Always Changing–Which DSLR NOW?

[Eric Nicastro]

There’s always a post about which camera is best. And this seems to fall into that category. But what I think people should be asking themselves is “Which camera is the best for THIS project/film?” Every single camera out there has strengths and weaknesses, every single one! There is no one perfect camera because we always need a camera to do something different. A big thing to factor in is price too. Sometimes we have to buy a camera with less features because it’s all we can afford. Other times, for the lucky few (which is not me) price doesn’t really play a huge role and they can buy the high end gear.

I bought my Canon 60D kit for $5,001.40 (that’s the exact price). What I got with that kit was two Sigma lenses (because I couldn’t afford Canon lenses). I have a 24-70 f/2.8 and a 70-200 f/2.8. Batteries, memory cards, LED light (from Alzo Video not Light Panels), Zoom H4n, cheap Genus LCD screen viewfinder, Rode Video Mic, Igus slider, Manfrotto monopod and HDV head (great for shooting video), Lowepro backpack, lens filters, accessory cables, as well as some items for taking stills with it (external flash, light stand, reflector, etc.)

The point I’m trying to make is I bought that stuff based on my budget and for what I’ll be shooting. I primarily shoot wedding films, some short films and some local commercials. Would I rather have Canon L glass or Zeiss primes? Of course! But my budget didn’t allow it. I had to sacrifice some features because of my budget and take into consideration what I’ll be doing with the camera. I can rent lenses as I need them for cheap and factor that price into the quote I present to my client. There are all kinds of online places to rent from.

Base this decision on your current project or the projects/films you want to do. It’s not always about what everyone else is using, it’s about using the right tool to make your idea or vision work and work within your budget.

[Mike Thomas]

My camera budget for this next project is 12K or under…though preferrably under. I would never rent. My last film I bought a Sony EX3, shot the movie then ebayed the camera 2 months later for only about 1K less than what I bought it for. That’s what I plan to do again.

I suppose part of my indecisiveness is that I’m unable to try out a camera before I commit to buying one (no funds right now to rent even for a day). So I’m trying to figure out what’ll work best for me based solely on internet word-of-mouth. I already follow Philip Bloom’s blog btw. He’s the guy that convinced me to buy a EX3!

Questions:
I understand that the moire problem with DSLR’s shows up when shooting things such as roof shingles and the like. I plan to shoot a lot in the forest. Will all the leaves and such give me grief should I shoot with a DSLR?

I understand that the Panasonic af 100 doesn’t have focus assist. Is this true? My production will be a one man show and I’ll be running the camera myself. After using the EX3’s amazing focus assist…I think I’d be lost without it. How is it focusing with the Panasonic?

I appreciate the replies! Here’s a scene from my first movie if you care to see–https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPmHhHCWjgg

[Noah Kadner]

[Mike Thomas] “I understand that the Panasonic af 100 doesn’t have focus assist. Is this true? My production will be a one man show and I’ll be running the camera myself. After using the EX3’s amazing focus assist…I think I’d be lost without it. How is it focusing with the Panasonic?
“

It has focus assist- and a very sharp, bright screen. I find manual focusing about as good as any camera I’ve used. Far far easier than stock DSLR cameras.

Noah

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[Malcolm Matusky]

Sounds like you need to rent a DSLR rig for a day and test it for yourself!

Malcolm

[Noah Kadner]

Yup- or if you’re in L.A. or NYC check out one of the camera shops like Abel Cine to play around.

Noah

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[Ryan Orr]

Panasonic GH2 or the AF-100…hands down.

The GH2 because it is comparable to the Canon 60D, but it has a clean uncompressed HD signal coming out of the HDMI, so an external recorder can take that beautiful sensor video and get a higher quality video out of it.

The AF-100 because it’s cheaper then the large sensor Sony camera coming out, and it’s more like a video camera then a camera that can do video. In all honesty, the AF-100 isn’t THAT expensive…but I do realize there are others out there where the GH2 would be more in their price range.

Whichever camera you’re trying to get, in general, the Nikon lenses are the best. Just get the right adapters, and you should be good.