun stuff, it is capped at 12 min record time (sure you know this) but I wouldn't think that would be a problem unless you want to shoot weddings or events. I got by for a while on an hvx200 with an 8 gig card at 8 minutes max recording time (I shoot in 1080).

Goto vimeo and type in GH1 in the search box, you;ll find all knds of videos, really bad and really good, same with the 7D.
 
Bryce O said:
+1. If you think h.264 at 35mbs is difficult to use. Wait till you shoot AVCHD at 15mb. You can't really move the camera. Not because of Jello, but because the picture will fall apart. People talk about the 5D and 7D falling apart... But the GH1 picture literally falls apart on the screen. I've seen it first hand. It does make a great image when on a tripod (just like the Nikons) but it's even more difficult than the Canons for moving shots. The only time I've had a picture noticeably break up with a 5D is when shooting waterfalls.
Click to expand...
It's true. But yet about my earlier post...
Emanuel A. said:
It will depend on your shots (and shooting style or needs).

As one of my former filmschool instructors on digital filmmaking was used to say (in 2003), a codec is not a finished coating brought to an end or conclusion.

Take a glance on:
http://vimeo.com/user1376168/videos

Italy or Atlanta clips-samples/examples.
Click to expand...
...something really beyond and a way relevant is the glass.

Here's an example how high quality glass can help and resolve what any inferior choice over the apparent lack of definition of the Canons (read 5D Mark II) on the wide range cannot.

http://vimeo.com/7883183

It's not accurate to infer that with the Canon's 1080p, the glass is a matter of non-considerable worthy of note.
 
So your saying to go with a GH1?
I heard it was a great camera, the only downside is that it has a small sensor. Which I would really like to have a big sensor to have similar to movie like dof.

So, what exactly makes the GH1 better?
Does it have auto focus? or do any? It would be great to have just in case if doing some run n' gun stuff.

I also heard that the GH1 does not have such good 1080p quality. its best in 720p. Unlike the 7D.
I will be shooting mostly (90%+) in 1080p.

The thing about the GH1 I don't like, even though it has nothing to do with quality, is the size. Its small. If using for photos, or I don't have the setup with shoulder mount, etc. then it's just weird to hold it.

Im going to be using primes for whatever camera I get. Speaking of the lenses, I also heard the GH1 has less lens options. true? (Speaking of primes only) I dont want zoom lenses.
 
Michael,

It's not a matter of less glass options or perhaps even the opposite granted the 4/3" format and its «universal» mount.

It's the smaller format which will give you an inferior choice. Every lens you'll put on the front will be slower (and less wider) than in a bigger sensor size.

I'd buy the 5D MkII (faster and sharper 'brain' than the 7D) without thinking twice. It's a no-brainer, best bang for the buck till Scarlet S35 will be out.

Besides, the GH1 codec is effectively «horrendous» as Tom said, IF that camera is the only capture device you have or you'll need substantially more beyond (simple) tripod shots with talking heads or then, beyond 720p -- recording mode where the codec is far lesser problematic. But in run and gun setup, nothing will compare the Scarlet 2/3" fixed lens (with AF for motion picture acquisition) camcorder indeed.

Hope this helps,

E. :-)
 
MICHAEL,

Please read the link I posted for you on dvxuser, there is a whole GH1 section and also a 7D section. GH1 has more lens optons than a 7D, you can even put $100k panavision glass on it with the hot rod adapter. GH1 has auto focus.

Go over to dvxuser.com and do some homework, get what's best for you. Pretty much everyone who has a GH1 loves it and everyone who has a 7D loves it (understanding these are under $2k cameras) but there are differences that could benefit or hurt you.

There are also several shorts that were intered into dvxfest shot on both the 7D and GH1 at dvxuser, go watch them.
 
OK, thanks.
I re-read a few things over, I get it.
Its a pretty tough choice. Lots of people say one, other people say the other.... I'll just go to the camera shop and try them out there to see.

One thing I still don't quite understand, is the 12min recording time on the 7D. What exactly does this mean?
I am using the 16gb 300x card.

Is it like 12min. non-stop? Because if it is, that's not that big of an issue, especially when shooting a film. Never seen an uncut 12min video.
 
DDirector said:
One thing I still don't quite understand, is the 12min recording time on the 7D. What exactly does this mean?
I am using the 16gb 300x card.

Is it like 12min. non-stop? Because if it is, that's not that big of an issue, especially when shooting a film. Never seen an uncut 12min video.
Click to expand...
If you pay attention to FTP files, you'll find the same 4GB limit. And yes, it is about 12 min.s non-stop if your unit won't overheat first, what probably can happen easier with SD or 720p at 60 frames per second than 1080/24p. Even though, SD recording is longer.
 
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