T2i vs Canon XL2

B

blackkeys

Member
I need you guys help. I currently own two Canon XL2s and a Canon T2i and I am considering selling my XL2's for 2 Canon 7D's or some rig gear fir my T2i. The problem that I am having with making a decision is that I am not sure how well the DSLR does shooting events being that there is an issue with the zoom being choppy. I love the way the DSLR shoots and easily transfer for immediate editing, but not quite sure if it's the right move to sell the XL's just and go full DSLR's for every project. HELP.
 
DSLR is great, but not for every project. The zoom is choppy, yes... but you'll also be vulnerable to a shift in aperture if you don't have a constant-aperture zoom. On top of that, for events, the 4GB (roughly 12 minutes of HD) file size limit with Canon means that you cannot do extended recording. Overheating is also an issue of you keep up with long takes. And in-camera audio on a DSLR still has a long way to go.

Point is, you're comparing apples to oranges. Would I sell the XL-2 cameras? Yes. Would I replace them with 7Ds? Absolutely not. Since you do event videography, you need the right tool for the job. And going with something other than DSLR does not mean sacrificing tapeless, file-based production. Sell them, and put the money towards:

- a couple of HD camcorders, such as the HMC40 (on the lower end) with XLR adapters, or the HMC150 or HPX170 (on the higher end); or
- the soon-to-be-release AF100 (AF101), due before the end of the year, at a street price under $5k.

Keep your T2i and use it for projects where a DSLR workflow fits.
 
I like your advice and I will try to discipline myself to listen because at times I jump out there and wish I would have listened. Thanks, I will research the HMC's.
 
I was researching the HMC40 and it has no external mic input, so I am assuming that the zoomh4n would be the fix for that.
 
I am not sure if you have every shot with an XL2 or a camera with the shoulder held design, but how comfortable is shoot with an HMC compared to an XL2?
 
I just bought an XL2 after shooting with my 7D all year. I've moved into production television and it's necessary for me to be a one man band sometimes, sound included. I don't intend to mix the footage. The 7D works great for my film projects. Not much experience with the XL2 yet although it has a killer reputation as a top notch videocamera. If I could afford it, I would get an HVX200.
 
Yes HVX200, that was my first choice about two years ago, but I was able to buy 2 XL2's for the price of one HVX. I would love to have that camera as well. DO you have any work posted of the 7D?
 
Everything from February on is still in post. My group is just now acquiring professional sound services. I do have some stills on my homepage, www.brad-ferrell.com.

metatron_promo.jpg
 
of course the focus is off in that shot...

My first AC showed me the zoom feature on the 7D a little later on in the shoot. Works magic.
 
I sold my XL-2 w/ wide lens and purchased a 7D.
BUT I ALSO OWN A HPX-300.

I would not have sold the XL if I did not own another video camera. If you are shooting events you should hold on to the XL (I loved that camera).
UNLESS you get another camera like XLH1 or the HVX-200. You can allways add something like the Focus Enhancements FS-H200 to the XLH1 if you want solid state recording to CF cards.

The 7D is a great camera for my stock footage shooting but I would never want to shoot an event with it. Can't easily hand hold. Short recording time. Moire like crazy. Jello!
Coming from the XL the zoom will disappoint you, depending on the lens, it's not very smooth.
Not good for events. You really have to set up your shots.

Stick with the XL-2 till you can afford to get a good HD camera!




 
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