Canon EOS Rebel T2i
This will be my next camera.
Canon just annouced the EOS Rebel T2i, which sounds perfect to me as i’m primarily interested in the video capabilities — everything else DSLRs do will be an upgrade from my current point-and-shoot. It has the video features of the 7D and essentially the same sensor, but is half the price. $800 is a point for me where it becomes less about when can i afford it, than when is it available — especially compared to it’s bigger siblings that run in the several thousand dollars range. I would get one today, but will gladly read reviews and inspect sample footage for the next few weeks until its release. DPReview has a solid introduction of the T2i.
I’ve really grown bored and feel limited with my SD790. It’s a great camera and it’s great at what it does, but it doesn’t always do what i want. Plus i still don’t have a proper video camera. Not that HDSLRs are “proper” video cameras, but i need something that can create quality. On the other hand, i’d rather not spend a grand or more on just a video camera — i shoot photos a lot more than i do video. And i am sworn off of tape-based cameras. I think that HD video-capable DSLRs fit into that niche perfectly for me. And there’s already many film production-style accessories being produced for these cameras, so even if they’re not the next big thing, we can use them like they are.
I guess this means i’ll be starting a Canon EF lens collection…
[Checkout my previous post about DSLRs.]
Here are a few observations from using Canon EOS Rebel T2i for the past 2 days:
* RAW files from this camera not supported in OS X yet
* MOV files created will test your computers speed
* MOV files in 1080p will eat up ~330MB/min and use ~15mbit/s bitrate
* Good starter lens, but I can already tell I’ll want something to supplement it
* Great fit and finish
* Very light
Just FYI, one thing to really consider before buying for Video capabilities is whether or not you NEED auto-focus? If you want to chase around your kids, don’t buy this camera and invest in lenses. Stick to a cam-corder.
Being an owner, I’d say the best route for anyone who has never had a DSLR and done video with one is to rent one first before investing.
The majority of frustration is in low light shooting (f/stop below 4) and trying to keep focus on a moving target. For me, that is my 2 year old son.
Outdoors in the middle of day light at f/stop 8, 12, 16…. no problem, the focus range is many feet at that point, easy to keep him in focus. But, sometimes, I really love the ease of use on the cam corder…
And again, a DSLR with video doesn’t act like a cam-corder or even your pocket digital camera that has video, completely different beast!
I still love it though!
Hey, Michael, thanks for the feedback. I’m comfortable with diving right in to DSLR ownership — i’ve handled them some, and mostly know what i’m getting in to. And i have a good bit of experience with traditional video cameras, which also mostly suck at tracking autofocus on moving subjects and in low light. For planned video shoots, i’d likely be focusing manually anyway, so it’s less of an issue.
I’ve been leaning toward the 7D in the past couple of days, for its more durable build and because i can buy one right now. The T2i’s price and a few things like the newer display LCD have me hesitating. Still haven’t heard when the T2i bodies will go on sale.
If money is no issue, the 7D rocks! The Rebels feel like toys after you’ve had the 7D (or better) your hands. Mine was in for repairs and I’ve been using my old (the original!) Rebel 300D and I can’t believe I ever used that ‘toy’. Have fun!
Oh, and for lenses, I bought the 24-70 2.8L and it is heavy! A lot of reviews out there talk about how heavy it is, and they are all true! That was the one lens I didn’t rent before buying and wish I did. Kind of wish I went with the 16-35mm f/2.8L II. Like a quarter pound difference, big difference!
This a great site for lens reviews:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-16-35mm-f-2.8-L-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
Enjoy!
Can’t quite say “money is no issue,” but i’m more than willing to pay for quality. And your comment confirms most of what i’ve been reading: the 7D vs T2i build quality is no comparison.
Lenses are where i’m even more undecided. It sounds like there is a lot of great “alternative” glass that works great for video on these cameras.
http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2710
I’ll probably also look for an everyday zoom to carry around.