First DSLR for Video

[ggrantly]

Hello Listers,

I've been doing video for quite some time, and also do still photography. None of my still cams (5d +40d) presently have video, so I am thinking I'll dip my toe into the dslr video pool. I already have good L-glass. I can't afford a Mk3 just now and would prefer to wait till the prices come down a bit regardless. But I am interested in replacing my 40d with another crop cam; either a 60d or a T4i.

Could anyone recommend one over the other, and give me a brief primer on how well external monitors like the DP4 with viewfinder work. Is my understanding correct that the hdmi output is crippled in some way?

Thanks for the wisdom.
Grant

[kylevant]

Canon haven't really upgraded their crop DSLRs much with regards to video. I understand that you want to use your Canon glass for video, but you may want to look at some other offerings. Maybe even Sony (they adapt nicely to Canon glass)?

When it comes to HDMI, the only Canon's that won't downscale below 720p are the 5DMKIII and 7D. The live-view output looks pretty horrible at 480p on the others.

Edit: I stand corrected, it seems the T4i outputs 1080i (from dslrfilmmaker).

[sewolla]

Got zero experience with the T4i, however....I got a 60D back in December for doing video work with. Due to my schedule I am just now getting to actually work with it as a video cam, and really am liking it. The smaller form factor is great. I shoot with a Canon 24-105mm F4 L "IS USM" lens for the most part.
The HDMi output to a monitor seems to be in standard def. It will not fill the whole screen either. That is when using my Marshall 7" monitor. Don't know about the DP4. Kind of a disappointment, as it can make achieving critical focus more of a challenge.
Also the 60D has a limit of 12 minutes per clip, max. Cannot verify now, but....I think I read that Canon increased that to 30 minutes on T4i. Now that, for an event shooter like me, would seal that deal.
I would really check out that T4i. if it records for 30 min instead of 12....well thats the way I would go.

[dslrfilmmaker]

I have the T4i and the SmallHD DP4, and my previous DLSR was the 60D ;-) Compared to the 60D, the 1080i HDMI output on the T4i is a great improvement for monitoring with the DP4. On the 60D there was no real benefit of using an external monitor, because once you started recording the signal dropped to 480p. On the T4i the resolution doesn't drop (and the screen stays on when you hit record), so you really have a bigger, more detailed screen on which it is much easier to judge focus. I find the T4i and DP4 EVF a great combination!

As for the recording limit: I just tested it, and the maximum recording time is 30 minutes of continuous recording! It does this by recording 3 4Gigabyte files, which you can join together in your editing software.

The reason for me to trade my 60D for a T4i was that I like the even smaller form factor of the T4i: if you're running and gunning all day all weight counts and somehow I really like the button-layout on the rebels. Also, the full HD HDMI out was a deciding factor, because on the 60D my DP4 wasn't of much use.

Downsides compared to 60D: fact that you can't run Magic Lantern on the T4i (yet): missing audio meters and 1250 ISO.

I also don't like the fact that they removed the 3x crop which is so useful on the T3i (It allows you to do wide-shots and close-ups with just one 17-55 f2.8 lens).

[daihard]

I'd spring for the newer T4i over the 60D, with regards to the monitoring and focusing.
If your doing event, and want to shoot long continuous shots... you may need to think about another brand of camera. Sony and GH2 are really pushing the boundaries of video functionalities and limitless recording times. Or picking up a B-Camera like a true video camera. Something you can throw on sticks and leave.
It sounds like photo will still be a factor in choosing your A-Camera, and the bonus of Native glass with camera can lean you to STAYING with canon's offerings.
I do a lot of event stuff (with a GH2 - Canon and Nikon glass) and still, I have rarely ever needed to film longer then 20 mins continuos...much less using a clip that long in my Post Editing.

[ggrantly]

Thanks for the replies. Yes I have standard video cams for most work, and dual audio capabilities, so audio isn't important at all. A dslr for video would just be for b-roll, beauty shots, or stealth. It does sound like the T4i would be better for focus. Yes this cam would be used for still work so that is important too. Where does the 7d fit into this other than costing more money?

I probably would add some type of EVF, how does the DP4+EVF compare to the Cineroid or Zacuto?

Grant

[dslrfilmmaker]

I've used both the Zacuto EVF and the SmallHD EVF, and I'd put it this way: if you mainly want an EVF, go for the Zacuto (it smaller and more lightweight, but is too small for use as an external monitor). If you want an external monitor (which can also be used as a bulky EVF) go for the SmallHD.

[homestar_kevin]

Honestly, I'd go for a t3i over the t4i.

I've never had a problem focusing on my t2i, it's not the best, but it does work. I've never butchered focus enough to have to do anything about it. I'll just zoom in on the live view preview to ensure it's correct.

The t3i will have the same quality video at the t4i, but it will be cheaper and you get the video crop feature not found on teh t4i

[sewolla]

Personally I would not get the 7D due to its reported over-heating issues from time to time. Has no real advantage over 60D or T4i for video work. The swiveling screen on the 60D and T4i, plus the longer record time on the T4i, and apparent lack of over-heating (or at least to a much lesser extent) in the 60D would seal the deal.

But....if you will use it for stills work too, maybe you could look at the 5D MkIII. I hear it has the 30 min record time, but HDMi is not as good as T4i. The trade-off is its a better stills camera, if you need that for your clients.

[ggrantly]

Personally I would not get the 7D due to its reported over-heating issues from time to time. Has no real advantage over 60D or T4i for video work. The swiveling screen on the 60D and T4i, plus the longer record time on the T4i, and apparent lack of over-heating (or at least to a much lesser extent) in the 60D would seal the deal.

But....if you will use it for stills work too, maybe you could look at the 5D MkIII. I hear it has the 30 min record time, but HDMi is not as good as T4i. The trade-off is its a better stills camera, if you need that for your clients.

A mk3 is in my future as my 5d ages, but I'm not ready for that just yet. I want to replace my crop cam first since it isn't such a big pill to swallow.

Since the T4i is almost the same price as the 60d, what is any advantages does the 60d have for either video or still work?

Thanks to everyone for their input.

Grant