What cam to buy?

Jeff Harper · October 23rd, 2009, 01:44 AM

I would never recommend the 5d/7d as a video camera for a pro videographer, way too difficult to use and missing so many elements as Perrone says. But I completely disagree with Perrone re: the quality of the footage.

The sensor is HUGE in those cameras, and when used properly the images rival hollywood productions. Amazing images, completely blows away the EX series...the EX cams have 1/2 chips, the sensor in the 5D is how big? Like an inch or more...most amazing footage I've seen, but only in the right hands. What a nightmare to use.

The EX series are fantastic, period, but I just don't think can compare to the 5D/7D when used optimally. I could be wrong, I don't use either cam, but regardless, I would go for the Z5/Z7 or EX series.

I should qualify that the vast majority of videos I've seen shot with the 5d are medicore at best. Wrong lenses, poor lighting, the list goes on...but the very few really good ones are just mind blowing. That's the thing, it is SO difficult to get those amazing images...very difficult. The 5D/7D is like the flavor of the month, people without the skills are buying them thinking they will get those amazing results, but they don't know how to actually use the camera properly.

To me it doesn't make sense to buy a still camera for video, unless you just have money to burn or are highly skilled with it.

Tom Hardwick · October 23rd, 2009, 04:11 AM

I don't know how we can honestly answer Niall's original question because he doesn't give us a clue as to what he wants to shoot. And Jeff - I think you need to read Perrone's list again, and add to that the audio limitations (pretty important in movies), the lack of a flip-flop v'finder, the loss of auto exposure and focus, the lack of zoom length and lots more.

Also his 'DOF: VDSLR by a mile' isn't so, and some of are after near infinite dof - the EX wins that one. Limited dof? yes, the VDSLR wins. If you look at Ken's Vimeo clips you'll see the DSLR compromise - better low light exposures with the proviso that you only get a bit of the image sharp at any one time.

Buy a movie camera for movies. Buy a VDSLR to add variety to that movie.

tom.

October 23rd, 2009, 01:44 AM	#16
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	I would never recommend the 5d/7d as a video camera for a pro videographer, way too difficult to use and missing so many elements as Perrone says. But I completely disagree with Perrone re: the quality of the footage. The sensor is HUGE in those cameras, and when used properly the images rival hollywood productions. Amazing images, completely blows away the EX series...the EX cams have 1/2 chips, the sensor in the 5D is how big? Like an inch or more...most amazing footage I've seen, but only in the right hands. What a nightmare to use. The EX series are fantastic, period, but I just don't think can compare to the 5D/7D when used optimally. I could be wrong, I don't use either cam, but regardless, I would go for the Z5/Z7 or EX series. I should qualify that the vast majority of videos I've seen shot with the 5d are medicore at best. Wrong lenses, poor lighting, the list goes on...but the very few really good ones are just mind blowing. That's the thing, it is SO difficult to get those amazing images...very difficult. The 5D/7D is like the flavor of the month, people without the skills are buying them thinking they will get those amazing results, but they don't know how to actually use the camera properly. To me it doesn't make sense to buy a still camera for video, unless you just have money to burn or are highly skilled with it.

October 23rd, 2009, 04:11 AM	#17
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	I don't know how we can honestly answer Niall's original question because he doesn't give us a clue as to what he wants to shoot. And Jeff - I think you need to read Perrone's list again, and add to that the audio limitations (pretty important in movies), the lack of a flip-flop v'finder, the loss of auto exposure and focus, the lack of zoom length and lots more. Also his 'DOF: VDSLR by a mile' isn't so, and some of are after near infinite dof - the EX wins that one. Limited dof? yes, the VDSLR wins. If you look at Ken's Vimeo clips you'll see the DSLR compromise - better low light exposures with the proviso that you only get a bit of the image sharp at any one time. Buy a movie camera for movies. Buy a VDSLR to add variety to that movie. tom.