Looking for a HD Video Camera. [Bought!]

[Surf314]

I know nothing about video camera's, but I am an avid amateur photographer and what Azure Angel is saying with regards to getting a Canon 5D makes sense. Getting a high grade camera makes you learn about different lenses, depth of field, aperture settings, and filters. I'm sure this all comes in handy with filming too. You should be careful with settling though, if the 5D makes more sense for film it could be a better buy even with the price hike. If you get the 7D and are unhappy with it, it's not like you can just trade it in and pay the difference. So make your decision carefully.

Also lenses are a big deal and can be extremely expensive. Make sure you factor in getting the lenses you need when planning your budget. And when you get a lense, buy a UV filter to put on the end before you even use it. Most photographers do this not because they necessarily need a UV filter, but to protect the lens from getting dirty or scratched. This will greatly improve the life of your lenses.

The Canons look sweet, I was looking at them recently when I was upgrading my camera. But I already have too much invested in K-mount lenses for a switch like that to be worth it, plus the Canon I would want was way out of my price range. I went with a Pentax because they are generally similar quality but run cheaper because they don't have the brand recognition. I don't know if Pentax makes cameras that do good video, but if you are budget conscious you might want to check out lesser known brands if they can perform up to your standards. Just remember though, like me you may get locked-in to a brand later on because of investment in lenses.

[HeK]

I regret buying my Pentax DSLR, despite the 8 K-mount lenses that I own....

[Surf314]

I regret buying my Pentax DSLR, despite the 8 K-mount lenses that I own....

Mine is fantastic, which one did you get?

Edit: Pentax looks like a shitty choice for video, they don't seem to focus much on that. But you might want to look at Nikon.

[HeK]

I bought a K10D back in 2007. While it offered many more features then a compatibly priced Nikon or Canon, the focusing and metering systems were much slower and less accurate their it's counterparts.

The image quality, however, is exceptional as is the build of the camera.

[KarthXLR]

The 5D and 7D has been a source of great debate between me and myself. The 5D's larger sensor and better job with color looks like a plus, but the 7D's video options appear more flexible. Depth of field also seems to be a concern, but I would just be able to pick up separate lenses for that, no?

As of right now I'm leaning towards the 7D, due to the lower price and better video options. Unless someone can convince me otherwise.

[Surf314]

The 5D and 7D has been a source of great debate between me and myself. The 5D's larger sensor and better job with color looks like a plus, but the 7D's video options appear more flexible. Depth of field also seems to be a concern, but I would just be able to pick up separate lenses for that, no?

As of right now I'm leaning towards the 7D, due to the lower price and better video options. Unless someone can convince me otherwise.

I think the most important thing is to test both out in low light level conditions. If the better sensor makes a big difference there it may sway your decision. The darker it is the more you have to bump up the ISO and the more grainy the quality. Since you are using this for film I'm assuming you are going to want some moody lighting at some point.

[KarthXLR]

[quote author=Karth link=topic=5705.msg242264#msg242264 date=1333397033]
The 5D and 7D has been a source of great debate between me and myself. The 5D's larger sensor and better job with color looks like a plus, but the 7D's video options appear more flexible. Depth of field also seems to be a concern, but I would just be able to pick up separate lenses for that, no?

As of right now I'm leaning towards the 7D, due to the lower price and better video options. Unless someone can convince me otherwise.

I think the most important thing is to test both out in low light level conditions. If the better sensor makes a big difference there it may sway your decision. The darker it is the more you have to bump up the ISO and the more grainy the quality. Since you are using this for film I'm assuming you are going to want some moody lighting at some point.
[/quote]
As soon as I get some time I'd love to test the both of them out. Unfortunately, that could mean next month or even june.  :-\

[Surf314]

[quote author=Surf314 link=topic=5705.msg242284#msg242284 date=1333417226]
[quote author=Karth link=topic=5705.msg242264#msg242264 date=1333397033]
The 5D and 7D has been a source of great debate between me and myself. The 5D's larger sensor and better job with color looks like a plus, but the 7D's video options appear more flexible. Depth of field also seems to be a concern, but I would just be able to pick up separate lenses for that, no?

As of right now I'm leaning towards the 7D, due to the lower price and better video options. Unless someone can convince me otherwise.

I think the most important thing is to test both out in low light level conditions. If the better sensor makes a big difference there it may sway your decision. The darker it is the more you have to bump up the ISO and the more grainy the quality. Since you are using this for film I'm assuming you are going to want some moody lighting at some point.
[/quote]
As soon as I get some time I'd love to test the both of them out. Unfortunately, that could mean next month or even june.  :-\
[/quote]

Also the light sensitivity will help give you more options with depth of field. The smaller the aperture, the less light, the greater the depth of field.

[KarthXLR]

[quote author=Karth link=topic=5705.msg242317#msg242317 date=1333464052]
[quote author=Surf314 link=topic=5705.msg242284#msg242284 date=1333417226]
[quote author=Karth link=topic=5705.msg242264#msg242264 date=1333397033]
The 5D and 7D has been a source of great debate between me and myself. The 5D's larger sensor and better job with color looks like a plus, but the 7D's video options appear more flexible. Depth of field also seems to be a concern, but I would just be able to pick up separate lenses for that, no?

As of right now I'm leaning towards the 7D, due to the lower price and better video options. Unless someone can convince me otherwise.

I think the most important thing is to test both out in low light level conditions. If the better sensor makes a big difference there it may sway your decision. The darker it is the more you have to bump up the ISO and the more grainy the quality. Since you are using this for film I'm assuming you are going to want some moody lighting at some point.
[/quote]
As soon as I get some time I'd love to test the both of them out. Unfortunately, that could mean next month or even june.  :-\
[/quote]

Also the light sensitivity will help give you more options with depth of field. The smaller the aperture, the less light, the greater the depth of field.
[/quote]
Yeah, I know. We've been learning general stuff like that since the beginning of the semester. Not sure if I'll be able to fully test it within a camera store.

[Mission Difficult]

Not sure if you're still looking, but I saw this guy floating around. Might be worth a look. Supposed to go for around $3000 for the body. Throw in a SSD and a lens and you're probably going to wind up in the top end of your price range. Records to RAW, ProRes, and DNxHD. Haven't seen any real world examples if picture quality though.

[KarthXLR]

Not sure if you're still looking, but I saw this guy floating around. Might be worth a look. Supposed to go for around $3000 for the body. Throw in a SSD and a lens and you're probably going to wind up in the top end of your price range. Records to RAW, ProRes, and DNxHD. Haven't seen any real world examples if picture quality though.

Holy crap, I'm not sure if I'm prepared to spend that much on just a body.

[KarthXLR]

Bought an EOS 60D today with a 18mm-200mm lens.  8)

Hopefully some examples will be up soon.