Which body to sell?

[paul13walnut5]

I have a (boo hiss) video dilemma

I currently have a 7D, a 550D and just bought a 600D. I like to have 2 cams for a video shoot (saves switching lenses, also gives me two POV interviews) so am going to keep the 600D and sell one of the others.

But which do I keep? The 550D (means consistent batterys and memory, same ISO stops etc) and lose out on the stills performance of the 7D, or keep the 7D for the rare days I do sports photography and sell the 550D?

I love the 7D, but do would I miss it more than the 550D? More cash freed up, and keeps all my kit the same (batts and SD's) hmm hmm hmm

Or do I sell both and buy a second 600D or even a 60D?

Thoughts

 

[smithy]

If video is your primary reason for owning a DSLR, and you are satisfied with the overall performance of the 550D in this area, then you should just stick with that. If you have an interest in stills (especially the sports you mentioned), then the 7D obviously will excel in this area - but of course you can shoot sport with a 550D or 600D - they're just not as well equipped for it.

Personally I'd get rid of the 550D and 600D and buy a second 7D. But that doesn't help at all does it?

 

[dshipley]

If video is your primary reason for owning a DSLR, and you are satisfied with the overall performance of the 550D in this area, then you should just stick with that. If you have an interest in stills (especially the sports you mentioned), then the 7D obviously will excel in this area - but of course you can shoot sport with a 550D or 600D - they're just not as well equipped for it.

Personally I'd get rid of the 550D and 600D and buy a second 7D. But that doesn't help at all does it?

I agree.

 

[awinphoto]

If video is your primary reason for owning a DSLR, and you are satisfied with the overall performance of the 550D in this area, then you should just stick with that. If you have an interest in stills (especially the sports you mentioned), then the 7D obviously will excel in this area - but of course you can shoot sport with a 550D or 600D - they're just not as well equipped for it.

Personally I'd get rid of the 550D and 600D and buy a second 7D. But that doesn't help at all does it?

+!000

 

[paul13walnut5]

Loving the flip out LCD and (without hack) audio level controls on 600D. Think it will be the 550D that gets the bullet...

Don't need two 7D's, not sure how much I need one, as for stills at least, it's gathering a heap of dust.

Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm.

 

[ruuneos]

Probably agreeing with everybody, get rid off 600D and 550D and get that second 7D.

 

[TheFarmer]

What type of videos are you doing? The reason I ask is, even with the flippy screen, I don't use my 60D much. The screen is nice if you're holding the camera in hand but if you shoot on a tripod or rig it's too small. I use a field monitor when doing video and the 7D is better, it doesn't freak out with resolution changes when recording like my T3i when I had it and like my 60D.

For audio, I use an external recorder and sync in post. Sound quality is worlds better and it's more versatile than say a Rode Mic on your hotshoe mount because you can leave the mic next to the person you're interviewing, or hide it on a podium near a wedding reception to pickup audio from the bride and groom better without them wearing lavaliers.

 

[jgharding]

The only point of 7D for video is weatherproofing if using L lenses and the fact that external LCD works very well during record compared to 600D/550D. If these are of concern keep a 7D and a 600D. If not, get a pair of 600D's and hack em both with Magic Lantern. My two cents.

 

[KacperP]

Personally I find that using tripod is an argument "for" not "against" flip screen - both stills and video. Only external monitor makes it irrelevant, not tripod.

 

[paul13walnut5]

@TheFarmer

What type of videos are you doing?

Corporate: link to some samples http://tinyurl.com/walnut5

The screen is nice if you're holding the camera in hand but if you shoot on a tripod or rig it's too small.

Using the screen very happily thanks, using fixed camera on 550D as is, really enjoying the 600's, I like to travel light, these big rigs etc... for me they defeat the small form factor benefit.

For audio, I use an external recorder and sync in post. Sound quality is worlds better and it's more versatile than say a Rode Mic on your hotshoe mount because you can leave the mic next to the person you're interviewing, or hide it on a podium near a wedding reception to pickup audio from the bride and groom better without them wearing lavaliers.

I always mic off camera, Sennheiser ME66, and radio mics, straight into camera via a beachtek DXA-5Da. No synching. No forgetting to charge things up or hit record. A zoom recorder next to your subject is no use if you can't monitor or check VU's etc, beachtek stays on camera. Keeps it simple.

 

[TheFarmer]

Corporate: link to some samples http://tinyurl.com/walnut5

I always mic off camera, Sennheiser ME66, and radio mics, straight into camera via a beachtek DXA-5Da. No synching. No forgetting to charge things up or hit record. A zoom recorder next to your subject is no use if you can't monitor or check VU's etc, beachtek stays on camera. Keeps it simple.

Looked at your videos, very nice audio. If I did more videos I would invest in the BeachTek and radio mics as well. 8)

 

[h4ldol]

I always mic off camera, Sennheiser ME66, and radio mics, straight into camera via a beachtek DXA-5Da. No synching. No forgetting to charge things up or hit record. A zoom recorder next to your subject is no use if you can't monitor or check VU's etc, beachtek stays on camera. Keeps it simple.

Schoeps + Sound Devices for audio.

 

[paul13walnut5]

Decided to punt the 550D. Thanks for thoughts. I don't need two 7D's as some suggested, but would quite like to keep the one I have.

Cheers for your perspectives.

 

[Strobe the globe]

I would sell them both and buy a 60D.

 

[bycostello]

lot to be said for using the same camera, all menus buttons etc in the same place...