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My thinking on cameras has changed recently.

The more I use my Canon 5D Mark II, the more I’m impressed with the image it produces. I like it much better than the image from my Sony PMW-EX1, which is a much more expensive camera.

So here’s my new thinking:

* If you need to capture LONG video clips, like at weddings, conferences, and things like that, then I think you should definitely look at standard video cameras. The Digital SLR with it’s 12 minute video clips won’t really work for this.

But…

* If you’re shooting narrative pieces like short films, music videos, commercials, and feature films, then I can’t help but recommend a Digital SLR. The picture quality (shallow depth of field, great dynamic range, etc.) is stellar.

Because I shoot both types of footage, I’m keeping both cameras, but I have to say that the Canon 5D Mark II is my preferred video capture device now. By itself, it’s okay, but when you add on a few accessories, it becomes incredible.

I’ll cover more on this soon, and I think I’ve got a tutorial coming along these lines… ;-)

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  • http://www.prodentite.com Chris R

    Wow- I keep hearing this and I’m in the marketing to upgrade my Canon HF200. Most of my jobs are shooting patient testimonials for dentists. These are short (less than 12 minutes) takes in which I ask a couple questions to the patient in which they give me their answers.

    Question- You mention the price difference, but what type of lens(es) do you need to get w/ the 5D? How much more $$$?

  • http://www.prodentite.com Chris R

    Wow- I keep hearing this and I’m in the marketing to upgrade my Canon HF200. Most of my jobs are shooting patient testimonials for dentists. These are short (less than 12 minutes) takes in which I ask a couple questions to the patient in which they give me their answers.

    Question- You mention the price difference, but what type of lens(es) do you need to get w/ the 5D? How much more $$$?

  • http://www.prodentite.com Chris R

    Forgot to ask-

    Does the 5D film in 30p or 60i?

  • http://www.prodentite.com Chris R

    Forgot to ask-

    Does the 5D film in 30p or 60i?

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com Izzy

    Hi Chris,

    The camera body runs about $2,500. If you get it with the stock lens, a 24mm-105mm L lens (very good for the price), it will take you up to about $3,000.

    For testimonials, I don’t think it would necessarily make sense to use the Canon 5D Mark II. I consider it mostly for narrative work. One of the challenges you have is the audio. If you want very high quality audio, then you need to record the audio with a separate recorder, and then you match the video and audio up in post later. You definitely have more steps in post production when you’re using the 5D.

    And yes, it shoots 30p and 20p. I don’t believe it does 60i (but I might be wrong on that — I don’t have the manual or camera in front of me).

    By the way, the Sony PMW-EX1 was about $6,500 when I purchased it. It’s amazing to me that a camera half the price produces better imagery!

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com Izzy

    Hi Chris,

    The camera body runs about $2,500. If you get it with the stock lens, a 24mm-105mm L lens (very good for the price), it will take you up to about $3,000.

    For testimonials, I don’t think it would necessarily make sense to use the Canon 5D Mark II. I consider it mostly for narrative work. One of the challenges you have is the audio. If you want very high quality audio, then you need to record the audio with a separate recorder, and then you match the video and audio up in post later. You definitely have more steps in post production when you’re using the 5D.

    And yes, it shoots 30p and 20p. I don’t believe it does 60i (but I might be wrong on that — I don’t have the manual or camera in front of me).

    By the way, the Sony PMW-EX1 was about $6,500 when I purchased it. It’s amazing to me that a camera half the price produces better imagery!

  • http://josephnasto.com Joseph Nasto

    Izzy,

    Nice post. Hearing nothing but good things from the 5D in regards to shooting narratives. A buddy of mine has the 7D (couldn’t afford 5D) and loves it. I’m hesitant on buying a 5D since they’ve been on the market for some time. Want to wait till next gen comes out. Would be great to have 1 camera that does stills and video. Would love for next gen to support better audio inputs for sync sound too.

  • http://josephnasto.com Joseph Nasto

    Izzy,

    Nice post. Hearing nothing but good things from the 5D in regards to shooting narratives. A buddy of mine has the 7D (couldn’t afford 5D) and loves it. I’m hesitant on buying a 5D since they’ve been on the market for some time. Want to wait till next gen comes out. Would be great to have 1 camera that does stills and video. Would love for next gen to support better audio inputs for sync sound too.

  • http://16x9cinema.com Carl Olson

    I agree with you, Izzy. The Canon 5D imagery just has this “look” to it that is irresistible. My customers notice the “look” even though they know little or nothing nor care to know of gear used, 24p, etc. Yes, it has warts and can beat you up at times. But the “look” – well, I can’t go back to traditional camcorders (except for the use-cases you mentioned in your post).

  • http://16x9cinema.com Carl Olson

    I agree with you, Izzy. The Canon 5D imagery just has this “look” to it that is irresistible. My customers notice the “look” even though they know little or nothing nor care to know of gear used, 24p, etc. Yes, it has warts and can beat you up at times. But the “look” – well, I can’t go back to traditional camcorders (except for the use-cases you mentioned in your post).

  • http://www.task4.biz Angelo

    Hi,

    What are your thoughts about the new upcoming Sony videocamera:
    http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/sony-to-release-affordable-35mm-digital-cinema-camera-to-fend/

    and the RED Scarlet?

    I mean, I am a videographer, it looks kinda “stupid” doing a videoshoot with a photocamera.
    (I would perhaps use a DSLR on a steadicam rig)

    I guess the trend will be that manufacturers will put the DSLR sensors into the videocameras and with some luck add the 35mm option standard.

  • http://www.task4.biz Angelo

    Hi,

    What are your thoughts about the new upcoming Sony videocamera:
    http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/sony-to-release-affordable-35mm-digital-cinema-camera-to-fend/

    and the RED Scarlet?

    I mean, I am a videographer, it looks kinda “stupid” doing a videoshoot with a photocamera.
    (I would perhaps use a DSLR on a steadicam rig)

    I guess the trend will be that manufacturers will put the DSLR sensors into the videocameras and with some luck add the 35mm option standard.

  • http://www.thepodcastersstudio.com Ray Ortega

    Izzy,

    I’m on-board with dslr video as well. I’m having a great time with my new T2i and love the images and capabilities to produce amazing looking video. I must say I’m also very happy to be learning more than ever about making video since these cams have a higher learning curve.

    I’m curious about the 12 minute limit you speak of. I have yet to run my cam for 12 consecutive minutes so I’m unsure what happens at that point. Since I have sdhc cards I clearly have the ability to go far beyond 12 minutes. However, I’m assuming the cards will start a new file at the 12 minute mark? But there should be no loss of actual footage so I don’t really see this as an issue. Am I missing something that I will be unhappy about when I get to minute 12?;)

    If you want to see some of the test vids I’ve posted using the T2i (which makes a great b-cam for the 5d/7d at an amazing price) check them out here:
    http://vimeo.com/11158350

    Thanks,
    Ray

  • http://www.thepodcastersstudio.com Ray Ortega

    Izzy,

    I’m on-board with dslr video as well. I’m having a great time with my new T2i and love the images and capabilities to produce amazing looking video. I must say I’m also very happy to be learning more than ever about making video since these cams have a higher learning curve.

    I’m curious about the 12 minute limit you speak of. I have yet to run my cam for 12 consecutive minutes so I’m unsure what happens at that point. Since I have sdhc cards I clearly have the ability to go far beyond 12 minutes. However, I’m assuming the cards will start a new file at the 12 minute mark? But there should be no loss of actual footage so I don’t really see this as an issue. Am I missing something that I will be unhappy about when I get to minute 12?;)

    If you want to see some of the test vids I’ve posted using the T2i (which makes a great b-cam for the 5d/7d at an amazing price) check them out here:
    http://vimeo.com/11158350

    Thanks,
    Ray

  • Matthew

    Hey-

    Just curious, what accessories do you think are the best for the 5d? I’m using a 7D, and the best move I made so far was buying the 50mm 1.4 canon lens. That things is a BEAUTY.

    Matt

  • Matthew

    Hey-

    Just curious, what accessories do you think are the best for the 5d? I’m using a 7D, and the best move I made so far was buying the 50mm 1.4 canon lens. That things is a BEAUTY.

    Matt

  • http://www.vimeo.com/channels/omni Trond-Atle Johansen

    Why just 12 minutes?
    And wich DSLR supports AJA ki Pro?

  • http://www.vimeo.com/channels/omni Trond-Atle Johansen

    Why just 12 minutes?
    And wich DSLR supports AJA ki Pro?

  • Ted

    Actually the audio is surprisingly good now with the latest firmware update you get better audio than you do with most video cameras. I use my 5D for testimonials used for commercials frequently. I use a JuicedLink preamp to get xlr inputs with level controls and meters. If I’m really worried about the audio then I back it up with the Zoom H4n.
    No need to buy lenses when you can rent them cheap from a couple places lake lensrentals.com and BorrowLenses.com
    If it’s good enough for the season finale of House, then it’s probably good enough for anything that doesn’t require long live action recording.
    Ted Vandell
    Creative Services Producer/Editor
    Sinclair Broadcast Group
    Las Vegas, NV

  • Ted

    Actually the audio is surprisingly good now with the latest firmware update you get better audio than you do with most video cameras. I use my 5D for testimonials used for commercials frequently. I use a JuicedLink preamp to get xlr inputs with level controls and meters. If I’m really worried about the audio then I back it up with the Zoom H4n.
    No need to buy lenses when you can rent them cheap from a couple places lake lensrentals.com and BorrowLenses.com
    If it’s good enough for the season finale of House, then it’s probably good enough for anything that doesn’t require long live action recording.
    Ted Vandell
    Creative Services Producer/Editor
    Sinclair Broadcast Group
    Las Vegas, NV

  • http://www.darrengambrell.dk Darren Gambrell

    Hi Izzy

    Thats interesting, as Ive been thinking of picking up a DSLR for a while. What kind of device should one use for audio however? Can one use an iPod for example?

    regards

    Darren

  • http://www.darrengambrell.dk Darren Gambrell

    Hi Izzy

    Thats interesting, as Ive been thinking of picking up a DSLR for a while. What kind of device should one use for audio however? Can one use an iPod for example?

    regards

    Darren

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradbalfour/ Brad Balfour

    Izzy: I’m interested in your opinion on the same kind of idea but for shooting home movies. My Canon T2i should be arriving today (shoots the same video as the 7D but half the price).

    Previously I’ve been shooting DSLR stills but only DV video of the family which I then edit in iMovie and send to the grandparents etc.

    I’ve justified the upgrade to the T2i to the “finance committee” as a way for us to now get High Def home movies to edit and display (via Apple TV) on our TV and to send to relatives.

    I also think I’m more likely to shoot video if I’m only carrying one camera in my bag rather than a DSLR and a camcorder.

    What do you think? Could this be a good setup for just recording family events/kids sports etc.?

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradbalfour/ Brad Balfour

    Izzy: I’m interested in your opinion on the same kind of idea but for shooting home movies. My Canon T2i should be arriving today (shoots the same video as the 7D but half the price).

    Previously I’ve been shooting DSLR stills but only DV video of the family which I then edit in iMovie and send to the grandparents etc.

    I’ve justified the upgrade to the T2i to the “finance committee” as a way for us to now get High Def home movies to edit and display (via Apple TV) on our TV and to send to relatives.

    I also think I’m more likely to shoot video if I’m only carrying one camera in my bag rather than a DSLR and a camcorder.

    What do you think? Could this be a good setup for just recording family events/kids sports etc.?

  • Pingback: I need to clarify a few things about DSLR cameras. - Izzy Video

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com Izzy

    Trond-Atle -

    It’s actually not exactly 12 minutes. Depending on the content of the video, it could be anywhere from 10-12 minutes per clip. I’m not certain why, but I’ve heard it’s because of the file system that the cameras uses to write the files. They’re limited on the size of each file.

    So what happens when the file size reaches its maximum? The camera stops recording. You have no warning that it’s about to happen. It just stops recording. And then you can start recording a new clip, but it doesn’t automatically do this. You can definitely miss some action.

    This is a big reason I don’t think the camera is great for covering live events the way a typical videographer might do it. I see the DSLR more for capturing narrative, film-like content.

    I hope that helps!

  • http://www.izzyvideo.com Izzy

    Trond-Atle -

    It’s actually not exactly 12 minutes. Depending on the content of the video, it could be anywhere from 10-12 minutes per clip. I’m not certain why, but I’ve heard it’s because of the file system that the cameras uses to write the files. They’re limited on the size of each file.

    So what happens when the file size reaches its maximum? The camera stops recording. You have no warning that it’s about to happen. It just stops recording. And then you can start recording a new clip, but it doesn’t automatically do this. You can definitely miss some action.

    This is a big reason I don’t think the camera is great for covering live events the way a typical videographer might do it. I see the DSLR more for capturing narrative, film-like content.

    I hope that helps!

  • Gintas

    I’m surprised you don’t mention Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. Yes, it is micro 4/3 which is not DSLR, but it is often compared with the major DSLR cameras in it’s video quality, sensor size etc. Here is a comparison video:
    http://www.zacuto.com/shootout
    This DSLR-like camera doesn’t have recording time limit as all Canon or Nikon DSLR cameras have. You can record until your card fills up.

  • Gintas

    I’m surprised you don’t mention Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. Yes, it is micro 4/3 which is not DSLR, but it is often compared with the major DSLR cameras in it’s video quality, sensor size etc. Here is a comparison video:
    http://www.zacuto.com/shootout
    This DSLR-like camera doesn’t have recording time limit as all Canon or Nikon DSLR cameras have. You can record until your card fills up.