What camera should i get? With questions answered

.JPolster

.JPolster

Member
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?

I can afford to spend up to $900 but have a friend who works at future shop so anything from there i can get discounts on.

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 so experience with cameras. Mostly the auto mode on DSLR's but also some of the manual settings

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)

I plan primarily to use this camera to shoot skiing, longboarding as well as taking photos of my upcoming trip to europe.

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 like a camera that my friends would be able to use, but most of them have experience.

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)

Mostly film for a trippod

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, 2.66 gHz, 350 gb hard drive, 4gb ram

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)

iphoto. I have used it a bit but am not too familiar with it as i have not had quality photos worth editing.

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

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

Yes

2) Do you have any knowledge about the HDSLRS?

Limited

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?

I will be doing most of the filming but a friend might use once in a while.,

I am currently looking at the Canon rebel T2i, or T3i when it comes out. Also i have found a deal for a Nikon D3100 with and 18-55 and a 55-200 lens for less than the T2i or T3i with only one lens is this worth it or will the canon's be much better cameras?
 
I have a few thoughts:

1) I think a T2i is your best option - especially if you install the Magic Lantern Firmware on it.

magiclantern.wikia.com/wiki/Magic_Lantern_Firmware_Wiki

2) I would also suggest that you get just the camera body.

The 'kit' comes with a horrible 18-55mm. Your money is better spent on the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6.

3) If you're thinking about shooting video I would also recommend some sort of external Microphone - the audio on all DSLR's is crap by any standard.

4)I feel that you should understand one of the biggest (if not the biggest) limitation DSLR's have when shooting video: The 'Jello Effect'.

When the sensor records a fast moving image (due to the subject's movement or a swish-pan) the video will 'lean' slightly. This occurs simply because CMOS sensors capture images by scanning, not flashing all pixels at once like a CCD. Most DSLR's do this.

5) Last, but not least, enjoy your camera. Don't be discouraged by any of the above limitations - you can get some truly great footage with a DSLR - I shoot many of my projects on a Canon 5DmII.
 
Sorry for the double-post, but I just read the end of your post.

Don't bother with the T3i - its a T2i in disguise. Really.
 
The only thing about that is i dont have the money too spend. I need a lens before i go to europe so i really only have enough for the kit. I could upgrade my lens when i have some more cash
 
seriously. i dont get the hate the kit lens gets on here. its not a fantastic lens, but for what you pay, its certainly not a bad starter. and if you are walking around/traveling, you cant beat how light it is. sure its a little slow, and there are sharper lenses out there, but its not the total junkshow people make it out to be.
 
I only hate on the kit lens because I used to have one - and it crapped out on me a few weeks after I bought it.

If you only have the money for the kit, I'd say go for it. All things considered, you are going to get some great images, but once you really get into photography/cinematography, you will probably want to upgrade.
 
We originally shot with that kit lens when testing the t2i. We shot a whole sequence on that as well as film. The t2i sequence made the film and looked great. It was the hotel room to the heli sequence in light the wick. We now have better glass, but that worked fine at the time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top