[Assuming budget isn't an issue] 5D or 7D?

N

neetster

Member
So my school has a certain budget to spend on cameras for filmmakers. We've found a deal that allows us to get just the body of the 5D for a price very close to the 7D (we already have a lot of lenses).

I've been doing a lot of research and from my understanding, the main drawback is that while the 5D has a larger sensor (providing better image quality and more capacity for wide angles), it can only shoot 30 fps (although this can be converted to 24p?). The 7D has a smaller sensor (which crops images), but allows shooting in 24p, 30 fps, and 60.

Do I have all of this correct? So which camera is the better deal? Which will last students longer (in terms of staying top of the line so-to-speak)? We're hoping the camera can last at least a year or two before we have the budget to buy something new. Is converting to 24p difficult/too big of a drawback? And will buying the 5D be a good investment for the future--basically, how likely is this firmware update I've been reading about?

I've heard a lot of people mention getting the 7D because it's cheaper--but I'm wondering what camera filmmakers would choose if price were not an issue?

Thanks in advance--you guys have really helped in some of our equipment purchases in the past.
 
For what my uneducated opinion's worth, since ya'll are a film school, I'd say the 7D would be the better option b/c it's sensor is real similar to that of a cropped 35mm sizes'.

Ergo you're learning on something that is going to look the same as the film cameras/digital cinema cameras you'll one day be shooting on (providing you are all successful heh).
 
I would also say the 7D, the sensor may be smaller than the 5D but it is still enormous compared to even professional video cameras - as well as it being a very close match for professional film cameras - more so that the 5D.

Plus the 7D can do slow-motion which the 5D cannot - and the 7D comes with a range of correct frame rates.

Plus the 7D is better weather sealed than the 5D.

Converting 5D footage to 24p (or 25p) is slow (as slow as a fairly complex 3D render) and not always perfect - to be honest it is a pain in the ass.

About the only real advantage the 5D has is that it's low light capabilities are a little better - and it is a better stills camera.

As for the 5D firmware update . . . . no one really knows what is going on, it might not arrive until late June - and will more than likely only feature 24 and 25p.
 
Converting 30P to 24P is not recommended. The only way to get god results is from 60i to 24P. Unless Canon comes through with the firmware (which I'm still comfident will happen) I wouldn't buy the 5d if you need 24P.

The benefits of the 5D is low light, better dynamic range and in some opinions shallower DOF to FOV ratio. The 7D gives the ability to play with 60P however the moire is bad.

For students I would say the 7D is preffered since you can also buy cheaper ef-s lenses if you don't plan on upgrading to a FF sensor ever.
 
I can' get by the fact that the 7D has more video features than he 5D. Dedicated rec button, video mode, fps-selection to match every broadcast environment. I'm looking at getting another camera body and my best choice today is another 7D.
 
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