Looking for cam. that can record video with manual focusing?
Discussion
Hello
Basically I already have a basic DSLR for my needs, a canon 300d (not great... but it will do).
I'm looking for something that is capable of shooting HD video, with the ability to adjust the focus etc. as you are shooting, eg. a blurry subject becoming focused. I believe the term is to pull focus.
I'm wanting to try and produce a film based on the topic of freeride mountain biking, I have the locations and the riders on my doorstep, the ideas and the technical know-how of a DSLR, but just no camera yet. Something like this: http://www.pinkbike.com/video/161252/
Whats the cheapest camera I should look at, new or secondhand, that would be capable of these types of shots mentioned previously? I would love something like a canon 500d as it could be a brand new SLR for me too regarding pictures. but can't quite justify spending that much.
Also looked at the pentax KX but wondered if I could still go even cheaper. I'm on a pretty tight budget, just want something with manual focusing ability during shooting- with a manual focus ring etc.
Thanks
Basically I already have a basic DSLR for my needs, a canon 300d (not great... but it will do).
I'm looking for something that is capable of shooting HD video, with the ability to adjust the focus etc. as you are shooting, eg. a blurry subject becoming focused. I believe the term is to pull focus.
I'm wanting to try and produce a film based on the topic of freeride mountain biking, I have the locations and the riders on my doorstep, the ideas and the technical know-how of a DSLR, but just no camera yet. Something like this: http://www.pinkbike.com/video/161252/
Whats the cheapest camera I should look at, new or secondhand, that would be capable of these types of shots mentioned previously? I would love something like a canon 500d as it could be a brand new SLR for me too regarding pictures. but can't quite justify spending that much.
Also looked at the pentax KX but wondered if I could still go even cheaper. I'm on a pretty tight budget, just want something with manual focusing ability during shooting- with a manual focus ring etc.
Thanks
Louisa911 said:
Hello
Basically I already have a basic DSLR for my needs, a canon 300d (not great... but it will do).
I'm looking for something that is capable of shooting HD video, with the ability to adjust the focus etc. as you are shooting, eg. a blurry subject becoming focused. I believe the term is to pull focus.
I'm wanting to try and produce a film based on the topic of freeride mountain biking, I have the locations and the riders on my doorstep, the ideas and the technical know-how of a DSLR, but just no camera yet. Something like this: http://www.pinkbike.com/video/161252/
Whats the cheapest camera I should look at, new or secondhand, that would be capable of these types of shots mentioned previously? I would love something like a canon 500d as it could be a brand new SLR for me too regarding pictures. but can't quite justify spending that much.
Also looked at the pentax KX but wondered if I could still go even cheaper. I'm on a pretty tight budget, just want something with manual focusing ability during shooting- with a manual focus ring etc.
Thanks
I have just bought a Pentax K-x (delivered yestrday!). Had a quick play last night, nothing to serious, and am so far very impressed with it. The reviews are very favourable that I have read and I couldn't justify Canon prices (yet) so that is why I went with it.Basically I already have a basic DSLR for my needs, a canon 300d (not great... but it will do).
I'm looking for something that is capable of shooting HD video, with the ability to adjust the focus etc. as you are shooting, eg. a blurry subject becoming focused. I believe the term is to pull focus.
I'm wanting to try and produce a film based on the topic of freeride mountain biking, I have the locations and the riders on my doorstep, the ideas and the technical know-how of a DSLR, but just no camera yet. Something like this: http://www.pinkbike.com/video/161252/
Whats the cheapest camera I should look at, new or secondhand, that would be capable of these types of shots mentioned previously? I would love something like a canon 500d as it could be a brand new SLR for me too regarding pictures. but can't quite justify spending that much.
Also looked at the pentax KX but wondered if I could still go even cheaper. I'm on a pretty tight budget, just want something with manual focusing ability during shooting- with a manual focus ring etc.
Thanks
I got this bundle http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-pentax-k-x-dig...
Must have got the last one as it is now on back order!!
Louisa911 said:
They do look good for the price. Can anyone think of any non-slr video recorders for less price that have manual focus rings for mid-shot focus adjustment?
Pana Lumix LX5?? Think that allows focus adjustment in video mode. Not sure of the delivery method though - don't think it's via focus ring. Edited by bradders on Saturday 2nd October 07:18
I don't think the EOS 500d can do manual focus in video mode, but the 550d can. I managed to get a 550d with 18-135mm lens for £595 so might not be as expensive as you think, and you'd be able to use the lenses you have for your 300d- maybe even sell the 18-135mm lens if you already have one to recoup some of the cost. Over the K-x you;d have the advantage of 1080p video as well.
Are you wanting an SLR to shoot video with, or any reasonable video camera? SLR's get very good results, albeit with some compromise in terms of handling
You might be better off renting something like a Sony Z1 (or equivalent) for a few days for a fraction of the cost, bit of tape stock and you're on your way.
You might be better off renting something like a Sony Z1 (or equivalent) for a few days for a fraction of the cost, bit of tape stock and you're on your way.
Well, you can get a Canon XL1H with a 20x L Series lens for a 3 day hire for £75.00 that would do the job beautifully.
Ok, you don't own it, but it's a relatively cheap way of getting to know the camera, and, if you've planned your shots well beforehand, plenty of time to shoot enough footage to get the video you're after.
And, you get a reasonably good (professional spec) camera to use, that's far more flexible and useable than the cheap consumer options. It'll also take an external audio source too, so if you know what you're doing, you can get perfectly acceptable audio with it.
Unless you're shooting day in, day out, it's probably far more cost effective to rent (at least the expensive bits of your kit) as and when needed, and you should be able to get some really good footage out of it.
Ok, you don't own it, but it's a relatively cheap way of getting to know the camera, and, if you've planned your shots well beforehand, plenty of time to shoot enough footage to get the video you're after.
And, you get a reasonably good (professional spec) camera to use, that's far more flexible and useable than the cheap consumer options. It'll also take an external audio source too, so if you know what you're doing, you can get perfectly acceptable audio with it.
Unless you're shooting day in, day out, it's probably far more cost effective to rent (at least the expensive bits of your kit) as and when needed, and you should be able to get some really good footage out of it.
My Panasonic GF1 does that, as do all of the micro 4/3 format cameras from them I believe. The focus ring on the 20mm lens is not mechanical though so you still hear the motor working the focus when you adjust manually. That may or may not be important to you if you're putting music over the top. The video is rubbish compared to our 5D mkII though. Still, it didn't cost £2k. 
Have you seen the new Lumix TZ10 with HD video and 12x optical zoom, with the manual controls of an SLR. I am a professional photographer and have just bought the Canon 5d eos mark 2 for nearly £1700.00 but saw the results on this great little Lumix and franky I couldn't tell the difference at normal enlargements! They're on Amazon for around £200.00. THe big difference would be with the higher ISO settings where compacts are no where near as good. I can shoot 6400 with no noise at all on the Canon, but maybe you dont need this. Good luck
www.dickonclark.co.uk
www.dickonclark.co.uk
dickonclark said:
Have you seen the new Lumix TZ10 with HD video and 12x optical zoom, with the manual controls of an SLR. I am a professional photographer and have just bought the Canon 5d eos mark 2 for nearly £1700.00 but saw the results on this great little Lumix and franky I couldn't tell the difference at normal enlargements! They're on Amazon for around £200.00. THe big difference would be with the higher ISO settings where compacts are no where near as good. I can shoot 6400 with no noise at all on the Canon, but maybe you dont need this. Good luck
www.dickonclark.co.uk
You do see the dates of the threads you're replying to, right? www.dickonclark.co.uk
Also, FYI advertising your website with every post is not welcome here.
Apart from that - Enjoy
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff