Is a Canon 550D the best you can get for £500?

[Lozza]

Pretty much as the title says. Is it and if not, what is?

I'm not interested in still photos, just video. It would also preferably have external mic input too.

Right now, I just shoot interviews and acoustic sessions but I want to really learn all about film making in the summer and then hopefully start doing music videos. Right now, I have a Panasonic SD60 which is basically just a little handycam type thing that I'd sell. I also already have a Rode VideoMic so I'm not too worried about sound.

Thanks!

[Ewan]

For that price, yes. I'm getting it later this year. Whenever I look at short films online, they all seemed to be filmed by it! Everyone seems to have it. I thought it was a bit overrated at first but after seeing stunning video footage of it, I was amazed.

[CrazyChris]

I'm not sure if it's the only option, but it's a bloody good one. I love my 550D, for photography and for video. The quality is amazing. But to get the most out of it you'll be needing a decent lens. I don't have this yet, and it's killing me. The 18-55 kit lens is very low quality.

One thing with DSLR's is it's best to do the audio on a separare system (I use a Zoom H1, cause it's cheap and it works) for the sake of quality. As with any video camera, the onboard mic is terrible, and it also compromises any mic input with the processing it performs on it. I think separate system is worth it, though I seem to have different needs to you, so in your case I couldn't say. I just do narrative shorts for the love of it.

So overall I recommend the 550D. No better image for the price as far as I'm aware.

[Lozza]

Originally Posted by Ewan

For that price, yes. I'm getting it later this year. Whenever I look at short films online, they all seemed to be filmed by it! Everyone seems to have it. I thought it was a bit overrated at first but after seeing stunning video footage of it, I was amazed.

Originally Posted by CrazyChris

I'm not sure if it's the only option, but it's a bloody good one. I love my 550D, for photography and for video. The quality is amazing. But to get the most out of it you'll be needing a decent lens. I don't have this yet, and it's killing me. The 18-55 kit lens is very low quality.

One thing with DSLR's is it's best to do the audio on a separare system (I use a Zoom H1, cause it's cheap and it works) for the sake of quality. As with any video camera, the onboard mic is terrible, and it also compromises any mic input with the processing it performs on it. I think separate system is worth it, though I seem to have different needs to you, so in your case I couldn't say. I just do narrative shorts for the love of it.

So overall I recommend the 550D. No better image for the price as far as I'm aware.

Ok thanks, I'm going to save up for it

Can you guys recommend any good books or websites for learning the techniques of film making?

[Ewan]

Originally Posted by Lozza

Ok thanks, I'm going to save up for it

Can you guys recommend any good books or websites for learning the techniques of film making?

What areas of filmmaking? It's a broad topic.

[Stephen Best]

I'd suggest you consider the Panasonic Lumix GH2 with the firmware upgrade settings available at Personal View. The GH2 is cheaper than the 550D and simply produces better video with the Driftwood settings.

[that1guyy]

Originally Posted by Stephen Best

I'd suggest you consider the Panasonic Lumix GH2 with the firmware upgrade settings available at Personal View. The GH2 is cheaper than the 550D and simply produces better video with the Driftwood settings.

The GH2 is not cheaper than the T2i at reliable retailers. The T2i can be picked up at $500-600 while the GH2 is available at $700-900 at most places. I have no idea how many pounds that is.

[CrazyChris]

Like Ewan says, it's broad. But if you're looking for basics I'd recommend Vimeo Video School. They put out some great videos, which makes sense given the name.

[Ewan]

Originally Posted by CrazyChris

Like Ewan says, it's broad. But if you're looking for basics I'd recommend Vimeo Video School. They put out some great videos, which makes sense given the name.

That's where I learned most of my filmmaking skills actually. If your willing to pay, you could try NYVS.

[Stephen Best]

Originally Posted by that1guyy

The GH2 is not cheaper than the T2i at reliable retailers. The T2i can be picked up at $500-600 while the GH2 is available at $700-900 at most places. I have no idea how many pounds that is.

You're right. My mistake. I confused the Canon model. Apologies.

[IndieBudget]

Much better IMO than a HDSLR

[ajedproduction]

You can buy the Japanese model of the 600d for £450 from Digital Rev. Theyre definitely reliable and their Youtube channel is very popular.