Canon 60D?

E

Evan Hansel

Member
Hello,

I was wondering if I could get a little help with an issue I've been having.

I can't decide!! haha

I recently purchased a Canon HF M30 camcorder, it records nice video and has some nice features. However some are not very easy to use, and I feel like I could do something more with, well something more. So recently I was looking at the Panasonic HMC40. I really like the idea of a prosumer cam. Something like an HMC40 is what I am looking for, but then I came across some videos shot on the Canon 7D and 5D. This really caught my attention, I kinda like the idea of having something that takes excellent photos as well as video. Not just high megapixel stills.

So I looked more into it and the 60D LCD screen rotates, I like this idea very much since I would be filming more with it. Honestly, the main idea for getting this camera was that I wanted to make a short little flick with my friends when we make a trip this winter/spring for snowboarding. Ultimately the camera will be used to everyday things like skating, boarding, hanging out or any kind of events we go to. All of this will be edited on my Mac using Final Cut Express 4, I know recording formats can sometimes cause issues so hopefully I will be okay there. I also have access to a lab full of iMacs with Final Cut Pro on them and Adobe Creative Suite.

If there is anyone that can help to point me in the right direction, since I kind of messed up with the M30, that would be great.
 
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Lots to recommend with the 60D, and it's not a hard camera to use. Sounds like you're using it for personal stuff more than paying gigs - I'd think you'll find it will do all your projects more than justice
 
Be warned, the 60D is a still camera first, and a video camera second. You may be able to do certain things, and get a certain look, which you can't on a standard video camera, but you lose a lot of features as well. It is not nearly as easy to shoot run-and-gun style video with it, so if you are planning to film things in the heat of the moment, it is probably not a good choice. If you don't mind not having auto focus, mediocre sound capabilities, not being able to shoot anything with sharp intricate patterns without getting moire, a limited shoot time of 12ish minutes per clip, and expensive upgrades to get good lenses that cover the same range as many video camera's, than go with a DSLR, but it is certainly much harder to get working than other video cameras.
 
Thank you for the replies.

These are the issue I was uncertain of, however I feel like not having auto focus is something I could overcome. Like it was mentioned though this means I wouldn't be able to shoot a run and gun style. I like the ability to change out lenses, I think it gives more options than a camcorder, it is just more expensive.

I like the ability to take great photos, I think it is more of a 2 in 1 than say the HMC40. Only being able to record 12 mins at a time isn't a really big deal to me and sound would be a bonus, but not entirely necessary.

I really like both cameras so this is making it a hard decision.
 
Evan Hansel said:
Thank you for the replies.

These are the issue I was uncertain of, however I feel like not having auto focus is something I could overcome. Like it was mentioned though this means I wouldn't be able to shoot a run and gun style. I like the ability to change out lenses, I think it gives more options than a camcorder, it is just more expensive.

I like the ability to take great photos, I think it is more of a 2 in 1 than say the HMC40. Only being able to record 12 mins at a time isn't a really big deal to me and sound would be a bonus, but not entirely necessary.

I really like both cameras so this is making it a hard decision.
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Hmc-40 will cost you $1800 while the 60d will cost you $1000 ( body only ). If you have plenty of light you will be fine with either camera, if you choose to shoot something in low light condition then it's no question the 60d or any dslr for that matter will simply be better than the hmc40 and even most video cameras. Personally after using a DSLR I just can;t go back to the clunky feeling of a video camera for personal use. If it's on a professional set that fine, but run and gun there is no better camera than a DSLR imo. You have a lot of reading to do, but personally I would not buy an hmc40 as I simply cannot record video on a small sensor anymore as I have been spoiled by these dslrs
 
I have the 60 D with the 18-135 IS kit lens which was a surprise.

You would have to create a workaround in post with the auto focus adjustments

I am also using my old manual Nikon lenses with an adapter for fix interviews or scenery shots.

BUT I am using Premier Pro CS4 and had to get Cineform Neocine to create an intermediate codec to do justice to the footage. I think FCP needs to be converted too, depending on which edition.
IRONICALLY, iMovie 11 takes the footage natively

below is a link to a small piece using the 18-135 IS handheld, you may see little micro shakes in that I was getting tired.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR8CstaW_a4
 
markblasco said:
Be warned, the 60D is a still camera first, and a video camera second. You may be able to do certain things, and get a certain look, which you can't on a standard video camera, but you lose a lot of features as well. It is not nearly as easy to shoot run-and-gun style video with it, so if you are planning to film things in the heat of the moment, it is probably not a good choice. If you don't mind not having auto focus, mediocre sound capabilities, not being able to shoot anything with sharp intricate patterns without getting moire, a limited shoot time of 12ish minutes per clip, and expensive upgrades to get good lenses that cover the same range as many video camera's, than go with a DSLR, but it is certainly much harder to get working than other video cameras.
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These are all true points to consider, but when you get used to a DSLR it's the same to work with as any other camera. As far as auto focus, I also work with an EX3 and have never turned on the auto focus, that's my job. On my DSLR I use a focus hood and it's very similar to the EX3 except it's static and I have to be directly behind the camera.
There are many things to pay attention to on these cameras, but the most important is what is in front of the camera.
The DSLRs are cameras you can build on a grow. Lenses are a great investment and the bodies can be changed every 6 to 12 months. Features like auto focus, audio and recording codecs improve, while problems with recording time limits, overheating and moire will be fixed eventually. Personally DSLRs are the only way to go. They shoot much better in dark conditions, and are not noticed in public as much. I've been told not to shoot and move on with my EX3, but never with my DSLR.
 
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Does the 60D not have autofocus? The T2i does do autofocus while recording -- though in my own tests, it seems to have some trouble finding the focus point when in Live View mode, which you have to use shooting video.

The biggest issue with these DSLRs vs. a video cam is focus, IMO. With no EVF detail you have to look extra close at that little 3" screen to see what's in focus. Also, sound will be an issue for you.
 
all HDSLR's use contrast detect AF, which is much slower than phase detect. Even the 'fastest AF in HDSLR video' D7000 uses contrast detect. Canons use (mostly) a monochromatic AF system, while Nikons and others use an RGB AF system. The 7D and T2i use a 2 color AF system if i am not mistaken, but it is still crap compared to RGB AF systems. Frankly, Canons' AF systems are horribly slow and generally not very good at tracking subjects (in the HDSLR and SLR range) compared to the Nikons, but Nikons' near useless HD movie modes makes one go for Canons. Dont believe me? try out 3D tracking on a 7D vs a D300 on a live subject or a fast car. Shame they do not use phase detect AF in video modes.

That said; i NEVER use the AF on the HDSLR's. Neither do most people on here; so discussing AF differences is pointless. Chances are you will end up focusing manually anyways. And i never use the audio crap on HDSLR's.
 
naveenmedia said:
Does the 60D not have autofocus?
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If it's the same as the 550d than for video auto focus is useless while recording. You have to stop shooting then find a new focus point, lock it in then roll camera again. Works well, but takes time to do. The best way is use a focus hood and do it manually while shooting.
 
Yes, I have been in contact with Canon and the 60D does have autofocus but as it was mentioned it is not very good and I would end up using manual focus anyway. Sound isn't the biggest issue for me, but still somewhat because I will want to capture voice for some things.

I am just very interested in DSLR's for the fact that I can take nice photos as well as some good HD video. Plus even with a lens the 60D and GH2 are cheaper than the HMC40, which I hear a lot of people eventually end up getting the HMC150 anyway. While others love the HMC40 for the price point.
 
I love my HMC40 because it is freakin' sharp - more so that any of the other cameras you are considering including the HMC70 - plus ease of use, endless battery life, etc. It's two weakenesses are in low light and limited depth of field control given the small sensor - both of which I'm addressing by pairing it with a GH2 - should be a great combination!
 
re: G1 and G2

re: G1 and G2

I think one of the things that made the G1 so innovative was that there was a "hack" you could download to allow the Mb rate to go from 17 to almost 50. later models of the G1 were made so you could not apply the hack.

The G2's rate is raised to 25 thereabouts but the ability to hack it has been eliminated just as the later G1's
 
Yes I have seen some awesome footage from the HMC40 so it is definitely still on my list even though it is more expensive than the Canon or GH2.

Only reason I have not purchased it is because of the fact I want to take photos as well. I am a student currently so I don't have very much money to spend on two cameras.
 
Get the 60D, a focus hood, and a good mic. Learn to use it and you will be very pleased with the result.
Looks like Panasonic is playing the corporate card again by killing the hack on later GH-1 models and the GH-2.
 
I think I came across this review not too long ago. Seems like the GH2 will be quite impressive.

I think this is what I may be getting. I will be taking a lot of video, so I want something good there. While also being able to take quality photos and allowing me to have control over the photo. The camcorder I have now is like your basic point and shoot camera. That's not what I'm looking for.

I may not be a professional, but I know what I am doing and I like being able to control what I am doing.

Believe me if I had the money I would get a camcorder and camera. However school is preventing that so I must choose one.

Seeing how the GH2 has a swivel screen like the 60D while having similar or better video, this my be the camera I will buy.
 
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