T2i Which to buy: T2i or HMC40/150

A

andrewedward

Member
I've been endlessly reading these threads instead of studying for finals, but I can't make up my mind. I think I've been overwhelmed by the vast knowledge of the community...

I need help. I'm looking to get either a T2i or an HMC40 (MAYBE a HMC150-- but it's a bit out of my price range...).

I'm looking to stay between $2000-$2500 for camera-related budget allocation. I'm looking for a camera for some short films I'm shooting this summer. So obviously with the DSLR $2000 gets me a lot more (body, lenses, maybe even a steadicam)

Two biggest concerns: 1) I'm going to be shooting moving people- one of the shorts is action-oriented 2) I'm probably going to be shooting in low light a decent amount... and bright (Southern California) light a lot.

I've looked at lots of footage and think the T2i produces a great final product, but I feel weird shooting on a still cam... I'm also not very familiar with still cams. Is there a big learning curve? And also... how hard is it load DSLR footage into final cut for editing?

The HMC40 looks great too (the HMC150 looks better), but it's more expensive, though not out of my budget.

I feel like purchasing the T2i is really just about overcoming a psychological boundary. Any advice/input/thought?

(might be a bad idea to put this in the DSLR section, but I am leaning that way anyway...)

Thanks a lot guys/gals!
 
I will say this... Ive been using my dvx100b for the past year or so, I have always used video cameras for filming never dslrs... until now I just bought a 7d yesterday and I love it.. Its abit tough to get past the fact that its not a video camera. but it produces a BEAUTIFUL picture.. this is very new for me aswell. I wanted the hmc150 and still do, but I went with the dslr and may purchase a canon hv40 aswell... now that is a fantastic piece of equipment for the price!
 
T2i $800
extra battery $60
2 ea 16 gig cards $220
Fader nd $120
tamron 17-50 2.8 $415
beachtek dxa slr $400 (or zoom h4n)
XLR Mic $ you pick
Shouler rig $ you pick

Because of the final cut you'll have to transcode before editing but because you're doing shorts and will have time, shouldn't be a problem. I haven't used the 150 (we have HVXs) but I really like the workflow and image of the T2i. (my 2cents)
 
That's a very telling statement! Did you get any lenses for it?

I have the HV40, it's great pic quality usually, but it has the "everything is in focus (almost) all the time" problem. You can get some shallow DoF in extreme close-ups, but other wise its kind of tough. Also, it doesn't pick up much at 0db in low light.
 
I think they are different cameras. There is no perfect camera, buy something and master it as all of these cameras can output am amazing picture.

DSLRs suffer from overheating , so be very careful and know that this is a very huge concern. I love my HDSLR but that's something I wish I did not have to deal with.
 
I didnt get any lenses just because my friend has a ton of lenses that I borrow and I constantly take his 50mm which I love! but like Videohog said the T2I is a great buy aswell. my friend got one and he loves it to death, the video quality on these things really are amazing!
 
videogog, how do you think the T2i compares to the HVX? Well? Reasonably Well? Not well at all?

I had the HVX200 as a possible reach option (some great listings on ebay), but the P2 cards put it well out of reach.

Does the T2i only use the SDXC cards?
 
Well, I would say to go with the T2i because 1- It's so damn cheap, and will give you the image you're looking for for short films and 2- The industry seems to be on the brink of some new exciting releases camera wise and if a $800 camera can get you by until it all gets sorted out, it could be a good thing. Plus it will serve as an excellent 2nd camera when ever you step into that perfect DSLR based video camera with a more suitable form factor and sensor improvements.

As for FC, you will need to transcode the DSLR footage to Pro Res to edit in FC. The new Adobe premiere Pro CS5 will let you edit DSLR footage natively and there seems to be alot of excitment around CS5 at the moment.

Of course there are probably other expenses other than the $800 camera that creep up fast such as cost associated with double system sound or Juicedlink mic pre if you choose record sound on board + mics, camera stabilization, Loupe for LCD to focus, possible off camera monitor, lenses etc.

I'm not sure what the learning curve would be for you as I did not come from a video background.
 
I've read about the overheating issue; in your experience Cieloent, what's the max shoot time before you get concerned and/or are forced to stop shooting? Can you do a 5-7 min take? Does the camera need to rest long in between takes?
 
does anything get lost in the transcoding?

and the Panasonic AF-100 was just announced, my understanding is it's a basically a DSLR/camcorder hybrid... or something. From what I've read it sounds like it's going to be expensive-- like $5000-$6000, but I'm sure it'll be worth the price of admission.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KtcBNQwIe4
 
andrewedward said:
does anything get lost in the transcoding?

and the Panasonic AF-100 was just announced, my understanding is it's a basically a DSLR/camcorder hybrid... or something. From what I've read it sounds like it's going to be expensive-- like $5000-$6000, but I'm sure it'll be worth the price of admission.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KtcBNQwIe4
Click to expand...

I've read experienced editors say it's better to edit natively as there is no quality loss. I think that is also Adobe's position. And that's what's selling me on PP CS5. The reason they transcode is that native footage typically will choke any NLE until now with CS5 as is my understanding.

Yes, the AF100 is looking to be promising. Alot of this DSLR stuff will probably be mute when it is released except the price point will more than likely keep the DSLR alive and kicking for quite awhile for video.
 
I checked one out at Best Buy for a bit today, it felt real weird to me. I'm going to go to a real camera store and hopefully get a better demo.
 
I own and use both a T2i and a HMC-40. Both are great cameras for the price and both can produce great images. If you are planning to do mostly narrative style stuff, I wouldn't think twice about going for the T2i over the HMC-40, but a more documentary style and I think the HMC-40 may win. Also, the low-light performance of the HMC-40 is not that great where as the T2i, with a fast lens, is. As far as the feeling of shooting on the DSLR, it really has not been that strange. Either way they are both solid cameras.
 
andrewedward said:
I'm also not very familiar with still cams. Is there a big learning curve?
Click to expand...

I would say there's somewhat of a learning curve... in terms of operation, and just the sheer complexity of managing a kit of lenses and 2nd system sound.

Also, depth of field isn't just something to enjoy. It's a something that must managed or fail. Shallow depth of field and no autofocus can be unwieldy to say the least. Maintaining consistent DOF outdoors in changing light using external ND can be very frustrating (even using a variable ND filter). And you say you are going to shoot action. With a camcorder, it's not so much of an issue.

This is not meant to sound discouraging. On the contrary, I love what my T2i can do, but I struggle with it on every shoot. I do mostly documentary work and I get nervous every time I try something new with the DSLR. So I have a camcorder in the bag and I don't hesitate to bring it out if suspect that I'm not going to get the shot. I wouldn't show up without it. But that's just me and my meager experience and skills. A good photographer probably wouldn't struggle so much.

So, sure, get the T2i. Then my humble suggestion would be to take a photography class this summer, and shoot informally as much as you can. And spend lots of time building and troubleshooting your lens kit, and the rest of your rig.

Or buy the HMC, open the box and shoot. I know indy DPs who have no photography experience, but who have a sense for the cinematic shot, composition, mise en scene, and storytelling, and who put the camcorder on autopilot and make a decent product.
 
Well, Andrew, you should feel a whole lot better about shooting with a DSLR once you put it on a rig. Though I don't agree, there are many here who would insist that a rig is absolutely necessary to make the DSLR truly usable as a video camera.
 
andrewedward said:
I've read about the overheating issue; in your experience Cieloent, what's the max shoot time before you get concerned and/or are forced to stop shooting? Can you do a 5-7 min take? Does the camera need to rest long in between takes?
Click to expand...


Yes you can do a 5 minute take, heck you can shoot for hours non stop and never get the warning , but sometimes you can shoot for only 5 minutes and get it :undecided


Also If you shoot with your lens stopped down you will probably never see DOF so I have no idea why people think that DSLRS shoot soft ?


Personally I would take a T2i though over any camera as it just brings amazing quality. Also the form factor is great, you can do so many cool camera angles and tricks that you simply could not do with a regular camera.

It's all about the angles, I think the Canon line of HDSLRs are the best when it comes to quality and price!
 
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