Too many options! too long of post?

hi folks!

...the type of work I'd like to produce is mainly documentary style, somewhat in the experimental realm.

Take a look at some of the films here http://www.cinema5d.com/videolog/

They're shot using 60d, 5d, 7d, T2i, Nikons... all sorts. It's amazing the quality of film we're getting at the moment.

Hi Drew!

Not sure if I'll be making anything for broadcast yet! But it is nice to keep in mind The camera I'm looking to buy at this time, would to be honest, be used above water much much more than below water, given my experience in the water and living in Toronto year round doesn't help.

The broadcast level video cameras are unfortunately out of my price range if purchased new- not sure about used, the EX cams don't come up too often in my area. I'm thinking I may go for a DSLR, probably the 7D (haven't heard too much about the T3i and it's manual capabilities although I do like it's $1000 less '), still a bit nervous about the DSLRs ability to shoot continuously for some time though.

Thanks for sharing the pro-tip, it's already helped me in being more realistic about the types of cameras I can afford and really need, ideally we'd all be shooting with the best of the best! However, I think for me it's key I start with an entry level so when I do decide to make a larger purchase I know exactly what type of shots I'm drawn to, and the type of work I'm getting (another question in it's self! How DID you all get to working in underwater video?!).

Many thanks!

A DSLR may not be the best choice for a person on a budget. Besides the camera, you have to consider lenses to consider. Then the housing and the necessary ports etc. For a full complement of lenses, one would need a 30 f1.4 for closeups, 17-55 f2.8, etc etc. And that's for topside.

However as a topside camera, a ViDSLR is a very effective tool, provided you know how to work around its issues. I'd do a comparison of the APS and APS-C effect on skin tones before you decide. 7D is nice but that 5D2 is really nice, very close to S35mm emulsion.

You may also want to check out the 4/3 sensors. With a f1.4 lens, you can mimic the DOF of S35 2.8 which is the common f stop of cinematographers. And when you can afford it, that Leica Noctilux 0.95 is gorgeous!

Sammie as no one else has said this yet then I will. Don't listen to your local camera guy as he really doesn't appear to know what he is talking about!

 

As for everything else, then I honestly couldn't say that I'd disagree with anything anyone has said. I've used a 7D extensively underwater and despite all its faults it is a great compact system, especially useful when traveling with low luggage allowance limits (don't underestimate how important that is!). I've had footage from the 7D broadcast, but it does have some serious limitations. Head to head I'd always choose a dedicated video camera (especially as DLSR housings are awful for video), but when you compare say an EX1 to a 7D you can get the 7D underwater cheaper than you could buy just the EX1. When budget limitations are real then that's a real issue to weigh up. As you've graduated from film school shooting fully manual shouldn't daunt you, but on a HDSLR you will loose the flexibility of going semi manual in fast changing situations/conditions. Again don't underestimate how useful that can be. There really is no right answer. Listen to everyone and make up your own mind! Clear as mud?

 

Cheers, Simon

A DSLR may not be the best choice for a person on a budget. Besides the camera, you have to consider lenses to consider. Then the housing and the necessary ports etc. For a full complement of lenses, one would need a 30 f1.4 for closeups, 17-55 f2.8, etc etc.

It's entirely feasible to go out and film with a single 17-40 underwater and topside. Having more lenses will give you more options, but they're not mandatory.