what's the better investment?

S

Stephen Michael

Member
Hello all -

I have both the Canon t2i and the panasonic af100, and I've got a small problem. I bought the af100 for my more established work (such as film shoots, music videos, etc) and the dslr for more run and gun sort of work. I was wondering, however, if I should ditch the af100 and use the money I get from selling that to go towards an investment in some zeiss primes for the t2i. I think they're both very intuitive to use and each have their own advantages/disadvantages. But which are the more important advantage/disadvantages that would tip the scale in one way or the other? Really torn on this one...
 
Do you make more money with your "run and gun" work?

To me, the T2i is a piss-poor video camera. Putting Zeiss primes on it is like putting
expensive glasses on a blind-man. It's an OK still camera .. but the shortcuts they
took on the video side are unacceptable to me.

If I were you, I'd figure out how to make the AF100 more suitable to "run and gun"
work than try to throw good optics at a bad video camera.

There are lots of posts in this forum for various rigs that enable the AF100 to be used
in "run and gun" situations.

And the AF100 looks great with Zeiss glass .. either the CP.2's or the Nikkon adapters
you can get for the AF100.

jeff
 
+1

Keep the AF-100. Its a better camera and it loves Zeiss CP.2’s. You don’t have to use a lens support only a PL adapter. Lenses are the better investment for the future so save, borrow or….. To get them.
 
Recession doesn't mean everyone's broke. I for one am much better off than I was a few years ago. But to answer the question, the AF is with no doubt the superior camera, no one will argue that. If it's paying for itself with professional work keeping it is a no brainer... but if you're at the point where you're questioning this you might not be getting paid, or at least not much. Or maybe you are. I don't know. No one but you does, so no one but you can decide what the correct move is.

Basically, the thing that makes you the most income is the best choice. It's probably the AF, but again, it's up to you.
 
What's your protocol for recording sound? Does it matter to you? The AF100 wins by a mile on that alone, unless your idea of "run'n'gun" includes an external audio recorder and all the hassle that entails. I wouldn't find any camera without XLR inputs and reasonably ergonomic manual audio level controls to be of any use at all in my work, but your style may be very different.

- Greg
 
I shot all the B-roll stuff with a Canon Kiss X4 (basically a t2i to my knowledge) with a Zeiss 35mm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34-m0uSeNSU&list=UUgzYydcHnrvpFecvLgCuc7Q&index=8&feature=plcp

I was really happy with the image. I have an AF102 now and use the Zeiss lenses and love it.

I guess my feedback is, to me, the video on the t2i still looks good, and most clients would probably like the image you get from it. But in a perfect world I'd say use Zeiss lenses on your professional video camera (AF102)... not a DSLR.
 
In my experience, the AF100 is far better at "run & gun" than my GH2... mostly on account of being able to easily switch things like ISO, audio levels, ND, white balance, etc. while recording. It's larger, steadier, but not so huge that it can't be easily toted or swung about.

The GH is much nicer for home movies and things where I don't want a larger camera, but it just takes more fiddling to use... and my experience with Canon DSLR's is that they take even more fiddling to use. Of course, you're more familiar with your own cameras, so you can make this assessment better.

In terms of lenses... well, let's just say that Zeiss are nice, but you can really go a long, long way with some nice vintage Nikon, Canon FD, or Olympus Zuiko glass. IMO, if it's absolute quality-per-buck you're after, consider a set of second-hand Leica R primes.

For your perusal: http://www.hurlbutvisuals.com/blog/2011/12/23/lens-test/
 
Was thinking exact same as others here. I use the AF101 as a run and gun and it works fine, not as good as my EX1 granted but very useable.

Steve
 
+10

Agreed. Keep the t2i and keep the AF100, there are many great lenses that aren't so expensive.

Look into Canon FD lenses.

Also the lumix line is decent for the price. I have seen some incredible footage from them.
 
Yeah Erik's totally right, all depends on how you use your gear, and if it pays itself off. Best way is to start small and build your way up.

GL!
 
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