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Question

Complete beginner - Budget 3000 euros - Dslr for video

by Oct 7, 2013 7:07AM PDT

Hello cneters!

My name is crazyponytail and I am thinking of buying a DSLR for video recording. My budget is max 3000 euros.

Now I am not necesarily spending all of that since I do understand that I am a complete beginner with no knowledge of this stuff and maybe I dont need top notch **** at the moment.

However I want to underline that I will be going at this new impulse of mine with a 120% dedication. I will not have a day-time job, this camera will be my daily routine, so im thinking that more advanced features might come to be useful sooner or later for me as I will be spending a lot of time with it.

So what im looking at getting is a DSLR and a lens for shooting video. My final goal is to make my own documentary.

What would you guys recommend me to get?


So shoot: A guy who knows nothing about photography is buying a camera. In time he will know alot. What camera and equipment would be wise to get, thinking that I dont want to buy a semi good camera now only to have to then spend more money on a better camera later.

Discussion is locked

7 Posts
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Answer
Before you go there. Consider this.
by Forum moderator Oct 7, 2013 7:12AM PDT

Many DSLRs still overheat and limit you in that way and may royally cheese you off. Here's a prior discussion on that and DO NOT THINK for a minute it's just that model that does this.

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&as_q=dslr+overheats+during+video

If you can get over that I suggest you move forward except add a second device for the audio track. Then just like they taught us in film school, select the best audio tracks later in post production.
Bob

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So how about cameras?
by crazyponytail Oct 7, 2013 10:49AM PDT

I kind of like the fact that DSLRs are problematic. I like that fact that you can produce real high end quality footage but at the cost of having to put time and effort into it.

The overheating problem, Iv undestood, can be worked around.

A good work around is to swap batteries, since its the battery overheating, swapping the battery to a cold battery will work.

Another good way of getting around it is to actually change how you hold the camera. Since you are holding your hand over the battery compartment you are actually helping in the process of overheating the darn thing. So mounting the camera to a "holding peg" (I have no clue on what they are called, im a noob remember) would be a fine workaround too.

Umbrellas are also a good way, if we are talking about sun hitting directly at the camera.

Correct me if im wrong but this is the impression I get from various sources on the internet.


Now, I was wondering what you guys would think about me getting a canon 7D?

My gut feeling tells me that lenses are more important when using a DSLR for shooting video.

So rather than getting a 5d mark II which would eat up half of my budget, I was thinking maybe a 7D would do it. That would leave me with plenty of dollaz for lenses and other equipment such as sound and mounts.

What do you guys think?


(I am still researching this whole thing "as we speak", so yes I do understand that I come off as very hasty, im not going to make some crazy quick-buy here. I will of course research a lot more before I buy anything)

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damn
by crazyponytail Oct 7, 2013 11:19AM PDT

I ment to say canon eos 70D

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Video
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Oct 7, 2013 11:34AM PDT

I too wonder why you are looking for the wrong tool.
A HD video is only 1920 x 1080.
The DSLR is capable of well over 4416 x 2944 (still pictures)
Those extra pixels will not help video.

The only thing the DSLR can affect (over a camcorder) is depth of field with certain lenses and lighting.

Besides overheating, there is poor sound quality and uncertain focus ability.on action shots.

Canon does build a camera that functions well as a DSLR and a Video camera.
But it is very expensive.
Canon C100

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=944453&is=REG&A=details&Q=

..

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re: since its the battery overheating
by MarkatNite Oct 8, 2013 9:09AM PDT

>"A good work around is to swap batteries, since its the battery overheating, swapping the battery to a cold battery will work."

Where did you hear/read this? I've been shooting video on large sensor, interchangeable lens, hybrid photo/video cameras since the GH1 came out in 2009 (currently using a GH2 and T4i, soon to upgrade to a 70D and BMPC) and this is the first time I've ever heard this.

And it is not correct, in my experience - Mark

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My son tried that
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Oct 8, 2013 9:24AM PDT

Swapping batteries didn't help. He had to wait for it to cool off.
Bob

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Answer
re: Budget 3000 euros - Dslr for video
by Oct 7, 2013 3:11PM PDT

At that budget, you're much better off getting a dedicated video camera (like a Panasonic AG-AC90). Unless you're willing to at least double your budget to include a cage, rails, follow focus, matte box, tripod/monopod/glidecam/slider, external mic, field mixer, audio recorder, external monitor, external video recorder, lights, diffusers, C-stands, etc. and even then, unless you shoot scripted narrative features where you have time to setup, block, light, do multiple takes, etc., then you might want to consider a large sensor, interchangeable lens, hybird photo/video camera.

Mark

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