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Camcorder vs DSLR

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Gknow
Posts: 627 - Karma: 358

So I know there are hundreds of threads on how to buy a camera. I searched bar-ed and came up with nothing on this topic.

I already know I'm going to drop 2-3grand on a camera for my own graduation present. I want to know, in your own experience, what's been the better fit in terms of quality, handling, and convience.

For example:

Cannon XA10 http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/professional_camcorders/xa10

vs.

Cannon 7D http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_7d

I have some experience with the 5D Mark II, which I know blows all other cameras out of the water. But with lenses and insurance it'd be just out of the price range.

Just want to know what you think of the pros and cons of using a camcorder vs. DSLR

May 23 2011 8:33AM
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S.C
Posts: 3068 - Karma: 2,285
without jumping up to this http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/professional_camcorders/xh_a1s
the 7d would be your best bet. Also, if you dont need the burst rate and super heavy duty body, go down to the 60d. in many aspects its better for video, and it also is lighter. Its still water and dust resistant, just not quite as heavy duty. With the 60d, you also save $800 bucks, and for $3000, you could get a setup with 2 solid zooms or 3-4 primes, a mic, a really good sd card, and a decent tripod. or you could go with one lens and make a dope rig. Whichever way you go, it'll be sick, but I'd choose the 60d setup over the 7d or XA10. DSLR's will in general have more options to upgrade in the future (without a 35mm adapter on a camcorder). If you are looking for autofocus and other features that are limited on DSLRs, go with the XA10. you sound like you know what your doing though, so I'd say 60d. also, though this wouldn't be the way I'd go, you could get the XA10 with a 35mm adapter. That can get pretty cumbersome and expensive though, so I wouldn't do that.

Good luck finding your camera! (I'm getting a new cam next month with my $1000 budget haha.
May 23 2011 9:25AM
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eheath
Posts: 61601 - Karma: 123,029
this is very subjective, the 5dmkII has some downfalls that cause people to have a second camera w/ the 5d or a different camera all together.


This question is usually always answered now days by a 7d or t2i. but it really depends on what you what. a 7d produces a great image, if you know what you're doing. the 7d lacks alot of manual controls that you would get with a higher end video camera.

What the video camera will lack is a shallow DOF. that is honestly all you get from a hddslr, a video camera will always be a better video camera.

If you have 2-3 grand you have a couple options, you can choose based on what you want.

A) hddslr: 7d/60d/t2i/t3i. You could spend 700-1500 on the body then you have the rest for stabilization (tripod/glidecam/grip), lenses, mics, etc.

ex. t2i + 2-3 good lenses + tripod and glidecam = 3000

B) video camera. Here is where you get alot of choice, but i would recommend a used panasonic hmc150/hvx200/hpx170. hmc will be SD cards, hvx/hpx will be p2 cards.

ex. hvx200/hpx170 + tripod = 3000 ish. glide cam wouldnt hurt too unless you've got a steady arm.


Now, this choice is up to you. Whats nice about a video camera is you can just pull it out and shoot. hddslrs can take more setup time and more gear to use them properly. a video camera will produce a better image, an hddslr image may be sharper depending on the situation. Ive seen alot of people produce great stuff with both a hddslr and a regular video camera.
May 23 2011 12:34PM
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TaranItUp
Posts: 1313 - Karma: 802
^ well I think Evan knows whatsup.
May 23 2011 1:37PM
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lukewalnuts
Posts: 2730 - Karma: 152
ya thinks that helped me out too
May 23 2011 2:30PM
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goodiepocket
Posts: 950 - Karma: 641
I couldn't have explained it better myself Evan.

btw, I have a t2i and an hvx. I chose the t2i over the 7d because
1) I didn't see that much of a difference of a t2i + magic lantern vs a 7d other than physical features
2) I wanted to be able to keep my hvx, so I went with the cheaper body.

They each excel in different things and produce two different styles of video. As Evan said, it's up to you to decide what look you want to achieve. Also, what are you going to be filming? This may make a big difference, especially if capturing good audio is in the mix.
May 23 2011 2:33PM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
Evan pretty much nailed it, but here's my opinion too.

Pros of camcorder:
-Longer recording time.
-Can be easier to focus (also has autofocus if you for some reason need that)
-You can get a smooth zoom while filming
-more auto features in general, not that you really need that
-more sturdy without a stabilizer

Cons of camcorder:
-expensive
-depth of field isn't very shallow and 35mm adapters are expensive and a hassle
-looks like the one you want doesn't shoot at 720p60p

Pros of DSLR:
-very shallow depth of field for cheap
-small and very portable
-720p60p in some models
-interchangeable lenses

cons of DSLR:
-can't get a smooth zoom. lenses aren't really built for that and you will lose focus
-limited recording time
-requires more knowledge of shutter speed, aperture, iso, etc
-too small to be stable
-on-camera audio generally sucks


that being said, i would choose a DSLR. and don't go with the 7D, it's just a waste of money these days. the T2i and 7D are exactly equal for video, the only difference is the 7D is more durable. the T3i is even better for video than the 7D, as is the 60D (the video will still look the same as the 7D, but the cameras have better features for video). Also, the 5D doesn't really blow any other DSLRs out of the water necessarily. while it's a bomb camera for filming actual films (where you would always be shooting at 1080p24p), it lacks 720p60p, which was a huge, huge downfall for me. plus there is no Magic Lantern for it, meaning it has less features for video than a Magic Lanterned T2i, T3i, or 60D.

May 23 2011 5:25PM
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