What SLR to upgrade to, with HD video recording?
Discussion
Hello all, I currently have a very tired and slow Canon 300D which has served me well with learning about photography and the control of an SLR camera for the past 3 years, but now I'm looking to upgrade.
I'd prefer to stick with Canon as its what I know, but would consider looking at Nikon, Sony etc if they offered a better deal.
Another thing is I'd love one with HD video recording as both myself and the other half do a fair bit of mountain biking with friends also into photography, and want to progress into making a video. Currently have a rubbish sony handycam but having techniques avaliable on such as pull focus etc would be a huge benefit.
Don't have a particular budget right now, as I'll be saving up for it over the next few weeks (or more!)
Are there any better choices than a Canon 550d? Or any that do just as good a job, but for less money? Don't mind if any of the very advanced features etc. are missing as its likely I won't be using them at my level of photography just now.
Many thanks!
I'd prefer to stick with Canon as its what I know, but would consider looking at Nikon, Sony etc if they offered a better deal.
Another thing is I'd love one with HD video recording as both myself and the other half do a fair bit of mountain biking with friends also into photography, and want to progress into making a video. Currently have a rubbish sony handycam but having techniques avaliable on such as pull focus etc would be a huge benefit.
Don't have a particular budget right now, as I'll be saving up for it over the next few weeks (or more!)
Are there any better choices than a Canon 550d? Or any that do just as good a job, but for less money? Don't mind if any of the very advanced features etc. are missing as its likely I won't be using them at my level of photography just now.
Many thanks!
Louisa911 said:
Hello all, I currently have a very tired and slow Canon 300D which has served me well with learning about photography and the control of an SLR camera for the past 3 years, but now I'm looking to upgrade.
I'd prefer to stick with Canon as its what I know, but would consider looking at Nikon, Sony etc if they offered a better deal.
Another thing is I'd love one with HD video recording as both myself and the other half do a fair bit of mountain biking with friends also into photography, and want to progress into making a video. Currently have a rubbish sony handycam but having techniques avaliable on such as pull focus etc would be a huge benefit.
Don't have a particular budget right now, as I'll be saving up for it over the next few weeks (or more!)
Are there any better choices than a Canon 550d? Or any that do just as good a job, but for less money? Don't mind if any of the very advanced features etc. are missing as its likely I won't be using them at my level of photography just now.
Many thanks!
Hi Louisa.I'd prefer to stick with Canon as its what I know, but would consider looking at Nikon, Sony etc if they offered a better deal.
Another thing is I'd love one with HD video recording as both myself and the other half do a fair bit of mountain biking with friends also into photography, and want to progress into making a video. Currently have a rubbish sony handycam but having techniques avaliable on such as pull focus etc would be a huge benefit.
Don't have a particular budget right now, as I'll be saving up for it over the next few weeks (or more!)
Are there any better choices than a Canon 550d? Or any that do just as good a job, but for less money? Don't mind if any of the very advanced features etc. are missing as its likely I won't be using them at my level of photography just now.
Many thanks!
If you are a Canon user already I'd say the 550D was a no-brainer
I haven't used one (I've a 450D) but it reviews well and will be compatible with your lenses and probably feel similar-ish so I would go for it.
Good luck !
550D is a good choice, does 720/60 and 1080/30/24 etc.
No auto gain control on the audio I think (only on the 5d2 and 1d4 I think) so recording sound can be a bit tricky , and always best to use an external mike too.
Focus will be tricky too lots of gear to add on to make it more usefull.
No auto gain control on the audio I think (only on the 5d2 and 1d4 I think) so recording sound can be a bit tricky , and always best to use an external mike too.
Focus will be tricky too lots of gear to add on to make it more usefull.
covboy said:
miniman said:
There's no way a DSLR is suitable for filming moutain biking, they are too heavy, large, fragile, expensive.
Only if you're talking about mounting it on the bike surely? Otherwise just the same as any other outdoor activity.Yeah haha definately not going to be attempting to attach any SLRs to any bike bars!
I live in Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales and one mile in any direction you can find decent riding terrain with easy access. Most of the shots will be tripod shot, panning practice, slow motion detail shots etc. going for the more arty / scenic / atmosphere shots rather than hardcore action
Not forgetting though that my main reason for a new SLR is to replace my 300D for standard photography.
Anyone have any other suggestions that could be worth a look? Whats the 500D like compared to the 550D?
I live in Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales and one mile in any direction you can find decent riding terrain with easy access. Most of the shots will be tripod shot, panning practice, slow motion detail shots etc. going for the more arty / scenic / atmosphere shots rather than hardcore action
Not forgetting though that my main reason for a new SLR is to replace my 300D for standard photography.
Anyone have any other suggestions that could be worth a look? Whats the 500D like compared to the 550D?
Thanks for that, think the 550d is worth the extra 10% price or so.
Had a look online at prices, on ebay some are a fair bit cheaper, UK sellers, but the cameras are named Canon Rebel T2I / Canon Kiss X4 rather than 550d, apparently due to japanese / US markets. Are these just as safe to buy and exactly the same product as the UK branded version or would you fork out the extra £100?
Something like this for example:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-CANON-EOS-REBEL-T2i-550D...
Had a look online at prices, on ebay some are a fair bit cheaper, UK sellers, but the cameras are named Canon Rebel T2I / Canon Kiss X4 rather than 550d, apparently due to japanese / US markets. Are these just as safe to buy and exactly the same product as the UK branded version or would you fork out the extra £100?
Something like this for example:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-CANON-EOS-REBEL-T2i-550D...
miniman said:
There's no way a DSLR is suitable for filming moutain biking, they are too heavy, large, fragile, expensive.
I do a lot of Downhill racing photography.. the spaces me and my 5D mkii get into and the amount of rocks i take to the face to save the camera.. you just have to be careful, and remember you will mend the camera wont hahaI'd add something: The 60D.
I've just taken delivery of mine today, and whilst almost identical to the 550D, it has three features pretty suited to video, and it is clear this is what Canon were getting at with it:
1) Slightly larger, stronger body. It fits in the hand better, and should be more rugged.
2) Manual audio level adjustment. On the 550D and even the 7D you don't get this option, just an 'automatic' setting. So, you can use an external mic and set a decent level according to the output.
3) Fold out screen. Of course, just like a camcorder. That was actually a killer for me as I use a 'fig rig' and often film at chest level, so I would have an obscured view of the screen otherwise.
Of course, you have to weigh up in the cost of how useful these features are to you. For me, it was worth it though.
I've just taken delivery of mine today, and whilst almost identical to the 550D, it has three features pretty suited to video, and it is clear this is what Canon were getting at with it:
1) Slightly larger, stronger body. It fits in the hand better, and should be more rugged.
2) Manual audio level adjustment. On the 550D and even the 7D you don't get this option, just an 'automatic' setting. So, you can use an external mic and set a decent level according to the output.
3) Fold out screen. Of course, just like a camcorder. That was actually a killer for me as I use a 'fig rig' and often film at chest level, so I would have an obscured view of the screen otherwise.
Of course, you have to weigh up in the cost of how useful these features are to you. For me, it was worth it though.
I'm considering upgrading my 30D to a 60D purely for the option of shooting video. The thing is I mainly shoot motorsports and I was wondering whether a 60D with either a Sigma 120-300mm or 50-500mm will actually be up to the job or should I spend the cash on a dedictated camcorder and stick with my 30D for the stills? What sort of pitfalls can I expect, for instance will the camera be able to cope with a fast, close up pan or will it just look horrible?
I'm pretty clueless when it comes to the video capabilites of modern DSLR's so I won't be surprised if this is an utterly stupid idea however some clarification from those of you who might have done this would be appreciated.
I'm pretty clueless when it comes to the video capabilites of modern DSLR's so I won't be surprised if this is an utterly stupid idea however some clarification from those of you who might have done this would be appreciated.
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff