Latest word on shopping for a HDDSLR? October 2011

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bouldervideodesign

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I'm about to finally migrate to an HDDSLR to add DOF to my projects, hopefully moving closer to "cinematography" instead of "videography". Each time I start reading a thread about the 5D or similar camera, I later discover it's a year old or more.

I'm ready to make an investment in a camera and lenses - just not sure the 5D is still the answer?

As background - longtime Panasonic loyalist- I went from a DVX100, to a HMC80 and also have a HS300. (I also have several old Nikon 35mm cameras and lenses - though I'm not sensing Nikon is up to speed on professional HD video in their current HDDSLR cameras - nor am I confident my lenses would even work on their new models).

Any tips greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
You can get adapters to mount your Nikon glass to any DSLR. Just do your research first and make sure that the mount adapter doesn't require a glass element. I've not heard of Nikon needing that, but lenses like Minolta and Canon FD require a glass element in the adapter to work with newer EOS mounts. That means loss of light and loss of infinity focus. Nikon is easily adapted, without extra glass, to EOS and m4/3. Plus, that puts you ahead of the game with lenses.

The newer cameras out there are the GH2, the T3i, and the 60D. Nikon DSLR is still behind when it comes to HD video. Sony's about to release a new line that shows some promise, and Canon has a new generation of imager that looks promising for reduced aliasing and moire (not yet available in their DSLRs, only in point-and-shoots).
 
Hold on a clp weeks more and see what's announced in Nov. Technically, the DSLR's are pretty much the same since 2008. (Newer models just having less heat issues, rotating screen, bla bla). Many agree 5D is still the king, but there are interesting options now. IMO the NEX-5N looks amazing, for example.
 
If I were in your boat, I'd always rent first before making the investment.
Your old Nikon lenses will fit and work on any of Nikons offerings. WHat they will not do is AF except on the bodies with internal AF motor: D70, D90, D700, D3/S/X, assuming that they were AF lenses to begin with.

The reasons so many threads are "old" is that cam has been around a day or two. Still is what it is though, caveat; firmware and Magic-lantern updates have improved its lot.
 
i would agree to wait. i'm sitting on a limb like a vulture waiting to jump on the T3i. the only think i still have a problem with is the dslr audio. my hvx200 is still worthy of 90% of my projects but live perfomances is my thing so low light is #1.
i've even been thinking of using my HVX200 for audio (i have a very nice AT shotgun and G3 sennheiser's wireless mics) and a T3i for video.
 
having spent considerable time using a 5D, 7D, 60D, t3i and a GH2. if i were going to buy a DSLR as my tool for cinematography right now. it would hands down be a GH2.
its simply the most flexible and all around workable one out there. there are things that each will do better than the other. but the one with the most general pluses and fewest minuses is the GH2.

my favorite kit is a GH2 with the rayqual m4/3 to nikon adapter, with a cadre of old nikon primes. id also get a couple native, modern m4/3 lenses. just for the occasional situation where OIS and autofocus would be helpful

i dont usually think like this. im usually a "get what you need and get busy" kinda guy. but if you can. i might wait (and just rent as needed) until the first of the year. as i hear announcements for new products from canon and red are just weeks away.
 
With the latest announcement, I'd say you may as well buy something now.

The just announced 1Dx will not be released for 5 months - and I doubt they'll announce (let alone ship) any other DSLR cameras before then. My guess is that it will be at least another few months after that before we see the new Digic V processor in a cheaper DSLR body.

Buy something now, get a solid years use out of it (while putting together a decent collection of lenses) and upgrade to whatever is available in a year, if you feel you need to.
 
i would also go for the GH2. For that budget and with Vitaly's GH2 hack, you're getting a Digital Cinema Camera that, as far as on board recording is concerned, is close to cameras 10x more expensive. The image it produces with the hack is miles away ahead of the competition. However, the 5D's unique look is still a reason to go for it...

If you have a 6k to 10k budget, however, I would wait for November 3rd. Some new cameras will be introduced then, and by the way things are going it should be around that price range.
 
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