Suggestions For Camera Purchase - Power Zoom

T

Thomas_E_SP

Active member
Hi Guys!

I've been out of the loop of new cameras, because I have been working at an ad agency for the past years, and that kind of makes you dumb :D

The last camera I bought for myself was the DVX100a a long time ago. I still use it to this day and love it, but now I want an upgrade.

I have been hearing a lot about people using SLRs with great results, also. So that makes a decision even more difficult to me, since I need a camera with a lot of zooming.

I am shooting a lot of surfing, for personal reasons, and that requires a very powerful zoom, which the DVX unfortunately doesn't offer. So, that would be the main requirement.

It also needs to be a camera that is proven to be of high quality, that will last a long time like a DVX, because I can't afford buying a camera every so often.

The considerations are:
1 - Powerful Zoom
2 - 2000 $ range (a bit more if justifiable)
3 - Good Solid Camera, that will last a long time

I'd like to hear your thoughts on that, please. Any suggestions, recommendations or ideas, are very welcome.

THANKS!
Thomas
 
Knowing you want a purely optical zoom, I'd say DSLR is the one true answer within your pricepoint. I'm sure others will jump in to suggest the right lens, but for bodies you could start with Panasonic's GH1 (hacked, of course) or the GH2. The Canon T2i or 7d. These will give you the ability to work with either auto or manual lensing appropriate for your type of shooting. Most of these zoom stills lenses aren't parfocal, so focus won't hold through zooms, but if you're just using the zoom as a variable prime, then you're golden.
 
Thanks Erik!

You're absolutely right I want optical zoom.

I'm not sure what you mean by hacking the GH1. Or any other camera, for that matter. Is it something needed only for the GH1? And easy to do? I guess I can find more about it here on the forums, right?

I have heard very good things about Canon's digital cameras and lenses. But I also have a great personal experience with Panasonic's DVX. Is there anything relevant I should take into consideration when making the body choices, or are they very similar? For example, I remember when I bought the DVX that I had pretty much to choose between Panasonic's 24p, Sony's HD or Canon's option to switch lenses (simplification, but just to make my previous question more clear). I went with the DVX because of 24p, since I was shooting mostly narrative short films and ad ideas, and that seemed more appropriate.

Also, if anyone wants to jump in with lenses suggestion ;)

Thanks again Erik!
 
The GH1(3) was modified within the firmware to provide better functionality and features. It is through firmware that this is done. The HDSLR tradeoff is usually in the recording codec and the GH1 hack did much to address those shortcomings. I don't believe you'll find a purpose-built HD video camera with lensing that will make you happy at your desired spend, otherwise I'd suggest a broadcast camera that would take a lens with a doubler.
 
gh2 would suit u nicely...it has a telephoto funtion also. I;m not very versed on the feature but i know it rocks.
 
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