Help Choosing a Camera

[NorthShore4Runner]

Lately I've been shooting a lot of video and still photography for my IG and YT channel using my iPhone. It's been doing OK but there's been some obvious limitations such as storage capacity, lack of macro capability etc

Being on the budget that I am I've turned to looking at some older models to try to find a good deal. So far I've come across a Sony HDR CX405, Canon Rebel Eos XT and a Rebel XS. Obviously the Sony would be dedicated to video. But does anyone have any experience with the Canons and their video quality? If they shoot video in 1080p like the Sony does it might make more sense to kill two birds with one stone and get a Canon? Any input is appreciated.

 

[hikenbike]

Lately I've been shooting a lot of video and still photography for my IG and YT channel using my iPhone. It's been doing OK but there's been some obvious limitations such as storage capacity, lack of macro capability etc

Being on the budget that I am I've turned to looking at some older models to try to find a good deal. So far I've come across a Sony HDR CX405, Canon Rebel Eos XT and a Rebel XS. Obviously the Sony would be dedicated to video. But does anyone have any experience with the Canons and their video quality? If they shoot video in 1080p like the Sony does it might make more sense to kill two birds with one stone and get a Canon? Any input is appreciated.

Check out these great sites.......

Digital Photography Review

KenRockwell.com: Photography, Cameras and Taking Better Pictures

 

[Brique]

I got a sweet deal on a used Canon 70d on ebay. It's a fabulous camera. I got it primarily for video but it is a DSLR so naturally the photos are wonderful as well. If the 70D is out of your price range then you may want to consider a 60D. The major difference is that the 60D does not have autofocus in video mode which is a big difference if you're shooting video.

 

[Wingsuit]

Depending on your needs, the mirrorless cameras, esp. Sony, are replacing DSLRs in many applications. Faster, smaller, lighter ... I have a Nikon DSLR and wish I woulda bought a Sony. I am not shooting for Natl Geo or anything

 

[sogoood]

others have suggested cameras way over your budget. it looks like youre trying to spend around 200-300 since the cameras you listed are around the price range.

the rebel xt and xs are garbage and old tech. check out the rebel line up T series.

you can find a T5 (not T5i) +kit lens in the $300 range. the specs say it will capture 1080p video.

first google search link.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-18-55mm...UTF8&qid=1460173663&sr=1-2&keywords=Canon+T3i

it wont have modern fancy features like flip out screen, touch screen, or wifi but it doesnt seem like that would bother you.

 

[Hepar]

I work in videography and we shoot almost exclusively with Canons (minus a couple film projects we've done that had to be Sony specific). While we're now on dedicated video bodies (CS300's), we will still use a few of our old 5D's for an addition b-roll camera(s).

One thing I've learned from my brief experience with video is that I would lean towards having good sound over good video. Good sound can make average video look good while crappy sound can ruin even the best video.

Here's a link to our website if you want some idea of how Canons can look.

Branded Content | Lost & Found Films

 

[Izzys]

Personally I'd look into the mirrorless options. Looks like fuji will be coming out with a xt-2 model that will have great video capabilities, they already shoot great still, and the lens roadmap looks promising.

 

[steveturnham]

XT2 is great for video right out of the camera. Get the stabilized zoom lens and it's very capable handheld. I'd also recommend a good on camera Rode mic plus a lavalier mic and mini recorder for good clean audio.

My go anywhere kit:

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Bumbo]

I've been shooting with Canon cameras for a while... I really like the platform. Easy to build up a usable arsenal of lenses and accessories.

The only video experience I have is with the 5D and its pretty spectacular...

I highly recommend going full frame if you can, the low light performance is pretty much a game changer.

You either spend on the camera or lenses... I can get away with f/4 glass with such great high iso performance. 2.8 and primes are insane... most of the time I dont even roll with a flash for my stills. Cant do that on my 20D.

 

[m85476585]

The Canon T2i is the oldest Rebel that supports SDXC cards (64GB and larger). If you do a lot of video you probably want the ability to use larger cards.

 

[lucky7]

the rebel xt and xs are garbage and old tech. check out the rebel line up T series.

I can't say I agree with that. Regardless, they don't shoot video (XT for sure). I shot an XTI for 10 years, and I still own the thing.

I don't care about tech, just value for money. I shoot a 5d, which also doesn't have video. If I were to get into video I'd most likely pick between a 7D2 or 5D2, though lean much more heavily towards the 5D (full frame). I'm of the school that buying a new body is a waste of money if it's not your profession (I buy everything used). I'm sure there's plenty of options out there that would meet your needs (OP), I just tend to stick with what I know.

I did also contemplate picking up a Fuji XT-10, but decided on a 10 year old 5D instead - lol. I played with a couple mirrorless cameras at the store, but the lag on the shutter made my head spin. Maybe someday...

I would lastly like to note that Image Stability is quite popular in the video scene as far as I understand. Canon has lots of IS lenses on the secondary market. I imagine my 35mm F2 IS would be great for video. Just something else to think about.

 

[sogoood]

I stand by what i say, xti is garbage (my first dslr). Camera tech for the present rebel series is right around his budget and it kills two birds with one stone. the rebel series will meet his needs and that right there is value for money.

also, im pretty sure OP has a camera now and this thread is useless.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I just switched from Nikon D7000 to D7100. I loved the D7000 but felt it was time to go up to 24MP.

I'm listing my D7000 body on Ebay soon. Perfect working condition. Only 4500 shutter count. I expect to get about $300+ for it. You could buy that plus a used 18-140 lens for about $550 all in. Way better than any kit you can get for that money.

Or if you have more cash buy a D7100 new with the 18-140 lens from Adorama or BH photo.

I tried out the Sony A6000 and wasn't impressed. My biggest issues were with the start up time. Nearly 2.3 sec power up to shoot time. Combined with the low battery life it was a major setback compared against the Nikon.

The Nikon D7000, 7100+ can be left in on mode, ready to shoot in a 10th sec -- for days at a time.

All of my D7000 photography Utah, AZ, Alaska, California is on my build thread if you are curious.

Nothing wrong with buying used gear. Paypal protects you with full money back for 30 days.