Re: 60d 7D proof
 

Will someone with H4n experience give their advice here? I believe this tends to be the preferred choice of many DSLR shooters for audio capture.

I actually used Beachtek's DXA-SLR audio adapter for some time, which I used to capture audio directly to the camera. I got great results with this--it's got an AGC-disable button which you can use with the T2i. I sold it in time because I was using a second camera for my shoots--a V1U, which has it's own XLR inputs--and I just recorded my audio to this camera. I put the money towards lenses.

Beachtek and JuicedLink have some really good options for recording directly to the cameras, but it seems that the H4n is a popular choice. Hopefully someone here can tell you more. Either way, with a DSLR you're gonna have to invest in some sort of external audio option.

I think choosing the T2i is a wise choice. Put the monies you save toward good audio and LENSES...GOOD, FAST LENSES. THESE are what make your video kick.

The most important factor
 

If you're doing video, the Magic Lantern firmware is totally essential. If you don't know about it, look it up.

There is a version for 5D Mk II, 60D, 600D, 550D. There is -no version for 7D-, and never will be due to Canon's firmware protection.

This fact alone makes a 7D out of the question for video. Any of the other cameras would be fine, although i would go for 60D's more robust size, light weight, feature set, ergonomics and articulating screen.

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

I have used the H4n many times. Works very well. The cool thing is you can use the built in mics to record ambient and use the inputs for lavs or shotguns. 4-track recording!


Totally disagree with Sam as I've been using the 7D very successfully for a LONG time. A LOT of people use the 7D for video. You can see my 7D work in a bunch of current episodes on a nationally airing TV show called Guns and Gear produced by another forum member. I can name about half a dozen guys in my area that shoot 7D. Magic Lantern may be nice but is certainly not essential.

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

Yah, the Magic Lantern Firmware is definitely a great tool to have, but it's not necessarily a necessity, as you can certainly get your video and audio just fine without it.

Re: The most important factor
 

That is just rubbish. We have been shooting video for 2.5 years on the 5DII on stock firmware. There are plenty of people who find it too unstable & not really useful e.g. Philip Bloom & Dan Chung to name two well known DSLR video shooters. The features in Magic Lantern if it were stable are nice to have but not essential.

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

Tariq, the 60D feels much more like a pro piece of equipment. The t2i felt like a toy to me. I just didn't feel confident that it would hold up...
Bill

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

@Tariq: It's a mistake to judge these various cameras based on strictly what comes out of the sensor. Be wary of image comparisons..especially after compression to the web. There are differences in how hard or easy those shots were arrived at. Also, when there are differences in the sensor, understand that the better cameras will operate in a wider range of light, DOF etc. so a comparison in a situation within the performance range of the lesser camera isn't that conclusive. So be aware at how features affect how hard or easy or reliable or consistently it is to get the footage you want in focus, stable, and well exposed.

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

Yah, I agree with Bill, which is why I ultimately went with the 60D. However I know plenty of T2i owners who've had much success with their cam....and were very careful with them (it's certainly possible, just don't go banging it around).

If you're pressed for money, go with the T2i and put the bulk of your money towards lenses; if not, try the 60D.

Either way, this'll be a fun time for you.

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

The success of your business has absolutely -zero- to do with the camera you choose. If you can't make your wedding business work with a $400 handicam, you couldn't make it work with an F3 either. If you think having a tiny tiny bit of extra sharpness will make a difference to your client, it won't. The only "wrong" decision you'll make is not learning how to use the tools in your toolbox properly.

Bottom line... the camera is the least important piece of gear you'll ever own. Buy whatever is cheapest and spend the money on important gear like good wireless mics and tripods.

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

DSLR's definitely have their limitations...a slew of them! They are most definitely not meant for the standard run-n-gun style. They're awkward, they lack standard, crucial video camera functions and accessories, thus you're shelling out more money just to accessorize it...into a big clunky mess. Then you have to learn to shoot with them, yourself acting as your own focus puller. Subjects constantly coming in and out of focus. It's a nightmare!

IT'S NOT A VIDEO CAMERA.

And yet....when you see what's possible with this rig, and a LOT of research and practice...you understand why so many, despite all the massive hurdles, have resorted to this as their weapon of choice. I think most (if not all) DSLR shooters will tell you countless horror stories of using the DSLR, particularly for events like weddings. But find out how many of them abandoned the idea, and how many continued to embrace the challenge in efforts to achieve the ultimate image, especially given the client reaction. Just look at all the results in this forum or online. They speak for themselves.

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

I have the 7D and the 60D. I rather use the 60D. Enough said?

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

Not really, no.
A more useful post would include an explanation of who you are, what you shoot, and why you'd rather use your 60D.

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

The T3i/600D is a better camera than the T2i/550D as it has an articulated screen, manual audio control & HD 3x crop mode.

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

If you have the budget, a used HDV or EX1 is a much better option for weddings. Why don't you rent a DSLR for a day and try shooting with it? It's not everyone's cup of tea.

Re: 60d 7D proof
 

if it's one camera shoot - absolutely, power zoom, XLR, AF, IS, no clip length limit,
live event video with one DSLR = 30% missed shots, but if it's second/third cam considering price/quality ratio it's priceless;