Videoing hunts - DSLR help

hubba_3 · Sep 24, 2013

LAST EDITED ON Sep-24-13 AT 12:32PM (MST)[p]I'm looking to get a DSLR to start videoing some of my hunts. Doesn't need to be professional, yet

This will be my first DSLR camera so I don't want to start with something super pricey...

I'm looking at maybe getting a Canon 30D used body to start with. Would you recommend anything different? I've heard this camera does well with photos but does it do as will with video?

My main question is which lens should I get? Not looking for something with a ton of zoom. Something like a 18-55mm...?? Any help would be great!

chase · Sep 25, 2013

Canon T4i, 60d, or 70d would work great for you.

https://www.facebook.com/chase.christopher.98
https://www.facebook.com/soulofthemountain

hubba_3 · Sep 26, 2013

Thanks for the reply. I've been told those cameras will do well too. I've also been told to try the Sony Alpha a58 because it has auto-focus on video mode and the canons do but ice heard that it's not too great. I can see how auto focus would be good and bad on video. Do you video in manual mode or auto focus mode?

c3 · Oct 3, 2013

A 30D doesn't do video so the newer T3i is a much better bet. It also has a 3x crop zoom mode for video that triples the length of any of your lenses.

I am now filming with a Panasonic G6. It's a much lighter camera and has unbelievable video quality for it's price of $750 with the 14-42mm kit lens. I then added a 100-300mm zoom for the long shots and have a vintage Olympus 24mm f2.0 lens for the low light work. This combo with a tripod weights 5 lbs total and covers an equivalent focal length of 29mm - 1500mm.

I also use a GoPro Hero3 Black with a prototype stabilizer for all the walking around shots.

Here's a couple samples of what the new G6 can do. Pretty cool stuff for under $2k total expenditure. This kind of thing was totally unheard of 3 years ago. Simply amazing times we live in for filming.

http://youtu.be/AhKP83LsukQ my buddies 2013 archery mountain goat.
http://youtu.be/WaGhCYY0wBk July velvet bull adventures
http://youtu.be/5lBhHL6yTI8 early season archery hunt

Cheers,
Pete

Cameraland · Oct 5, 2013

Since video is the key to this you should look at 3 different systems. The Sony A series, as they have a translucent mirror that allows for continuous tracking AF, has built in image stabilization andhas a viewfinder. Best bets are the A58 or the A65
The other two are the new mirrorless cameras. They have continuous tracking AF. Either the Sony NEX or the Olympus PEN or OM-D are great. The OM-D has a viewfinder.
Feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] or call me with any questions. Unless you get a Canon 70D, T5I or SL1 you will have to manual focus all your videos
Joel Paymer
Camera Land
575 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10022
212-753-5128
www.cameralandny.com

hubba_3 · Oct 5, 2013

Thanks Cameraland...

Does the A58 have manual focus too? I can see how AF would be nice, but I think it would be nice to have manual focus too. Do you know if it's manual focus? Same question for the Sony NEX and Olympus??