Alex
I'm torn between the two, but are there cameras (maybe from other brands, even) that offer similar video quality? I'd like to consider all of my options before making a purchase.
Answer
Hi Alex:
You asked a similar Question last week over in the "Cameras" Category, but since you are interested in shooting "video" and not still photos, I'd recommend you discard your thoughts of using a DSLR like the Canon 5D (or any of the other Rebel/EOS series).
There's a current "craze" for using DSLRs to shoot video, sometimes motivated by budget & lensing options (it's hard to find a changeable-lens true camcorder for under-$3000 USD). But audio features on any DSLR take a backseat, and complaints about lousy audio capture, without spending a bundle on extra microphones & external mixers or digital recorders, are frequent with DSLR shooters & editors. And built-in limits on video-length and sensor overheating issues (after 30 minutes or so) also eliminate most DSLRs for serious video projects.
And keep in mind that the Canon XH-A1 camcorder is a late-2006 model that's no longer made. Still shoots great HDV hi-def, and stores video in low-compression high-bitrate MiniDV cassettes. Pro-audio XLR connectors with real audio knobs & settings exceed anything a DSLR can provide. Plus, you get time-code support, which DSLRs lack.
Other similar camcorders in the same price bracket are Sony's HVR-Z1 (the newer Z5 & Z7 might be out of your budget), and Panasonic's various AG-DVX or AG-HVX series (the DVX30P, the DVX100-DVX300, the HVX200, etc.). The DVX are standard def, but shoot good 16:9 widescreen if that's your big concern; otherwise, get an HVX hi-def model, new or used.
Once you get in the $4000-$5000 price bracket for camcorders, you get changeable lens options (like the Sony HVR-Z7 & HVR-S270, and Panasonic's AG-AF100).
If you choose a newer AVCHD-file format camera like the AG-AF100, just make sure your editing computer & software can handle that highly-compressed format.
hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
Â
Hi Alex:
You asked a similar Question last week over in the "Cameras" Category, but since you are interested in shooting "video" and not still photos, I'd recommend you discard your thoughts of using a DSLR like the Canon 5D (or any of the other Rebel/EOS series).
There's a current "craze" for using DSLRs to shoot video, sometimes motivated by budget & lensing options (it's hard to find a changeable-lens true camcorder for under-$3000 USD). But audio features on any DSLR take a backseat, and complaints about lousy audio capture, without spending a bundle on extra microphones & external mixers or digital recorders, are frequent with DSLR shooters & editors. And built-in limits on video-length and sensor overheating issues (after 30 minutes or so) also eliminate most DSLRs for serious video projects.
And keep in mind that the Canon XH-A1 camcorder is a late-2006 model that's no longer made. Still shoots great HDV hi-def, and stores video in low-compression high-bitrate MiniDV cassettes. Pro-audio XLR connectors with real audio knobs & settings exceed anything a DSLR can provide. Plus, you get time-code support, which DSLRs lack.
Other similar camcorders in the same price bracket are Sony's HVR-Z1 (the newer Z5 & Z7 might be out of your budget), and Panasonic's various AG-DVX or AG-HVX series (the DVX30P, the DVX100-DVX300, the HVX200, etc.). The DVX are standard def, but shoot good 16:9 widescreen if that's your big concern; otherwise, get an HVX hi-def model, new or used.
Once you get in the $4000-$5000 price bracket for camcorders, you get changeable lens options (like the Sony HVR-Z7 & HVR-S270, and Panasonic's AG-AF100).
If you choose a newer AVCHD-file format camera like the AG-AF100, just make sure your editing computer & software can handle that highly-compressed format.
hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
Â
Shotgun mic for DSLR cameras?
Jason
Looking to buy a Juice link CX231 preamplifier for recording sound with my canon T2i. What is the best shotgun mic out there I can get for less than $300 to go along with it? Also I heard of something called "Magic Lantern". How can I get this for my T2i? Thank you.
Answer
I have a juicedLink CX231. Works great - good choice as it also has phantom power.
We don't know what you plan to capture to video.
If video is important, then a camcorder is preferred. It is designed to capture video. And audio. capturing still images is a secondary "convenience feature".
If stills are important, than use a still image capture device. Like a dSLR. Capturing video (and audio) is a secondary "convenience feature". For example, if you read the documentation availble for download from the dSLR manufacturer's web sites, you will find they (including your EOS 550D/T2i) will overheat when capturing video "for prolonged periods" (about 15 minutes maximum) and stop video capture until it cools down (takes a long time)... or... check their built-in (mono) mic and no (or extremely limted) manual audio control. This means no stereo without an external stereo mic and adding something like a XLR adapter (~$350) to plug into the stereo audio input + use the audio gain controls... or... use an external audio recording device like a Zoom H2, H2n, H4n and take the extra steps to import and sync the audio when editing... You already know a little about this XLR mic part, too.
Plan on investing on more than one mic. My kit includes a couple of handheld Shure SM58 dynamic mics, an Audio Technica AT-825 stereo mic, a couple of Sennheiser G3 wireless lavs with portable base stations and an Audio Technica AT-875R short shotgun mic.
Basically you end up spending more money and time you would not spend if you use the tool designed for the task.
I am not saying dSLRs can't capture good video - they can - but they cannot be treated like a camcorder and they cannot replace a camcorder. There are workarounds for lots of things that you normally don't need to worry about when using a camcorder...
And I did not get into the video file compatibility with your computer/video editor (MOV from the dSLR), lighting requirements, steadying devices, power supplies... and lots of other "accessories" needed for successful video capture - and in the camcorders you listed, be sure your selected editor can deal with AVCHD compressed video.
If you need a dSLR footprint then look into the BlackMagic Cinema cams - better yet, the Canon EOS Cinema cams... They do not have the known problems dSLRs have with capturing video.
As for MagicLantern... Learn more about it here... http://www.magiclantern.fm
I have a juicedLink CX231. Works great - good choice as it also has phantom power.
We don't know what you plan to capture to video.
If video is important, then a camcorder is preferred. It is designed to capture video. And audio. capturing still images is a secondary "convenience feature".
If stills are important, than use a still image capture device. Like a dSLR. Capturing video (and audio) is a secondary "convenience feature". For example, if you read the documentation availble for download from the dSLR manufacturer's web sites, you will find they (including your EOS 550D/T2i) will overheat when capturing video "for prolonged periods" (about 15 minutes maximum) and stop video capture until it cools down (takes a long time)... or... check their built-in (mono) mic and no (or extremely limted) manual audio control. This means no stereo without an external stereo mic and adding something like a XLR adapter (~$350) to plug into the stereo audio input + use the audio gain controls... or... use an external audio recording device like a Zoom H2, H2n, H4n and take the extra steps to import and sync the audio when editing... You already know a little about this XLR mic part, too.
Plan on investing on more than one mic. My kit includes a couple of handheld Shure SM58 dynamic mics, an Audio Technica AT-825 stereo mic, a couple of Sennheiser G3 wireless lavs with portable base stations and an Audio Technica AT-875R short shotgun mic.
Basically you end up spending more money and time you would not spend if you use the tool designed for the task.
I am not saying dSLRs can't capture good video - they can - but they cannot be treated like a camcorder and they cannot replace a camcorder. There are workarounds for lots of things that you normally don't need to worry about when using a camcorder...
And I did not get into the video file compatibility with your computer/video editor (MOV from the dSLR), lighting requirements, steadying devices, power supplies... and lots of other "accessories" needed for successful video capture - and in the camcorders you listed, be sure your selected editor can deal with AVCHD compressed video.
If you need a dSLR footprint then look into the BlackMagic Cinema cams - better yet, the Canon EOS Cinema cams... They do not have the known problems dSLRs have with capturing video.
As for MagicLantern... Learn more about it here... http://www.magiclantern.fm
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Title Post: What are some video/DV/DSLR cameras that are the same quality as the Canon XH A1 and the Canon 5D Mark II?
Rating: 92% based on 9788 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Yukie
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Rating: 92% based on 9788 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Yukie
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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