In for a new (2nd) Camera, at crossroads

[ForeverForward]

Hello,

I have done a ton of research this past week, so much so that it is kind of driving me nuts and I am starting to mix up camera specs in my sleep. I feel a bit rushed with black Friday and cyber Monday coming up, which could see some good deals on some of the cameras listed. Hell the GH2 was 500 but I couldn't pull the trigger today. I am looking for a nice DSLR or similar to capture the modern sharp / DOF look for cinematic shots in anything from weddings or events, to interviews and hopefully my own short someday.

Background: Run a small videography / video production business, have shot on my trusty HMC150 over the past 2 years and aim to keep it for a "safe" event camera. Most of my business is Weddings and Events, but I am seeing a trend in brides seeking that DSLR "look" and feel I need to jump up to secure my future.

With a budget capping out at around 6-8k what would be the best all around purchase? Audio is not an issue as I work closely with a Sound Engineer.

I have narrowed it down to about 4 options that seem to be the front runners in this area. I am perfectly happy spending money from that budget on lenses, monitors, rigs, whatever is needed to get a good setup.

1. GH2 (I like the price point and hacks, but am nervous about the M43 lenses which may be useless if I wanted to step up to something FF like a future canon)

2. GH3 (Too early to really tell but is it worth waiting out for? and if it does prove to be good, is this the body to have at the moment over the below?)

3. 5Dmk3 (Expensive as all hell and soft but with a little sharpening in post and the upcoming April firmware update for 4-2-2 HDMI uncompressed seems like something to consider? MagicLantern in the future? Plus it would have the ability to take awesome stills if I wanted to expand to offering more photography). I am ruling out 5d2/7D/60D etc due to all of the aliasing and moire issues I have read about, correct me if I am wrong here.

4. BlackMagic (From what I have seen the footage looks great but the thing just seems clunky overall and tough to lug around, making it almost useless at any sort of event but great for organized film?)

I have read about enough problems for all of these to turn me off, but that doesn't solve my problem of being stuck in the stone age with the HMC. If i need to push back until March or so I can, but it would be nice to at least know what to watch for if not purchase something.

Thank you!

 

[GavinAbe]

Have you had a look at the Nikon 600D or 800D or the Sony A99, To me somhow the Canon has lost the plot .

 

[ErikTande]

Considering your business, I'd go with a 5D Mark 2 or 3. You're right when you get people asking for DSLR footage, and the 7d and 5d get requested specifically because they're both buzzwords at this point. People don't neccessarily know the specifics, but they hear "7D" a lot, and they ask for it.

You can do the same thing with a 60D and a T3i, but they say "No, I want the 7D because it's the best..."

Of course, they all take the EXACT same video, but the customer doesn't know that. All they know is that their friends wedding was shot with a 7D, and that's what they want too.

 

[mondayc]

Considering your business, I'd go with a 5D Mark 2 or 3. You're right when you get people asking for DSLR footage, and the 7d and 5d get requested specifically because they're both buzzwords at this point. People don't neccessarily know the specifics, but they hear "7D" a lot, and they ask for it.

You can do the same thing with a 60D and a T3i, but they say "No, I want the 7D because it's the best..."

Of course, they all take the EXACT same video, but the customer doesn't know that. All they know is that their friends wedding was shot with a 7D, and that's what they want too.

Unfortunately this is exactly what I was going to post. Maybe pick up a GH2 if you have money remaining for a high-detail b-cam.