Best DSLR for filmmaking ($3,000-$4,000 or under) ?

[NBside]

Not sure if this is a repeat thread or not, but I didnt see a direct post, so I figure I'll ask for the general consensus....

I've said it before, and I'll say it again....by no way do I consider myself to be a professional DP. My talents lie in other areas of the production process, however, with the advent and advancements in DSLR's, I've been able to shoot a lot of my projects myself. Thus allowing me to save my clients money, and expand my knowledge and skills behind the camera.

All of that said, here's my question....

I'm looking to pickup a new camera for use on a project Im shooting this summer. I have a T2i and a 7D, and have regular access to a 5D MKII when I need it. My question is... for the purposes of the narrative filmmaker, which camera priced >$3,500~ would you choose?


My thoughts right now are leaning towards the Canon 5D MKIII... Having full frame, the wider ISO range, the ability to shoot on both CF and SD, and the new guts that they added seem like a solid choice to me.
Ive really been digging what I've read on the BMD Cinema Cam, however, it wont be available until after I complete principal on this project, so unfortunately...it's not an option for me. Though, once it's released and readily available and the user reviews are out...I plan on looking into it for a future upgrade.

So, thoughts? Suggestions? Recommendations?

Thanks!

Nick

[morgan_moore]

I would not spend $4k on a DSLR

Id spend $1k on a DSLR or get an AF100/FS100

DSLRs, sound, moire, crappy connections, poor monitoring bla bla..

S

[NBside]

Good point.
My primary thought on DSLR was cross compatibility with everything else I own... i.e. shoulder rig, lenses, and other accessories.

[morgan_moore]

Most of those should work with one of the mentioned cams..

S

[Chris Johnston]

I kinda right there with Morgan. Too much $ for not enough bang. (and I'd venture to say that most accessories would probably cross over fine....Rails, FF, monitors glass, etc)

I am curious though...You listed the 5D as "having full frame". (implying this is an advantage?) I don't really consider it as that, but I'd like to know why you do?
What does FF size sensor give that an APC c doesn't?

[NBside]

Most, true. Id have to actually check the specs and such.
My DSLR rig has a cage, which may not fit, and I may need longer rails? Not sure though.

I have looked at the AF100 in the past after I sold my HVX200...its definitely a solid camera, allows the option for uncompressed video to an ext recorder (which I so greatly had hoped they would have done with the 5D MKIII). That alone is a serious reason for me to consider it.

[NBside]

My biggest reason for wanting to go full frame was light sensitivity. I shoot a lot of moody, low light scenes, and have always had better results when shooting on the 5D's full frame over my T2i or 7D. So, the cropping factor aside, that is my primary motive.

[RickyC]

I would not spend $4k on a DSLR

Id spend $1k on a DSLR or get an AF100/FS100

DSLRs, sound, moire, crappy connections, poor monitoring bla bla..

S

He speaks the truth, DSLRs are pretty much dead now. Most of the 5d,7d,t2i, etc fanboys have kinda died off, and those actual professionals realized dslr are just crap and have moved on. Just leaves students and... well those who havent done research.
AF100 or FS100 is a good choice, they work a lot better than the dslr. Instead of thinking now, think ahead when you would be doing larger scale things, a dslr wont keep up. Most support accessories will work on those cameras, of course some things like the cage might not, but why not sell that and pick up something else?

[thehadgi]

My biggest reason for wanting to go full frame was light sensitivity. I shoot a lot of moody, low light scenes, and have always had better results when shooting on the 5D's full frame over my T2i or 7D. So, the cropping factor aside, that is my primary motive.

I wonder if you took the money saved from not buying a mkii/mkiii and invest in some lights, that might take you a lot further in the end image-wise and money-wise?

[Grug]

In that price range, I would have thought the Blackmagic Cinema Camera should jump to the top of your list (alongside the AF100 and FS100) at the moment.

We're really rather spoilt for choice with cameras that offer superb performance for the money.