DSLR Virgin Need Help

smoktem · Dec 7, 2012

Getting ready to purchase a DSLR and a lense or two and looking for advise. I have a Vixia HG21 now that I pack in my pocket to video with when hunting. I am assuming the DSLR will out perform the Vixia when I can pack it and with the right lense set up, do you pro's agree?

Next question is what lense to start with? The package comes with the 18-55 and I am wondering what my first telephoto lense should be? With glass I know you get what you pay for. The bundle would allow for 150 discount of an additional lense. The two in the store are the Canon - 55-250mm f/4-5.6 and 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Zoom Lens. The first regularly $300 would be $150 and the second would be $50. My question are either of these worth a damn or should I just do it right the first time and put this money towards better glass?

I beleive there are doublers as well, do these work well?

I am a virgin for sure and plan on doing research and get to know the camera, but I want to put my money in a good place first go round, any help would be appreciated. I plan to take pics with as well as video in given situations. Thanks

Bruinbrewin · Dec 8, 2012

Smoke--If you want to take videos stay with a video camera, if you want to take photos then go with a DSLR. The video camera will take better video and is made for taking videos and is easier to operate for movies. If you want to go for photos go with the DSLR for way better photos than the HF21 and since you mentioned Cannon, the telephoto lens you get depends on budget but you will want to get the L series lenses. A 100-400MM L IS USM series will run you 1000-1600 used to new and a 400MM 2.8 will cost you 6000-10,000 used to a new one. If you want better videos than the HF21 then you need to buy a better video camera not a DSLR. That should help you better choose what to buy but when you go the photo route the lenses are what gets you the best photos so get the best you can afford but the 100-400 Canon is a pretty good all around lens for the money. Doublers help take longer range photos but you sacrifice some photo quality. And if you use autofocus alot the doublers only allow autofocus to work when using the 2.8FP lenses. No doubler can make up for getting as close to the subject as you can to get the best photo you can get with just the lens.
BB

c3 · Dec 8, 2012

RE: DSLR Virgin Need Helper

I'll beg to differ on whether a dslr will take better video or not.

Dslr's take immesurably better video in low light situations. Dslr's record at significantly higher bit rates and can produce stunning video images. A few of them also have a crop zoom function that allows unprecedented telephoto range in full high bit rate HD. Plus they can produce full print resolution stills.

Dslr's are much much harder to operate. They are much more expensive and have no or marginal auto focus at best. They also have relatively poor to terrible audio recording.

Video cams have great zoom range, awesome auto focus, very good audio and are generally very easy to use. Plus they are much lighter and smaller to pack up in the mtns.

Both tools have there place. Dslr's are indispensable when at dawn and dusk and to get all the foo foo artistic shallow depth of field shots. Video cams are indispensable for high action run and gun work in the heat of the moment.

I've found the combination of both can make for the best of both worlds

Here's my latest with a Canon T3i and a Panasonic TM700.

Cheers,
Pete

Maverick · Dec 9, 2012

RE: DSLR Virgin Need Helper

Great job on the video Pete!!

chase · Dec 11, 2012

RE: DSLR Virgin Need Helper

What Pete said!

Most of this video was shot with DSLR

http://vimeo.com/m/50039454

Bruinbrewin · Dec 15, 2012

RE: DSLR Virgin Need Helper

Pete,
I just saw some video from a Canon T4i and and you're right it was pretty awesome but i talked with the guy and he said the same thing as you mentioned and that I alluded to, stay with the video cameras if you want to catch your videos on the fly. As you explained the focus and movement is not handled nearly as easily. He said he wanted to carry only one and he still carries a video camera also, much like yourself! Unfortunately I think he has me talked into upgrading from the T1i I bought some years back. Almost makes you wonder when the technology will end, if ever!!!
BB

c3 · Dec 16, 2012

RE: DSLR Virgin Need Helper

The T4i is another nice stills cam and does kind of do autofocus in video mode, but Canon blew it by taking out the 3x video zoom feature. It was the reason I really got into DSLR's in the first place.

The 3x zoom function of the T3i for video is absolutely amazing at 3x. It effectively switches to using only the center 1920x1080 of the sensor rather than scaling down 18 mega pixels to HD video.

The new Panasonic GH3 is looking to be the best video enabled DSLR like interchangable lens cam out there right now. It also has their Extended Tele Crop function like the T3i's 3x. I'd highly recomend taking a look at one if you ever want to do super zoom wildlife type video. It is also very easy to adapt virtually any vintage manual lens to.

In any case there are lots of options these days and while the T1i is a nice stills cam the newer stuff is orders of magnitude better in just about every way. Especially if you want to do the artistic video type shots.

Cheers,
Pete

smoktem · Dec 17, 2012

RE: DSLR Virgin Need Helper

Pete,

Funny you mention that about the T3i to T4i as I have been considering buting the T4i instead. I like the touchscreen but, I wondered about the loss of zoom. Sounds like I better save a little money and stick with the T3i.

c3 · Dec 17, 2012

RE: DSLR Virgin Need Helper

The T4i has way better autofocus for stills as well as the marginal autofocus in video mode. If you really want it mostly for stills the T4i could be a better bet.

Only reason I got the T3i is because my dad had a Nikkor 600mm and with the 3x zoom function on the T3i it is a digiscope killer. The combination gives true HD performace to digiscoping distances.

If you don't have a really big lens a tines up digiscope setup might be a much more cost effective option for the long range stuff with the T4i for stills and some foo foo video shots on occation.

Cheers,
Pete

Bruinbrewin · Dec 24, 2012

RE: DSLR Virgin Need Helper

Pete,
I'm assuming they will but wanted to make sure, Are all of the lenses I have for my T1i going to connect to both the T3i or T4i no problems? I appreciateif you know for sure, I'm still tossing around which one to get. Cameraland has some pretty good prices going on for both.
BB

Bruinbrewin · Dec 25, 2012

RE: DSLR Virgin Need Helper

Never mind Pete, I found out that all of my lenses from the T1i will work on both of the cameras. My decision got made for me too as i got the T3i for Xmas. I couldn't be happier, I had to take a picture of breakfast before I ate it. Merry Xmas to all!
BB

c3 · Dec 25, 2012

RE: DSLR Virgin Need Helper

Merry Christmas bb !!!

Looks good

Cheers,
Pete

smoktem · Dec 25, 2012

RE: DSLR Virgin Need Helper

I ended up going with the T3i as well for the digital zoom video feature, and I am quite impressed. I paired it with the 70-200 f4 and I am digging it! Now I am just wanting more cash to move up the ladder to the next lens, but for now this combo will have to work. I think I will go pick up a 50mm this week as well as a few filters, then all that is left is to figure out how to operate the camera.

I got a few shots of this little guy last night.