-
entry level camera and lens?
I’m wanting to get into the DSLRs just like loads of other people. I looking to spend under $1000. I’m really interested in the Canon T3i and Nikon D5100. This is most for personal use, but will be shooting tons of still and some fun action style outdoor shorts, like the this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3nkzjACUG4
but without a budget. Mostly for fun and to practice my craft. Maybe hoping to get into more work like this or even wedding videos.
Anyway, I’m leaning towards the canon and have been doing my research. I’m hoping to get by for now with the kit lens until I really get a feel for the camera. And coming from the video world, that may take some time. If I were to purchase just 1 multi-purpose lens, what would that be? Some people talk about prime lens, but I want the ability to zoom in. So I followed Steve Crows link at of the bottom of this post:
https://forums.creativecow.net/thread/280/6093#6093, and found this blog:
https://crowdigitalmedia.com/shooting-hd-video-with-the-canon-t2i-dslr.
And in the comments section, Paul mentions this lens, EF-S 17-55 2.8 IS. Is something like this a faster and better lens for video work than the kit lens? I want the ability to get a nice DOF look, but still have the multi-purpose use.
Looking for recommendations on a good multi-purpose lens, without breaking the bank.
OS 10.6.3, Mac Pro 2 x 2.66 ghz quad-core intel xenon, 16 gb ram, with BM Intensity Pro card
Some contents or functionalities here are not available due to your cookie preferences!This happens because the functionality/content marked as “Google Youtube” uses cookies that you choosed to keep disabled. In order to view this content or use this functionality, please enable cookies: click here to open your cookie preferences.
-
21 Replies
-
The Nikon is no doubt an excellent stills camera, but for video, you WANT the T3i. It’s got 720p60, unlike the Nikon, which could be handy for action footage like what you’re wanting to do and even slow-mo. The Nikon also has issues with manual exposure control in video mode that you don’t want to mess with.
As for lenses, I’d get it with the kit lens. Use that for a while, and get a feel for what focal lengths you prefer and how you use it. The kit lens is sharp, just not fast and it’s variable aperture so useless for zooming during a shot.
Also, just go ahead and pick up a Canon 50mm f/1.8 prime… they’re too cheap and good not to. Use it when you need low-light performance or narrow depth of field that the kit lens can’t provide. Later, you may consider that EF-S 17-55. That’s probably the best multi-purpose fast zoom that you could put on your camera. If you think you may upgrade to a full-frame camera someday, a 24-70 f/2.8L would be a good similar choice.
-
Awesome info. That’s exactly the detailed response I was hoping for. I see those 50mm lens’s are around $130. Is that lens made for the crop sensor of the t3i?
yeah, I’ve read reviews about the Nikon is great with still but so so with video. That’s the main reason I’ve turned away from my original plan of getting the D3100. No manual focus for video.
Thanks again Micah.
OS 10.6.3, Mac Pro 2 x 2.66 ghz quad-core intel xenon, 16 gb ram, with BM Intensity Pro card
-
[Matt Campbell] ” Is that lens made for the crop sensor of the t3i?”
With the crop that lens is like an 80mm on a full frame sensor, it has no stabilizer and and a very poor focus-ring.
Nevertheless – for that price: a must-have.
Extremely fast (1.8) and the picture quality is awesome. Don’t think you can go wrong with it, if you don’t want to spend 450 dollars for the 50mm 1.4. -
The canon 60D is even better, but a little more hit on the budget.
Brent Dunn
Owner / Director / Editor
DunnRight Films
DunnRight Video.com
Video Marketing Toolbox.netSony EX-1,
Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 7D
Mac Pro Tower, Quad Core,
with Final Cut StudioHP i7 Quad laptop
Adobe CS-5 Production Suite -
I’ve had both, and much prefer the D5100 for Video.
If you set it up right, you can manual focus.
But why bother when the AF is so much better than Canon. -
Thanks Roger. Now that’s not continuous AF is it? Or is it AF once, before you hit record, then let it rip?
OS 10.6.3, Mac Pro 2 x 2.66 ghz quad-core intel xenon, 16 gb ram, with BM Intensity Pro card
-
forgot the link to the above:
OS 10.6.3, Mac Pro 2 x 2.66 ghz quad-core intel xenon, 16 gb ram, with BM Intensity Pro card
-
what type of lens do you think was used for this? This is similar to what I might use it for. With mountain biking videos, fly by’s and pans are used, but I’m worried about keeping focus. Would something like that 50mm be best. Wider depth of the field rather than shallow right?
OS 10.6.3, Mac Pro 2 x 2.66 ghz quad-core intel xenon, 16 gb ram, with BM Intensity Pro card
-
What does the magic lantern firmware give you the the t3i doesn’t have.
Or can you at least point me the right direction with a link or something.
OS 10.6.3, Mac Pro 2 x 2.66 ghz quad-core intel xenon, 16 gb ram, with BM Intensity Pro card
-
If you can live without the articulating screen- which IMHO is absolutely critical- the t2i is compatible with the Magic Lantern firmware which greatly enhances its video-taking capabilities. The T3i is a better experience hardware wise but until it catches up with ML firmware is not quite as powerful. Definitely avoid the Nikon- it’s really bunk from an ergonomics perspective. Sadly Nikon is way behind Canon in making DSLR’s that work well for video shooting.
Noah
Unlock the secrets of 24p, HD and Final Cut Studio with Call Box Training. Featuring the Panasonic GH2 and Canon 7D.
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up