kevine

Hi, While I own a few mini-cameras (and just lost my digital DSLR in Paris) my interest is more in making moving pictures than still. I work in the ad industry. I write, produce and direct videos/commercials. But I'm not a DP. I hire pros for that. But I do have a need for a good digital DSLR every once in a while. Usually doing interviews, b-roll or tabletop. After years of refusing to buy a DSLR, I bought a Canon T3i a few years ago. It filled my needs perfectly. Not too technical, good images, swing out screen. As you can see in my first sentence, I no longer have it or my lenses (50mm and 35 to 200, I recall). I'm looking for a replacement and probably a step up. Not a big step. I don't want to get bogged down in tech. I know everyone uses a 5D or 7D. I'm leaning toward a 60D, 70D or 80D (my regular DP recommended these, since he knows my usage/talents with a camera). Another friend recommended a Sony A7s. Any thoughts from you fine folks? Thanks.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Since you are familiar with Canon I'd recommend a refurbished 70D or 80D. It doesn't sound like you have a need for 4K video so either of the two Canon's will do, plus they both have dual pixel AF in live view which is really nice. I've recorded live concerts with both my 70D and 80D with excellent quality results. If cash isn't an issue, Canon has a nice 80D video package.

kevine

Thanks

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

By the way, welcome to the forum.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I hear a lot of good things about the A7s.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Since you have nothing, then why not a Panasonic GH5? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm4K8alqNyk

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Condolences on the loss of your equipment. Any of the 2-digit models will be an upgrade where you'll learn and have more camera without the challenge of a brand-new layout and operation. Consider a used model for bodies or lenses from KEH.com (see EX rated listings) as the lightly used approach will lessen the expense of starting over. New Rebel models also have newer technology inside that trickle down from Canon's more advanced models.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Excellent recommendation, top DOG for taking video.

kevine

Thanks for all your recs and friendly welcome. I've been following the forum for a few months. Great stuff on here. I'll check out the Panasonic.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

It seems to be really hard for Nikon and Canon photographers to give up on their favorite tools. They are, and will continue to be wonderful for shooting stills.

That said, if there is interest in video, Panasonic and Sony take the lead. Perhaps it is because they are in the TV business, but they both take video capability seriously in all their cameras. First, they get rid of the mirror that works so well for stills. Further, there has been a shift in the market. So called "camcorders" are are becoming fewer. "Hybrid" and "bridge" cameras are gaining.

You write that you "don't want to get bogged down in tech." All of the Panasonic and Sony cameras have long and complex menus. My current Panasonic has 800 menu choices! Really! My wife has a different Panasonic and it is about the same.

One feature stands out. Panasonic calls it "Intelligent Automatic". Or "iA" on the dial. Set it and the choices drop 10 fold. It can make me angry because it can "get it right" more often than I can with my years of experience.... especially with video.

So, if you want to get some wonderful video, try out a Panasonic and concentrate on exploring the "iA" capability. Combined with amazing camera and lens stabilization, your video shooting can be dominated by composition and story telling while avoiding the technical bog.

(I have some favorites for video in the Panasonic line, but that is a different question.)

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Actually, take a look at movie industry standards and you will see that the Canon 5d (mk II and III) have been used to shoot a number of major movies (like Mad Max Fury Road, Elysium, Avengers, Bourne Legacy, Captain America, Black Swan and a lot more). There are usually multiple cameras involved but Canon DSLR's seem to come up most often for cinema shoots. Not saying they are necessarily the only perfect cameras for video but they seem to be the most reliable and highest quality. So much so that multi-million dollar productions trust them.

For that reason I disagree with the statement that Sony or Panasonic take the lead. All 3 manufacturers offer great cameras but in the industry for DSLR shooting, its still Canon ...

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

https://youtu.be/17gIXA4iKIE

Watch this review! dSLR video? Just say no. If you're starting over, get the GH5. I have a GH4, love it for stills and video, and drool over the GH5.

Go to Tony Northrup's channel on YouTube and find his review of the GH5. It is what he uses for his videos. Look up award-winning filmmaker Griffin Hammond. If you have a 4K set, watch "Hand Cut" in 4K 60P.

BebuLamar

For primary video a mirrorless is significantly better than a DSLR. No DSLR can function in the DSLR way when shooting video anyway.

kevine

Thanks for your well thought-out response. I had been a Sony user for years (in video), but a friend who's a great photographer and technical expert pointed me to Canon (because of their recognition quoted in the response that follows yours). My two first-call DPs use a variety of cameras/brands, each for different uses. Interesting to hear of the iA. I do want to focus on composition and storytelling. I'll check them out.