Home Free Library Store
Free Catalog



Save with a Two Year Membership

To post in the forums see the Forum Guidelines.
Join or Renew Today.
New Benefits for all VU Members
Forum Guidelines and FAQ
Main Index Search Posts
Who's Online Log In



Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Recommendations?

 

 


WCorey
User


Jun 17, 2009, 5:22 PM

Post #1 of 11 (1916 views)
Shortcut
Recommendations? Can't Post

I am selling all my extra video equipment except for my pd170, wireless mics, lights, etc. I will have about $2000. Now the tricky part. I don't really want to use the pd170 for family stuff (too big) but my wife and I are going to also get a nice DSLR. I am thinking of spending about $1500 on the DSLR camera/lenses and possibly $500 on a consumer handycam. Other options are that some DSLRs can shoot video (never done this so I don't know much about it other than it would seem odd to shoot video with a still camera) and I don't even know if that would be in my price range. Especially when I would like to get some various lenses. I also haven't decided on type - Nikon or Canon? I have experience with the Nikon d70.

There are numerous possibilities here so any thoughts on any part would help me out. I will have the money in about a week so I am gathering info till then.

Thanks ahead of time!
Corey
"A lot of times when you first start out on a project you think, This is never going to be finished. But then it is, and you think, Wow, it wasn't even worth it." Jack Handey


WCorey
User


Jun 18, 2009, 6:19 AM

Post #2 of 11 (1895 views)
Shortcut
Re: [WCorey] Recommendations? [In reply to] Can't Post

Anyone simply want to help me decide on good camera?
"A lot of times when you first start out on a project you think, This is never going to be finished. But then it is, and you think, Wow, it wasn't even worth it." Jack Handey


Scott Brooks
Veteran

Jun 18, 2009, 8:14 AM

Post #3 of 11 (1889 views)
Shortcut
Re: [WCorey] Recommendations? [In reply to] Can't Post

I'm using the 5D, 20D and 30D. I've not used it, but the Canon 40D get's a lot of high praise on the forums I visit. I actually was going to go with the 40D, but settled on the 5D MKII instead. And no ... not for video ... strictly for stills. I really don't know much about the Nikons.

The only drawback I see about the 40D is that I believe it uses a different battery than some of the other cameras, so if you were going to purchase another Canon you would possibly need to have a different set of batteries.


Brackish
Veteran


Jun 18, 2009, 1:00 PM

Post #4 of 11 (1878 views)
Shortcut
Post deleted by Brackish [In reply to]

 


Scott Brooks
Veteran

Jun 18, 2009, 1:27 PM

Post #5 of 11 (1876 views)
Shortcut
Re: [Brackish] Recommendations? [In reply to] Can't Post

I thought the 40 uses the same battery as those others.
The MarkII uses the same battery as the 30?


I might be mistaken ... maybe it's the 50D that doesn't take the same battery ... but I was pretty sure it was the 40D. That would be something to check out if under consideration. Then again if you're just getting one camera it really doesn't make a difference.

And no ... the MKII does not take the same battery as the others either, but my impression was that he didn't want to spend the money for the MKII and lens, so it was immaterial.

BTW ... I've never had to change a battery in my MKII for a wedding ... which is good because I don't have a second one yet. If it were to go out I'd just change cameras at the reception.





DGates
Veteran


Jun 18, 2009, 2:17 PM

Post #6 of 11 (1866 views)
Shortcut
Re: [WCorey] Recommendations? [In reply to] Can't Post

You know Corey, the Panasonic Lumix GH1 might just be the perfect solution to what you're wanting. You have a DSLR and a HD video recorder all in one package.

Check it out.



"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

--Abraham Lincoln


rodovideo
Enthusiast


Jun 19, 2009, 12:05 PM

Post #7 of 11 (1829 views)
Shortcut
Re: [WCorey] Recommendations? [In reply to] Can't Post

FWIW,

Camera body is not the most important decission here.... it is the lens. Most any camera body will give you good results... it is the glass that will make the biggest impact on your images. I would stick with either Nikon or Canon. I use Nikons. D50, then D80 and last Christmas the D300. Each camera will give great images if used properly. The video thing might be a nice feature even though you don't think you will be using it. It would be nicer to have it and not use it, then not having it and later wishing you did. It is a hard decission to make.... so you just have to make your pro's & con's list and "just do it". You also need to shoot, shoot, shoot... experiment. Remember to take your camera everywhere you go... and whip it out and just shoot. $2000 isn't a whole lot, when you are starting out... you'll be able to get camera w/kit lens, a speedlight, CF cards, and that's about it.... but that's a start. Try not to look at the "new" cameras, they will always have some new feature that you just can't live without.

Make your choice of camera, and start shooting.

Look toward the Son, and you will not see the shadows


WCorey
User


Jun 22, 2009, 9:09 PM

Post #8 of 11 (1752 views)
Shortcut
Re: [rodovideo] Recommendations? [In reply to] Can't Post

Here is what I have and I LOVE iT already!!! A d60 (bought used off of craigslist for $475 which included a targus vertical grip and a 1gb card. Even have the receipt as he bought it in Feb 09 from best buy.

So then I went to Best buy to look at camera bags and purchased a nikon camera kit which also came with another battery for me to place in along side the other battery in the targus grip. The grip is awesome, especially with the vertical grip shutter release.

THEN....and this is what I am really happy about, I was looking at the lenses at Best buy and noticed the lens that I was going to order online. The Nikon 18-200AF-S and it was on sale for $800 (cheap as anyplace I found online!) but all they had was the case display model so I got him to knock off another $50 bucks. Now I had to pay tax which brought it up to a few dollars more than $800 but I had it in my hands! I also bought a UV lens protector to top it off. Waiting to see if I even need another card since I unload pics all the time so only a trip would call for it and with a 3month old, all trips are next summer!

I will post some photos in a few days but the versatility of that 18-200 (all in one) lens was well worth the 800 smackers!

Thanks for all your help! Feels like I am moving a little more toward the dark side since I sold all video cameras but my pd170 to help pay for still equipment!

Corey
"A lot of times when you first start out on a project you think, This is never going to be finished. But then it is, and you think, Wow, it wasn't even worth it." Jack Handey


rodovideo
Enthusiast


Jun 22, 2009, 9:43 PM

Post #9 of 11 (1744 views)
Shortcut
Re: [WCorey] Recommendations? [In reply to] Can't Post

Now you've got the camera.... start shooting. Get on FLICKr and setup at least a free account.... and start looking at other peoples stuff and get reading the FLICKr Forums. You can look at the properties of some of the images posted... and from there you can get an idea where to set you cameras settings. Also look for a local photography club/group in area.(they are easier to find, videography club/groups).

Look toward the Son, and you will not see the shadows


Brackish
Veteran


Jun 22, 2009, 10:37 PM

Post #10 of 11 (1742 views)
Shortcut
Post deleted by Brackish [In reply to]

 


rodovideo
Enthusiast


Jun 23, 2009, 10:28 AM

Post #11 of 11 (1716 views)
Shortcut
Re: [Brackish] Recommendations? [In reply to] Can't Post

Stranger yes.... I have been trying to get a back log of work done.
I''ve had the "I'm tired of doing video" blues. It's been very hard to get motivated about video.
I've hit the wall I think. I've been looking more & more @ photography only.... but haven't done it yet.
Just in a work Funk and haven't been on VU for inspiration.

Look toward the Son, and you will not see the shadows