Need Second Camera (for video): 60D vs GH2 - Which to buy?

[Jean Dantes]

I'm in the market for a second camera (currently own a 7D) and had my sights set on the 60D - however, due to a few things I've read here and there (not sure how bias this article is: http://www.eoshd.com/content/465-Canon-60D-versus-Panasonic-GH2-Full-Review-Part-2 ), I've become a little hesitant to buy the 60D.

What would you guys go for? (And please don't say 550D - I used this camera recently and could not stand the lack of ISO control and build quality hehe )

Also, could someone please explain to me what "1:1 Crop Mode" on GH2 is?

Thanks in advance to any replies

 

[-Sandro-]

Personally until Canon won't release an updated camera (new processor and sensor) I would just go with the GH2 - REAL 1080p!
crop mode means that you're getting an actual scan of pixels from the sensor "as-is" with no downscaling so no artifacts from the area in the center that matches 1920x1080: this instead of the 18MP(?) "full frame" on the sensor.
This will of course "zoom" your image like what 12 times?

 

[bwwd]

But 60D has magic lantern firmware.

 

[xenogears]

Well till now there is no good support of EOS Lenses on Micro Four Thirds cameras, and if you already have the 7D i think the 60D will be a great companion, but for me the GH2 is a better camera even better than the 7D, in the not so distant future will be realease a EOS EF Lens adapter for Micro Four Thirds coming from Birger.com with autofocus and maybe IS.

 

[majikfraug]

Well till now there is no good support of EOS Lenses on Micro Four Thirds cameras, and if you already have the 7D i think the 60D will be a great companion, but for me the GH2 is a better camera even better than the 7D, in the not so distant future will be realease a EOS EF Lens adapter for Micro Four Thirds coming from Birger.com with autofocus and maybe IS.

The Birger is supposed to release around Valentines day 2011 I believe... Also, in the meantime there are manual irising EF to m4/3 adapters on eBay.

 

[ROCKMORE]

I'm in the market for a second camera (currently own a 7D) and had my sights set on the 60D - however, due to a few things I've read here and there (not sure how bias this article is: http://www.eoshd.com/content/465-Canon-60D-versus-Panasonic-GH2-Full-Review-Part-2 ), I've become a little hesitant to buy the 60D.

What would you guys go for? (And please don't say 550D - I used this camera recently and could not stand the lack of ISO control and build quality hehe )

Also, could someone please explain to me what "1:1 Crop Mode" on GH2 is?

Thanks in advance to any replies

I just traded up my 550D for a 60D and it's a great improvement in terms of control. Nothing is perfect in any of these cameras but in this case the 60D may make a better companion to your 7D both in operating it, sharing lenses and compatible editing.
As far as resolving power it has a lot to do with your final application and the way you shoot.
It's similar to the argument about lenses that are sharper in the center as apposed to the corners. If your subject in the center is sharp and you want the background out of focus it won't matter how soft the corners are.
If you are shooting for a cinema projection than none of these DSLRs are the best choice. For most final screenings a large monitor is usually where it will end up.
As far as aliasing and moire are concerned my EX3 has the same problem on fabrics and other fine patterns as well, so there is still a lot to avoid.
In a year or less all these cameras will be trumped by the next release, so you have much less to loose with the 60D at this point.

 

[kevinottawa]

What would you guys go for? (And please don't say 550D - I used this camera recently and could not stand the lack of ISO control and build quality hehe )

Go for the 550d, 60d build quality is the same and iso settings are both the same with the hack.
If your gaga over the swivel lcd, just think of it this way, your going to get an external LCD anyways, why not take the saved money and put it towards that instead on just using the on camera lcd.

 

[Rainer]

build quality is the same

- the 60D is bigger, more robust, and more weatherproof than the 550. It's not just the swivel screen. It also has variable audio and Kelvin white balance. In PAL countries the lack of 24mbs 25p AVCHD is a deal breaker for the GH2. The super 35mm sensor size is a factor favourng the 60d. I think the negative impact of aliasing and moire is highly exaggerated - you will be very happy with either camera, but if you've already got the lenses....

 

[kevinottawa]

- the 60D is bigger, more robust, and more weatherproof than the 550. It's not just the swivel screen. It also has variable audio and Kelvin white balance. In PAL countries the lack of 24mbs 25p AVCHD is a deal breaker for the GH2. The super 35mm sensor size is a factor favourng the 60d. I think the negative impact of aliasing and moire is highly exaggerated - you will be very happy with either camera, but if you've already got the lenses....

Bigger plastic is still plastic, only takes one drop.
550d has all the audio controls you want and it also has Kelvin numbers white balance , thanks to the new firmware hack.
As for weather proofing, no such thing, there is always a risk your gona fry something unless you take extra steps. The seals on the body/buttons are only for acidental and momentary protection, they wont stand abuse and constant exposure to water and cold