For video quality, Canon 7D DSLR vs. Canon Vixia HF M31

If you meant the Canon EOS 500D and not the Canon EOS 50D, I would go with the 500D just because the sensor is bigger and you have manual control over zoom and focus, but I'm used to shoulder cameras with manual controls, thus I prefer them over many other aspects.

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/Digital_SLR/index.aspx

Well, the Canon Vixia wins, because the 50D cannot do video.

Canon cameras that can do video are
- 5D mk II
- 7D
- 1D mk IV
- 500D (T1i)
- 550D (T2i)

Summery: The dSLR is better, but its also a lot more work

Comparing a camcorder to a dSLR is not really the best way to look at it; they are different systems. For pure IQ, the dSLR will be the better system. These systems are being used professionally, such as ... , part of the intro on SNL, the entire season finale of House and perhaps (still unconfirmed) even some scenes in Red Tails, a film from George Lucus. The Camcorder? I don't see it being used that much in this type of work. However, with dSLR, the processing is a SOB. The on-board sound is poor compared to the camcorder, the focus is done manually, and depending on the aperture/depth of field, the scene can look blurry. Also, the IS of the lenses was designed for still photography, and does not transition completely to video work. With the camcorder, its basically hold it and forget. With the dSLR, you really need to be on top of your game, and even then you get a lot of crap. Still, though for pure IQ, the dSLR is the way to go, just understand it comes with a headache.

Boostin said:

I knew i wasnt crazy, i just talked to my buddy, and he actually has a 7D. heres camera he has.
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=19356
thanks.

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So now it is time to decide between the 7D and that Vixia thing or is the 50D still on the table? Because the 50D still has no video capability.

I would still go with the 7D, as the 7D and the Vixia both use the H264 codec, so you lose image quality on both sides. With the 7D you just have more image quality to begin with.

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The Vixia wins. It is a lot cheaper to replace when you break it.

This is an interesting take on using DSLRs for video; 8 Reasons NOT to Buy a DSLR for Video.

aren't we forgetting the purpose of the movie. if this dicussion will go on, we will end with a red ;-)

friends wedding, nothing pro.
so with a consumer cam, you can film an keep on filming and have that special moment captured, while with the dslr you are still turning buttons for the setting of the thing. sound in sync. etc.

and, more important, i guess you want to be part of the game and also have some fun

so, do as i do in those cases, have your camcorder, with lots of storage (tapes, cards) and keep the thing running and move around the party. then you will have enough material to edit it in something nice (oh, also have a plan, not just shooting of course).

have fun

Boostin said:

...
Also, the camera is not for professional anything, i just mean overall, what would the best solution be. When we are walking around vegas, and he is partying his face off, which camera will give me overall better video/sound quality. Im very novice in camera/camcorder, but i can somewhat handle my own with a DSLR as i took a digital photo class in college. But, if the DSLR is going to be a huge headache then it wont really be worth it to me. Thanks in advance again.

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You are asking for the best solution not the best camera. The best solution would be a dedicated video camera - not a DSLR. A video cam will have zoom, is lightweight, and is perfect for walking around Las Vegas. A DSLR will require several lens to cover all possible focal lengths (remember zoom lenses have lesser quality than fixed focal length lenses). And you would have to change out lenses as required. But the most important piece of equipment you should carry with you is a good, solid tripod with a fluid head. If you hand hold a camera for as long as you are going to have it in action, you will make your viewers seasick and most will get up and leave before it's even half way over. Even amateur video can be made so much better by using a tripod/fluid head combo - in the end the camera is secondary to a tripod.

I'll concur with Xstep, baypharm and Richard,

The Vixia is your answer...and if you're shooting (no pun intended) for Image Quality, I don't think you'll be disappointed there either.

The DSLR's are a lot of fun, especially as a B cam, crash cam, or specialty footage (Shallow DOF, Low Light, Super Wide, Super Tele, etc)....BUT, as the others have mentioned, that magic comes at a tremendous cost...stabilization, 2nd system audio, fast glass (to take advantage of it's low light capabilities), sometimes...a PITA in post, etc. ALSO, don't discount the IQ of these higher end consumer video cameras...I wouldn't be surprised if they surpass the 7d, 5d2, 1d4, t2i, et al in true resolved lines. The current batch of DSLRs are plagued by aliasing and moire...which is actually false detail. They aren't resolving much more than standard def at this point....Just under 600 lines and primarily due to their Low Pass Filter which is optimized for still photography...at 16, 18, and 21 megapixels....not video at 2 megapixels.

It's one or the other, and while these cameras are outstanding still cams, there are still plenty of limits for them in motion.

Exciting little pieces of technology though...they'll only get better as time moves forward. I don't think Canon had ANY idea about how popular these would become...actually, it was Nikon first out of the gate with the venerable D90, wasn't it? Regardless, the ability to use interchangable lenses on an S35 or true 35mm sensor for motion...at under $100,000 was a blessing from the video Gods, for sure! And, therefore...a huge demand from the indie market was born....as well as from the big boys (and female directors) because of the cost...availability, and the chance to buy a full prime set of glass for 10 large...instead of a quarter million dollars!

Bring the Vixia....grab a P&S still cam, and tear the town apart!

Have fun Try to get some good shots, and enjoy yourself!!!

Jer

I agree that the Vixia would be better. The 7D will give you better video, but you're going to do a lot more work to get it. The Vixia will still give you great video, but much easier.

I agree with Xstep, baypharm and Richard also.

I actually was in the same situation and couldn't decide on a canon rebel t2i or the vixia m30. I ended up getting the m30 because I didn't want to carry all those lenses, and I can fit the thing in my pocket. Get the vixia with the Canon-WD-H37C-II-Wide-Angle-Converter-Lens or the Raynox HD-5050LE wide angle lens and you'll be able to take unbelievable video. You definitely won't be diappointed. My buddy has the 7d and It was great for still shots. But as for video, it took great video, but really waaaayyy too chunky and I'm not a fan of carrying too many lenses. I like to keep my luggage for my camera down to a minimum.

Just my 2 cents.

This was a question of video quality, not size. For quality, the DSLRs will smoke this camcorder and any camcorder in their price range. The season finale of HOUSE, shot entirely on 5D Mark II. 7D certainly doesn't have the shallow depth of field or low light ability, but shoots at a slightly higher bitrate and has 720p 60FPS capability, which is good for slow motion.

I happen to be friends with some people who use these cameras for their professional work so I'm surrounded in the technology. I myself own a T2i and used to own a HF10 for personal work, these SLRs provide incredible quality. They have their issues, but for strictly video quality... they will smoke things in their price range. Get a tripod, and a RODE Video Mic for 130 bucks and you're set. Hand held footage is crap no matter the camera, whether it's an Arri S16 or a DSLR.

TH3D4RKKN1GH7 said:

This was a question of video quality, not size. For quality, the DSLRs will smoke this camcorder and any camcorder in their price range. The season finale of HOUSE, shot entirely on 5D Mark II. 7D certainly doesn't have the shallow depth of field or low light ability, but shoots at a slightly higher bitrate and has 720p 60FPS capability, which is good for slow motion.
.

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Actually, just a minor correction, but the Canon EOS 550D (also known as the T2i), 7D, 5D Mark II and the 1D Mark IV all shoot video with the same bitrate.

TH3D4RKKN1GH7 said:

This was a question of video quality, not size. For quality, the DSLRs will smoke this camcorder and any camcorder in their price range. The season finale of HOUSE, shot entirely on 5D Mark II. 7D certainly doesn't have the shallow depth of field or low light ability, but shoots at a slightly higher bitrate and has 720p 60FPS capability, which is good for slow motion.

I happen to be friends with some people who use these cameras for their professional work so I'm surrounded in the technology. I myself own a T2i and used to own a HF10 for personal work, these SLRs provide incredible quality. They have their issues, but for strictly video quality... they will smoke things in their price range. Get a tripod, and a RODE Video Mic for 130 bucks and you're set. Hand held footage is crap no matter the camera, whether it's an Arri S16 or a DSLR.

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I disagree. The DSLRs make for some very good digital cinema cameras. But that doesn't sound like what he needs for this situation. Go with the Vixia.

And this is coming from a 7D owner.

For the OP: do you intend to take still photos as well as video, or do you just want to shoot video? If you are just after video, then I'd take the VIXIA hands down. It's much easier to control than a DSLR will be for video. However, if you also want to take stills, then the DLSR might be a better option since you won't have to juggle two cameras. I've done this before on vacations and it's annoying.

Now I'll throw in a third option: use a flip-style camcorder and a point-and-shoot. Much easer to carry around, and less obtrusive when trying to get candid shots and video of people doing, um, "stuff" in Vegas. People tend to clam up when you point a full-size camcorder or a DSLR at them. Not so much the case with their smaller cousins.

xStep said:

This is an interesting take on using DSLRs for video; 8 Reasons NOT to Buy a DSLR for Video.

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100% agreed!

If it were me, I'd go with the 7D and a wide angle prime... 24mm to 35mm.
It'll be wide enough for group shots and fast enough for the low light conditions. And sharp. And it won't be huge. It's a great camera.

xStep said:

This is an interesting take on using DSLRs for video; 8 Reasons NOT to Buy a DSLR for Video.

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The author has now done an "8 Reasons to Buy a DSLR for Video".