Which Camera to buy D5200 or T4i, or sony A57
- Thread starter Ken1212
- Start date
ROCKMORE
Veteran
I picked up a Nikon D5200 and was disappointed. I've been shooting Canon for 4 years 5D, 60D. All the great reviews about the IQ of the D5200 got me interested.
Don't take offense Nikon lovers but this is my objective opinion. I've owned many Nikon cameras and lenses in the past and they ain't what they used to be. (Maybe over $2,000 they are)
*Build quality not impressive for any Nikon
*Menu is not a well organized. I know you will adjust to it but Canon is a better layout.
*There is a flickering problem on the view screen when shooting manual video, but not when shooting auto. (I'm told this is normal for this Nikon.)
I had my 60D side by side with no flicker. They were both set to PAL which is my region.
*There is no dedicated video mode so you are in photo mode and push a button to start shooting video. I shoot mostly video and prefer a separate mode. This way my picture profiles can be set differently from photo to video so when you enter the dedicated mode you're set.
I decided to pick up a T3i as a backup body over the T4i because the resolution is the same and I don't really like touch screens which seems to be the main difference at a higher price. The T3i has that fantastic 3x crop feature in video mode. I knew is was really a great feature because Canon has taken it out of the new models. I'm not sure if the T4i still has the 3x crop but not surprised if it's gone.
The T3i and T4i have there own control problems having to hold the AV button on the back while turning the finger button on the front to change the aperture. No big deal unless you make a mistake and shoot video at 1/30th sec until you notice after a while.
60D has better video controls with the thumb wheel on the back, better build, but a little more expensive.
I would opt for a 60D or a T3i on a budget. They both have quick focus mode which is the only way for me use auto focus in video mode. You can't effectively auto focus while shooting with any DSLR, but with quick focus mode, you push the shoot button half way and what ever is in the focus square will snap into focus in a fraction of a second then roll camera again. It works very well for run N gun even if you can't see the screen in bright daylight.
I have little Sony experience other than the EX3. I never cared for AVCHD and when I checked out the auto focus in video mode on Sony it was slow and searched in and out of focus, so pretty useless for me.
Don't take offense Nikon lovers but this is my objective opinion. I've owned many Nikon cameras and lenses in the past and they ain't what they used to be. (Maybe over $2,000 they are)
*Build quality not impressive for any Nikon
*Menu is not a well organized. I know you will adjust to it but Canon is a better layout.
*There is a flickering problem on the view screen when shooting manual video, but not when shooting auto. (I'm told this is normal for this Nikon.)
I had my 60D side by side with no flicker. They were both set to PAL which is my region.
*There is no dedicated video mode so you are in photo mode and push a button to start shooting video. I shoot mostly video and prefer a separate mode. This way my picture profiles can be set differently from photo to video so when you enter the dedicated mode you're set.
I decided to pick up a T3i as a backup body over the T4i because the resolution is the same and I don't really like touch screens which seems to be the main difference at a higher price. The T3i has that fantastic 3x crop feature in video mode. I knew is was really a great feature because Canon has taken it out of the new models. I'm not sure if the T4i still has the 3x crop but not surprised if it's gone.
The T3i and T4i have there own control problems having to hold the AV button on the back while turning the finger button on the front to change the aperture. No big deal unless you make a mistake and shoot video at 1/30th sec until you notice after a while.
60D has better video controls with the thumb wheel on the back, better build, but a little more expensive.
I would opt for a 60D or a T3i on a budget. They both have quick focus mode which is the only way for me use auto focus in video mode. You can't effectively auto focus while shooting with any DSLR, but with quick focus mode, you push the shoot button half way and what ever is in the focus square will snap into focus in a fraction of a second then roll camera again. It works very well for run N gun even if you can't see the screen in bright daylight.
I have little Sony experience other than the EX3. I never cared for AVCHD and when I checked out the auto focus in video mode on Sony it was slow and searched in and out of focus, so pretty useless for me.
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I think the T3i is the way to go. I'm not sure the T4i adds anything, but I'm pretty sure it lacks the 3x crop mode from the T3i.
You can talk about things like resolution, dynamic range, 8-bits etc, all day long. But to me, the sensor and processor in the 7D/60D/T2i/T3i/T4i can produce a really magical image, if you know the camera's limits.
For $550, I think it is the best deal in the video world right now.
You can talk about things like resolution, dynamic range, 8-bits etc, all day long. But to me, the sensor and processor in the 7D/60D/T2i/T3i/T4i can produce a really magical image, if you know the camera's limits.
For $550, I think it is the best deal in the video world right now.
Thank you guys for your input, I went ahead and purchased the T3i with the 18-135mm for $700. Nice camera, my only problem or complaint is the auto focus is very slow. Even though I usually use manual focus, I have many instances when I am shooting run and gun and use the auto focus. My Nikon D5100 is way faster in auto focus specially indoors. I am now wondering if the T4i would be faster in auto focus. I have a feeling that the D5200 is going to be king when it comes to auto focus with its 39 focus points. May be someone can advise regarding the auto focus, should I exchange it for the T4i with the STM focus, is the T4i going to be faster in Auto focus. Should I spend an extra $300 and opt for the D5200 and the 18-105mm. My biggest problem with Nikon is I can not see the exposure change in Live View, the video looks always the same in live view, to see any exposure changes you must exit live view and re-enter it again to view your exposure changes on screen, besides that you can not change f-stops while recording (which is not a big problem for me).
ROCKMORE
Veteran
Try using Quick focus mode and target your focus point between takes when the camera is not rolling. I don't think any of these DSLRs will focus fast enough while shooting. They will all search and drift in and out of focus.
Samuel H
Major Contributor
And they all use contrast-detect AF while shooting video: if the mirror is up, the phase-detect AF sensor gets no image, and those 39 points of the D5200 can't be used.
Still, I would have gone for the D5200, specially if you're already used to the controls in the D5100, and have manual-iris lenses.
Edit: if you don't know what phase-detect and contrast-detect AF is, and want to read about them:
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2010/07/how-autofocus-often-works
Still, I would have gone for the D5200, specially if you're already used to the controls in the D5100, and have manual-iris lenses.
Edit: if you don't know what phase-detect and contrast-detect AF is, and want to read about them:
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2010/07/how-autofocus-often-works
ROCKMORE
Veteran
It's all what gets the images. I just shot another day on location in an interior with the 60D and after 3 years with this camera it never fails to impress.
I know DR is a big deal, but when you are in control of lighting and contrast, plus a flat picture style dialed all the way down DR isn't an issue.
The bigger issue is controlling your camera under pressure. It's very subjective and everybody has their favorites, but Canon as done well for me 4 years straight from studio to location, controlled lighting to out of control lighting. It's what makes you feel confident that your camera will get the footage you need (under pressure) to keep your clients coming back. Next week it's back to the racetrack in blistering sun, indoor interviews, everything from day to night.
I have another shoot with cast and crew of 50 people with just one 15 our day. I can use any camera I want, but going with the 5DIII because I know it will be stunning footage. I've always loved the Canon FF images from the beginning. It's not just the DR, megapixels, numbers, curves, calculations, what have you, it's how the picture looks, and in the right hands, Canon HD brings it home.
For the OP, make the decision you feel is right for you, but I would give the T3i a run for it's money before throwing in the towel. I worked with a 550D for 10 months before the 60D came out and it replaced my EX3 as my primary camera. The clients just liked the look better.
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Samuel H
Major Contributor
* To each his own. I'm very happy with my NEX-5N, not missing my 550D/T2i at all. And my recent shot with the BMC left me greatly impressed (but completely pissed off by the limited features and weird UI).
* The 5D3 is a completely different beast.
* Congrats on that huge project! For something like that, it definitely has to be something you know in and out, and which won't let you down.
* The 5D3 is a completely different beast.
* Congrats on that huge project! For something like that, it definitely has to be something you know in and out, and which won't let you down.
MattMyster
Active member
Completely Agree here, you can never go wrong with a canon. I'm entering my third year of professional videography and we still use our t2i as our second/third camera, never fails and the quality is still impressive. Clients are used to the 16:9 and certain DOF our canon's deliver, client's love the look. I'd say go with a t2i or 7D and forego the t4i or get a used 5d MK II.
I just sold my 7D and lenses and went with the Panasonic GH3. The resolution of the GH3 puts all the canon cameras to shame. I am looking forward to getting a speed booster for the GH3 so I can get the same look DOF wise on the GH3 as I had on the 7D. I would strongly recommend checking one out.
Well played with my new toy the T3i and wanted to share back my experience as a Nikon user for about 5 years.
Nikon is still struggling in making an aggressive dive into the videography market. I was one of the first buyers to get the D90 because of the 720p HD video (shortly after Canon came out with the 7D), was it great not really. Now don't misunderstand me it was a great photo camera but not for video. Then came out the D3100 and I couldn't resist the improved video with 1080p. Great improvement but still handicapped. Later the D5100 came out and again I couldn't resist and bought one, but again it's still handicapped for videographers. Now when I was debating between the T3i and D5200, I was mainly concerned with video options. So the question is why did I decide to go with the T3i instead of the new censor of the D5200? Was it the price only (got the T3i with 18-135mm on sale for $699 plus tax at my local best buy store), no it was not. I would have gladly bought the D5200 with the 18-200mm if Nikon have not handicapped it again. Yes it has a slightly better sensor in low light, and yes it now has manual audio, but that's not enough. Also the DSLR camera I buy must have an articulated screen, that's why the full frame cameras at the time being are out of question for me.
So what is it about the T3i that I liked that Nikon does not have:
1. Complete manual control including aperture, with Nikon you have to stop recording to adjust aperture.
2. With Canon I can see my exposure changes in real time on the live view screen (just like a video camera). Not so with Nikon, after making your changes you must exist and re-enter live view each time to see picture quality/changes.
3. T3i has the light meter in live view, not so with Nikon, not even the new D5200.
4. The older T3i already had manual audio
5. No Histogram in Live view on D5200.
An added bonus for photography the T3i has a built in flash commander not so on the D5200, (this had nothing to do with my decision but wanted to share it.
By the way the above also applies to the new D7100 which I would have gladly bought if it did have the features I was looking for as a videographer. While Canon has to protect it's pro video lineup cameras, Nikon has no excuse. Nikon Simply if you are serious about us videographers you must not make us wait for years to get proportional new features. Can I take beautiful video with Nikon, Yes I can. However during some shoots I don't have the time to toy around with the camera to get proper exposure. I have already vested into three cameras and several lenses from Nikon, including stock lenses, 70-300mm, 50mm 1.8 and 35mm 1.8. I am going to sit on the T3i for now and wait before I make my biggest leap of investment with some serious lenses. I hope Nikon will listen instead of losing many of it's new base to Canon.
So Nikon why not fix the above and do a little more, you have nothing to loose and more to gain, unlike Canon with a pro Video camera line up. So how about Zerba and focus peaking as a starter. Would be nice to have that as a standard feature instead of using third party firmware such as magic lantern, oh did I mention magic lantern!!! It's all about picture quality and ease of use through proper tools. I like competition and haven't gave up on Nikon yet. Well that's my two cents for now.
Nikon is still struggling in making an aggressive dive into the videography market. I was one of the first buyers to get the D90 because of the 720p HD video (shortly after Canon came out with the 7D), was it great not really. Now don't misunderstand me it was a great photo camera but not for video. Then came out the D3100 and I couldn't resist the improved video with 1080p. Great improvement but still handicapped. Later the D5100 came out and again I couldn't resist and bought one, but again it's still handicapped for videographers. Now when I was debating between the T3i and D5200, I was mainly concerned with video options. So the question is why did I decide to go with the T3i instead of the new censor of the D5200? Was it the price only (got the T3i with 18-135mm on sale for $699 plus tax at my local best buy store), no it was not. I would have gladly bought the D5200 with the 18-200mm if Nikon have not handicapped it again. Yes it has a slightly better sensor in low light, and yes it now has manual audio, but that's not enough. Also the DSLR camera I buy must have an articulated screen, that's why the full frame cameras at the time being are out of question for me.
So what is it about the T3i that I liked that Nikon does not have:
1. Complete manual control including aperture, with Nikon you have to stop recording to adjust aperture.
2. With Canon I can see my exposure changes in real time on the live view screen (just like a video camera). Not so with Nikon, after making your changes you must exist and re-enter live view each time to see picture quality/changes.
3. T3i has the light meter in live view, not so with Nikon, not even the new D5200.
4. The older T3i already had manual audio
5. No Histogram in Live view on D5200.
An added bonus for photography the T3i has a built in flash commander not so on the D5200, (this had nothing to do with my decision but wanted to share it.
By the way the above also applies to the new D7100 which I would have gladly bought if it did have the features I was looking for as a videographer. While Canon has to protect it's pro video lineup cameras, Nikon has no excuse. Nikon Simply if you are serious about us videographers you must not make us wait for years to get proportional new features. Can I take beautiful video with Nikon, Yes I can. However during some shoots I don't have the time to toy around with the camera to get proper exposure. I have already vested into three cameras and several lenses from Nikon, including stock lenses, 70-300mm, 50mm 1.8 and 35mm 1.8. I am going to sit on the T3i for now and wait before I make my biggest leap of investment with some serious lenses. I hope Nikon will listen instead of losing many of it's new base to Canon.
So Nikon why not fix the above and do a little more, you have nothing to loose and more to gain, unlike Canon with a pro Video camera line up. So how about Zerba and focus peaking as a starter. Would be nice to have that as a standard feature instead of using third party firmware such as magic lantern, oh did I mention magic lantern!!! It's all about picture quality and ease of use through proper tools. I like competition and haven't gave up on Nikon yet. Well that's my two cents for now.