Canon 5D MkII vs Other HDV cams?

Dan_The_Man said:
Do the disadvantages of the audio synching make this camera not worth buying for video? Surely the possible shallow depth of field is an advantage.

One feature of this camera that I really liked was the function that can give a temporary digital zoom to check your focus is bang on. The screen on this camera is amazing.
Click to expand...

Can anyone explain how to achieve this type of focusing?
 
before you record you press the + button giving 5 and 10 X zoom which you ca walk across the screen ie even check out the corners

this facility gives one a confidence in lock of focus that makes cameras like the EX1 zoom facility pale in comparison

S
 
What am I missing here? You can actully shoot a film with the Canon 5D as long as you can record sound on a different system? I have an Hvx200A and been pretty wrap up with this camera and this is the first I have heard about people using a still camera to make films. Okay you may all think I have been living on Mars but sometimes it take someone awhile to see what others are using. Okay I have a Canon EOS - can I shoot video with it? Hmmmm maybe I can shoot a short film with my HVX and shoot a flash back scene with the Canon. Does anyone have a good little film that they shot with the Canon 5D that they can post. I know someone is going to say look for it on the form.
 
just search vimeo. you'll find plenty. no reason to shoot just flashback on the 5d. I sold my hvx to buy my 5d setup and haven't looked back. it rocks.
 
After shooting my most recent wedding with the 5d2 as the 3rd cam, I can tell you it has moved up in the group. I will always keep either the 200a or EX1 with me, but the 5d2 is exceptional. I do agree with the "learning curve" statement though. Just as going from a shoulder cam to the 200/170, it's easy to forget all the "pro" features not available on the smaller cams...some of which are now available on the new Panny 300....just the same though....going from handheld or shoulder cams to a DSLR does present a different ergonomic situation. I'm also a hobbyist photographer so I was used to holding the camera....just not used to shooting video with it. If you have experience shooting any kind of video though, the learning curve is relatively shallow. The biggest issue I've had is focusing subjects coming to or moving away. Talking heads is a cake walk...but if you have a heavy lens (IE, 70-200 2.8) focusing can be challenging handheld. I use the H4n for audio and it works Great! I also have one of the other cams with me running a wireless receiver with lavs or buttplugs into speakers....but, with the H4n, it becomes less necessary. These are bitchin little boxes.

I am seriously considering selling my EX1 because of the 5d2 performance...for no other reason than I love Panny's look (not that EX1 or 200 is better, with the exception that I do shoot sports). For a third backup, I may look at the new 7d/60d offering next week.

If I were the OP, I would try to borrow/rent the 5d2 for a couple weeks and get out and shoot, see what you think. If you can get by with 12 minutes per shot (only takes a couple seconds to switch out the CF card), the 5d is a serious choice. I love mine and every time I take it out, I become more fond of the form factor and ergonomics. I'm with Slim...the 5d2 "ROCKS!" :)

J
 
I'm having a problem vs my other HDV cams at weddings because the 5Ds IQ is SO MUCH better in low light that the degraded HDV picture stands out like a sore thumb. Other than focus and audio, this is the only camera to shoto preps and receptions with. I also just finished a company promo where I used the A1 as a B shot and the 5D as my primary shot. it is AMZING! but I had alot trouble synching the audio from the A1 (which was wireless lapels into teh xLR on the A1) to the 5d. I think I finally got it though, so. I agree thoughm, the 5D ROCKS!
Bill
 
You can overcrank and shoot 24p in camera with the 7D (vs converting in post with something like shake). Those are probably going to be 2 of the main reasons to go 7D if your focus is on video. You save a grand to boot.
 
I had the same experience with my situation Dan. I had 2 XH A1s for my business and then I bought the 5D MK2 as an upgrade camera for stills (and I knew video on this camera was something that was going to be special). Since the purchase I have sold 1 of the XHA1s and I have been shooting 90% of my work with the 5D, leaving the XHA1 at home. I have been shooting resorts in the mountains of NC, high end mountain homes, commercials, etc. I have put it on my crane and shoot with it handheld and with it on a tripod. I can tell you it has been a joy to work with on every shoot. There are a few times that I ran up against some focusing issues where I did miss a shot... mostly golf shots where I need to keep the ball in focus. But after a couple practice shots I had it nailed. For interviews it is hands down the tool I use 100% of the time. Using the H4N recorder and the onboard audio for reference it is a simple edit in post to sync the audio. Once I have the right exposure and look the picture simply knocks the footage from the XHA1 right off the shelf, not really a better way to describe it.

The downside:
-Recording length. I shoot concerts where I need 1 or 2 cameras to roll for 60+ minutes. That cannot be done with the 5D.
- On board audio is not so great, but the H4N solution is working and I am going to look into is http://www.singularsoftware.com/pluraleyes/.
- Lack of Autofocus hurts at times. And I also do product reviews so while I am in front of the camera it would be nice to know I am always in focus. For these I use the XHA1.
- Sometimes to form factor but so far it is a joy to use.

I know a lot of this maybe redundant but if nothing else maybe it will give you confidence in the decision you make.
 
My 2 cents...I'm a Commercial Still Photographer (30 years)- now shooting Television Commercials. I value image quality over anything. I bought the Canon XL H1 HDV when it first came on the market and I'm sure it's a great camera for many purposes, but I never liked the images. I now own the Canon 5D Mark ll and I'm working on my 3rd Commercial with it in 2 months and I'm blown away by it. I love the depth of field control, the enormous lens selection, awesome image quality and the compact size. It's also cheap, so I can work with several cameras at the same time. It has it's limitations, so many will not want it, but I love the what I see. What a great camera!!!
 
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