I need advice stepping into the DSLR world

[Phil Balsdon]

“What’s your insight on that considering that I want to keep it cheap”

Unrealistic.

live HDMI or component video output Maybe possible on a Panasonic GH2. All other DSLR cameras give a dirty feed via HDMI.

external viewfinder Zacuto, Cineroid, SmallHD
power zoom Not really possible unless you connect a wireless Focus / Iris device to the zoom ring.
peaking and zebra You’ll get that in an external viewfinder
no jellocam problems Canon EOS C300 or RED Scarlet (probably out of your price bracket)
ND filter for gain ??Please explain?? Perhaps you mean ND filter, try a Variable ND.
remote focus Oki via USB with a Canon, but a number of other devices from Hocus Focus to Preston.
for sound: XLR connectors Beachtek, Juicelink but you’ll need and external recorder too for best quality – Zoom H4n, Tascam
minimum HD quality They’re all HD of some form or other

If you want most of these features built in start looking at the Panavision AF100, Sony NEX FS100, RED Scarlet, Canon EOS C300 or Sony F3 but they’re not actual DSLRs and are more expensive, especially the last three mentioned.

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

[Chris Wright]

believe you me, i’ve read all the shootouts. the gh2 is the only sub thousand cam
that can…
1. hdmi output
2. zebra.
3. 12,800 iso hack low light. you won’t need 10K lights everywhere
4. match red epic in resolution with quantum hack
5. sound hack
6. even the red has jello, don’t get a 550.
7. get almost any lens you want with an adaptor micro 4/3.
8. unlimited recording time

check it out on vimeo
https://vimeo.com/groups/gh2/videos/33819723

and if you think I’m blowing smoke up my proverbial self,
then check out these other reads…
Is the $1,000 Panasonic GH2 a Better Camera Than the $5,000 Panasonic AF100?
https://nofilmschool.com/2011/02/1000-panasonic-gh2-camera-5000-panasonic/

mini shootout with the C300 (pre-production), F3, FS100, hacked GH2 and more!!
https://philipbloom.net/2011/12/28/christmas-shootout/

[Jonathan Ziegler]

Holy cow, these are the kinds of things I might have asked of DSLRs before I had used them. Exactly what are you shooting? Pro level video, I would skip buying any of it and just rent – sky’s the limit. DSLRs were NEVER meant to do what theyve been asked to do in the last couple years. The fact that they have shaken the video world up is a testament to their overall usefulness, but video on these cameras has largely been an afterthought.

Don’t get rid of your video equipment just yet. Instead rent a 7D, maybe even a 5D Mk II or a T2i, a D5100, GH2, AF100 (I really like this one, but haven’t used the c300 or new Red yet), etc. try em all out first. I only have 2 cameras I actually own now: hero2 from gopro and a canon t2i. All else is rented. Maybe if you count my iPhone? Point is don’t go and buy a new cam with all the bells and whistles until you know what you’re getting.

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

[Jonathan Ziegler]

Found this article at PVC about justifying the expense of buying a new camera:

https://provideocoalition.com/index.php/freshdv/story/buying_cameras/

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

[Jason Jenkins]

[Chris Wright] “2. zebra.”

No zebra on the GH2, but it does have a nice histogram display.

Jason Jenkins
Flowmotion Media
Video production… with style!

Check out my Mormon.org profile.

[Noah Kadner]

yeah I’d start with a GH2 and the 20mm pancake lens. That is less than $1000 and gives you the barest essentials for getting into DSLRs. And once you get good and comfortable at the basics, you have plenty of room to grow into the full array of toys. It’s just like anything else- you get good with practice, not just from buying a pack of gear. I have a video that you can use to get yourself up to speed as well- https://www.callboxlive.com/products/panasonic-gh2-guidebook

Noah

Call Box Training.
Featuring the Panasonic GH2 and GoPro HD Hero.

[Chris Wright]

the “REC HIGHLIGHT” feature works in video mode. it’s not exactly like 550’s zebra, but hey, who cares!