Time for a New Body

[mowog]

It's come around to that time again where I am thing about a new camera body. A Canon 7D would be nice and just maybe I will go that way.

My current main body is a 50D and I am waiting to see the soon to be released (if you can believe the rumours) EOS 60D.

I am very interested in the HD video capability of the 550D and 7D and I wonder if the 60D will bring any improvements.

I have considered going up a class and getting one of the Canon full frame cameras but that also means all new lenes.

Are any of you shooting video with a 550D or 7D? I would interested in your experiences.

[WhiteD3]

I have tried shooting video with my 500D and am unimpressed. My almost 10yo Sony Digicam does a much better job.

[mowog]

This pretty much why I have waited for a 3rd generation of the Canon DSLR with video.

Any 7D or 550D experience out there?

[Chucaro]

I believe that one of the photographers that know heaps about video and canons is Romy Ocon.
Try to contact him, he is very nice fellow and have tested many Canons.
He have some work HERE (http://exposureroom.com/members/RomyOcon/2af8e3680264428e9bf1554e9e8419fb/) and his page in pbase is HERE (http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone/hdv_birds)
His email romyocon@yahoo.com

I hope that this will help.
Cheers

[SwedishBloke]

What is the main reason why you want to make an upgrade? The 50D is a relatively new and very compitent body as it is. The newest gadgetry has a very little effect on the photos you are taking. Practice and good optics though does make a different. To put time and money there is a better investment imo.

There has been some photos floating around the net lately hinting that the 60D would indeed be focused on filming, with a tiltable screen on the back side and all. For me at least that is a weaknes that could break off if you are out in the bush and makes the camera more bulky.

If HD movie recording is a main concern I would get a cam corder if I were in your shoes.

[mowog]

What is the main reason why you want to make an upgrade? The 50D is a relatively new and very compitent body as it is.

I always have 2 bodies when I go out. My second body is currently a 400D so the upgrade is really about replacing it. The 50D will be demoted to the second body.

Video... Is not my main focus otherwise I would buy a video cam.

At the end of the year I am going to China so I am looking for a unit that will be a good all rounder. If the 60D meets the hype then it will be the camera I buy for the trip.

On the subject of DSLR and video quality. I was talking to an ABC News camera woman, We were talking about camera's and she had just brought an EOS 550D. She was pleasantly surprised at the video capability of the 550D.

[SwedishBloke]

I thought you just wanted HD video recording, and then thought it would be cheaper, and better ergonomically, to get a cam corder capable of filming in HD. You didn't give the impression that you used two DLSR bodies in the opening post and that you wanted to phase out the 400D. If I knew that I would have answered differently :)


DLSRs are very competent as for recording video. Actually an episode of House MD was recorded with a Canon 7D. An entire TV series in Sweden has also been recorded with a 7D.

As for getting a new DLSR with HD capability, I personally would skip the 550D since I consider Canon's entry models has too small and plastic feeling. Which results in a horrid ergonomic (which is a matter of taste, of course ) and making the camera front heavy with a bigger lens attached. Not being weather sealed and lacking that for me at least important top LCD panel is also a big minus.

It really depends on what kind of photography you are into and how much you want to spend. For landscape for example FF would be ideal if you have the money for it. For action photography the 7D would be the pick with much faster burst capabilities. If you are happy with how the 50D performs and want another similar body, but with some extra features + movie recording capability, the 60D is your pick.

[WhiteD3]

DLSRs are very competent as for recording video. Actually an episode of House MD was recorded with a Canon 7D. An entire TV series in Sweden has also been recorded with a 7D.

...and this is the issue. My 500D is very good at video with a fixed position and fixed focus point. The problems arise when you want to pan or zoom.

Case in point: I can mount my 10yo Sony 1.5mp TRV30E on a tripod in the D3 and get near perfect video YouTube- Fraser Island Part 1


You'd be better off spending $400 on a cheap HDD camcorder that using a DSLR as a portable camcorder.

[SwedishBloke]

You'd be better off spending $400 on a cheap HDD camcorder that using a DSLR as a portable camcorder.


That is also my opinion, but as I understood it he wants to have two DLSR bodies and replace the 400D. That is convenient without focusing on getting another one with movie recording capabilities. Then he might as well get one that can record video as well since many DLSRs do so these days.

A cam corder is indeed though a better movie recording solution if that is ones main interest.

[mowog]

I haven't brought a DSLR with video yet because I am not convinced they are up to the task. The 60D will be the third generation in video DLSR's for Canon you would hope they have got it right by then.

On my China trip I will be limiting the gear I take. Only one camera will go that will be a 60D if it meets the online hype or a 7D if it doesn't.

[Chucaro]

IMO the quality of the video on the cameras are better that the ones on the camcoders because the pixel density dollar for dollar regarding investment.
I am very impressed with some of the short films that come from the Nikon D300s and the D3s.
Also the bird films that Ocon have with his Canon are awesome regarding details in the birds compared with what a under $5000 camcoder can capture.
Then again all depends for what kind of film you what the camera. If details it is not an issue then go for a camcoder.

[Cap]

YouTube- Fraser Island Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTyHffRgnx4)


(OFF TOPIC) ... BUT nice one!! :D

[mowog]

I did the rounds of the camera shops yesterday.

There is a Canon function on the 30th of August. The rumours on the 60D from the shops basically say it will be a 550D in a magnesium body.

I am hoping there is a bit more to it than that.

[C0L0N3L]

Hmm not what i've heard/read.

On canon rumours it says its a plastic body, slightly smaller than the 50D with a flip out screen.

some pics of it?
Canon EOS 60D Pictures? Canon Rumors (http://www.canonrumors.com/2010/08/canon-eos-60d-picture/)

I'm waiting for nikon to announce the D7000, September 15th I think. The specs sound awesome.

[mowog]

I think canon has set a trend with the XXD bodies being magnesium. Plastic has been the norm for the XXXXD and XXXD bodies.

If the 60D is a plastic body or just a re-bodied 550D then I will buy a 7D.

[dmdigital]

Back in the days of the 30D this was actually Canon's competitor to the Nikon D200. The nikon had a better weather sealed body but over all both were very robust and the Canon was better in low light. By the 50D the Canon sat at around the D80 and now really sits al little below the D90 in the Nikon range. The 7D is now the direct competitor to the D300s in Nikon. My neighbour has a 7D and is very happy with it. If you want a solid body I would be going the 7D as I suspect the 60D will be a very consumer end body as is the 50D.



There I managed that without saying "get a Nikon"... DOH! I just said it ;)

[Chucaro]

Keep in mind that if you like the camera for action shots and fast focus the 7D it is not even a close competitor to the Nikon D300s ;)
For action shots and fast focus in the compact camera models the D300s is the king

[mowog]

If I was to go to the dark side (nikon) then I would need all new lenses.

My primary interest is Landscapes and they don't tend to move very fast. ;)

My next update after this will be full frame sensor DSLR.

[dmdigital]

Why not jump straight on the 5DMkII then? My understanding from talking to owners of them is the high ISO (6400) is very poor compared to Nikon's and I believe the 7D may also be better but that's not an issue with landscape. Solid body, well sealed compared to its predecessor.

Believe me, having gone from cropped to full frame sensor I really don't want to go back for landscape and general work. Wildlife is a little different as all of a sudden the 70-200mm has reverted back to what is stamped on the barrel and not a 105-300mm equivalent.

[mowog]

Going full frame now means all new lenses as well. I just cant spend that kind of money on Camera kit at the moment.

So a mid life update is where I am at.

[timaus13]

I love both Nikon and Canon.
I have a Nikon D60 as well as A Canon 30D.
One for action and one for scenics.
You guess which is which?
Cheers
All I know is I Love Photography. In Making this statement I love the Photographs Posted here on Aulro. :-)

Gadgets

[dmdigital]

Going full frame now means all new lenses as well. I just cant spend that kind of money on Camera kit at the moment.

So a mid life update is where I am at.

7D then. Although the EOS1DMkIV isn't full frame either;)

I take it you don't have full frame lenses?

[mowog]

I take it you don't have full frame lenses?

No I don't yet...

Currently I have a Tamron 18-270 and a Canon 10-22. I have been looking at Lens options. Again funds being the big issue.

I have a new caravan that I have pay for soon.

[mowog]

Well the answer is out there.

Canon EOS 60D DSLR announced and previewed: Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/news/1008/10082620canoneos60d.asp)

A very disappointing result from Canon. Its basically a 550D with better HD Video.

The choice for me now is a Canon 7D

[dmdigital]

Nikon's D90 is a better camera in some ways and it's replacement most certainly will be. What are Canon thinking:confused: That gives them 3 low end bodies and a big gap to the 7D.

Oh well at least they made you selection easier ;)

[mrapocalypse]

The 7D shoots pretty awesome video, in fact it's one the the best video pictures out there.

Trouble is that isn't the answer. You'll need to get a tripod to do any decent work as everyone who has ever shot with a DSLR in video mode will tell you.

Focus is also pretty gnarly and will only work in manual mode.

If I were you I'd start working on my lens kit and stick with the body you have.

Even a Canon 16-35 mm would be money better spent now than a 7D.

The get a Sigma 10-20mm for the wide angles and that's the only difference you'll be able to see IMHO.

This is my 7D in video guise.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/08/97.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/08/98.jpg

Yeah, I have spent some coin on it. But not disappointed with the pics.

[mowog]

That is a very interesting bit of kit.

Video isn't my main focus but who knows what will develop. I have been looking at some of the consumer level steadycam units.

[300+]

Isn't that a Nikon lens on the canon?

I presume you used something more sophisticated than a grinder and some araldite to make that work?

Cheers, Steve

[dmdigital]

I'd say it's a DX Nikkor of some sort.

[mrapocalypse]

Yes it's a Nikon 17-55 f2.8 DX lens. You just buy adaptors and they go on minus any auto functions. I use it because it has a reasonably long zoom range (And I already owned it).

[dmdigital]

Nice lens, shame about the camera... just kidding :p

How heavy is that setup? It doesn't look light weight.

[mrapocalypse]

"Nice lens, shame about the camera"
No seriously I felt the same..... Nikon all the way!

It weighs About 3KG. More with 80-200, and more with the Audio gear on it, after a long shoot day I have a band of severe pain between my shoulder blades.

Sorry about the thread Hijack BTW.

[dmdigital]

Same with using a D3s, 70-200 and SB800 for the afternoon. Monopod starts to get used a lot more than it used to.

I'm seriously going to look at the D90 replacement if the spec's come up as expected to give me a light weight extra body and sell the D200. It sounds like Nikon will not be delivering a body anything like the EOS60D. I think Mowag's made the only viable choice without going to the 5DMkII or changing brands.

There managed to get the thread back on topic ;)

[mrapocalypse]

Nice.

Now is a good time to invest due to the fact that most cameras out have got a lot of everything. Low light performance frame rates and image quality and with a bit of HD Video thrown in.

Mind you I am still happy using a D2X I bought second hand.

It also looks like cropped sensors are here to stay so investing in lenses to suit them is not such a big deal.