Talk me into/out of a DSLR

I've wanted to get into filming for a while, and am now going back and forth on camcorder vs. DSLR. If I get a camcorder, I've pretty much settled on the Canon Vixia HF G20. But the more hunting videos I watch, the more I like the look of DSLRs. Add in the ability to take quality pictures and the decision has gotten harder. I will be self-filming about 90% of the time, and I understand this would be difficult to capture the moment of truth with a DSLR. So please help me decide: DSLR or camcorder? And what would you recommend at about an $700 budget?

Thanks for your help!

 

I love filming with my DSLR...that being said, i don't film myself often but it is possible to do. I think its hard to beat the quality of a DSLR and i love that if i see something i want to take a picture of i can do it easily. One downside of a DSLR is when you get into it and want to upgrade your lens start to get really expensive. I use kit lenses and i think they look great. I have a Mic and a Light on my DSLR so you have good audio and i also have a battery grip to get good battery life. Another downside is if you don't have the right size lens you have to switch lenses to be able to film deer and then to go to an interview close up. But overall i love filming with the DSLR and i think you can get some amazing footage with them. I hope this helps a little bit...those are just the pros and cons i find.

 

Thanks. I've been going back and forth a lot. What do you think of this?
Canon EOS Rebel T3i DSLR Camera with 18-55mm and 75-300mm Lens

 

Or this? Canon EOS Rebel SL1 DSLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm and 8575B003KIT

 

Those are both good options. I would look on amazon if i was you. You can get some awesome packages with a bunch of extras for pretty cheap. I would look into that

 

I video with both a DSLR (7D) and a video camera (XA20). I love DSLR video. It is tough to beat the way that large sensor produces video images. That being said for all of my self video work I run my XA20. It is just much easier. DSLR self video can be done but it would be a real bear. I do documentary type of work with my DSLR where I can use an external monitor and make manual focus my priority.

 

What if I said this... I haven't drawn my bow back on a deer in two years, so it would be more for the little bucks and does that walk by ha. It'd also be used for filming deer in the summer from the truck, fly and ice fishing, and turkey hunting.

 

A DSLR is going to take GREAT video of deer. It is just very difficult (but not impossible) to get the shot framed and in focus using the DSLR for a self filmed hunt is all. You won't be disappointed in the quality of the footage at all that is for sure. If I was going to try to self film using a DSLR I would look at the new Canon 70D, simply for the new AF tracking system that that camera has. The T5i and the SL1 both have an in video AF tracking system as well, but in the 70D they made significant improvements. That would help big time for trying to self video a hunt. You have to remember that the sensor on a DSLR is going to produce a shallow depth of field unless you are running at very high f-stops (which defeats the purpose of getting that DSLR look) so keeping a moving animal in focus will be very tough. The smaller sensors in video camera have a much more forgiving focal plane by their inherent nature and have very good AF systems.

If I was strictly videoing for another hunter or just shooting digital video of wildlife, I'd have zero reservations about using a DSLR for sure. The images are simply amazing.

 

Another thing to consider, is most DSLR's have a limited record time before they shut themselves down so the sensor does not overheat. I think my Sony is about 10 to 15 minutes of recording. Some are better and some are worse. Just something to consider that a lot of folks are not aware of when making their decision on what to buy.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

 

Pretty much all correct here. I just bought the rebel t3i. Love it. I got mine w/ 18-55 lens for 450 at frys. It replaced my $3200 cannon 5d I've had for 5 years. Kinda sad to put a $3200 camera away in a box to shoot with a $500 camera but my new rebel it awesome. I do like the continuos focus of the t4i or 70d better but you must consider what is called focused at infinity. It is the infinity symbol on the lens. It means that when focused to that mark everything from that mark beyond will be in focus. For most lenses this ranges from 50-75 feet. If your in stand its a pretty good possibility that to focus at your shooting lane you will be at the infinity focal point already meaning everything in the distance will also be In focus.

 

Hyperfocal is what I'm talking about here

Check this link out its pretty cool.
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

 

So would you recommend the SL1 over the T3i? Thanks for the help!

 

Thanks everyone for helping. I'm definitely leaning towards the DSLR now. What would you recommend for an external mic? (Preferably $100 or less)

 

I bought the SL1 with an STM drive lens for my daughter recently. What little I have played with it it shoots incredible photos and video. The AF tracking in video mode seems to work pretty decent but I honestly haven't played with it as much as I would like. The downfall to the SL1 is that it is a tiny body. It is great for my daughter but for me it is too small for me to use as a primary camera. That being said it takes incredible images.

The t3i is a nice camera and shoots great video. Video will have to be done in manual focus just like my 7D or even something like a 5DMk3.

And yes you can take advantage of the hyperfocal principles that were linked to above but that only works to a point. When that deer is quickly approaching from 50 yards in to 10 yards you are going to need two hands on the camera to pan with him, focas continuously, and possibly zoom out. Good luck stopping him, framing the shot in focus, grabbing your bow, drawing, and shooting all in about 5 seconds or less. Like I said not impossible but extremely difficult.

With a video camera and Land lens controller I can have my bow in one hand and operate 100% of what I need to on the camera with the other. Then stop the deer, draw, and shoot.

Both work. Both shoot amazing video.

 

I really appreciate the advice. Like I said I haven't had much luck bowhunting (I guess I'm pretty picky too), so it would be mostly for filming deer that pass by as well as other outdoor activities. And if that shooter buck comes by...we'll see what happens ha. But I really like the quality of the DSLR and feel it would get more use (and be more fun) than a camcorder.

Why do you see the SL1's size as a negative? Harder to hold still?

And what would you recommend for an external mic, as well as a head and tripod?

Thanks again!

 

The SL1 is tiny. It was meant to be a micro sized body for small hands or those who need a DSLR camera for travel and don't want to take their big camera, but still be able to use all of their Canon lenses. It is small even compared to a t3i. Compared to my 7D with battery grip it is crazy small. But that could also work as a positive if you don't want to pack big gear. Like I said it is an amazing camera. I've been impressed with the images that my daughter's takes. Throw a microphone on it and use one of the STM lenses (they are a quiet drive lens) and it might make a nice compact package. Everyone has their preferences. I'm not knocking the SL1 at all, technically I own one, just pointing out that it's size might make it tough for some. It is an amazing camera and honestly, I'd take it over a t3i any day of the week in terms of perforance (both stills and video). I just like bigger body cameras and if I was going to focus on buying primarily for DSLR video right now, the 70D would get my money. But that camera body is a significant investment over a t3i, t4i, t5i, or SL1. Personally, being a 7D user, I am waiting on the 7DmkII ... if it ever even becomes a reality.

Here is some great info and at the end it has an overlay of a t4i and the SL1 --- CLICK HERE ----> Canon SL1 Review

Regarding a mic, for my 7D, I use one of two things. Either the Rode VideoMic and plug it into the camera or I use my Zoom H1 external recorder and syc the audio in post. The Rode VideoMic is nice but more than your $100 budget. They just came out with the Rode VideoMic Go for about $100 though. It is a new model so I cannot speak for it, but if it is like everything else Rode, it will be quality stuff.

As far as a video head, Manfrotto. There are others, but most will tell you that Manfrotto is going to be the most solid and smoothest for your money. The MVH500AH is kind of the new standard in light to mid weight camera set ups and replaced the 701HDV head that many of us use. You could go down to the 700RC2 for a light set up but it won't be as smooth or solid. I had one years ago and they are OK, but not nearly what the other heads are.

Tri-pods, sky is the limit. Just get something that is made by a quality manufacturer (again I'd recommend Manfrotto) that will support your equipment weight and adjusts in a way that you like. You don't want thousands of dollars of camera equipment supported by a flimsy $25 Wal-mart special tri-pod. Your house is only as good as the foundation that it sits on ... same with your camera equipment. Get something solid. Same when it comes to a tree arm if you go that route as well.

 

What mic do you use? I'm looking for one around $100 or less; any suggestions?

 

Just pulled the trigger on the Canon SL1! Thanks all for your input! Can't wait to get it and start filming!

 

I would not recommend a DSLR for self-filming. On a dslr you will put everything on manual. And trying to focus (there are no remotes) without a focus assist is very tough if not impossible. Framing the shot will be difficult as well.

I tried for two seasons to film with a Canon 60D but ended up getting a G20 camcorder.

Another consideration is lowlight filming. The DSLR has lots of great lenses but you really need to go with a full size sensor camera to get great lowlight and be prepared to spend a good chunk of change on lenses. I bought two different lenses, a 50mm prime 1.8 and a 18-200mm zoom lenses. The prime lenses was primarily for interviews and the zoom was the major filming lens.

If it was my money, I would start with the G20 and a Rode Video mic Pro (will need a shoe adapter) for good audio. Also look at a remote for zoom and focus control.

Most of the cool footage you see if really b-roll footage for which a dslr is great. But self-filming with one will leave you frustrated.

Feel free to PM me and you can call me to discuss if you want.

 

Sorry posted too late I see. What lenses did you get? If you got the kit lens 18-55mm, do not open the box and return it. That lens will not get good close shots. You want at least a 18-200mm lens.

Just my humble opinion.