DSLR Questions…

[Bret Williams]

Specs for the rebel T2i are same for video as the 7d actually. And it’s about $700. Not a shabby still camera either. Spend another $400 and get the 60d which is mire focused on video with it’s tilt out screen. I think 60d is the best bang for the buck. Pro controls, same video, some newer tech even.

[Bret Williams]

I’ll tell ya why I want one…
I currently have a Canon Rebel XT. Great camera 3 years ago and still takes amazing 8mp pics. But with 2 kids now I’d love to be taking HD videos of them. And being an editor, it sure doesn’t hurt to have a quality HD camera around to shoot a pickup shot. I already have a lens I’m happy with on the XT (sigma 70-200) and it would port to the T2i (550) no problem.

I have a general dislike for zooming shots, so a DSLR’s lack of good live zoom is fine with me. It’s leaps ahead of shooting video on my iPhone and Sony snapshot camera. Sure, we have a couple old DV camcorders laying around, but I think my iPhone shoots better images and it fits in my pocket.

[Matt Surf]

Hi Thomas,

I also have the Z5e and recently invested in a 550d because I wanted to start experimenting with the reality of using DSLRs instead of my normal video camera on corporate jobs.

I would say go for the 550d as it is a great camera in terms of quality and is a real good in-road into DSLR shooting. I have been toying with the idea of selling the Z5e and using the proceeds to fully deck myself out in a DSLR setup but I think l will miss the run and gun approach and end up kicking myself. As others above say, when you consider the extras you have to get (decent lenses are around £500 each for a start) it really doesn’t seem to make financial sense.

In my opinion it isn’t going to be too much longer before either the DLSRs get all the extra capabilities of existing video cameras or video cameras are going to get the DoF appeal of the DSLRs (this is already starting to emerge with the new Panasonic offering). Therefore, I’m going to keep my Z5E, continue to experiment and improve with the 550d and then maybe sell both of them and buy the next generation leap of camera capable of that I mentioned above that I reckon will be out in 18 months or so.

Hope that garbled message actually helps a little??

Matt

[Thomas Morter-laing]

Matt, thank you, that was both informative and a little encouraging as well, which is always nice (not like when I went onto another “shall not be named forum” about my Z5 and everyone was like “WAH WAH WAH ITS CRAP COS ITS HDV” I was like… “thanks guys….for the friendly advice….” haha). And thanks to everyone else so far as well, of course.
Anyway, what do we think about the Lumix GH1 in comparison? Does the 550D still come out on top for Video purposes?
Also (this has been asked somewhere else as well)- whats the bitrate of the 550d? Is it about 50Mbps like the 5D?

😀
Tom Morter-Laing
Certified Apple Product Proffessional, 2010
Degree; TV Production

iMac 27″ intel i7 2.93GHz, 12GB RAM, ATI HD5750 [1GB GDDR5], 2TB Int. SATA with 2TB External HDD; (FW800).

[Matt Surf]

Hi Tom,

I think the 550d is 48Mbps, great in terms of quality. Personally, I’m not sure on the Panasonic Lumix but can certainly vouch for the 550d.

I have shot a few films with it with the intent of putting them online but just haven’t found time to do it yet!

Thanks for your comments, in terms of a return favour how are you getting on with your Imac 27″ and I7 processor. I just bought one (waiting for it to ship) with same processor, but 8GB RAM and want to run FCP, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Colour etc on it.

How do you find working with it?

Matt

[Thomas Morter-laing]

Firstly I just realised- hi Jason, I didn’t know you were on here! I’m the guy who phoned from that production company that time… Haha (don’t wanna be specific cos I’m not sure what the rules and etiquette suggest )!
Hi Matt- I just got back from editing a TV Documentary on a slightly older albeit 8 core mac pro with hyper threading with 16GB of RAM and honestly don’t notice much difference between that and my current iMac config. I mean, I wasn’t timing or anything, but I remember when I had the old 2.93ghz 24″ iMac I really noticed a huge difference, which is hopefully an encouraging sign for you- you should love it! I obviously use FCP with a few olivine, and frequently render out stuff from HD acquisitions such as the EX series, and it runs like a dream- obviously top spec HD is a little tougher, but prores everything and it’s all as cool as the new old spice adverts.

😀
Tom Morter-Laing
Freelance Editor
Certified Apple Product Proffessional, 2010
http://www.depictproductions.co.uk

Sony Z5, with Rode NTG2.
iMac 27″ intel i7 2.93GHz, 12GB RAM, ATI HD5750 [1GB GDDR5], 2TB Int. SATA with 2TB External HDD; (FW800), with Elgato Turbo H264HD.