The Never-Ending Question... D7000, Rebel T2i, 7D?

samrvogel

samrvogel

Active member
Hello all,
I've been using a D700 I purchased a couple weeks ago to film and takes photos, and I'm very impressed with the camera all around. However, the fact that the camera has its video limitations (no 720 @60fps, no 1080 @ 30 fps, hot zones, etc) has kind of got me wondering what my best option is. I have been thoroughly researching the ups and downs of each of the three cameras in the title, and it seems my best option is to sell the D7000 while no one has them in stock and get some extra cheese, and go ahead and get myself a T2i. But, not being an expert, I hoped to receive feedback from the dvx community to aid me in my path to DSLR filmmaking.

Maybe a little background would help. I am an amateur film maker/cinematographer/whatever you'd like to call it, and a film student. Obviously this means the still aspect of the camera matters little to me. You may ask, "why not just buy a pure video camera/camcorder/etc?" simply enough, I don't have the damn money. I extremely dislike the consumer level camcorders, and really enjoy filming with DSLR's. Long story short, I'm looking for the camera which will give me the best video "bang" for the buck. I considered the 7D as a viable option, but after reading many reviews, it seems many of its extensive features would be rather useless to me, and I'd benefit from the extra money to be able to purchase lenses, handles, and other goodies.

I hope that wasn't too much of a mouthful, and useful info in the least to help me with my decision. Thanks in advanced!

Sam Vogel
 
Get the 60D or T2i and an audio kit (recorder, mics) as the audio section of the Canon's is not worth pursuing.

You wont be dissapointed in the video from either, as all their capabilities are well documented and tons of video samples of their potential.
 
Thanks alot for the input. I'll probably do that. Before I jump the gun, does anyone else have any advice?
 
Unless you're some kind of hybrid sports photographer-cum-film maker don't bother with the 7D. At the time it was great, since the only other alternative was the 5D MKII, however now with the 550D and the 60D, unless you're doing a lot of burst photography it's really not justifiable to spend all that money on a camera that is technically more limited than say the 550D. With the current advancements in Magic Lanterns firmware for the 550D, I'd definitely recommend that, although some of the features on the 60D are also quite nice.
Spend your money on a Rode Video Mic/Zoom H1/H2/H4N and Loupe, and put the rest towards a nice lens and tripod. In terms of film making with DSLRs that's a much better option...
 
I'd recommend the Panasonic HDC-TM700 camcorder, Panasonic DMC-GH2 or Canon EOS 60D in that order. For the sharpest video, the first two. If DOF is a major issue, the 60D. They all have swivel LCDs, which the lack of, will become a huge pain in the neck. The TM700 is a small video camera with big performance at around $700.

Good luck with your selection.
 
thanks calomile. thats exactly what i was looking for.

Dan, i use panasonic dvx-100/hmc150's at school thanks to the film program im in, so obviously i trust panasonic when it comes to film. however, i truly dislike the bodies of the "high end" consumer camcorders, the tiny size and weight really throws me off. i enjoy shooting a ton with DLSR bodies, which is why im more inclined to buy a consumer DLSR for my personal film work outside of school. however, i understand and appreciate your point and will look into the ones you listed.
 
samrvogel said:
Thanks alot for the input. I'll probably do that. Before I jump the gun, does anyone else have any advice?
Click to expand...

I shot with the 550d for 10 months with great results. Just sold it got the 60D which is a better camera for a lot of reasons including audio control. I would recommend either camera depending on the application. The 550D is much lighter to carry around all the time with the same HD resolution as the 60D. If you need audio control you'll want the 60D
 
Calomile said:
Unless you're some kind of hybrid sports photographer-cum-film maker don't bother with the 7D. At the time it was great, since the only other alternative was the 5D MKII, however now with the 550D and the 60D, unless you're doing a lot of burst photography it's really not justifiable to spend all that money on a camera that is technically more limited than say the 550D. With the current advancements in Magic Lanterns firmware for the 550D, I'd definitely recommend that, although some of the features on the 60D are also quite nice.
Spend your money on a Rode Video Mic/Zoom H1/H2/H4N and Loupe, and put the rest towards a nice lens and tripod. In terms of film making with DSLRs that's a much better option...
Click to expand...

I shoot with both the 7D and t2i allot and have noticed that the quality of the 7D is quite a bit better. Especially when the ISO is higher. The video from both is relatively the same, but the t2i has a little more artifacting.
 
Cbrianchester said:
I shoot with both the 7D and t2i allot and have noticed that the quality of the 7D is quite a bit better. Especially when the ISO is higher. The video from both is relatively the same, but the t2i has a little more artifacting.
Click to expand...

But is it really worth the $800? Quality is really what I'm going for, but if it's just very minor things i'm gunna stick with the t2i so I can get a mic and lens/etc. Thanks for the input.
 
samrvogel said:
But is it really worth the $800? Quality is really what I'm going for, but if it's just very minor things i'm gunna stick with the t2i so I can get a mic and lens/etc. Thanks for the input.
Click to expand...
The next best thing is always $300 or $500 or $800 more. It's all about what is "acceptable" and yes, the T2i is more than acceptable, especially for just starting out. If you do think you're going to upgrade in the future, make sure you invest in some "L" glass so it will work on the larger sensor cameras. If and when you decide the T2i is not working out for you anymore, sell it and upgrade the body. If you have purchased good glass, it;s the only thing you'll need to upgrade.
 
Good point, thank you for your insight on both this and the lighting. I have purchased a T2i and am thoroughly excited to test it out!
 
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