Canon EOS 500D (Digital Rebel T1i / Kiss X3 Digital) vs. Canon 50D

Look, "HD Video" on a DSLR is a marketing gimmick. Someone who really wants HD video will purchase a "real" video camera. I don't understand why the 5DmkII especially has "HD" video. IMO it should be left for the entry level cameras. The 5D does have a mighty large sensor, providing for thin DOF and the use of nice lenses. You can't buy a video camera with a sensor like that for less than $20k. The FPS is so WEAK though. In that band video look when he pans to the crowd. The makes me dizzy just looking at it. The aperture control is a joke as well (there is none). Never mind the FPS chop, even if that was marginally acceptable the entire crowed would have been a blur.
As I said before, the DSLR is to video as the mid-grade point and shoot is to still photography. It isn't terrible but it isn't good. If you will very occasionally want to shoot some video then go for it. If you plan to use a DSLR to make video art, like you can use them to make still image art...forget it. Buy a real camera.
 
TS -

No offense man, but you sound like you got your feelings hurt because video got put into the 5D2. The only reason I'm quoting you so heavily is to show you, well, how preposterous your post sounds.

Look, "HD Video" on a DSLR is a marketing gimmick
...
I don't understand why the 5DmkII especially has "HD" video
Click to expand...
No, you do understand correctly, it's a marketing strategy (different from a gimmick), and no surprise 5D2 is now selling to everyone from Pro's to entry level users. Canon is in business to make money after all.

Someone who really wants HD video will purchase a "real" video camera
...
You can't buy a video camera with a sensor like that for less than $20k
Click to expand...
Another conundrum. You can't do things with a $1000 HD video cam that you can do with the 5D2 (and vice versa to be fair). Not many amateur or prosumer video shooters are going to drop $20k for a RED (is that a "real" camera?).

As I said before, the DSLR is to video as the mid-grade point and shoot is to still photography
Click to expand...
Actually you left out "mid-grade" before :) I'm not saying the video is the beez-neez, but certainly with the right gear some decent results can be produced. Gadgets like this aren't cropping up because the video is solely a fad.

If you plan to use a DSLR to make video art, like you can use them to make still image art...forget it. Buy a real camera.
Click to expand...
I wonder what the artists who shot these would say about that? IMO they did pretty good without having to spend $20,000 on a "real" camera. I bet a lot of people who read your above post would be happy with these results, I know I would be... but I don't have the time, money, or skill to produce this kind of thing.

http://www.vimeo.com/2681050
http://www.vimeo.com/3649709


There are plenty more, and even more impressive videos floating around the web. In addition to providing another creative outlet for 5D2 users, journalists can make use of it, and I have also noticed wildlife photographers using it to document animals with video. Just because *you* don't approve of it doesn't mean it's a useless gimmick.

On the other hand, if Canon would have omitted the video for a new AF system, perhaps spot metering on the active AF point, and maybe even an extra frame or two in burst I would have dug deep into my savings account to buy it. They didn't so I didn't. But I can see that a lot of users want the video and some of them can even produce some pretty good results given enough gear, time, and skill.
 
I will agree that a lot of people will find uses for it. As you mentioned, the addition of video means the still functions of the camera are held back. The video capability of the 5DmkII isn't great. The 5DmkII could have been that much greater without it. It is my belief that Canon should have reserved a video function for the lower quality DSLRS, such as the 500D and 60D. If they put video in the 1DmkIV I am going to choke.

The 5D series is one of the greatest still cameras in the world. Adding video, which really isn't high quality, holds the 5DmkII's still capabilities back. That is a waste and a shame. For now, in my opinion the video function is a gimmick and I am not happy about it.

Maybe the 5DmkIII's video capability will be more advanced and worth of its place in the camera. A higher fps rate and aperture control (that is HUGHE) would be nice to start. With the 5DmkII...I think the video is a waste of what could have been.
 
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Honestly I get frustrated with Canon's marketing. I think even if it didn't have the video it would have probably been the same camera. It would have still had the big sensor, live view, new lcd, microadjust, and higher ISO and a ton of people would be buying it. Just speculation of course, but I don't think Canon has any interest in producing a "Canon D700", obviously they don't need to... yet.

I wouldn't be shocked if they unveil a 1d4 with 'uncrippled' video, but I don't expect it.
 
Nikon forced their hand when they gave the D90 video capabilities. They didn't have much choice.
 
When is the next Canon D series (60/70/80) coming out?
Is it close, rumors, designs, photos, etc anywhere?
Wondering if the next will have video in it as well?
 
It probably will. I don't see a 60D coming out for a solid 6 months if not more. Then again that is like predicting the 2nd coming of Christ...no one but the creator really knows and everyone else loves to guess.
 
If you base your camera purchase on "what might be coming next" you're not out taking pictures. Example: the "new 5D will be out in 6 months" was the talk on the net for two years. Any camera on the market today is better than you are. Go buy one and get out shooting. ;)
 
A quick comment on the frames per second of the 5D mk2 video. Fr0m what I understand, it is 30 fps, and the folks out there that are into video actually want it reduced to 24 fps to more resemble what movies are shot at. The 30 fps looks like a video camera/TV and is a point of criticism.
 
The cameras now can take such great pictures that there is no point in waiting for the next one. Get one now, then you can wait for the next 3 upgrades before your next purchase.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14716374#post14716374 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beerguy
If you base your camera purchase on "what might be coming next" you're not out taking pictures. Example: the "new 5D will be out in 6 months" was the talk on the net for two years. Any camera on the market today is better than you are. Go buy one and get out shooting. ;)
Click to expand...

I agree, I'm waiting on my wife's uncle who does some side shooting for a guy who owns his own photography company, he's going to ask George if he has a 50D slightly used or can get me one at cost through his purchase avenues. I was in Best Buy today, and got a goods hands on, well sorta, with the 50D and D300, the two I wanted to compare. They have those stupid heavy security stands on them, so it was a little awkward to hold them. But I came to the conclusion I like where my thumb rests on the 50D and over all handle of the camera in my hand, better than the D300.

I know the D300 probably has a few more features and cost a little more, but I think the 50D is the right camera for me.

I've also done some searches on my local craigslist...

Canon 50D
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/pho/1096791775.html

Nikon D300
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/pho/1078990205.html
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14716374#post14716374 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beerguy
If you base your camera purchase on "what might be coming next" you're not out taking pictures. Example: the "new 5D will be out in 6 months" was the talk on the net for two years. Any camera on the market today is better than you are. Go buy one and get out shooting. ;)
Click to expand...

Yeah no kidding, for YEARS people argued about whether the 5DmkII would make you coffee in the morning when you woke up or not. Those sites are pointless.
 
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