Decisions, decisions....5D III

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I've been slowly going insane trying to figure out what to buy next for video shooting. I thought I had it nailed with a 5D III with a 24-105 lens package, but for the similar or less money I can get a dedicated video camera.

Any 5D III users advise / reassure me on this?

Or any other suggestions chaps?

My shooting is mainly outdoor with some social scenes in pubs, etc as the occasion demands.
 
The 5Dlll, is a still camera that will also shoot video. The video quality is very good and it has a number of advantages over the 5Dll. However it is still a stills camera that shoots very good video.

If all you shoot is video, a dedicated video camera may be a better option. For many users the advantage of the 5D is it's ability to give a shallow depth of field due to its large sensor. If this is what you need then opt for the 5D, oterwise I'd look seriously at a dedicated video camera.

My 5Dlll is a great camera. It's used mainly for stills but it does get used for video as well. I only need one camera not two. But it was bought as a stills camera, not a video camera
 
I have a 5d3 and a Panasonic GH2 which are both used for video.

Unless you're shooting in low light a great deal or are heavily invested in Canon the GH2 is considerably better than the 5d3 in my opinion, especially when it's hacked.

You can find more information on hacks on http://www.personal-view.com

It has better resolution and costs a fraction of the 5d3 plus the choice of lenses is much wider.

Build quality feels a load cheaper, it's much smaller and ultimately it is a DSLR as well with all the limitations that implies, but it's definitely worth some research.

The Canon has better skin tones and if you were using it in a professional capacity that's the camera people would expect, but I'll probably flog the Canon eventually and keep the Panasonic.

If you still want a significant stills capacity the Panasonic doesn't stack up against the Canon, but if you're dedicated to video give it a look.
 
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Thanks chaps, I should add that I have an original 5D and a set of lenses already. I also have had a GH2 to use for as long as I want, however I've never really gotten along with it, preferring the Nex 5 that I bought when they first came out.

My choice has come down to a 5D III or a JVC HM150 at the moment. I love the shallow DOF effects that are possible from the SLR and to achieve similar on a Camcorder seems like I will have to triple my budget.

There are Pros & cons for both sides, just need to decide which will be best.
 
A used Sony FS100 would come in at a similar price point. It has a bigger sensor than the GH2 so depth of field wouldn't be a problem.
 
I've decidd to wait until the new Alpha 99 is released as it promises to have some pretty cool video features added. If it doesn't live up to expectations, I will go for the 5D III most likely.
 
Whenever I come across a wedding videographer that is using SLR's for video they tend to be using a 650D, 600D or 60D for video because the vari angle screen is a real bonus when shooting video.

Was chatting to one I have seen at a few weddings earlier this year and he was in the process of selling his 7D to "downgrade" to a XXD or XXXD for precisely this reason.

Was surprised they didn't make the 5D MKIII screen vari angle tbh, given how many people are using it for video I would have thought it would have been an advantage.
 
Its just as easy to pick up an external 8/10inch monitor and use that instead, thats what I'v done with my 7D although 1 thing I hate is not having magic lantern.

To the OP, what do you use/own or would this be your first large sensor cam? Video wise all the newer canons are pretty much identical apart from if you need the swivel screen or magic lantern, good lenses and lighting will be better than chasing after the high ISO bodies.
 
Well I had the original 5D, but for video I've been using my smaller Sony Nex 5N. I laready have decent L Series glass and plan on getting some more. According to most reviews, there is a difference in video quality with the Mark III over all the others in the Canon range.
 
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funky_sam said:
Its just as easy to pick up an external 8/10inch monitor and use that instead, thats what I'v done with my 7D although 1 thing I hate is not having magic lantern.
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Yeah that's always an option but I think the way they look at it (and I can completely relate to where they are coming from) is why should they spend more on a camera to start with and then add to that cost by buying an extra screen when a cheaper camera more accurately meets their needs + they don't have to carry a screen about with them either.

600D, 650D and 60D are a good chunk of cash cheaper than a 7D is and from their point of view they didn't see any advantages in using the 7D, just the disadvantages of the fixed screen which is why they said they were trading down a grade. I don't really do video so I don't really know about differences in quality between the different Canon models, but its their bread and butter so they are obviously convinced.
 
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