Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

Danny, I'm jumping in late in the conversation. Are you looking to replace the XHA1s or the 5D? I mean, which equipment do you plan to keep? If you sell the two XHA1s's and the 5D, you should be able to cover the Canon C100 with a bit more out of pocket. You already have glass for it (from your 5D). If I recall your original post, the only shortfall with your 5D is the audio?

I'm in the same boat with my two XHA1s! But I need to be able to do run-and-gun as well as cinematic work, and take pictures. C100 is a bit out of my budget because I have no glass whatsoever, so I'm looking hard at a 5D mk III and a C100 later when I hit the Megabucks.

Most of this thread is moot point though, this close to NAB. Expect some surprises - I would hold off a month

What I've read about the FS100 from Sony is that although it is a great picture, it's rather awkward and frustrating to use. If you decide on that, please report your findings

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

Wow, I keep hearing people downplay the audio on the 5D Mark III. In the shoots that I've done with this particular camera, I have absolutely no concerns. Although my experience is limited to the following:

Canon HV30
Canon XHA1
Canon XHA1s
Canon XLH1
Canon 5D Mark III
Canon HF G10
Canon HFS 30
Canon 7d
Canon 5D Mark II

I think that the 5D Mark III is the best by far for audio. With any audio that I have captured, I always import it into my Adobe suite and try to make it sound better. Just curious what camera, if any has such GREAT audio out that the 5D Mark III continues to get slammed. The camera overall is a GREAT camera. I actually don't think that the solution here is the Canon C100 (although I want one and will be getting one). Out of the box, the C100 will limit Danny's use as it only shoots at a frame rate of 24p. If my understanding is correct, Danny will pay additional money for the 60i, PF30, PF24, 24p, 50i, and 25p frame rates. Regarding the glass, I agree, good glass will make footage look significantly better with most any camera.

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

Original post:

Maurice, if you were referring to me, I didn't downplay anything. Nobody said anything about the sound on the 5D Mk III. I am considering buying a Mk III for myself. I was just trying to clarify for myself what the original problem was. We know he's not happy with the picture on the XHA1s. But he also said he loved his 5D mk II (not mk III - big difference) I got the impression he would use the Mk II for video, except for the sound. If that is true, why not get a Mk III, which I think has improved sound capability. Danny also insisted he needed XLR inputs, though, which the C100 has.

What are your thoughts on the 5D mk III for run-and-gun video? I would love one.

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

Apologies Alex. I've got to get some glasses. Like me I'm sure that you hear that beating that the 5D Mark III takes, some for good reason but in response to your question, if you have the correct setup and really get to know and understand the camera, I think it works fine. I like some of the others actually do prefer a video camera over the HDSLR for run and gun and then simply get some cinematic shoots with the Mark III. I would however like to try shooting an entire wedding with 4 Mark III's. I'm just waiting for money to start growing on trees, bushes, plants and anything else that I can have easy access to. :-)

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

The only poeple I see knocking the 5D are Nikon owners. Lol!

I'd really like a C100 after the reviews I saw and read, but a little too pricy for me at this point. I don't have a still camera, and I'm being asked quite often to do shoots. I can sell my two XHA1s's hopefully. I'm inclined to get the JVC GY HG600 (affordable and all the right features) I just don't know how it would do with a Canon DSLR on a 2-cam shoot. At least the 5D mk III would hold me off until I can get a C100 or something similar. Once I start buying lenses I'd like to swap them back and forth between cameras. That's why I would't go Sony or Nikon once I get anything Canon.

I probably wouldn't use a 5D for run and gun, unless I absolutely need a great picture or in low light. But you are happy with it as a video cam? I usually record audio separate because I do a lot of showroom bands and concerts, etc.

I can imagine video with a 5D being VERY awkward without a rig or tripod. How's the stability?

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

Hey Alex, I want to get rid of my XH A1s but keep my 5D. I love my 5D, but because it does not have live auto focus I can't use it to follow live action MMA training. I use a juiced link box for my audio into my 5D and it works great, but the Live focus is a must. The biggest problem with the A1s is the low light limitations preventing me from using fast shutters without adding grain.

Thanks

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

The fact you own Canon glass already is a big bonus.

You might want to invest in the Metabones adapter then. It will give you an additional F stop and more without loss in quality at all ...

Head over to the EA50 subforum if you want more information.

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

Not so. It was traditional for Canon camcorders to come in NTSC & PAL models with a $500 charge to upgrade the firmware to a world model. The Canon DSLRs have all frame rates as standard as do the C100 & C300 Canon U.S.A. : Professional Imaging Products : EOS C100

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

I think Maurice meant to say 720p (instead of 24p). Forgive me if I'm wrong Maurice. I think the C100 records 60fps progressive at 1280x720 but not at 1920x1080, which is inexcusable for a $7,000 camera.

Canon XF300/305 camcorder does 60p at 1920x1080 http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/profes...01e02480041726

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

Having owned an XF305 I can assure you that it does not record at 50p/60p at 1920x1080 but only at 1280x720 just like the C100 & C300.

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

You are absolutely right. My apologies. For some reason, I thought the 50 onboard Mps 4:2:2 was synonymous with 50/60p at 1080.

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

Alex,

You are correct.

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

Ok, you don't need a vidcam. Just get the 5dmarkIII. A couple of things:

1. Learn to focus manually. Get used to it. Way better results. You can drop down the aperture to get a larger focus area. None of that footage shown couldn't have been manually focused.

2. Add a monitor. SmallHD. Anything that's good res. Well help you focus.

3. Take material that needs professional audio with your already existing XF100 (or was it XH A1?). Intercut with 5d.

4. Get a cheap mic on to the 5d (rode videomic/stereomic pro where you can adjust the signal) and learn to use the audio levels on the 5d. This way you can use those mitt sounds and training sounds. Then you would only need the XF100 for interviews.

None the suggestions now given would help you. Would still have bad lowlight with the EX1/XF300. VG20 would be worse than the 5dmarkIII, same with the VG900. Worse. C100 would be good but at six grand... Just learn to use the equipment you already have. Get some cool lenses. Shoot.

Everything else depends on where that material is going.

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

While agree with you on the vg900, I'd go for the fs100 before I went with the canon c100. Just saying

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

Second vote for a used FS100. Half the price of the C100, and can do 60p and live autofocus. (If none of these three matter, then C100. But either is better than the VG900.)

Re: Camcorder equal to the 5D quality?
 

Danny, I think the XL-H1 is a wonderful camcorder with huge added benefits of being able to use different lenses... but in many ways it will not match your 5D, and is also difficult to buy new due to it being discontinued.
It would be so nice to have a 5D body that has fast AF in video mode (without needing to use ultra-slow focus via AF-ON button), but I guess we are all stuck with MF in video mode. Manual focus is not a problem for me in most situations, but for some run-n-gun filming I'd like to have the option of quick AF.

Have you thought about looking at the latest Panasonic GH3? This does offer AF during video (with MF options as well) and fits a wide selection of high quality lenses from Panasonic offering AF and IS in video mode (plus all the 4/3 Olympus lenses). Your Canon L lenses (with a cheap adapter) can even be used on the GH3 too, although AF is lost.