Canon 7D, t2i, t3i - Which looks the most cinematic with the basic lens?

[rayw]

Originally Posted by Gonzo_Entertainment

Filming without a monitor is cinematography malpractice. Maybe YOU can focus and frame well with that tiny screen, but I sure can't.

That's kinda what I was wondering on the sidelines here watching this conversation.

If you're gonna try to make anything approaching professional you pretty much HAVE TO use an ext. monitor.

Shooting using the on board 3" screen is tantamount to not using a tripod while also collecting all your audio with the onboard mic.
Puh-leeeeze!! Don't.

[Gonzo_Entertainment]

A "good" monitor (like the DP-6) not only gives you a bigger image it also includes features like custom masking (say you intended to render the final product as 2.35:1 there is a preset that masks the image to 2.35:1), false color (for exposure), focus assist (puts an exaggerated sharp line around the objects in focus), etc... I don't own any auto-focus lenses so I even use it for (studio) stills.

[PaulGriffith]

We use an external as often as we can, but shoot at least half without it. There's a lot of situations I find myself in where there isn't time to set up the external monitor, check batteries etc. I use the magnification, check focus and go to town!

Tried that a handful of times with a friend's t2i and I was about ready to chunk it out the window. You can do it with the resolution on the 7d monitor, but not a rebel.

[Cracker Funk]

I'm able to focus just fine, without a monitor, and I've gotten plenty of compliments on my composition. So...

[Zensteve]

Originally Posted by HardWorkinFilmSlave

The t2i and t3i have a flip display

The T2i does not have a flip display.

If you will be working without an external monitor, having a flippable display on the camera is very useful.

If you will be using an external monitor (mounted on camera cage, or similar)... not so big a deal.

I bought a T2i over the T3i to save the $100 difference in price. If I had to do it again, I'd get the T3i.

Originally Posted by Gonzo

A "good" monitor (like the DP-6) not only gives you a bigger image it also includes features like custom masking (say you intended to render the final product as 2.35:1 there is a preset that masks the image to 2.35:1), false color (for exposure), focus assist (puts an exaggerated sharp line around the objects in focus), etc...

The 3rd-party firmware upgrade Magic Lantern can accomodate all of those needs.

The lo-res HDMI-out is still an issue, but for budget-conscious filmmakers a Rebel is still extremely viable.

Originally Posted by Rayw

If you're gonna try to make anything approaching professional you pretty much HAVE TO use an ext. monitor.

Even a lo-res external monitor is better than the onboard LCD screen. It's not uncommon for the director to need to be able to see what's going on, either live or in review... and tiny screen ain't so hot for that.

[Gonzo_Entertainment]

Originally Posted by Cracker Funk

I'm able to focus just fine, without a monitor, and I've gotten plenty of compliments on my composition. So...

I'm 47 my DP is 48, and we both wear glasses. I bet you'd do an even BETTER job if you used one.

[HardWorkinFilmSlave]

Wow thanks guys. I'm taking all your words and putting them to good use. Next time I post back in this thread I'll have some footage to show, that way we know all the good advice wasn't for naught. I'll be back with some specific quoted replies too.

Oh and I have to ask, what kind of external monitors are all you guys using? DP6?

[Zensteve]

Originally Posted by HardWorkinFilmSlave

what kind of external monitors are all you guys using? DP6?

Very recent thread about monitors, where mine gets lol'd at

[PatF]

Originally Posted by Cracker Funk

I know a dude who spent the extra money on the 7D, and has always regretted it. In a nutshell, the 7D has a number of features that makes it a much better camera for a professional photographer (still photography). For filmmakers, you're spending an awful lot for not much more.

Whenever I get asked why I chose the 60D over the 7D one of the explanations I give is that the 7D is more in my opinion a sports/wildlife photography camera that has video capabilities while the 60D is more focused on the DSLR filmmaker.

Originally Posted by rayw

That's kinda what I was wondering on the sidelines here watching this conversation.
If you're gonna try to make anything approaching professional you pretty much HAVE TO use an ext. monitor.
Shooting using the on board 3" screen is tantamount to not using a tripod while also collecting all your audio with the onboard mic.
Puh-leeeeze!! Don't.

yeah about that onboard mic...my iPhone gets better audio...at the very least I would recommend the shoemount mics (Rode, Sennheiser, etc...)

[MileCreations]

From my limited understanding I believe that a 'higher end' dslr such as the 5D has a better dynamic range... Meaning that it has a broader light capturing range. As you know humans can see in extremely dark situations and very bright situations. So the 5d can record in lower light and brighter as opposed to a 7d or lower end model.

I think that's how it works and one of the main advantages of higher end dslrs