XF300 or something else?

H

HondaFMXrida3

New member
Whats going on guys, i just recently graduated with my film degree and am looking at getting a camera and this one has been on the top of the list so far. I was wondering if you guys have any other recommendations for cameras. I film alot of dirt bike stuff and I also do short films. $8000 is about the max i can do maybe a little over but thats about it.
 
Why do you like this cam? What is your final output going to target? I have one, love it, but it's a big investment! Add extra batteries, case, varizoom, etc, and you will be right at your $8 limit. do you already have lavs, shotgun, audio recorder, etc?
 
Probably the biggest trade-offs you'd be making with an XF300 are giving up the large sensor, interchangeable lenses and better low-light performance you'd be getting if you spent that money on an AF100 or FS100 plus accessories. The XF300 will make beautiful images in well-lit environments and is going to be more portable and ergonomic than a micro4/3 or x35 rig, but it's a big investment and it's worth giving careful consideration to what kind of images you want to create and to what environments you'll be shooting in before you spend that kind of money.
 
Well I debated this big time and in a way I still wish I had the money for one, but I decided to cancel my order. I already have my AF100, 5D, and wanted to add a new tapeless ENG style camera to the mix for broad DOF shots, exteriors, run/gun with need of long range, etc. but I couldn't justify the cost since I already have an XHA1 which yes, it's tape...but for the few uses I have for it it's fine. I've done some tests and it can intercut just fine with my other cameras especially outside.

The XF300 gives an absolutely gorgeous image, but as others have said you miss the interchangeable lenses. To me it's not enough of a camera on its own for filmmaking, it needs other companions. If you want an ENG style camera and don't care for the DOF as much, it'll give you some amazing stuff, 422 color space, tapeless with a really REALLY solid internal codec, good LCD, etc.
 
Thanks for the reply guys! I like this camera as my school has Xl-H1's for us to use and this just seemed like a good camera that could resemble what I have been using in the past. As of now I dont have anything accessory wise but do want to get a shotgun mic for better sound and some batterys. Most of the stuff I will be filming will either be out in the desert (Arizona) or around dirt so there will most likely be alot of dust flying around.

Are there any other cameras that I should consider looking at? I mostly need something thats going to be able to follow fast moving objects (zoomed in or out) and still keep a good quality, good in low lit areas would help, dof and a good quality. Tape or tapeless, I would just have to buy a deck.
 
Take a look at Canon's XF100. For dirtbike videos, I think you're going to appreciate a ENG style camera, and this camera has many of the same features of it's older brother. The XF100 is only $3k, giving you $5k left over for some good CF cards, extra batteries, audio gear and even a GH2 or Canon DSLR with a few lenses for more narrative style filmmaking.

Then you'll have the best of both worlds!
 
Thanks for the input cowpunk, I was looking at the xf100 and the only thing I dont really like about it is it looks like it lacks alot of manual stuff I am looking for. I might have to go try one out because it does look really nice. Also I have never used a camera for video like the GH2 or DSLR. I have seen a couple friends at my school shoot with a 7D and it looked amazing but have never gotten my hands dirty with a camera like that. Having 2 cameras would be nice! Also if you guys have any other recommendations im not just limited to cannon. Thanks again everyone!
 
I think that the XF100 would be worth checking out. It has great low light (like the xf300 series, but not the kind of low light that the full frame sensors have), and it has a ton of manual capabilities, so I'm saying I don't understand what you meant when you said that it doesn't. What capabilities does it lack? Also, while neither the 100 or 300 have 5d DOF, you should really check out a few of the videos on the Vimeo group site that features 100 & 300s. The DOF on these cameras are really superb, I think that Kyle may not have actually tried the DOF. As an owner of one (and a 7d) I think I can manipulate the DOF on the 300 quite well (and the 100 likely as well also).

Anyway, there's a million cameras to choose from, you have to go back to what you are going to deliver the footage on. I upgraded from the HMC150, a great camera, because I felt I might shoot unique footage starting later this summer and wanted the ability to use it on TV outlets. If I just wanted to stay with the web videos, and DVDs, I would have stayed with the 150. It's really worth looking at if you don't want to go Canon. But check the low light videos of Edinburg on the Vimeo site. They are really impressive low light shots. Lots of shadow detail. And then look at the stuff shot at http://www.vimeo.com/groups/canonxf/videos/23795221 which has a lot of DOF to it.

Good luck!
 
8string, I do know the DOF possible on the XF300 and wasn't fighting against the choice at all. I was speaking more to the DOF possible with the DSLR's or other cameras without being at a higher zoom point or many feet back. I own the XHA1 so I'm quite aware of what a 1/3rd chip can give you DOF wise at the wide/long end of the lens. It's quite good and especially on the long end of things the DOF is very nice. I just wanted to clear that up.

It could be worth it to do what others have suggested and go for the XF100 so you have the ENG advantages without breaking the bank while still leaving yourself open for good accessories. An XF300 without good accessories won't be as useful as an XF100 with a few batteries, possibly even external monitor with hotshoe, a good mic, a good tripod, CF cards, etc.

There's no magic mix or formula. Pick what works best for you.
 
Sorry 8String, I watched this video and it showed that you just have to flick a switch and use the wheel for the iris, zoom and focus. Im use to having a zoom, focus wheel (like on the xf300) and on the side having a baby iris wheel. Ive been looking at alot of videos and am leaning alot more towards the xf100. Thanks everyone for your input and saving me alot of money! You all have been alot of help.

Can you guys recommend any good sites for accessories? Or should I go look for a camera/accessories in a store.
 
No one mentioned the XA10. It sells for $1995. It has one chip that Canon reports has better low light sensitivity than the XF100 because light does not have to pass through a prism. Check out this video on the new chip that canon is using: http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/standard_display/hd_cmos_pro

I had a guy shooting wake boarding on a 7D and then he sold it on Craig's list and got an HMC40. That's the Panasonic camera that with the XLR adapter option sells for the same price as the XA10. You will need money for SDHC cards, a decent tripod, maybe a shoulder rig or steadicam type stabilizer, maybe some wireless audio. The DSLRs have great images, like mentioned, but you need to look at what your are shooting and the skills you have already. I have a guy looking at the XF300 and he sold all his Nikon Zeiss for the AF100 because, he said, other people shoot with the kind of stuff better than me, I think my strengths are elsewhere. I respect that.

Don't forget your business plan and preparing a production agreement. Get the tax ID number and then there's no reason people can't pay you.
 
You lost me on the reply Honda, didn't understand the point. Anyway, the XF100 if a good idea. As to accessories, I have found that doing a lot of research and then keeping an eye on ebay helps. I've bought a very good Libec professional tripod for 1/2 price, full lighting kit for less than 1/2 price, a pelican case for peanuts, and other good gear like batteries. I still buy from stores like Philip's in my neck of the woods, as they have knowledgeable staff, have gear I can try out, and our tax people take a dim view of pros buying from out of state and trying to not pay the sales tax! Easier to just buy local for many things. They also might have a great used inventory. The best ebay resellers I've found often are pawn shops, amazingly enough. The Libec and pelican case came from two different pawn shops on ebay. It's just another product to sell for them. Caveat emptor.

Regardless of gear, tt does come down to what the end result is and a good storytelling ability. Theatrical or documentary, big screen or vimeo. I assume, for example that all Red users are wanting to produce videos for the large screen. Why else buy a camera like that for Youtube?
 
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Just got it in the mail today! loving it so far, cant see what my test shoot looks like because my mbp's cd drive decided to poop out on me.. So ill have to wait till im home and test it out on my PC. Thanks everyone again
 
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