Posted: 12/11/2009 9:28:55 PM EDT
|
OK... coming from using broadcast quality studio cameras, I've looked down quite a bit on the whole "SLR video" setup. Mainly due to lack of good functionality... no off camera servo/focus, gimmicky video add-ons, etc.
Well, I went down to Atlanta for a corporate job, and ended up helping the video guy out most of the time... shooting video on his 5D2 (and mine when it wasn't being used for photography). I have to say, although they still have a long way to go (IMO) for ergonomics and functionality... it handled much better than I anticipated, and I will begrudgingly admit that I may have been a little too harsh on SLRs for video purposes. Since I was hired to go down and do headshots of speakers and take a few event photos, I had a large selection of lenses that I brought along... which made for a very happy video crew, when it came time to shoot (with my lenses). Another point of interest... shooting video at the Intercontinental (really that entire part of town) in Atlanta makes for some great footage. Thus I will also begrudgingly admit that Atlanta has some worthwhile points of interest, so I can no longer knock it as much as I used to. I hope this reneging doesn't keep up too long... at this rate in about 3.14159 years I'll be begrudgingly admitting that Obama isn't all that bad. 
|
|
Quoted:
OK... coming from using broadcast quality studio cameras, I've looked down quite a bit on the whole "SLR video" setup. Mainly due to lack of good functionality... no off camera servo/focus, gimmicky video add-ons, etc. Well, I went down to Atlanta for a corporate job, and ended up helping the video guy out most of the time... shooting video on his 5D2 (and mine when it wasn't being used for photography). I have to say, although they still have a long way to go (IMO) for ergonomics and functionality... it handled much better than I anticipated, and I will begrudgingly admit that I may have been a little too harsh on SLRs for video purposes. Since I was hired to go down and do headshots of speakers and take a few event photos, I had a large selection of lenses that I brought along... which made for a very happy video crew, when it came time to shoot (with my lenses). Another point of interest... shooting video at the Intercontinental (really that entire part of town) in Atlanta makes for some great footage. Thus I will also begrudgingly admit that Atlanta has some worthwhile points of interest, so I can no longer knock it as much as I used to. I hope this reneging doesn't keep up too long... at this rate in about 3.14159 years I'll be begrudgingly admitting that Obama isn't all that bad. Watch it! You're treading on thin ice, mister! 
|
|
Congrats on starting to come around on the SLR video. I was massively against the the thought of cramming video in to our still cameras, but it's actually very cool! :) I've had HD video camcorders for awhile, so I wasn't looking for an all in one solution. But, it's the shallow depth of field and specialty lenses is what makes the video capabilities of thise SLR cameras so exciting. I love the video quality of my 5Dii, I just wish I had time to capture more video during a photo session with families. I really need a second shooter with me so we can really give the customers a full mix of video and stills for their slideshows that they always gush over. Half the time, I'm so focused on the stills part, I forget about the video, hehe. Then I get home and kick myself every time. I'm making a much more of a consious effort to use the video more and more, trying to work it into my workflow on location. I'm even starting to think about some of the affordable stabilizers and sliders to use with a second body possibly. |
|
I'm a sturdy enough guy that I don't like to use tripods/monopods when ckicling, and prefer to shouldermount an EFP rather than using a tripod for video as well.
The hardest thing to come to grips with is that you have to hold the stinking camera in front of you (can't brace camera to yourself) to view the video. For this it really needs a tripod or some sort of rig to shoulder mount/body mount... especially since they weigh next to nothing, and any little thing causes a noticeable bump in the video. (try rolling your focus, start/stop recording and/or zoom while handheld... yeah right!) With the "real" video EFP cameras I use, they weigh 30-40 pounds, and shoulder mount... I can keep that sucker steady even while walking, so long as my shoulder doesn't start killing me. Add to the fact that they have logical ergonomics, and I still have a craving to switch back to one when I try to shoot video with the 5d2. But having access to all the lenses which area already owned really makes me WANT to use the 5d2 for video. If funds were flowing freely, I would at least check into a good video kit to try it out, because it WOULD be nice to not have to tote around a huge video camera (with limited lens capabilities) to every job. Shooting video at the Aquarium with a fisheye lens (even if tripod mounted) sure was a lot of fun! |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
OK... coming from using broadcast quality studio cameras, I've looked down quite a bit on the whole "SLR video" setup. Mainly due to lack of good functionality... no off camera servo/focus, gimmicky video add-ons, etc. Well, I went down to Atlanta for a corporate job, and ended up helping the video guy out most of the time... shooting video on his 5D2 (and mine when it wasn't being used for photography). I have to say, although they still have a long way to go (IMO) for ergonomics and functionality... it handled much better than I anticipated, and I will begrudgingly admit that I may have been a little too harsh on SLRs for video purposes. Since I was hired to go down and do headshots of speakers and take a few event photos, I had a large selection of lenses that I brought along... which made for a very happy video crew, when it came time to shoot (with my lenses). Another point of interest... shooting video at the Intercontinental (really that entire part of town) in Atlanta makes for some great footage. Thus I will also begrudgingly admit that Atlanta has some worthwhile points of interest, so I can no longer knock it as much as I used to. I hope this reneging doesn't keep up too long... at this rate in about 3.14159 years I'll be begrudgingly admitting that Obama isn't all that bad. Watch it! You're treading on thin ice, mister! Hey... I'm just pointing out the speed of my reneging, not that I WANT to reneg! Perhaps I should see a counselor/shrink/priest. 
|
|
I can think of a few positives right off the top of my head. Short DOF and a good, relatively inexpensive glass selection for one. Also, most people haven't caught on yet, and don't realize you're shooting video. This is a biggie, especially in places that restrict professional video, but put less restrictions on still photography. They're pretty normal priced compared to a prosumer cam, and you get a pro-level still camera too. Negatives include a limited codec selection, artifacts, rolling shutter, etc. Also, the back LCD is not that great a EVF as-is, especially for manual focus. There have been advances in VDSLR cameras, and there's a 24P update from Canon on it's way. But honestly, if it's quality/price you want, pick up a Scarlet next summer.  Or just buy a R1 right now. |