First Camera Help 2.0!

.undetected

.undetected

Active member
Sorry for a repost but I just found the thread that explained how to ask for help on purchasing my first camera.

1) What is your budget? How much money can you spend right away, and do you think you can get more money to invest in the future?

My budget is $1100.

2) What experience do you already have with cameras? Have you ever even used one before? Have you helped your friend out with his camera? Have you owned your own?

I have a little experience with cameras, but I have used a friends Canon 60D to film skiing multiple times. I have never owned my own though.

2) What gear, if any, do you currently have? (tripod, old camera lenses, mics, etc)

None

4) What are you planning to shoot and how do you want to use your camera? Are you going to use this with the sole purpose of shooting skiing? or do you think you might try other stuff as well (movies, documentaries, short films, etc)

Mostly skiing, but short films/movies would be fun to make.

5) Do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?

I would do most of the filming, but it shouldn't be a problem for a friend to use it to film me for any reason.

6) When filming skiing, how do you tend to shoot? (follow cams, leave it on record on a tripod and hike, film from a tripod, etc)

Follow cams/glidecams and tripods.

7) What computer do you currently have/use to edit (if not currently editing, what would you most likely use)? If you can provide specifics, such as hard drive space, RAM, processor size, that would be great.

Macbook pro/Imac.

7) What program do you currently edit on? How familiar are you with it (1- just learning; 10- I can make tutorials and know the keyboard layout)

Sony Vegas 12 pro. Final Cut pro. On a scale from 1-10 I'am around a 4.

---------------------------Optional Section, for those seeking a more intensive upgrade/purchase------------------------

1) Do you think you might consider using a DSLR?

Yes I have used DSLR's before so that would help out the learning process.

2) Do you have any knowledge about the HDSLRS?

No.

3) Do you know the limitations to using HDSLRS?

No.

4) Are you willing to take the time to learn about a DSLR, and how to shoot with manual lenses?

Yes.

5) Again, do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?

Most of my friends currently know how to use it now, so this should not be a problem.
 
13005629:.undetected said:
What is your opinion on the T5i?

Also what lens would you recommend for it?
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From the looks of the op it doesn't look like you're gonna be taking many photos, so a dedicated video camera may be a better option than a dslr. While dslrs are good way into filming because they're cheap and have a lot of good lenses available for not much, they're (or at least canikon ones, I have no experience with lumix's) generally fairly flawed. Like for canons you need third party firmware (magic lantern) to get reasonable functionality.

Erikk's suggestion of an hmc 40 is a much better suggestion for a dedicated video camera. Here's one that comes with the wide conversion (you'll want this when you're filming skiing, it allows you to get up close and still get the background in. Makes aiming and focusing far easier if you only need to point the camera at the skier). Some come with a handle on top, hold it low from that, then set the aspect ratio to 4:3 and you're getting that ancient look all the skateboarders still think is cool.

If you absolutely HAVE to go with a dslr, you have two choices. Everyone loves the video quality on a lumix. I'll let one of those guys fill in though, since I've never used one. Canon or Nikon is the other way, I'd normally recommend a canon t3i. There are two reasons - lots of lenses available, some quite cheap; and the t3i has a flippy screen. It seems small but it's invaluable. The lens a lot of people here would recommend is the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8. It's very (VERY) wide, but not a fisheye. Loads of filmers on here swear buy it. You want a wide for the same reason I said earlier.
 
13005688:*DUMBCAN* said:
From the looks of the op it doesn't look like you're gonna be taking many photos, so a dedicated video camera may be a better option than a dslr. While dslrs are good way into filming because they're cheap and have a lot of good lenses available for not much, they're (or at least canikon ones, I have no experience with lumix's) generally fairly flawed. Like for canons you need third party firmware (magic lantern) to get reasonable functionality.

Erikk's suggestion of an hmc 40 is a much better suggestion for a dedicated video camera. Here's one that comes with the wide conversion (you'll want this when you're filming skiing, it allows you to get up close and still get the background in. Makes aiming and focusing far easier if you only need to point the camera at the skier). Some come with a handle on top, hold it low from that, then set the aspect ratio to 4:3 and you're getting that ancient look all the skateboarders still think is cool.

If you absolutely HAVE to go with a dslr, you have two choices. Everyone loves the video quality on a lumix. I'll let one of those guys fill in though, since I've never used one. Canon or Nikon is the other way, I'd normally recommend a canon t3i. There are two reasons - lots of lenses available, some quite cheap; and the t3i has a flippy screen. It seems small but it's invaluable. The lens a lot of people here would recommend is the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8. It's very (VERY) wide, but not a fisheye. Loads of filmers on here swear buy it. You want a wide for the same reason I said earlier.
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I am most likely going to buy a DSLR mainly because of pricing, and because of the interchangeable lens's. Also because even though it came off as I won't really be taking many pictures, I still want the option to be able to take a quick picture.

Also what is the difference between the t3i and the t5i? (other than the price)
 
13005629:.undetected said:
What is your opinion on the T5i?

Also what lens would you recommend for it?
Click to expand...

Overrated. Basically a T3i with a 5 in the name. Don't buy one.

If I was new to video (and not as much interested in photography), and wanted a really good starter setup, I'd go with something like a Sony VG20 over a DSLR. It's idiot-proof enough for a newbie to shoot on, but the image quality is fantastic and the lens mount allows you to adapt almost anything to it. Gives you 1080/60p as well.

Pretty sure you can get a VG20 with the 18-200 for around 1100. Will be way easier to shoot and learn on than a DSLR.
 
13005883:DingoSean said:
Overrated. Basically a T3i with a 5 in the name. Don't buy one.

If I was new to video (and not as much interested in photography), and wanted a really good starter setup, I'd go with something like a Sony VG20 over a DSLR. It's idiot-proof enough for a newbie to shoot on, but the image quality is fantastic and the lens mount allows you to adapt almost anything to it. Gives you 1080/60p as well.

Pretty sure you can get a VG20 with the 18-200 for around 1100. Will be way easier to shoot and learn on than a DSLR.
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Even though I am a newb when it comes to cameras in general, I would like a DSLR, because I have used them before and both of my friends have DSLR's with magic lantern, so learning the ins and outs of the camera arent my number one priority. I just would like a solid camera with good specs to be able to film and take the occasional photo with.
 
13005927:.undetected said:
Even though I am a newb when it comes to cameras in general, I would like a DSLR, because I have used them before and both of my friends have DSLR's with magic lantern, so learning the ins and outs of the camera arent my number one priority. I just would like a solid camera with good specs to be able to film and take the occasional photo with.
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If you absolutely have to, but the video is far poorer quality off a dslr. They don't do true 1080p, when you set 1080p they only record slightly better than 720p according to resolution tests. Also they don't do 60 frames at the 1080p setting. If you wan't to be a filmer, I can't advocate getting a proper video camera over of a dslr any more. The VG20 Sean recommended records far superior video, and the lens it comes with covers such a wide range of focal lengths it is largely unnecessary to get another lens. You can get an adapter to use canon or nikon lenses on it as well I believe. It will take 16 MP stills as well, at 6fps which is faster than any canon tXi.

Basically, if you learn to use a new system you'll end up making far superior video. In the short term it'll be awkward, it always is when you have to figure out a new camera, but after a few days of filming it'll be second nature and you won't regret choosing a proper video camera. Choosing an inferior camera because you've used it a few times before and have some familiarity with it is a stupid decision in the long run.
 
13005835:.undetected said:
I am most likely going to buy a DSLR mainly because of pricing, and because of the interchangeable lens's. Also because even though it came off as I won't really be taking many pictures, I still want the option to be able to take a quick picture.

Also what is the difference between the t3i and the t5i? (other than the price)
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You're going to spend way more if you go the DSLR route. They're so crippled for video you need to buy a lot of things you don't need for a video camera.
 
13005985:erikK said:
You're going to spend way more if you go the DSLR route. They're so crippled for video you need to buy a lot of things you don't need for a video camera.
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I was trying to find the HMC online, and it said they were discontinued, but it said this is a similar one,
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ac90pj_AG_AC90_AVCCAM_Handheld_Camcorder.html

Sorry for broken link. But is there one like the HMC or the one I just posted that would be more around my price range? 1700 is a little steep.
 
13005989:.undetected said:
I was trying to find the HMC online, and it said they were discontinued, but it said this is a similar one,
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ac90pj_AG_AC90_AVCCAM_Handheld_Camcorder.html

Sorry for broken link. But is there one like the HMC or the one I just posted that would be more around my price range? 1700 is a little steep.
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The AC90 essentially replaced the HMC40. You can find a 40 used for $800. Spend the rest on a tripod and a wide angle because its lens is not wide by any means
 
I'll wait for the video guys to reappear to answer that.

The only thing I can guarantee, is when you set your sights on one camera there's always another, more expensive, camera that it just seems like it's worth saving a little bit more money for haha

That said, the ski season is over and it's a long time till the next one, if you really want to film skiing saving that $1100 and seeing if you can add to it over summer isn't going to do any damage. I wouldn't because I'm impatient, but it's worth thinking about.
 
13005995:erikK said:
The AC90 essentially replaced the HMC40. You can find a 40 used for $800. Spend the rest on a tripod and a wide angle because its lens is not wide by any means
Click to expand...

Yea the AC90 is a little bit out of my price range. And it seems a bit sketchy buying used just because I don't want to spend all this money on something that could be potentially broken.
 
13005998:*DUMBCAN* said:
I'll wait for the video guys to reappear to answer that.

The only thing I can guarantee, is when you set your sights on one camera there's always another, more expensive, camera that it just seems like it's worth saving a little bit more money for haha

That said, the ski season is over and it's a long time till the next one, if you really want to film skiing saving that $1100 and seeing if you can add to it over summer isn't going to do any damage. I wouldn't because I'm impatient, but it's worth thinking about.
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I would try to save up more money to buy a camera that is a little better than what 1100 will get me, but the 1100 budget that I have isnt like money that I have saved up, it is a price that my parents set as a limit for my graduation present. They said I can get a camera that is at most $1100. That is kind of my predicament.
 
13005965:*DUMBCAN* said:
The VG20 Sean recommended records far superior video, and the lens it comes with covers such a wide range of focal lengths it is largely unnecessary to get another lens.
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I'd say it's absolutely worth it to get faster glass for it, but my god would it be so affordable to make a great lens setup for that.. Buy a Minolta or Canon FD adapter and you have a massive amount of lenses to choose from. Couple that with a solid wide angle prime and you're in business.
 
13006240:DingoSean said:
I'd say it's absolutely worth it to get faster glass for it, but my god would it be so affordable to make a great lens setup for that.. Buy a Minolta or Canon FD adapter and you have a massive amount of lenses to choose from. Couple that with a solid wide angle prime and you're in business.
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Every website I go to the VG20 is like over my budget though. Where can I find one that isnt like $2600?
 
13006630:.undetected said:
Every website I go to the VG20 is like over my budget though. Where can I find one that isnt like $2600?
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Here

Buy your first camera second hand because you get more features for your money and there's a chance it won't depreciate as much as a new one.
 
13006638:*DUMBCAN* said:
Here

Buy your first camera second hand because you get more features for your money and there's a chance it won't depreciate as much as a new one.
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Thanks man I really do appreciate all of these responses.
 
13006658:.undetected said:
Why? what is wrong with it?
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it only shoots 60i and has horrible aliasing/moire. the vg20 is fine, just thought it was worth mentioning if you're going to look for a used one you don't get them mixed up. it's not worth the lower price.
 
13006708:erikK said:
it only shoots 60i and has horrible aliasing/moire. the vg20 is fine, just thought it was worth mentioning if you're going to look for a used one you don't get them mixed up. it's not worth the lower price.
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Alright thanks.
 
All the $1000 cameras will have pluses and minuses and you need to consider what lens(s) you may want to use
 
13007962:lurry said:
the Nikon D7100 is also worth considering for your price
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For starting out, I'd invest more in Glass than a body. To get a D7100 and a full lens and rig setup, it's going to cost quite a bit more than 1100.

Not to say the D7100 is bad though. Solid camera.
 
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