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Will DSLR filming be an upgrade?
I have a Sony HDR CX260 camcorder. I do some amateur filmmaking, and I am looking into getting a DSLR, probably a Canon Rebel T3i or a 5D. Is that a good decision from a filmmaking standpoint? I know there will be a learning curve, but will the end result be a better film? Thanks for your help!
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13 Replies
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Just to be upfront about it, a good film can be made with any camera able to capture a video image (or stills if your project is stop animation)…what’s far more important is who is operating that camera.
That said, yes, a DSLR like the Rebel or, especially so, the 5D will allow you to record gorgeous images BUT it does take much more work than you are used to with a camcorder. For myself, I’ve found the extra effort to be well worth it. So I would encourage you moving into this direction.
Steve Crow
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What if what I was looking at was only the Rebel T3i/something at a comparable price range?
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Well frankly there isn’t hardly any difference between the Rebel T*i modelsn in so far as the final look of the video – I’ve even talked to Dave Dugdale about this issue and he told me that I probably wouldn’t notice much difference at all between my Canon T2i and the 7D.
If you can spring for it, look at their entry level full frame model the Canon 6D – so you are still getting the benefits that full frame gives you with the 5D but at a much reduced price.
Steve Crow
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So if I already own a Sony HRD-CX260V, getting a Canon T3i would not be much of an upgrade?
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Actually I am saying nearly the opposite. I’m saying whatever Canon DSLR you are likely to purchase it will produce far better images than your Sony Camcorder – even the T2i.
Go to Vimeo and type T2i in as a search term and see all the wonderful short films that have been shot on that camera – there’s a new documentary out that was shot entirely by one person using two Canon T2i’s – it’s about how people have overcome difficult situations by using Batman as their inspiration – sorry can’t remember the name – but there are many many other examples out there
Steve Crow
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Oh ok. Thank you very much for your help!
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Agree with Steve Crow on this one. The Canon DSLR was definitely a worthy investment, and a major upgrade from what I had previously.
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Matthew – I came from camcorders to DSLs, started out with a T2i and was very disappointed. Before you make your decision, you should be aware that the T3i is missing some of the standard features you’re accustomed to from your CX260:
– it has no video autofocus
– it shuts down and has to be restarted after 12 minutes of continuous recording – where your camcorder can record for hours without interruption
– it has no 1080/60p recording for easy in-camera slow motion
– it has no compatibility with power zoomsFor people coming from camcorders, I usually recommend large sensor, interchangeable lens cameras with “camcorder-like” features such as the $697.99 (with kit lens) Panasonic G6. This camera has:
– fast video autofocus
– hours of continuous recording instead of minutes
– 1080/60p recording
– compatibility with power zooms like this one and this oneHere is what this camera can do:
Music Video:
Narrative:
Documentary:
Slow Motion/Sport:
Travel Video:
https://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)
Compared to the $3000 Canon 5D Mark III:
This camera is far superior to the T3i for just a little more money. Even Dave Dugdale is selling his Canon DSLRs for a higher end Panasonic.
Good luck with your decision!
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Honestly, check out the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera at B&H. I think the sensor is far better than most DSLRs and it’s under $500 for about the next month (a $500 price drip which is actually more than 50% off the usual price of $995) AND it uses off-the-shelf mft lenses (I would prefer EF, but that’s the 4K model). I’m getting one next week to supplement my existing DSLRs (I use T2is and T3is with Magic Lantern installed on both).
Using a DSLR is gonna be quite the change from using a camcorder like the one you’ve listed. They’re not quite as point and shoot as even a video camera. Check out https://nofilmschool.com/dslr/ for a great guide if you’ve never used a DSLR before. All the manual settings in DSLRs can be cumbersome and counterintuitive for newbies. For me, it was like doing 16mm film again: checking exposure, fiddling with shutter speed and f-stop, but that’s not for everyone.
My advice: rent one or 2 for a weekend before you buy (don’t forget lenses, memory, and batteries).
Save early. Save often.
Jonathan Ziegler
http://www.electrictiger.com
520-360-8293 -
I realized the Batman documentary is Legends of the Knight and you can watch a trailer for it at:
wearebatman.comCheers!
Steve Crow
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