EX-1 user considering 5D/7D

[wing70301]

Hello everyone,

Less than a year ago, I bought an EX-1, Letus, wireless lavs, rail system; the works. I was ready to start my career as an independent videographer. I did four projects in Japan: two live events and two b-roll/interview projects. Since I've been back, I haven't used my rig at all. It's getting harder and harder these days to find decent videography work around me, and money's getting tighter.

I've seen the work that's come out of the 5D and 7D and I'm very impressed. When they first debuted, I had seen some of the video, but I just brushed it off as a gimmick. After seeing what people are getting out of them today, I'm eating my own words. Also, since they're considerably cheaper than what I currently have, I think I could kit it out and still come out cheaper than what I spent on my EX-1 rig. So this has got me thinking about adopting one of these guys into my workflow.

So, if I were to sell my current rig and pick up a 5D/7D, what would I be gaining and/or losing? I don't know much about the workings and the workflow involved with using one of these DSLRs. So where would these cameras excel over my current rig? Where would they be inferior to my current rig? Thanks!

 

[slimchrisp]

Better light sensitivity, smaller covert form factor and cheaper memory are some big gains. No 24p in-camera was a big downside, but as you probably know by now, the 5D will have it as a a firmware update in the first half of next year. 7D has it now. For the time being, I'm using shake to convert to 24p.

Shorter record times is at least 1 big loss. With the 5D you don't get over cranking, but you do on the 7D. Everyone was squawking that the 5D would never get 24p, so who knows, maybe that will be something Canon throws in with the 24p firmware update.

Also, some people don't like the SLR form factor. Personally, I love it. I take my camera with me EVERYWHERE. I definitely couldn't do that with my mondo HVX setup. And the more you shoot, the better you get. I've learned so much just from taking stills constantly, whereas before it was just an on occasion thing.

I sold my hvx200a rig back in June and bought a 5dmkii rig. I actually came out a little on top $-wise. A few hundred or so. I know you're not dealing with P2 prices, but that was a big decision maker for me. The second version of the cards came out shortly after I sold my hvx, but at the time the only 64 gig P2 card available was over $2500. HA!!! I was so sick of the blah blah blah P2 is so awesome because blah blah blah conversations. At the end of the day I gave Panasonic the finger, don't have to deal with P2 rentals any more and couldn't be happier. Just my opinion, not trying to start a flame war.

For me it's the perfect middle ground. Cheaper, smaller and better light sensitivity than an hvx/ex setup, and I don't need what the Scarlett will most likely offer. And directly shooting through Canon L glass sans 35mm adapter is SWEEEEET.

If you decide to sell your EX though, I'd do it soon. I was lucky to get what I did for my HVX. And prices have dropped a good bit in just the few months since I sold mine.

Good luck.