View Full Version : B Cam suggestions for the 5D II?


Denny Kyser
April 6th, 2011, 12:07 AM
I am trying to free up some money and would like to get rid of my ex1r that is a few months old and very little use.

I have stopped offering wedding video packages, and sticking with photography and only doing a few weddings that include some video. When I say some, they know they are getting straight edit back of church video. If they want moving camera, nice videography I suggest they find a videographer. I only do a few that want just the ceremony covered with one camera.

My current gear list includes many L lenses (2) 1D Mark IV's and a 5DII that is used for video.
My main concern is once or twice a year I have to film a full Catholic Mass, which takes an hour so is pretty risky using DSLR alone, especially when I am taking stills too. (a crew of 3)

Is there any good options for a B cam to cover the wide shot that will match the 5dII well but be around $2000.00 ?

Colin Rowe
April 6th, 2011, 03:30 AM
Panasonic TM900, Amazing

Spiros Zaharakis
April 6th, 2011, 04:06 AM
Panasonic GH2. You may find your self using it as an A Cam too.

Jim Newberry
April 11th, 2011, 05:22 PM
Panasonic GH2. You may find your self using it as an A Cam too.

Do you know if there is an adapter available allowing use of Canon lenses on that?

ETA: Just found this thread, which mentions available adapters, but also how they're problematic.

Wouldn't something like a 7D be a better DSLSR B cam, so you could use your Canon lenses?

Jon Fairhurst
April 11th, 2011, 08:02 PM
The right B Cam depends on your vision.

Do you want to do two camera interviews with a consistent look? Get another 5D2 or a 7D/T2i/T3i/etc.

Do you want your second camera to handle the stuff that the 5D2 does poorly? Get a traditional video camera - or maybe a Scarlet Fixed once available.

Nothing against the GH1 or GH2, but they have some of the same shortcomings that the Canon cams have, don't share lenses well, and won't give a perfectly matched look on 2 camera shoots. I'd ether want something very close to the same, or very different.

Denny Kyser
April 11th, 2011, 08:21 PM
I am leaning towards a second 5d II, that would give me 2 5D II's and 2 1D IV's, all would share lenses and could stagger video to cover the 12 min limit.