Author: David Peterson

Best low light camera which isn’t the Sony A7s for those on a lower budget?

Posted on by David Peterson

Shooting in low light is a very common question, and often people will respond “just use lights!” Yet there are also valid reasons to seek out a camera body which is excellent at low light instead, such as shooting a documentary or you are using lights already but want to keep your lighting kit minimal (to list just a couple of the reasons). So which to go for?

Obviously the best option would be an A7s, as it as downright insanely good low light capabilities! As this video filmed out in the countryside with only moonlight demonstrates:

But for many people this camera is complete overkill! You want good low light, but don’t need it to be *that* good! And as one of the most pricey mirrorless cameras, you’d like something cheaper. Which to go for?

Go for a Sony A5100 (I got mine for a mere US$310 like new from Amazon some months back. Go for the A6000 though instead if overheating could be a serious concern you wish to avoid) plus a focal reducer (another hundred bucks) plus a Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 (which would be a few hundred dollars second hand). Won’t be as good as an A7s of course, but is the next best thing on a budget!

A5100 is the A6000 but with XAVCs added in as a bonus, and at a cheaper price too!

http://www.eoshd.com/2014/04/surprise-sony-alpha-a6000-video-mode-huge-improvement/

And the A6000 is the D5200 (they share the same sensor), but with a mirrorless mount and more features. Which allows you to double the light with use of a focal reducer! And the D5200 already compares very favourably vs the Canon 5Dmk3 (which was the former “King of Low Light” before the Sony A7s came along and crushed it). You can see how the Nikon D5200 performs at ISO 6400 and even 12800:
http://www.eoshd.com/2013/02/nikon-d5200-vs-canon-5d-mark-iii/

And the A5100 is a two steps ahead from the D5200 in terms of features/performance. A bargain low light filmmaking machine indeed!

http://www.eoshd.com/2013/02/nikon-d5200-review/

Canon Cinema EOS XC10, shoots 4K video and has 1 inch sensor.

Posted on by David Peterson

With the popular success of the Panasonic GH4 with video shooters, the rumour mills have been running for a while now that Canon will respond with their own camera to beat the GH4. Well, it is officially announced now…. the Canon Cinema EOS XC10.

canon-cinema-eos-xc10-shoots-4k-video-and-has-1-inch-sensor

The Canon Cinema EOS XC10 has a few nice things about it. However, immediately from looking at the specs these factors stand out to me:

  • Slow f/5.6 at the end of the zoom.
  • No other lens option, as it is essentially a bridge cam, with one permanently attached.
  • Only one ND setting, and off.
  • No XLR
  • 1″ sensor
  • Doesn’t use normal cheap SD cards, needs expensive CFast cards for 4K (SD only work with 1080).
  • No raw photos! (which kills of the whole concept of this being a hybrid camera. If you can’t shoot raw stills, why even bother with the hotshoe which is compatible with Canon’s speedlites??? Very strange combo!)

The XC10 also uses yet another new H.264 format:
http://www.canon.com/news/2015/apr08e.html

Too many black marks against the Canon Cinema EOS XC10 in my view. One or two of these factors and the XC10 might still overall make enough sense to consider. But not like this. It certainly will not be a “GH4 killer”, and the XC10 is lacking as a better run and gun option, neither does the XC10 fit into a cheaper niche. Because it has an expected price of “around £1599.99” (£1999.99 with a 128GB CFast card).

Better off getting a Panasonic FZ1000 / Sony RX10 / Panasonic LX100 for much less. Or spending the same and getting a Panasonic GH4 / Samsung NX1 with lens or a Sony PXW-X70 / Sony FDR-AX100 (with Sony XLR-K2M).

Plus the Canon Cinema EOS XC10 won’t go on sale into June 2015

But who knows how it really will go? As Canon does have a knack for releasing cameras with disappointing specs sheets for their inflated prices, that then sell better than it would suggest.

Check out the link for Canon’s press release and more info:
http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/news/canon_launches_the_innovative_xc10.do

Canon Australia has on their YouTube channel a sample video:

Currently has more thumbs up and than thumbs down on it…. yeah, can see the reaction too from the comments:

“I had to watch some A7s videos to stop my eyes being hurt )=”

“I use Panasonic GH4, and I think this camera is not a big deal. I compared the quality, GH4 much more impressive, and sharper in 4K.”

“It looks like Galaxy S6 4K footage… So disappointing…”

“Unless it’s turned off, you’re not selling the IS with 1:00”

“Ok its like home videos from hell quality. very “video” like and “artificial” feel to it.. Its a another fail from Canon….. Nothing cinema feel here. Move along, nothing to see here….”

“my goodness this promo video looks & sounds about 20 years old… not a good video to promote an “exciting” new camera”

“This video is so f*ck*ng *** I’m selling all my Canon gear and buying a GH4 and A7S and a NX 1.”

Commenters on the internet can be so polite sometimes!

Canon USA have uploaded an “introduction to XC10” video:

Rumor: new full frame Sony cameras are coming soon?

Posted on by David Peterson

Sony Alpha Rumors has as their latest post “(SR4) Two new Full Frame Sony cameras coming soon!”

Interestingly in the url SAR refers to the rumor as being  SR5 rather than the SR4 it says now. Which means at the time of writing the SAR admin was almost certain about there being two full frame Sony cameras coming soon (then something happened to downgrade it one step to SR4).

The interesting little tidbit (because this gives a clue as to what products these will be) is it will be “soft announcement”. What is meant by “soft announcement”, SAR says:

It means almost no reviewer or press will get the camera before the announcement and the little info shared will come directly via Sony Japan. Just like it happened with the Sony A7II.

 

Hmmm… this rules out it being an A9. Or even being a breakthrough A7r mk2 with a 50 megapixel sensor.

This is my theory on what they are (as SAR admin says one is definitely E mount, and the other he doesn’t know if it is  E or A mount):

One camera will be an A5 (a lower end FE camera than an A7, and without an EVF) or an A7s mk2 with only an update that is a small refresh (such as sticking with more or less the same A7s, but adding internal 4K. But no IBIS, as a A7s with internal 4K *and* IBIS would lead to a bigger announcement than this). My hope is the latter of the two happens, but if doesn’t happen at least that means I can keep on hoping the A7s mk2 will be a *BIG* upgrade! (10bit 4K internal, S-Log3, user LUTs displayed, FHD 150fps, IBIS, PAL/NTSC switchable, better battery life, no clip limit, etc…. one can dream!) Plus would be kinda nice to see a Sony A5 announced, as a cheap FE option. (likely priced similar, or even less, than the soon to be announced Sony A7000?)

As for the other full frame camera from Sony, I suspect this could be the Sony A99 mk2. As it would make total sense for them to make that be a soft announcement, as it will allow them to keep their A mount users (kind of) happy for a couple more years but at the same time not allow a new A mount camera to steal too much thunder away from their main focus which is now FE mount cameras. 

Another smaller possibility for their 2nd camera is it isn’t an interchangeable camera at all (though SAR didn’t mention that possibility), and it is a Sony RX2 (or rather a Sony RX1 mk2).  Though this strikes me as unlikely.

Of course yet another possibility that can’t be ruled out is the rumor is wrong! Could instead be a more mundane A7000 and RX100mk4 announcement with no new full frame cameras in sight! (well… relatively mundane, I’m still very keenly looking forward to see what Sony delivers with the A7000! Hoping for a camera so great I’ll be pre-ordering it. And I won’t be bothered at all if no new full frame cameras are announced, as I do prefer the APS-C / Super 35mm sweet spot. Or even Micro Four Thirds is a very nice happy medium size)

A priced out gear kit for a newbie to filmmaking, using the Panasonic GH2.

Posted on by David Peterson

Was talking to friend online about what first camera he should get, he is looking at a Panasonic GH2 so I thought I’d go and cost up what the total cost would be for a small starter’s kit (obviously, you don’t have to get everything all at once! You could just start with a camera and one lens, thus I’m listing this in rough order from most important to least important of the items to get first. Although, this ordering can be debatable depending on a person’s needs):

  1. Panasonic GH2 (US$418, but if you look at past sales on eBay you can see a common sale price for the GH2 can be closer to mid US$300-ish and less, so won’t be hard to find it cheaper than US$418 with a little patience and bidding in auctions)
  2. SanDisk Extreme 32GB (US$23)
  3. Nikon F to Micro Four Thirds Adapter (US$14)
  4. Nikon 50mm f/1.8 (US$92)
  5. RJ Lens Turbo (US$129)
  6. Couple of spare batteries (2x US$12.50)
  7. Yunteng Y288 (US$57)
  8. Vivitar 28-90mm f/2.8-3.5 in Nikon F mount (US$90)
  9. Zoom H1 (US$100)
  10. UltraDisk 4016 (US$21)
  11. EM-320E shotgun mic (US$21)
  12. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 (US$200)
  13. Feelworld FW759 (US$126)
  14. Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 (US$390)
  15. Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 ($65)

Even though both him and I are New Zealanders, I’ve priced it up in US dollars to make it easier to read for an international audience.

To get the first 7 items on this list to get yourself out the door and start making a movie, it would just cost US$758 (418+23+14+92+129+2*12.50+57)

To get the first 11 items on this list (so you’ve then got a few more choices in focal length, and you’ve got capturing sound covered in the most basic way) the total would be US$990 (418+23+14+92+129+2*12.5+57+90+100+21+21)

To get everything on this list would cost US$1771 (418+23+14+92+129+2*12.5+57+90+100+21+21+200+126+390+65)

You can see a large chunk of this cost is in the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8, which is phenomenal lens but also a bit of a niche item as an ultra wide angle lens and thus why I put it right near the end of the list to get. Another large chunk of the cost is obviously in getting the GH2, so if you’re really looking to save costs I’d suggest the Panasonic GH1 instead at only US$150-ish on eBay. As in many ways it is nearly as good as the GH2 except for the big one of lacking live HDMI (but this can be viewed as a good thing when saving money! As now you’re not getting the monitor either…. because you can’t use it at all! Bingo, saved another US$126).

These are just the prices I could find from just a few seconds of searching for each item, I’m 100% sure a patient person could with only a little bit of luck get this kit for much cheaper.

Not at all coincidentally, I own all these items on the list (with the exception of the GH2, I started with the GH1. And the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, I went with the better but much more expensive Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 instead), thus I’m recommending them on the basis of my own hours and hours of research in deciding to buy them for myself!

Obviously this is just a starting out kit, and much much much more can be spent on many areas. Such as in particular audio is a weakness in this list (it is after all mainly aimed to be a starting camera kit, for an aspiring future DoP to start out making their first short films). And you can always get more lenses! Haven’t even listing a single piece of lighting equipment at all! Another huge hole, of many.

But as a completely entry level introduction to filmmaking on a very small budget, I think this would be a brilliant collection of kit to begin with!

I’ll finish this off, with a few other camera body options to consider (but the rest of this list basically remains the same, no matter what camera body you choose out of these. With the exception of if you get the monitor or not, you need a camera with live HDMI out to use that):

  • a) Panasonic GH1 (if you’re not planning on getting a monitor then I’d recommend the GH1 over the GH2, as it is a lot cheaper and will be for your needs 95% as good)
  • b) Panasonic G6 (another one to consider if you aren’t not getting a monitor, as like the GH1 it lacks live HDMI out, but in just about every other way it is better than the GH2)
  • c) Sony NEX-5N (the only camera that can rival the GH1 in terms of bang for buck! It too is available for US$150ish on eBay)
  • d) Sony A5100 (this is actually my preferred choice, and the best camera currently on the market that is underneath the NX1/GH4/A7s price point)
  • e) Sony A6000 (basically the same as the A5100, but is more expensive and lacks XAVCs or a touch screen. But has an EVF, and doesn’t have the minor overheating issue that the A5100 sometimes has)

Nikon D7200 is announced, kinda disappointing for videographers.

Posted on by David Peterson

 

D7200

 

Today the Nikon D7200 got announced. As a filmmaker with the very good Nikon D5200 (it is as good as the stock Canon 5Dmk3 for filming with), and looking to upgrade my main camera this year, I had some slim hope that perhaps the D7200 might be it.

 

Unfortunately it is such a terribly disappointing release (though hardly hugely surprising, but after Nikon’s recent better than expected cameras with the D5300 and D750 I had higher hopes!).

 

Look at the D750, the best full frame DSLR on the market for filming! If the D7x0 can, so can a D7x00!

 

I had really hoped Nikon would carry on the good work it had done in catching up with video performance but making their top of the line DX camera (i.e. Super 35mm, the standard in filmmaking) being another step forward for filmmaking from their D750.

 

They made a token gesture that they care about filmmakers, with the release of their Nikon ME-W1 wireless microphone. But there are already better alternatives to that on the market, a Nikon branded one doesn’t really change anything.
The D7200 has a lack of higher than 60fps (and even then, the 60fps crops down 1.3x from APS-C), no 4K, no focus peaking, no adjustable screen (I prefer the D5300 screen, but even a D750 screen would be hugely helpful), just to list a few things it could’ve done but didn’t.

 

Of course photographers will respond with “but it is a photography camera”, as if that makes my complaints irrelevant. Ignoring that developments such as adjustable screens benefits photographers too. And improved processing power in the camera for 4K will be useful for photography functions too. And more sales to videographers means greater economies of scales for the manufacturer, and cheaper cameras for the photographer to buy.

Looks like I’m back to deciding between the Samsung NX1, Panasonic GH4, or Sony A7s. But I’m in no rush, can wait for price drops or a better option to come along…..  (Sony A7000? Sony NX500? Panasonic G7? Exciting times). Currently am heavily leaning towards the GH4, but I think once H.265 gets supported by a major NLE then the Samsung NX1 could be that camera (lacks the utterly extreme and over the top low light capabilities of the A7s, and lacks 24p with UHD, and lacks a focal reducer option like the GH4. Plus a few other minor things, but otherwise those are relatively minor quibbles).

The Nikon press release:

Nikon’s New DX-Format D7200 DSLR Will Help Passionate Photographers Conquer Their Next Challenge with Incredible Speed and Image Quality

 

The Nikon D7200 is a Lightweight yet Powerful Option for Enthusiasts Eager to Create, Capture and Share Incredible Images and HD Video

MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced the Nikon D7200, a powerful DX-format DSLR built for enthusiasts ready to conquer the next challenge in their photographic journey. Featuring a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter (OLPF) and the EXPEED 4 image processing system, the D7200 is capable of incredibly fast performance and capturing phenomenally detailed, sharp images and HD video. Nikon’s newest lightweight DSLR also adds increased buffer capacity compared to the D7100, includes new Picture Controls and offers the experience of Nikon Snapbridge, whereby users seamlessly shoot and share stunning photos from the camera to a compatible smartphone or tablet via built-in Wi-Fi®(1) and Near Field Communication (NFC(2)). Additionally, Nikon introduced the new ME-W1 wireless microphone, a simple solution to DSLR videographers’ wireless sound needs, as well as the new View NX-i imaging software.

“Those passionate about photography are constantly looking for the next challenge and Nikon is committed to providing the tools necessary to take that passion to the next level,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “The new DX-format Nikon D7200 offers the next level of performance for the enthusiast photographer that wants to creatively capture exceptional images and HD video that can be easily shared with friends and family.”

Incredible Image Quality
Nikon’s newest DSLR features a powerful 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor with no OLPF capable of producing stunning images and maximum sharpness in nearly any shooting scenario. Combined with the new EXPEED 4 Image Processing engine, the Nikon D7200 renders sharp images and HD video with wide dynamic range, with the added benefit of extremely precise autofocus and metering. Whether on assignment or photographing the next family gathering, the D7200 is the ideal tool to capture important moments with incredible quality. For when available light is scarce, the camera also features a wide ISO range from 100-25,600 to help minimize noise in low-light situations. As always, the Nikon D7200 maintains compatibility with the legendary line of NIKKOR lenses and DSLR accessories which adds even more reach and versatility to any photographer’s kit.

Powerful Performance for Serious Photographers
Enthusiast photographers need a DSLR that can keep up with their passions. The Nikon D7200 sports a host of features designed to provide the power and precision needed to take on the next photographic challenge. Courtesy of EXPEED 4, the D7200 features 30% faster image processing than its predecessor, the Nikon D7100, and provides an increased buffer capacity that now allows the camera to shoot 18 consecutive RAW 14-bit lossless compressed images, 27 12-bit compressed shots or 100 JPEG frames. Additionally, this powerful DX-format DSLR offers users the versatility to shoot at 6 frames-per-second (fps) continuously or up to 7 fps in 1.3x crop mode, a popular shooting mode for both sports and wildlife photographers.

Photographers in need of a versatile, powerful yet lightweight DX-format DSLR need look no further than the Nikon D7200. When shooting fleeting moments or fast action, photographers will appreciate the camera’s pro-caliber 51-point autofocus array powered by a new Advanced Multi-CAM 3500II DX high-density system. The AF points cover a wide DX-format area, and nearly the entire frame using 1.3x crop mode. Even in low-light, the D7200 utilizes 15 cross-type sensors to achieve incredible focus on moving subjects, while the center point works down to f/8, making it great for use with compatible teleconverters. The Nikon D7200 also features a 2,016 RGB metering sensor alongside Nikon’s Scene Recognition System to help achieve the perfect exposure and focus in a variety of shooting scenarios.

Create, Capture and Share with Incredible Versatility
The Nikon D7200 is the first Nikon DSLR to feature both built-in Wi-Fi®(1) and NFC(2) that allow for seamless connectivity and sharing via compatible smart devices. Via NFC, users can simply touch their device to the camera for easy connectivity, while built-in Wi-Fi also allows the user to utilize their smartphone for simple playback and sharing, as well as a remote shutter and monitor.

In addition to robust performance and incredible image quality, the D7200 also sports a feature set designed to foster creativity in any level of photographer. Nikon’s newest DX-format DSLR features the next generation of Picture Controls, now including Flat and Clarity settings, to help users craft each individual image to their intended expression. These controls have been expanded for use in Live View, while artistic effects can be applied to both stills and video in real time, offering the user the ultimate in creative control. Ergonomically designed and ready to endure the elements, the Nikon D7200 features a durable yet lightweight magnesium alloy body and is ready to tackle the next photographic challenge. Users can also take advantage of a 3.2-inch ultra high-resolution (1,229k dot) LCD monitor and a low-power consumption organic EL (OLED) display element in the optical viewfinder that improves visibility when shooting.

Impressive Video Capabilities
The Nikon D7200 inherits many of the high-end video capabilities of Nikon’s latest full frame DSLRs, the Nikon D810 and Nikon D750. Ready to capture top-quality HD video at a moment’s notice, users can take advantage of a robust video feature set that allows videographers to record uncompressed and compressed Full HD 1080 footage at 30/25/24p and 1080 at 60/50p in 1.3x Crop Mode. Additionally, Auto ISO sensitivity is now available in manual mode, helping create smooth exposure transitions without changing shutter speed or aperture, while “zebra stripes” highlight display is available to confirm exposure. Video controls are available through a dedicated movie menu for quick access, while aspiring videographers can also utilize a built-in stereo microphone with 20 step adjustments to record smooth DSLR audio. The D7200 is also the first Nikon DX-format DSLR to feature a built-in Time Lapse Mode with exposure smoothing, making capturing a beautiful sunset time-lapse easier than ever.

ME-W1: A Simple Solution to Wireless Sound in DSLR Video
Nikon has also introduced a versatile new wireless lavalier microphone for Nikon users, the ME-W1, capable of capturing crisp and detailed audio wirelessly. Weather resistant and powered by two AAA batteries, users can wirelessly record audio in mono or stereo (when connected to the ME-1 stereo microphone) from up to 50m (164 ft.) away. Great for bloggers, aspiring videographers or even professionals, the ME-W1 makes recording audio for DSLR video simple, without sacrificing quality sound.

View NX-i: New, Innovative Software for Photographers
For photographers that wish to take control of their images after capture, Nikon also announces new View NX-i browsing software that allows for more intuitive control of images than ever before. View NX-i allows users to browse RAW files adjusted by Capture NX-D software and provides the easy upload of images to social networks.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D7200 will be available in early April 2015 either body only or kitted with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $1,199.95* and $1,699.95*, respectively. The ME-W1 wireless microphone will be available in March 2015 for $249.95* SRP, while Nikon’s View NX-i software will be available on March 17, 2015 as a free download. For more information about the Nikon D7200 and other Nikon cameras and products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Nikon Snapbridge
Nikon Snapbridge describes the experience of quickly and easily sending photos wirelessly from your Wi-Fi®(1) enabled Nikon DSLR, Nikon 1 or COOLPIX camera to a compatible smartphone or tablet. Share your great photos on the go, even in remote locations or even use a smartphone or tablet to control your camera. See what the camera sees and take pictures—great for selfies and group photos that actually include you!

 

Amazon deal for Samsung NX300/NX1000/NX2000

Posted on by David Peterson

Amazon is having a bit of a special right now on the Samsung NX300/NX1000/NX2000. Thanks to my friend Theuns for giving me the heads up about this deal.

Picked up a NX300 for myself, if it is as good (or even better) as a Panasonic GH2 (as some people have said…) I’ll be very happy! Plus it makes for a very cheap entry point into the NX system, who knows… I might get a NX1 later this year? (still haven’t made up my mind about NX1 vs A7s vs GH4! Leaning strongly towards GH4, but in no rush at all to buy an expensive top of the line mirrorless camera. I’ll probably go for whichever one gets the first *big* discount price drop this year. Maybe instead of my intended plan for next wedding season of 5x GH1 + GH4, I will go with 5x NX300 + NX1, who knows! One of the exciting aspects of this area, is video technology and pricing is always changing so fast, you never really know what might be around the corner…. and always need to start sharply informed)

One of the really exciting features of the Samsung NX300 is its 3D filming capabilities, which I’m looking forward to exploring even though it is a rather nichey niche area these days that as lost its place in the sun as the current fad to be replace by 4K being all the rage (which I have to admit, actually will be much more useful than 3D!). As ever since Jeremy (who used a NX300, and now a NX30 + NX1) opened my eyes to the NX series nearly a year ago (long before the famous NX1 was released and caught everybody’s attention!) and the NX300’s groundbreaking 3D filming,I’ve been interesting in getting one of them for myself one day.  Well, now I shall! As soon as it gets here from the USA.

In Jeremy’s own words:

The new range of Samsung NX cameras are the answer for budget film makers, the quality and low light performance is superior to your normal DSLRs for filming with. Couple that body together old glass and it creates the perfect split between new tech and original looking optic quality.
Also the 45mm 3D lens provides spectacular 3D footage. And the camera has been exposed to light rain and didn’t skip a beat.

In closing I’ll mention one negative about the NX system. That it is rather a pity about Samsung’s lens mount, it was a very poor decision by Samsung to make it so long, such that a focal reducer can’t be made for it (well Metabones says it can’t be done. But technically speaking it could be done). Though if they should next release a “NX2” model which uses all that extra empty space to put ND filters in there, then I’ll be a very happy man! And can even perhaps forgive them for their horrible choice in flange length for the NX mount.

“Hi, I’m David and I’m a cameraholic”.

Posted on by David Peterson

Because I just purchased yet another camera…. and I thought I’d share. As at only US$19.99 (+ free shipping!) you won’t find a cheaper HD camera! (certainly not a better one for less)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-HD-H-264-30fps-DVR-camera-AV-Out-Motion-Detection-Driving-Recorder-Spy-Cam-/111384891054

Personally I’m planning on using this on my soon to arrive Quadcopter for the first couple of dozen flights, rather than my GoPro 3 Black, just to help reduce the risk factor of what I’m flying in the air while I’m practising. Others will also find it useful as a GoPro alternative/supplement/backup, you can even get a waterproof case for it for a few bucks.

This is what is known as a “808 keychain camera #20”, the 808 series are quite famous in RC/rocket/hacker/etc circles. Pretty much has been the de facto standard for RC planes for years now. (as they’re not just cheap, they’re very very lightweight. An essential requirement when you’re wanting to lift this into the air against gravity. Where even a GoPro can be too heavy)

As you can tell from the “#20” there have been a *lot* of them in this series! Chuck Lohr has a great overview of all of them on his website (is extremely worthwhile reading if you’re planning on getting one, especially as there are a lot of fake copies of these cameras. The link I gave above is however to a trusted buyer of 808 cameras):
http://www.chucklohr.com/808/index.shtml

Personally the #20 packs the most value for me, as it is on a clear out sale currently. But you can find both more expensive and cheaper 808 cameras models than the #20 version.

Why was Canon crowned “King of HDSLRs” by most people?

Posted on by David Peterson

Canon can’t compete on price or performance. Not even close! Yet they’re favoured by so many people for filming with, why is that?

They reason they’re so common is simple:

Marketing/size.

Canon and Nikon are behemoths that have for years dominated the DSLR market.

Thus when the HDSLR first came along they (Canikon) were in position to also utterly dominate the HDSLR market as well. Simply due to their sheer size, presence, and marketing budget.

Performance and value for money be damned!

Because in *every* camera store (and especially non-specialist camera stores) you’d walk into they’d have Canon and Nikon cameras for sale. You can’t say that about all of their competitors.

And on every online forum you’d go to, or blog, or YouTube channel, you’d have millions of fanboys for one of Canikon (even if they’re photographers, with zero experience with filming with a DSLR, they’ll be recommending a Canikon DSLR to any newbie filmmaker who comes along). The voices of the alternatives are so tiny and quiet in comparison you can barely hear them.

You can quickly see how unfortunately performance/price ends up only being a minor factor, and Canikon has from the start a huge huge head start over their competition in the HDSLR race because they already dominated the DSLR marketing with their Canikon monopoly.

So you can understand why it was unfairly largely just a two horse race: Nikon vs Canon. Now why did Canon win over Nikon out of Canikon in the brand battle for HDSLR? Initially Nikon had the lead, as they released the first ever HDSLR: Nikon D90.

But then not too long after Canon released the 5Dmk2, and as bad as that early version was (very bad!), it still is a leap ahead from the D90. And Nikon was very slow to react in responding, because both Canon (their DSLR department) and Nikon are stills companies. They stumbled totally by accident into the HDSLR Revolution.

But Nikon did finally catch up, with cameras such as the Nikon D5200:

http://www.eoshd.com/2013/02/nikon-d5200-vs-canon-5d-mark-iii/

http://www.eoshd.com/2013/02/nikon-d5200-review/

And now with the Nikon D750, Nikon is quite clearly ahead of Canon in video and not just ahead in stills performance.

But it is all too little, too late, in the Nikon vs Canon battle the battle had long ago been won and Canon crowned “King of HDSLRs” over Nikon (and once that happens, it is hard to shake off even long after the initial shine has gone).

Even though this is totally not true if you look beyond the blinkered Canikon false choice and see the alternatives. For instance the Panasonic GH1 came out at the same time as the Canon 5Dmk2, and the GH1 is a *much* cheaper camera and is all round superior (well… debatably the 5Dmk2 is just as good, but I’ve used both on the same shoot and I don’t think so at all).

So right from the start Canon has been behind, but I think it is only now with the Panasonic GH4 + Sony A7s + Samsung NX1 that people are starting to wake up and realise just how huge that gap has become between Canon vs everybody else while Canon was sleeping on its laurels.

Update:
It has been suggested on Facebook that I should have mentioned Magic Lantern as a major factor. But I was doing a rather big picture meta view with this blog post.

As really, ML not existing would have made less impact than you think. It is true ML was a big factor for Canon, but only in that ML helped Canon keep its place in the sun for longer (as it gave Canon some features which its competitors already had natively), but it isn’t what enabled Canon to be there “in the lead” in the first place.

Also just look at how often people would recommend and leap onto the latest Canon camera, long before ML supported that camera. The Canon 7D is a common example (wasn’t until over 3yrs after its announcement that ML supported the 7D, due to its dual processor design). Yet the image quality of the Canon 7D is awful, see here for yourself how very badly it compares against the much cheaper Panasonic GH1 (a camera you can now pick up on eBay for under US$200):

Canon 7d vs. Panasonic GH1 test from Bradley Steenkamp on Vimeo.

Which first camera for photography for a newbie?

Posted on by David Peterson

Over on Geekzone.co.nz a poster asked about what camera to get, and as my reply was fairly lengthy I thought I’d make it a blog post for my site too.

Two big choices you need to make:

Point and shoot (or bridge cam) vs interchangeable lens camera.

Personally, I’m all for interchangeable lens cameras! But they’re not for everybody, you have to be willing to spend a lot more (the cost of my camera bodies are rather minor compared to what I’ve spent on lenses) and carry the extra weight for the extra lenses. So if you’re only going to use kit lenses, I wouldn’t bother. I’d get a P&S/bridge camera instead.

Most (nearly all!) P&S or bridge cameras are pieces of sh*t IMHO rather rubbish! (just stick to your cellphone instead)

However… in recent years, a few of them are quite decent and really nice!

The key ones to check out (because they all have a 1″ sensor, or even a bit bigger in the case of the LX100) are:

  1. Sony RX100 series (mk1/mk2/mk3)
  2. Sony RX10
  3. Panasonic FZ1000
  4. Panasonic LX100

Personally, my P&S is a Fujifilm XF1, which has a bit smaller sensor than 1″ (but still bigger than most others), but has some other nifty features and I picked it up for next to nothing (much cheaper than even the cheapest one of those I just listed). Only US$150, perfect for taking with me when I might risk damaging/losing the camera with me (such as on nights out….).

Then, if instead you decide to get an interchangeable lens camera, you have to make the choice of:

Mirrorless vs DSLR.

From my perspective, mirrorless is very clearly the future. DSLR is only holding on barely in a few upper ends of various niches, and because of inertia (which is a BIG factor! But not so much for you, as you’re starting from scratch).

Thus as a person starting out, I highly recommend mirrorless be at the top of the list.

So then to determine, what system?

Micro Four Thirds is the oldest mirrorless system and thus the most well established mirrorless system BY FAR, others are not even close (Micro Four Thirds is the only system with multiple manufacturers backing it. Most people don’t realise, it is even more than just Panasonic and Olympus!).

Sony E mount is the next most well rounded system.

So I’d highly recommend just picking from one of those two, m4/3 or E mount.

Though Fujifilm is worthwhile considering too if you’re a hipster and like that retro styling. Personally though, I find them lagging behind in areas vs Sony/Panasonic/Olympus. As for the others, don’t even waste your time giving a second look at Canon/Nikon/Pentax’s mirrorless offerings!

Currently, I reckon the specific models which are offering the most amazing bang for the buck are: Sony A5100 (or A6000 if you want the EVF) and Panasonic GX7 (or Olympus OM-D E-M5). Personally I am using the Sony A5100 as one of my main cameras, I picked it up for just US$320. Also, I used to have the Panasonic GX1 (picked that up for just US$199! Back in mid 2013, an amazing bargain for then).