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Question

What camera do I buy?

Dec 9, 2013 10:08AM PST

Canon 5D, Blackmagic Cinema Camera, Canon C100, Sony NEX-FS100U, orsomething else?
I currently have a Canon t2i and I'm definitely ready to upgrade to a more professional, larger sensor camera, the question is which one? I need a camera with good low-light, a film-look (would be nice, but not necessary), all-in-one (in other words, doesn't need a ridiculous amount of accessories to make it better), and overall just amazing. I'll set my budget at $5,000. Feel free to offer other camera choices and back up your answers with facts. I'm not a huge tech guy so please don't throw technical jargon at me. Thanks.

I also asked this question here if you would like to post your response there and make my life easier:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20131209180249AA56XdU

Discussion is locked

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Answer
If your investment
Dec 15, 2013 5:51AM PST

in lenses for the T2i is not too significant and you want to record audio internally, then perhaps a look at the Sony NEX-EA50UH... because of audio. Large sensor, interchangeable lens system, and two built-in XLR inputs... and a hot-shoe for dSLR flash use and a a cold shoe you can install for other stuff like a video light, wireless mic receiver... and a slide-out shoulder mount( seems a bit chintzy but the eyepiece seems to fit well...

If you choose to deal with camera-recorded audio, then you probably will need a XLR adapter (this would impact all of those on your short list with a 1/8" - 3.5mm - stereo audio input. And the good shotgun mics need phantom power, so be sure the XLR adapter has that option (the EA50UH has a switch for each channel in the audio control area on the left side of the camcorder).

The EA50UH is similar to the FS100U (and the only one on your list with XLR inputs). The imaging sensor's are different, the shoulder mount, and the 50UH has an optional high capacity memory unit. When the shoulder mount slides out, there are three 1/4" standard thread holes for mounting even more stuff (and when shoulder mounted, the extra weight is useful for stabilizing.

We presume you have appropriate computer horsepower and hard disc space to deal with editing high definition video and a decent video editor to to the editing...

Granted, I just got an EA50UH and am using it to augment a HDR-FX1 and occasionally a three-cam shoot with a HDR-HC1...

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Answer
Blackmagic Cameras are the Best Value for Money
Dec 17, 2013 9:56PM PST

Hi John - I tried to answer over at Yahoo, but the question was closed.

The 8-bit C100 is over $5000 ($5449 body-only at Amazon) and, by the time you buy lenses and get the 8-bit FS100 rigged up, it will be over $5000 too.

If you plan to shoot for 2K theatrical projection, I would get the 12-bit RAW 2.5K $1995 Blackmagic Cinema Camera. There's nothing else on your list that can touch it for resolution, bit rate, color depth or dynamic range. Yes, you'll need to rig it up, but you'll still end up spending a lot less than for any of the other options.

If all you need is 1080p, save yourself $1000 and get the 12-bit RAW $995 Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. If you want to keep using your Canon lenses, you can use part of the money you save for a $598 Redrock Micro Canon EF to Micro 4/3 adapter. This adapter will allow you to adjust the aperture on your EF lenses when it is on a micro 4/3 camera (like the BMPCC).

I would avoid the EA50. It is just as prone to shot-ruining moire as your T2i is.

Hope this is helpful,

Bill