Which one? Canon XH-A1s + M3 Red Rock or Canon EOS 7D?

[Jing]

I am a student filmmaker and I am trying to figure out which is more worth it. I already have a Canon XH-A1s and I am trying to figure out if it is more worth it to buy the M3 Red Rock Cinema Lens Adapter or buy a Canon EOS 7D. It seems the 7D delivers a dramatically clearer picture but what are the other pros and cons besides that? the Canon 7D seems like its a higher quality HD Camera that doesnt need a $1800 adapater, compared to the XH-A1s that has max 1080i (Rather than the 7D's 1080p) and i need a lens adapter to be able to attach different lenses.

Any opinons based on experience or especially and factual comparisons would be amazing. I've looked online and only found the 7D to be better, although some people say it depends on style and there are some things you can do with the XH-A1s + lens adapter that you can't with the 7D.

Thanks,
Dak

 

[KyleProhaska]

Well the 7D isn't a video camera, so you'll need to spend more to make it as functional as the A1 would be just on its own (audio being the biggest one). 7D will have moire and aliasing, the A1 won't. Even with an adapter you need more than just the adapter you need lenses, rails, an external monitor, etc. No skew with the A1 but your DSLR will have quite a bit.

Sounds to me like you would fit the 7D better if you can get around the audio issues. I would definitely use that A1 as a B-Camera or something and make use of it even if you got the DSLR. I have the A1 and it's no slouch. Also the 7D isn't as wide as the A1 can be with its built in lens.

These are never easy things to decide. If you're a student and need more run/gun then the DSLR might suite you well, but you'll have to get around the limitations.