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General discussion

Which dSLR is best for filming(novice)?

Jan 24, 2012 11:58PM PST

Hello everyone, I've been doing some research on which dSLR camera to buy for filming(shorts/b-movies/interviews), occasional photos and I am still uncertain on which one would be best to fit me. Most threads that I have read are several years old so I'm not certain if those cameras are the same.

I'm a novice with cameras/filming but I am trying to get serious in the field. My budget is around 1k and have been deciding whether to purchase the 7D or the t3i. I've seen the 7D and t3i in action and it seems like the 7D is a lot better(maybe 7D had better lenses). I know this has been asked so many times but after reading so much, I am still uncertain.

Thank you for all of your help.

Discussion is locked

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DSLR
Jan 25, 2012 6:35AM PST

Regarding lenses, the Canon 7D and Canon T3i use the exact same lenses.

I would not suggest the 7D for a novice, it is aimed at a simi professional photographer.
Or at least someone who is familiar with DSLR cameras.

Since you seem to be more interested in video than still pictures, I am wondering why you are not looking at camcorders.

The 7D costs twice the price of the T3i, why not buy the T3i and a camcorder.

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reply
Jan 25, 2012 9:24AM PST

Hey thanks for the reply, I already have a camcorder(sony xdr-500) but I don't really like the quality it produces. I've seen the differences between video on a dSLR vs the camcorder I have and they do not really compare which is why I was leaning towards buying a dSLR instead

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re: Which dSLR is best for filming
Jan 25, 2012 9:35AM PST

Although not a true DSLR, the Panasonic GH2 is generally considered to have the best video implementation of any interchangeable lens photo camera. Advantages over Canon include: autofocus while shooting video (with selected lenses), less moire, and clip length limited only by free space on the card (U.S. models only). Also note that the GH2 is less prone to overheating while shooting video than the 7D (due to the 7D's weather sealed body--read: less air circulation for cooling--and two DIGIC processors--read: twice as much heat generated as the T3i's single processor). If you do decide to go with a GH2, I would strongly recommend you stretch your budget a little and get the 14-140mm lens, as it's much better for video than the 14-42mm.

However, if you're still inclined toward the T3i, note that Canon released the T2i the first week of February in 2010, and the T3i the first week of February in 2011, and they have an announcement scheduled for the first week of February this year. If they do announce a T4i, the price of the T3i should drop some. Or you might want to see what the T4i has to offer. (e.g. early reports are that DIGIC V has much better high ISO than its predecessor.)

HTH - Mark

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thanks
Jan 26, 2012 5:46AM PST

Thank you for your reply. I've seen the vids for the GH2 and they're great. Just wondering if I should wait for the GH3?

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re: wait for the GH3? Short answer: I wouldn't recommend it.
Jan 26, 2012 9:47AM PST

Long answer:

That's going to be a long wait. I haven't even heard any solid rumors of an official announcement, much less a release date, much less availability in the U.S. (It wasn't until 6-8 months after the release date that both the GH1 and GH2--both of which I own, BTW--were commonly available at MSRP in the U.S.)

Speaking of MSRP, another consideration is that when the GH3 is eventually released, it will most likely sell for MSRP (or higher, if there are availability issues again), and MSRP is most likely to be well over your $1,000 budget.

Mark