DSLR video shopping list

Russinating

Russinating

Russinating

Soldato
Joined
27 Dec 2005
Posts
17,316
Location
Bristol
We're looking to trade in our Sony HDV camcorders to "upgrade" (or at least switch) to full DSLR filming; weddings and corporate.

Anyway, our shopping list:

2x Canon EOS 60D (already own one)
2x Canon 50mm f1.4 USM
1x Sigma 10-20mm f3.5 (already own one)
2x Sigma 24-70mm f2.8
8x 32GB Class 10 SD cards
10x Canon LP-E6 batteries

We were umming and arring about getting two Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L lenses but at 1k a pop we're thinking about trialling it before taking the jump. We also already own a Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 which whilst it isn't the best lens for photography it'll give us a good idea of how much we'll actually need a 70-200.

Anything we're missing? We've already got sound and stabilisation sorted so ignore that side of things.
 
I would have thought a 35mm f1.4 would be much better than a 50mm?

Also, I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on DSLR video but I would have thought the odd £100 spent here and there on specific accessories such as viewfinders, focussing aids etc. would help you greatly.
 
Hmm, possibly, especially with the crop on the 60D.

Yeah, both myself and my colleague are actually pretty good at focusing with the 60D having always used manual focus anyway for the past 4 odd years. Also one of the reasons we went/are going for the 60D is because of the flip out screen which helps immensely. Despite this we do already have one 7" monitor and would probably get another one of those if we needed it.
 
I know it's probably not a good suggestion as you want Canon but have you had a look at the video capability of the Sony A77? Just throwing that out there to plant some seeds! :p

Been playing with mine for the last month and the autofocus/IS is pretty amazing!
 
I wouldn't like to film things with the 70-200 without image stabilisation!

EDIT: Although with that monopod video could come out nicely!
 
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Im not so sure a 24-70 will work on a cop camera for video, but then I don't think a DSLR is the best platform for video nway (most people who started this way have dropped DSLRs fr dedicated video setups). If I wanted to move into video I would seriously consider the new RED Scarlet . More money for sure but totally different league.
 
Logsi said:
I know it's probably not a good suggestion as you want Canon but have you had a look at the video capability of the Sony A77? Just throwing that out there to plant some seeds! :p

Been playing with mine for the last month and the autofocus/IS is pretty amazing!
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We've already got a 60D and get on with it. Plus we never auto focus anyway :).

Raymond Lin said:
You forgot one of these.

http://vimeo.com/26869155

Now tell me you don't want one, and no, I don't mean Kelly :D
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Very nice! We were thinking about a monopod earlier but the legs on that work really well. The bonus of a DSLR over a dedicated video camera is its portability so it's great to not have to reduce that with a full-blown tripod.

D.P. said:
Im not so sure a 24-70 will work on a cop camera for video, but then I don't think a DSLR is the best platform for video nway (most people who started this way have dropped DSLRs fr dedicated video setups). If I wanted to move into video I would seriously consider the new RED Scarlet . More money for sure but totally different league.
Click to expand...

Are you joking? We've listed a £700 DSLR body and you've recommended a camera just a shade off £10,000? :confused:

Most people who've started with DSLRs and switched back either have a very specific niche that can't be fulfilled with a DSLR or they rely too much/entirely on auto focus.
 
Raymond Lin said:
I am so sold on that video I actually bought one today!
Click to expand...

It looks awesome, i've been thinking about a monopod.

Put a review up here when you get it. Wouldn't mind knowing its smallest dimensions for transport. :)

Edit, being slightly more on topic, a view finder i think might help immensely with focusing as stated above.
 
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The primary thing with the lens' is their ability to manually focus nicely. I've helped shoot quite a bit of video on a 5D, and used quite a few lenses, Of the lenses you mention, the Sigma 24-70f/2.8 was one I struggled with, the mechanism just felt slightly loose and inaccurate, and especially for indoor, lower light, where you tend to be f2/8-3.5, focus was quite critical.

I would also look at the Sony A77, it isn't perfect, but it seems to be the next step up in video mode flexibiity, although it has some limitations to the fast Phase AF if using it in this manner, for manual focusing it has focus peaking and of course is 1080p60 with a high bitrate..
 
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I also reckon a 35mm would probably be of use, as it's much closer to 50mm than an actual 50mm is on a crop body. I know when using my 50mm on my 7D it can feel too long at times.
 
Worth looking at the Zeiss primes for manual focus and video? I've heard lots of good things, though they are obviously in the region of £1k each. I've also heard some positive comments about using old Nikon AIS glass with an Adaptor on Canon for video, they are wonderful manual focus mechanisms and in some cases the long throw on the focus works well.
 
Where did you order from? Called our local shop and they've got back orders and no stock before Christmas! Apparently Monfrotto simply didn't make enough.

Bit annoying as I've got a wedding this weekend that was booked on Friday and was hoping to trial all the new kit. Asked them to get another version into the shop instead to see what that's like.
 
I ordered from Play, it says estimate delivery 26th, but i have to wait 7 more days after 26th to raise a no order received notification (3rd Dec)
 
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