Canon t2i or t3i too much for mostly wide shots (video) purpose???

Valery Lawrence

Valery Lawrence

Member
Hey people,

Still a newbie here. This is actually my 2nd post so please be gentle :P

Getting ready to get a Panansonic TM900 as my main camera and thinking about getting a 2nd one that'll be mostly used for wide shots. I didn't want to start with a DSLR camera as my main camera as most of the reviews I've read state that the learning curve for beginners is kind of steep with them. I'm thinking about getting one as a 2nd camera though and also since I've been wanting to get something that takes better pictures than the cheap little camera I currently have. I was just wondering if the t2i or t3i would be too much at this point as I mostly plan on using it at first for wide shots, stills and pictures while I'll use the Panasonic for most handheld recording....I'm thinking when I finally get the hang of the DSLR cam, I could use both interchangeably but I kinda want to get your opinions just in case there might be a better (cheaper) option for me out there.

Thanks in advance.

PS: I'll be shooting mostly live performances (music, poetry), documentary style TV shows and documentaries.....
 
How wide are you thinking? The only thing to take into considering is the 1.6x on both of those DSLRs so even a lens like the 35mm ends up looking like a 50mm on full-frame. That means to get "wide" shots like you mentioned, you'll need a fairly short lens. That being said, I've read the Tokina 11-16mm is a really good wide angle lens so if you're willing to pick one of those up as well as a DSLR you might be fine
 
You're going to have trouble matching those cameras..they are completely different especially with various lenses on the DSLR. I have a T3i and I absolutely love it.
 
Valery - it will be easier to match the Panasonic TM900 with a Panasonic GH2 (1 left at $800 body only at Amazon). You would also need a fast wide lens like the $480 SLR Magic 12mm f1.6 (manual) or the $300 Panasonic 14mm f2.5 (autofocus/autoiris).

There's a Panasonic "look" - and these cameras both have it. See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=222VQ2CcKL4

If the GH2 is too much - I suggest the Panasonic FZ150 bridge camera ($400 used at Amazon). It takes great stills and 1080/60p video, has an external mic jack like a camcorder, has a swiveling LCD, and it intercuts pretty well with the TM900: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7djuRDoXUA (sorry about the poor edit in this video -- the important thing is the similarity between the TM900 footage and the FZ150 footage).

I have all three of these cameras and they really work well together. Unique to the brand, the Panasonics all have unlimited continuous video recording time (until you fill the card or run out of batteries) -- the Canons stop recording after 12 minutes (unless you load them with free Magic Lantern firmware, which allows them to automatically restart themselves with a ~3 second gap in the recording). Not really that good for live performances.

I had a T2i and I loved it - but I couldn't live with the 12 minute recording limit.

Hope this is helpful,

Bill
 
Thank you all guys for your responses. They are extremely helpful. @NorBro..I never even thought about the matching part. It's true that you do learn something new everyday. Good looking out dude. @Bill..Great info. Haven't checked the vids yet as youtube is blocked at work but will do once I get home. I will definitely look into those 2 cameras you suggested.

Thanks again guys.
 
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