Need advice on camera decision for 48 Hour Project

[imfilmworks]

I hope that this question doesn't end up being too complicated but here goes....

We have participated in the last 3 48 Hour Film Projects using our Sony FX-1. While we have had decent results, I have found that the camera seriously limits us in a few ways. First, the camera doesn't get nearly wide enough for some of the shots we need. It also doesn't shoot at 24p which is a bit frustrating. Also the low light performance is not great... for the 48 hour we basically have one day to shoot all our scenes so we end up chasing the light and then having to make compromises.

I have been truly impressed by the DSLR work I have seen and (being a still photographer at heart) I have decided to consider experimenting with one of the DSLRs for our 48 Hour Shoot in July. But I am beyond confused as to what is the right choice.

First, we are essentially a zero budget operation. We have used the FX-1 in the past with no external monitor and limited lights.

To move to the DSLR we have secured a small amount of donations (so far less than we have hoped), as our plan is to rent (so purchase cost doesn't factor into our decision) a body and a small collection of lenses.

My question is about which camera to choose. I am looking at the following options:

1) Canon 5D m2
2) Canon 7D
3) Canon T2i
4) Panasonic GH1

Ok, I know those are the obvious choices... but I am really torn as to what to do. We really only have one shot at it, and whatever camera we choose is the one we are stuck with for the weekend....

I am leaning towards a choice of the T2i or the 5D, as I haven't read anything about the 7D that would convince me to use it over the T2i when long term ownership is not a factor.

I love the full frame aspects of the 5D and the low light capabilities (I would love a 1D mIV but I dont see it in the budget) but am worried about its ease of use.

The T2i seems like it is easier to use, but the crop factor may negate the wide angle benefits. The FX1 claims a 35mm equivalent focal range of 32.5-390mm. The widest prime I can get for the Canon is the 14mm, which would only give me 22.4mm with the crop factor. I could get an 11-17 zoom, but I was hoping to do everything with primes.

So I guess my question is, would it be better to sacrifice the full frame and wide angles for the easier interface of the T2i? Or is it better to have the added flexibility of the 5D?

Thanks!

 

[Cieloent]

Rent the cameras before hand and do the testing yourself. These cameras can be rented for less than $200 for a whole weekend. If you cannot afford that kind of money , go out and work for it or sell some things you no longer use.

If I were doing a 48 hour project ( which I never would ) I would clearly know my tools I would be working with instead of going in blind.

 

[connectivitygroup]

we have shot 2 48 hour festivals and 1 72 hour festival with hdslrs and things were great.

That being said we had been shooting for a couple of months on dslrs so we knew the ups and downs.

The other thing is have you thought about sound? Are you going to double sync it?

If your interested here are the final videos:

DC 2010 48 hour


DC 2009 48 hour


Frederick 72 hour

 

[imfilmworks]

We did think about sound, and our plan is to record on a field recorder and sync on edit. I was planning on renting the camera we decide on prior to the shoot to test, but our time and funds are limited. So renting both is not ideal.

As far as sound, connectivity group, how did you deal with sound? And what HDSLR did you shoot with?

 

[handsome pete]

I shot on a 7D for the 48hr film fest in Philly this year. As long as you have some time with the camera beforehand, you shouldn't have any problems. Just make sure to allow for transcoding and audio syncing time.

 

[connectivitygroup]

We shot last years with a 5D and this years with a 5D and 7D. We record through a sound devices mixpre and into a sony pcm-d50.

 

[imfilmworks]

Thanks guys... we got the chance to try out the 5D last night and were very happy with it. Regarding the audio, is it recommended to use a separate recorder regardless or would be be fine with a field mixer plugged into the Beachtek adapter direct to the camera? Not having to sync audio is a huge time saver, but if we are sacrificing quality we will take the time to do it right.