General Why did you buy a Canon?

roxics

roxics

Veteran
With the GH2 being out for a couple years now and priced so low on the used market (I bought mine for under $500), why did you buy a Canon?
Seems to me the Canon would be the lesser choice between the two. Lower resolution video image and the lack of a proper viewfinder when shooting.

I'm not trolling. I'm genuinely curious. I have a compelling desire to pick up a T3i(or a Nikon), yet I really don't know why when I already have what seems to be a superior video camera.
 
For me it was the avchd codec in the beginning, but after owning 3 Canon camera bodies the Canon lens collection grew as well. Switching to a new lens format and starting from scratch would cost more than all the camera bodies combined. (not talking about manual vintage lenses)
Coming from a film background the sensor being close to 35mm film is important as well. Even if the resolution may be higher today on a smaller sensor, tomorrow will surely be a different story, but the lenses won't change much. 35mm/Super 35mm have been the industry standard in film and looks like will also be the standard for the most part in HD. BMCC starting with an odd new size sensor, now after one year has adopted the Super 35mm sensor format to the 4K camera. I can't say for sure but would imagine the BMCC 2.5k will in a short time have a Super 35mm sensor as well. Even one more reason to stick with lenses designed for apsc sensors and FF sensors.
Now with the Magic Lantern Canon interface with raw, it gives me one more reason it build on what I started 4 years ago.

If you are thinking about a 600D/T3i I just picked one up last month. It's a nice small very low cost camera to carry around. They included the 18-55is lens for almost nothing which got very resolution numbers from Photozone and The Digital Picture. I'm getting started with ML this week. I don't knoq of any other camera out there for $500 that can shoot raw and comes with an IS lens. It's a nobrainer for me.
 
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Because it had the best image for the price. I think that was 2010, though...

I would have taken it against the GH2 anyway, I don't like its image. But the move to my NEX-5N felt like a great step forward, and there are even better options out there now, like the D5200 and the pBMC.
 
Another issue is buying into the long term. By that I mean that Canon will continue to develop new and better cameras and lenses, so I feel comfortable owning the Canon lenses. Other companies have tapped into that ecosystem as well like Blackmagic, Metabones, etc all relying on Canon glass.
For me personally, it was not even a question as I've been shooting stills on Canons since the early 90's and have quite a bit of glass for them. Sure, I could jump ship and sell it all off, but I still haven't seen a compelling enough reason to do so. The GH2? Not a fan of the crop factor and lack of wides. Doesn't even come anywhere close to my Canons for stills, so any gain in sharpness and a headphone jack just isn't enough for me even though I really do appreciate what a good camera the GH2 and GH3 are.
 
These are all good answers, but how do you guys deal with not being able to look through the viewfinder when recording? I do that all the time when it's bright out. This past Sunday I took the GH2 into the lake (a little scary) and was recording the kids swimming. The LCD was viewable but pretty washed out and the viewfinder provided another point of contact.
 
I use a Zacuto Z-finder. ML can help with judging exposure without it as well as find focus if you don't have the finder handy.
 
I've always had a loupe permanently attached to the LCD screen. That's as good as an EVF if you ask me.
 
roxics said:
These are all good answers, but how do you guys deal with not being able to look through the viewfinder when recording? I do that all the time when it's bright out. This past Sunday I took the GH2 into the lake (a little scary) and was recording the kids swimming. The LCD was viewable but pretty washed out and the viewfinder provided another point of contact.
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For non critical run n gun like home movies I use quick focus between camera rolls to lock in a perticular focus distance then roll and use the washed out screen for reference. Works perfectly 99% of the time. On a critical shoot a viewing hood and manual focus.
 
roxics said:
These are all good answers, but how do you guys deal with not being able to look through the viewfinder when recording? I do that all the time when it's bright out. This past Sunday I took the GH2 into the lake (a little scary) and was recording the kids swimming. The LCD was viewable but pretty washed out and the viewfinder provided another point of contact.
Click to expand...

Take a look at that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8F7sHLChuI
Its a very simple and cheap solution! Im using it for two years already and its a life saver when you re shooting outdoors in day light!
 
A few years ago I needed an affordable wireless multifunction printer, and the Pixma MX860 filled the bill.

Much like others, though, I've been tossing about the idea of getting a used 5M2/D60 to satisfy those occasional specific Canon requests, and lensing it with my Nikon, OM, and Leica R. So far there hasn't been ample budget incentive to do so. Some slim chance I'll migrate to C300 which would make it a moot point.
 
I got it in 2010, my first pro digital camera per say... the Canon t2i, got it for video functions and shot an anti-bullying music video (which won several awards) and view... then since I already invested some lenses (small amount), I just thought it's easier to continue learning the craft with similar camera, so I just got the 60D, decided not to way as I figured I want to learn how to do rack focus/follow focus myself because of those other cameras like C300, Black Magic, etc. So far, I am very happy with the camera and have done another shot on green screen which should be edited soon.

I've been 'packing up' several accessories so I can have it readied when I start shooting my next short film... A Martial Arts Comedy Musical... don't laugh. :)
 
Johnny, good to hear from you. It's been a long time. I don't know if you remember me from back in the IndieClub days but I certainly remember you. Hope all is well. Sounds like it.
 
Hey you! I remember you! :) Just not your name lol sorry, getting old and my memory is fading away... How are things with you? yeah, been busy, and fortunate enough that Cleveland is here to keep me with work, so can't complain... Maybe you ought to come here and check out our studio :)
 
I bought canon because it had video mode which was better than what nikon offered.
I now use nex camera's just sold my canon and have the nex fs100 and 5n. But i kept some of my canon glass.
 
Mike Lorushe said:
Really? I thought it was the pleasing aesthetic of aliasing and moire. I hear that look is popular nowadays. :2vrolijk_08:
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I'm going to go out on a limb and say some of you don't earn a living by shooting.

I have a number of cameras in-house, and can rent any camera available, but when a $100K a year client says... We like the Canon look and want our footage shot with Canons, then you add a couple of Canon cameras. I have always been a big proponent of choosing the right tool for the job at hand. And in this case the Canon DSLR cameras were the right tool.

All the best!

Dave
 
mdifilm said:
I've been 'packing up' several accessories so I can have it readied when I start shooting my next short film... A Martial Arts Comedy Musical... don't laugh. :)
Click to expand...

A Martial Arts Comedy Musical a great idea. I graduated from CIA Industrial Design. Good to hear some creative ideas from there once again.
 
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