Moving on from the DVX to HDSLR

tbuelna

tbuelna

Active member
I have been shooting with the DVX for several years and love it, but would like to try the HD DSLR cams. I have been reading a lot on the D60, T3i. The 5D Mark II is the obvious choice, but are the D60's and T3i's comparable to the 5D's or is there no comparison? I have watched test footage of all 3 cameras on youtube. I have seen some brilliant shots on each of the cameras. For the money, is the 5D Mark II that much better or am I better off with one of the other two? I can afford the 5D, but if there isn't a huge difference I would like to go with a cheaper one. Thanks for your input guys!
 
The 5D produces pretty footage for sure; but the 7D/T2i/etc - it's really very nice and not a massive difference. In skilled hands you can get beautiful footage from any of them, and the weaknesses of DSLR shooting are the same for all of 'em - namely moire and jello, and all the form factor and audio issues.

If you're interested in doing the 60p/slowmo look, you'll need a model that shoots 720/60 - as I recall, the 5D can't do that. If you want to monitor in hi def, I believe the 7D gives you 720 via HDMI, but again, that's what I recall. I use the T2i with Nikon lenses and it's really nice.
 
I wouldn't call 5D the obvious choice. Expensive, no 720p, no HD-feed to monitor, prone to overheating (no warning when it happens, also heat brings forward fixed pattern noise). 5D is much heavier than the plastic bodies also, personally i think it's less comfortable to hold.

They are all very similar in video quality.
 
if youre looking for an HDSLR to replace your dvx100. you'll come across SEVERAL problems. primarily, the dvx100 is a video camera. a DSLR is a still camera that CAN shoot video. they are different tools for differnt uses.
 
Michael Carter said:
Does a $16,000 camera and a $6,000 camera make sense for a member trying to decide between a 5D and a T3i? Or are you getting paid by how much bandwidth you can use in a given day?
Click to expand...

You know, that's uncalled for. You're uncouth.

I'm telling someone to test drive a few different cars before making a choice on the one he's going to drive for the next few years. I'm telling someone to look at a few different houses or apartments before they sign a mortgage or lease. If you think that's stupid, or bad advice, well you're free to go and take the 1st thing you see, & I'm free to make informed decisions.
 
They are all uncouth video cameras, to differing extents. I'd say first consider full frame versus APS-C. Keep in mind that this plays a role in lens purchase choices. Once that decision is made, compare stills features. Even if you don't plan on shooting many photographs, you may find yourself doing so. Also, keep abreast of developments with Magic Lantern.
 
I faced a similar question when shopping for a new cam and in the end, there wasn't enough (if any) difference in the footage alone to justify the increase in price. Again, I'm only talking about the footage specifically. Features and control is another question all together.
 
Thanks for the great feedback! I elected to go with the Canon T3i, mainly to see how well I enjoy shooting with these cameras. I understand there are about as many cons as there are pros, but since I record to a Tascam HD recorder, the audio wasn't a big issue for me. A rig and an external monitor will also be things I will be investing in. Since the camera itself is pretty inexpensive, even if I don't fall in love, shooting with it, I will have bought myself a nice family camera, ha! Thanks again
 
tbuelna said:
Thanks for the great feedback! I elected to go with the Canon T3i, mainly to see how well I enjoy shooting with these cameras. I understand there are about as many cons as there are pros, but since I record to a Tascam HD recorder, the audio wasn't a big issue for me. A rig and an external monitor will also be things I will be investing in. Since the camera itself is pretty inexpensive, even if I don't fall in love, shooting with it, I will have bought myself a nice family camera, ha! Thanks again
Click to expand...

As I was reading this, I was going to suggest going T3i and saving money for the other things like the rig, monitor, and audio setup.
 
I interviewed a former pro-bowler NFL guy a while back, shot it with an HMC150 but brought my T2i for b-roll. They suddenly needed a still for a life-sized standup cutout of the guy. I didn't have my full D90 bag with me, so I stripped the T2i down, set up some scrims and shot the guy with the T2i and the kit lens at f 5.6. (I had Nikon glass and a converter with me but opted for the kit lens because it was a faster way to get exposure after spending 5 minutes getting the T2i off the rail system).

The shots were really nice, tack-sharp, great color - and the file size was bigger than the D90. Blew up to 6' tall quite nicely. It's a great little stills cam in a pinch - in the studio I've used it for product shots with Nikon glass and the whole rails, matte box & viewfinder rig on a camera stand. I really like shooting products like that, takes me back to the view camera days.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top