Thinking of buying a Canon 70d-any alternatives?

[BlimeyCharlie]

Hi everyone,
I'm looking at making decent quality videos, and have seen some stuff on youtube shot by this camera, a Canon 70d, with a Sigma 18-35mm lens.

I was looking previously at 6d's but that was to replace a 1ds and be able to video as a bonus.
Decided now I want to keep the 1ds for still work with the 'L' series lens, and buy a dedicated video system.

However;
Is there a 'proper' video camera alternative that produces results the same or better than a 70d with this lens? I understand it is better than the Canon lens that is similar and commonly sold as a bundle?

Can I use the 'L' series lens I already have on the 70d and shoot video, or is there a focusing issue?

The focusing system appeals to me via the screen on the 70d and that it also pops out.

Any advice appreciated. Cheers.

[DavidCane]

I'd imagine a 70d with one of the Canon STM focussing lenses would be ideal for video. The STM gives a smooth and constant focussing speed, specifically for video.

The 70d looks like a great camera.

[Janesy B]

70D doesn't have a headphone socket to monitor the output, some people aren't bothered but it's a bit of a silly omission really.

Re lens compatibility, the official list is below;

http://www.canon.co.uk/Support/Consumer_Products/D...

Third party lenses won't be included for obvious reasons however the AF works well with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 and the 18-35 that's been tested.

The kit with the STM lenses would be a nice setup for video imho.

[toasty]

Might be a tad pricey but there's always the Canon EOS-1D C

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Dig...

or if you're feeling flush the Red Carbon Dragon is a snip

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?105331...

[mrdemon]

You need a stm lens and a quite one.

I ended up with the new 18-135 stm , it's very fast and makes no noise.

[Phunk]

What kind of videos do you want to make? That's the most important thing!

If you want something that is pretty easy to use and great quality, then a simple handycam type thing would suit.

If you want awesome quality and dynamic range, get a black magic pocket camera.

If you want a documentary camera, get a C100/C300

Good videos come mostly from editing, which is a whole other world to photography.

This guy is awesome and mostly uses a Canon Powershot compact camera:

http://www.youtube.com/user/caseyneistat/videos

[Janesy B]

mrdemon said:

You need a stm lens and a quite one.

I ended up with the new 18-135 stm , it's very fast and makes no noise.

You don't 'need' one.

[BlimeyCharlie]

Hi having had a look through the replies I basically want a camera/lens that gives me a very shallow depth of field. That is my visual priority.
That is about it.

Sound needs to be captured to some degree, and maybe compatible with a radio mic facility, though a lot of sound will be edited later.

I agree that it is the editing where it counts, I used to 'do' videos and have a photography background, and want to start with a decent system and then get editing.

[mrdemon]

Janesy B said:

You don't 'need' one.

I can assure you that you do, you can hear the focus motor even with e best usm L lens.
The whole idea with this tech is that the camera auto focus.

[rottie102]

Phunk said:

This guy is awesome and mostly uses a Canon Powershot compact camera:

http://www.youtube.com/user/caseyneistat/videos

Damn you!!!! I was supposed to be working!!

[Phunk]

Great that you have a video background, so many people I know try to get into it and get a big shock!

70d sounds ideal for what you need, once Magic Lantern comes out for it you will be able to monitor audio using that.

I have a 60d, and the swivel screen is surprisingly handy!

Another camera to look at which gets a good right up is the Panasonic GH3, better video quality than the 70d however it isn't compatible with Canon lenses.

[mojitomax]

rottie102 said:

Phunk said:

This guy is awesome and mostly uses a Canon Powershot compact camera:

http://www.youtube.com/user/caseyneistat/videos

Damn you!!!! I was supposed to be working!!

Have you seen the vid where he goes a tour of his studio? A-maze-ing!!
And he builds his own stuff. Pretty damn cool

[Golaboots]

Isn't a 5d mk 2 or 3 used or new with magic lantern the way to go?

[mrdemon]

not if you want to auto focus on the fly :-) nothing touches the 70D for that with the right lens, it's a game changer.

[V8A*ndy]

Is there anyway of getting the 70d enabled for video record via WiFi?

Seems an odd omission to make and has put me right off a possible purchase.

[Janesy B]

You can start/stop using the EOS utlity and connecting to a PC via USB. Not sure why wifi is disabled when you record movies.

[BlimeyCharlie]

Golaboots said:

Isn't a 5d mk 2 or 3 used or new with magic lantern the way to go?

I guess this is what I'm asking really. Is this (a 5d mk2/3) going to get me better results than a 70d? Or worse?
If it is a 5d mk 2, do I have to focus manually when videoing?

[Golaboots]

Magic lantern gives focus peaking as far as I know which, with a little practice is as good or better than auto focus according to a couple of videographers I know.

Plus it's easier to get a very shallow depth of field with a full frame camera.

[Phunk]

http://vimeo.com/77619574

[BlimeyCharlie]

Phunk said:

http://vimeo.com/77619574

Interesting video. Thanks for the link.

Next question, does anyone know the maximum size I could produce a print to using this camera? At 300dpi? It produces RAW files I note.
I know I could find out by putting some effort in on my part, but always prefer it is someone has any actual experience on here.

Thanks again for all posts.