Gear Talk > EOS Bodies - For Video

5D II or wait for new entry level FF camera

(1/4) > >>

aceofspaide:
I am a young pro cameraman (mostly documentary) who has earned enough money that I would feel comfortable upgrading from my personal camera from a T2i to a FF camera. So my decision is, do I buy a 5D II right now or do I wait until Canon announces their new entry level FF camera. It seems like the price will be about the same so I am torn. My usage of this camera will be 75% video, but I also do some side photography. I need to start compiling some pros and cons because at this point in my life dropping $2K is a pretty big deal.

I'm sure it would be best to wait for the official announcement of the new FF camera before I make my decision, but I am impatient and if the answer if the 5DII I want to get it right away.

JasonATL:
The obvious (and best, I think) answer is to wait, since you're asking people to compare a 5D2 with an unknown.

I'm considering the same thing. Of course, you might be in a much more time-sensitive position than I. Fact is, I don't NEED a new camera.

But, in the sport of these types of discussions, I'll give you some thoughts that I've considered.

Do you use Magic Lantern?

Key argument for me in favor of 5D2: If you use Magic Lantern and rely on its peaking and histogram functions in video a lot (and perhaps its timelapse and myriad other functions), then I think this argues in favor of the 5D2. Magic Lantern is available for the 5D2 today and is unlikely to be available for the new camera, if at all, for another year (just speculating here) after release. Some might say to wait to see if Canon puts any of these features on the new camera. I simply don't see that happening, given Canon's track record.

Do you struggle against moire/aliasing, or have you adapted your shooting style to minimize it to an acceptable level for you?

Key argument for waiting: The new FF camera MIGHT have some of the improvements of the 5D3 with regard to moire/aliasing. My wife has a 5D3 that she lets me use from time to time. The lack of moire/aliasing is really nice and the image is nice to work with in post. This is the only thing that has really caused me to wait, other than simply not wanting to spend more money on a camera. Then again, you might wait and find the new camera's image is essentially the same as the 5D2. It isn't clear that anything will be lost, since the price is rumored to be about the same as the current 5D2 and there are so many 5D2's out there that you should be able to pick one up used, should the new FF lack some features that you really want/need.

Heck the new FF camera MIGHT even have more apparent sharpness or resolution than the 5D3. But, I find this possibility far less likely. If it did, Canon would have a hard time keeping them on the shelf.

aceofspaide:
I am not in a time sensitive position, I do not need this camera for work because my company has their own pro camcorders and a 7D that I use for professional shooting, I am just impatient and would love to have a new camera in my hands this summer. I do have the T2i also in case I need to do any side jobs.

Your Magic Lantern point is one I thought about a lot, I currently have never used it but I am definitely planning on getting the new version in August for my T2i to try it out. That may effect my decision because if I decide ML is something I can't live without then it will be the 5DII for me.

HurtinMinorKey:
gh2 is the best v-dslr for the money. I had a 5dII, and there are a couple of things it does better than the gh2, but overall the gh2 is a better camera for video, and a whole lot cheaper.

aceofspaide:

--- Quote from: HurtinMinorKey on July 27, 2012, 12:28:35 PM ---gh2 is the best v-dslr for the money. I had a 5dII, and there are a couple of things it does better than the gh2, but overall the gh2 is a better camera for video, and a whole lot cheaper.

--- End quote ---

I'm definitely sticking with Canon since I have spent a lot on canon lenses. Plus I am really only looking for a FF camera

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page