DSLR For Indoor Sports Video?

[FJ1000]

Hi All

My first question on here, so go easy!

So, I am looking to buy a new camera soon (upto about £1k body only), and like the idea of switching to Canon. I currently have a Nikon D5100 with 18-200 and prime lenses.

The slight complication is that I'd like a camera that will also do a good job with video. This is where I could do with some advice.

I essentially shoot 3 types of (very amateur) video; family videos, car related videos, and basketball games.

It's the latter that has me most confused. I tried using my D5100 for filming basketball games, and it just couldn't cope with the action. The autofocus was constantly hunting around, and even once it established focus, it would lose it again pretty quickly. I tried different lenses, but to no avail. An example game shot with the Nikon. Game action starts at 1:40 and you'll notice the constant loss of focus:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-uUYIIfvnM


But then, I think the Nikon is just rubbish for video. Even in this car vid, there is some focus loss in the opening shots:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxJwGPXlFE0


I ended up switching to a Panasonic HD camcorder (HC-V250) on a monopod, which is much better in terms of keeping focus. Note that the camera is not in my hands a lot of the time (when I'm on court). This was all shot by students at my old school where we were playing a pupils vs staff/alumni game:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSmyc6jHruk

Not basketball, but dodgeball this time, shot with the camcorder. Couple of slow-mo's in there, which look fine as the camera shoots 60fps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pipHlm7y58

So, the question is, will any DSLR cope well with shooting indoor sports video, and if so am I going to be paying a massive premium for multiple autofocus points and quick focusing? I'm assuming that any of the Canons I'm considering (80D, 6D, 7D mk2) will cope fine with the other types of video.I could just buy a DSLR on photo and general (non sports) video considerations, and stick with the camcorder and possibly upgrade to a better camcorder later. But I do like the idea of one camera that can do everything! Confused!!

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Ramalama]

I have a canon 70d which has fast focussing, but I've never tried it on close sports like basketball.
One of the problems I think you're having is that the camera doesn't know what you're trying to focus on with all the players on the court and referees etc in close.
With the canon 70d you can touch the screen to focus on a person, then it'll follow that person until you touch another point on the screen, which could be useful in this situation.
Personally I'd stick with the camcorder, it seems to be handling everything OK, and you won't get 60fps with the canon.

 

[Chappers]

I would suggest you need a camcorder rather than a DSLR. The DSLR doing video is a compromise.
Many camcorders now offer face tracking which will lock onto a face and track it. They also have the ability to film at 50-60 fps. Something you probably won't get with a DSLR at your price point
Canon have just announced the G40 camera model. You may be able to get the G30 at a good price. I've used this model alongside other cameras ( DSLR's ) mainly and it's a good choice.

 

[FJ1000]

Thanks guys, sounds like camcorder for basketball is the way to continue!

 

[paul.w]

I'd take a look at the new Panasonic fz2500. It's due out next month and has awesome video features and it's built around a fantastic lens.