First vDSLR

preachason

preachason

New member
I've been researching, talking to friends and colleagues and looking on the boards, but it's time to poll DVXUsers...

I currently have a Canon HV-20 and a Nikon D80. I'm planning on dumping both cameras and a lot of ancillary products (like a Jag35 Pro and Firestore 60GB... anyone interested?) for a DSLR with HD video.

I am a filmmaker but also do some run-and-gun video projects for local commercials, where good HD video on the fly is more important than a controlled shoot. (I know that, for filmmaking, I will need an external audio recorder regardless of device.)

So the question is this: bearing in mind I want a camera that will be a DSLR replacement, a 24p HD replacement and also can be used for filmmaking, what would you recommend? I am leaning toward the Panasonic GH1 or perhaps the new Canon Rebel T2i – I'd be using Nikon lenses primarily, as well.

I know that I'm asking a LOT of one device, and won't be getting "top of the line" in any one category, but am willing to trade off a bit to get what I want. Thoughts?
 
Whatever you get, make sure you also purchase some form of camera stabilization system (i.e. a shoulder mount). I'm constantly seeings the CMOS jellovision from shooters who don't use one.
 
From what you are saying, I wouldn't recommend getting rid of your HV20 yet. Go ahead and get a GH1 or T2i and you'll get great looking video when used correctly. But if you still want a camera to grab and go with quick auto focus, easy handheld performance, and zooming capability, you aren't going to find that from a DSLR yet.
 
preachason said:
I currently have a Canon HV-20 and a Nikon D80. I'm planning on dumping both cameras
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The T2 is a great camera I've been testing one for a week. I also shoot with an EX-3 and I haven't shot a side by side, but for 1/10th the price the T2 is impressive.

I personally don't like AVCHD, but some like it. I don't think the GH-1 14-140mm however sharp it may be, will be good because of the variable aperture. You will have to constantly correct the exposure zooming in and out. The 18-55mm came with my T2 and it's not bad, but a real headache correction exposure manually every time I repo the zoom. I will be looking forward to working with my primes soon with aperture rings on the lenses.

You should probably sell your Nikon, but keep the Nikon lenses, and keep the HV-20 for a while, because the T2 will overheat if you push it too hard. I don't think overheating will be a problem for short commercial takes, but a 2 hour concert is asking for trouble and your HV-20 will save your ass in that situation.

You will need stabilization even if minimal depending on your ability to shoot steady. This is the first DSLR I have shot HD with and I learned one thing the first day. The shoulder strap that comes with the camera actually makes a good stabilizer. I just put the strap around my neck and hold the camera out in front of me with a little pressure on the straps keeping it tight against my neck. Takes the small hand shakes right out of the shot. I carry the camera everywhere I go so I don't really want to drag my shoulder rig along. The strap is always there anyway and helps.

Before anyone starts laughing too hard about the shoulder strap stabilizer idea, try a before and after test moving the camera around for 15 minutes (or 15 hours) I think you will find it useful. Actually if you set the strap length shorter so you can brace your elbows against your body, then you could hold steady all day. Maybe even 15 hours, we'll see.

Another advantage it it's low key. I actually have been shooting tests at public place like malls and department stores where it is forbidden, and security will toss you out on your ass in one second. They didn't seem to notice or care with this and nobody ever said anything.
 
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Thanks for the replies thus-far, please keep commenting if you have anything else to add.

I think I have a general bead on the video angle and, though it has it's drawbacks, I'm leaning toward the GH1, since I already have some Nikon lenses and nothing on the Canon side.

I'm planning on keeping with HV20 for a bit, but selling the D80 leaves me without a still camera, as well. Can anyone comment on the stills capability of these two cameras, as well? I'm assuming the Canon shines in this department, but am I really going to notice a quality dropoff from my D80 with either of these?

Thanks again!
 
you can use nikon lenses on canon

for me the 7d has the best monitor out put

if you cant focus you cant shoot - so really its the 7d

the 5 has the best picture

once you clobber up your DSLR you will find it is simpler to have another cam for stills IMO

S
 
I also agree strongly towards the 7D.

GH1 has pulldown, and requires some massaging to get it anywhere near what you would want to turn over to an editor or to a client.

Look at what the professionals are doing. Do your research. read the articles. See how many big named directors are using the 7D/5D/T2i (7D and T2i video are the same), vs how many are using the GH1.

Robert Rodriguez is the latest big name to jump on board with canon.

I did 5 short films and a 10 min documentary using the very difficult to work with Nikon D90. When upgrading i wanted something that would be a jump over all the D90 short commings and work arounds. Its not that the Gh1 is a bad camera, or that you cant do great things with it.

But think of it this way.


D90 1st gen Video DSLR (bad rolling shutter, no manual controls etc..)

GH1 1.5 gen Video DSLR (fix some shutter, good ergonomics, still a bit awkward with pull down)

7D 2nd gen Video DSLR (even better rolling shutter, full manual control, 1080p output, solid weather sealing, etc...)

Either way you cant go totally wrong, but for my money id def go canon in this case (or wait it out for hte GH2, which will likely be the best when it comes out)


For stills the Canon will simply dominate, hands down.

jon
 
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