Talk me into/out of a DSLR

It comes with an 18-55 and 75-300mm lenses.

 

Ok the dilemma with the 75-300mm lens is that you will find yourself changing lenses to get good wide angle shots. Low light will be tough also without a high ISO which will create video with a lot of noise. Both of the kit lenses have max aperture of 3.5 and 4.0 which is too small for good lowlight. Take a look at this link for aperture chart: File:Aperture diagram.svg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not trying to cast a shadow on your new purchase, just want to help you avoid some of the issues I experienced.

 

I wrote this in an earlier post, but I haven't drawn my bow back on a deer in a couple years (I'm kinda picky), so it would be more for the little bucks and does that walk by. If that shooter finally comes by, we'll see what happens ha. It'd also be used for filming deer in the summer from the truck, fly and ice fishing, and turkey hunting. So the camera really won't be used primarily for self-filming hunts, mostly just my random outdoor activities. I will have tons of time to learn it inside and out before bow season 2014 and feel the DSLR is better for all-around use. I might buy a dedicated camcorder someday but currently only have the funds for one.

How do you feel about this lens? Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens 2514A002 B&H Photo Video

Thanks and I appreciate your input!

 

That 50mm prime is a great lens, in fact it is the one I have for filming interviews and getting some great B-Roll footage. Great price too. Combine it with an 18-200 lens and you have a great setup for what it sounds like you will be doing. The 18-200mm lens does not even have to be a Canon lens. Sigma and Tamron have some good options that are a lot less expensive than the Canon ($299/$199 vs $699).

As you get farther into this stuff, you ought to give Tom over at Campbell Cameras a call. He has lots of great advise on cameras,setups,etc. They also price match if you see a lower price. If you are not familiar with them, they provide video gear for folks in the hunting industry. At first I did not buy from them because their web prices always seemed more expensive. But when I found out they price matched, I was set. They are very helpful even when just asking questions without buying anything.

Oh and I would consider adding a GoPro3+ with the remote to your setup eventually. Great second camera perspective.

 

Would you recommend this one? Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM Lens for Canon 882101 B&H
I'll probably end up selling the lenses that come with the SL1 and upgrading. It was just a really good deal ($578 for the whole package) and I figured those would be good to start with.

I have been on the Campbell Cameras site A LOT lately looking at camera gear. I didn't know they price matched so I've been doing my research there and shopping at B&H; thanks for letting me know that.

And yes I have been looking into GoPros, as well as the Sony Action Cam. I will definitely have one before next season.

Thanks again for your help! I really appreciate it!

 

That should do the trick.

 

Just an update... I got the SL1, and have since sent it back to B&H. I realized how much I wanted an articulating screen, and just decided I want an actual camcorder. I've been shopping around on eBay and hopefully can win a Canon Vixia HF S20 (or other S-series) for around $400. With the extra funds I plan on buying a Canon T3i or Sony A58 body, and 50mm f/1.8 lens for b-roll (should cost around $500 total). Seems like a good start for getting quality video.