Canon DSLR for video
Discussion
A friend of mine uses a 600D and kit lens to film home movies.
However his wife is getting tired of him borrowing her camera all the time so he's looking for his own. They don't have much cash so we're looking at s/h. What Canon body would offer him a more 'pro' video experience than a 600D? Something from the x00 range? Would that allow zoom whilst recording? Or, given that the kit lens is rather limiting and is the only thing tying him to Canon, would Nikon be an option? (he could then borrow my lenses).
However his wife is getting tired of him borrowing her camera all the time so he's looking for his own. They don't have much cash so we're looking at s/h. What Canon body would offer him a more 'pro' video experience than a 600D? Something from the x00 range? Would that allow zoom whilst recording? Or, given that the kit lens is rather limiting and is the only thing tying him to Canon, would Nikon be an option? (he could then borrow my lenses).
I'm not familiar with the 600D, but I know the 70D does good video, and has now been superseded so should be available second hand. The autofocus is good enough to cope with the lens being manually zoomed while recording. Face recognition is good too. The articulated rear screen is very useful and I miss it when using my other camera.
Canon 60d is pretty good, it has the articulated screen and enough prosumer features to make it worth while. I love mine for stills and video. Lacks the focusing ability of the newer 70d but it's in budget and gives you enough leftover towards a lens. MPB has one graded excellent for £324
bloomen said:
I have a 5d mk3. I also have Panasonic GH2 and GH3s. The Canon's video is utterly mediocre compared to either Panasonic and they're a fraction of the cost. I truly don't understand why people buy Canon for video. Even my Sony HX20 poxy travel zoom totally creams it for video.
Big brand, lots of lenses, lots of cudos for having a pro video camera line and being first into dslr video.I wouldnt buy an SLR for video though shirly thats what video cameras are for? SLR can be better due to larger sensor and lens range but you need a lot of skill and gear to make it work well in comparison.
I asked him about getting a camcorder instead. He (and wife) said that they've effectively died out now because DSLRs have taken over. It sounded a bit odd to me but I didn't argue. He's attached to Canon DSLRs because she has one and the idea of using her lenses appeals to him (even if they are only a kit lens and mediocre telephoto). The oddness is compounded because he doesn't really know how to work a DSLR... so I think I'll have to leave them to it...
I have a Canon Legria HF G30 and it is superb, produces some stunning video. Has all the manual controls that you need.
http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/cam...
It has been superseded by the G40 now, which is around £1000 new. However, I'd try and find a used G30 (a quick search shows there is one on eBay starting at £499).
http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/cam...
It has been superseded by the G40 now, which is around £1000 new. However, I'd try and find a used G30 (a quick search shows there is one on eBay starting at £499).
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