Canon EOS Rebel T2i

[Phil Balsdon]

High quality stills, definitely the 5D.

Cinematographer, Steadicam Operator, Final Cut Pro Post Production.
https://philming.com.au
https://www.steadi-onfilms.com.au/

[Pete Burger]

For “just” video: Not much difference between the 5DMkII and T2i (especially when using Magic Lantern). The 5DMkII has a slightly better low-light performance. But all in all: I would invest in lenses rather than the body.

If it goes for video *and* stills: Get the 5DMkII (or the 7D if you don’t need a full-frame sensor).

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“Tragedy is a close-up; comedy, a long shot.” – Buster Keaton

[Jorden Mosley]

It’s good camera for video. And as mentioned before, I’d just get the body only. But if your just getting the body, I’d recommend the T3i instead. It has manual audio control, a good digital zoom, and a handy swivel screen that the t2i doesn’t. But if you look up nextag right now there’s a sale on the 60D body for around 500.00. I’d recommend that camera over both the t3i and t2i.

[Jonathan Ziegler]

It depends, depends, depends. If you are a pro photographer wanting to try this crazy DSLR video thing, you should consider the 5D. If you just want video and some nice photos to boot, then the T2i is your best bet. Neither camera was designed for video per se – they are both primarily photo cameras with video features crudely thrown in. That doesn’t mean they don’t shoot great video, but if you’re new to video, get a video camera – the video implementation is seriously lacking when coMpared to even basic, consumer level features. Having a film background from a long time ago, my T2i reminds me of a 16mm Bolex camera with a few gosh neat features like instant playback and cheap processing (yes there is more to it than that). Oh and don’t be fooled by the cost of the body – you’ll spend far more on lenses and extras in the long run – even me and I’m really cheap. 😉 consider renting from somewhere like borrowlenses.com or a similar place that has DSLR packages you can rent for the weekend for about $200-300. I own 1 camera and rent the rest so I don’t have to keep up with the jones every week.

Jonathan Ziegler
https://www.electrictiger.com/
520-360-8293

[Steve Crow]

Well I am an enthusiastic T2i owner so naturally I suggest going for that camera, the video is really great and the price leaves money left over to invest in lenses and all the other gear you will be needing too.

If you are a still photography pro (and I mean really pro!) yes then maybe the 5DMII makes sense but you can excellent high quality professional stills with the T2i no problem. Think back just a few years ago when photographers had mostly all manual cameras – were their cameras not capable of producing professional quality images? Many of the most famous images in the world were photographed on what we could consider now really old cameras with outdated tech…it’s not the camera that’s going to make an image professional/high quality – it’s the photographer and their skill.

In an ideal world with unlimited funds yes I would probably go for the 5DMII just for the full frame video but I don’t live in that world and I don’t think you do either, yet I am able to work professionally doing video documentaries using my “old” T2i!

[Cal Thorley]

Video wise, I’ve been using one on the odd occasion over the last year and it’s certainly a great tool for certain situations. I wouldn’t rely on it as my only option however, as you’re no doubt aware,there are a lot of hurdles with audio, rolling shutter, clip length restrictions, overheating, not to mention stabilising the thing. So yeah, either pick your battles or spend a lot making it behave more like a video camera.

I much prefer the look from my mates 5Dm2 with it’s full size sensor but if it’s not an economical investment wise (like it wasn’t for me) the lower cost alternatives aren’t bad and any lens you buy will work better should you upgrade to the 5d spec down the track.

Photo wise, 5D no contest! Both take acceptable pics but the 5D is just another level again.

[Jason Jenkins]

Don’t overlook the Panasonic GH2! No overheating; unlimited record time; no moire; on-screen audio meters; swivel screen… All this in a $900 body!

Jason Jenkins
Flowmotion Media
Video production… with style!

[Martin Knox]

Everybody’s posts haves been great. Thanks!

With all that said, Is there a pro/consumer video camera you recommend with image quality comparable to the 5D on a low budget? less than $1000.

In the $400-%600 range if I’m lucky

2 x 2.66 GHZ Dual Core Intel 5GB 667 Ram
OSX 10.5

[Steve Crow]

That’s the entire point of HD DSLRs for video…normal videocameras (except at the SUPER high end of the professional market) are simply not capable of producing the kind of cinematic images that are the hallmark of cameras like the Canon T2i, 7D and 5DMII. The T2i is only $800! (Yes, you will be spending more to achieve the best looks with any HD DSLR)

A few years ago, people were using the Canon HV20 (now replaced by the HV40) and attaching a depth of field adapter in front to get images that are closer to what is now available on HD DSLRs – and besides thats a much more expensive solution.

A cheap videocamera will produce footage that is exactly the opposite of that. I don’t know why you would even consider one! 🙂 (well okay there are some advantages to traditional camcorders that have already been mentioned in this thread but if you want that old school video look why even bother looking at the T2i?)

Camcorders have their place, for some projects they are the best choice but for me they are so over! 🙂 Best of luck to you in your endeavors!

[Cal Thorley]

As Steve says, the HDSLRs are so popular because they’re capable of shots not normally anywhere near your price range. That’s why people are happy (ish) to accept and work around the limitations with the format.
The GH2 is also a very underrated camera and deserves consideration.

Just be aware that it isn’t the tool for all applications but what it can do for the price is awesome.