I am DIEING to know. What is your opinion?

brandondull

brandondull

Well-known member
First off, I am an owner of a Panasonic HVX200a.

I really want to know what is a better camera as far as shooting video and why it's a better camera for video:
PANASONIC HVX200A vs. CANON 5D
 
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if youre not a still shooter - the hvx is a better choice IMO. the DSLRs from what i gather arent ready to just drop in and replace a video camera in every situation...
 
HVX is a video camera
5D MKII is a still camera with video capability.
Two very different things. First of all, unless you must shoot DV tape, buy the 170, it is a better featured camera, smaller and lighter as well.

I own the 170 and a 5D MKII. Just depends on what you want/need to shoot as far as which one is a better tool for what you are doing.

Interviews? 170/200 all the way, audio on the 5D MKII i horrendously bad and double system sound works but is a PITA. You have to stop about every ten to twelve minutes with the 5D MKII because of the CF card FAT 32 formatting.

Action footage? Tough one, 5D MKII has a much better lens selection obviously but the also has CMOS rolling shutter artifacts for fast motion subjects and moving the camera quickly. Ergonomics on the 5D MKII are terrible for video. I have all of the shoulder mounts, Z-Finder, matte box, etc. and it is still a PITA to shoot handheld. Also, super shallow DOF combined with action = most of your footage will be out of focus unless you are a great focus puller or have a great focus puller. For me, the 170 is a pretty great camera for shooting action. No rolling shutter issues, it is small and light and very easy to hold. Also has the very important ability to shoot overcranked at 60fps for amazing slow motion.

Features? Under controlled situations, the 5D is capable of very pretty and cinematic footage. But it is only 30p at this point so you have to factor in the conversion to 24p, if the 24p look is important to you. Shooting from tripod, dolly or steadicam, the 5D MKII footage can be stunning. But there are also aliasing issues that become very apparent under certain conditions.

So overall, I shoot my 170 a lot more. Like my 5D MKII but I shoot stills with it more than video. The video is good but the camera is very limited.

Dan
 
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If you have a budget, use both and pick the better footage in post :)

Working with both, I'd agree with puredrifting. Its curious though, because I've been on fashion and cosmetic shoots where the 5D or the HPX170 is in use, and its so cluttered which after market crap (massive lens adapters, odd audio attachments, etc etc), you sort of wonder who is running the show.

And then you realize, half the time, it is just for show...

Each piece of gear has a proper application. These two machines are no different. Frankly, I think the praise Canon is getting for the MKii isn't worth the hype for its video. Its hot looking with a Panavision Primo attached, but then again, the Primo is hot all on its own.

A year ago I was shooting outside of a particular warzone, and the girl who I was shooting for had never, ever used a panasonic before, let alone an HD one, let alone the HPX170. She was/is not particularly technically inclined.
We had been rolling all day, running around this small city which was being shelled throughout the day, running and taking shelter every few hours, and I needed a nap. She wanted to continue filming, so I handed her the camera and she had at it.
I woke up 20 minutes later, face in the dirt, and she had this huge grin on her face. I asked her how the material was to get, and she said the footage was meh, but the experience of using the camera was very easy and natural, and didn't distract her from what she was shooting. That's why I use the cameras I do, because they fit the situation and don't overcomplicate what I am doing. I just handed it off and it worked like a charm. Could the 5D work that way? Maybe, but I doubt it would do as good of a job.

So is the 5DMKii good in some situations? Yes. Is it as agile and ergonomic as a camera designed to shoot video? Not even close. Are there a dozen pertinent negatives that come along with shooting with it? Yes. Does it get in the way and distract from shooting your subject? ......probably more so than any camera that is primarily designed to shoot motion picture....

http://www.wernerpublishing.com/cgi-wp/wernerpublishing/hd-2010-01.html

I dont like pushing materials that cost money, but HD Video Pro this month has an interesting look at a feature shot 70% on the 5D, the compromises and difficulties of working with it.

Lots to consider.
 
i own a HVX200a but me and my buddy keep going back in fourth about it. I was just wondering. thanks for all the help!
 
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