Replace Canon GL1 with ?

[applejf66]

Newbie.

Long time video enthusiast going back to Hi-8 in the mid-90's, did linear editing on a Mac 6100AV. (currently on an iMac/Snow Leopard). While I have an upgraded copy of FCExpress2, I've never used it, as iMovie has continued to improve and provide me all I need. Now using iMovie11. I've had the GL1 for ten years and it's got a problem. I think it may be time to move to an HD camcorder ............ or a dig SLR with HD capability. I have a very nice dig still camera (Sony DSC R1) so my inclination is to upgrade to a new camcorder. But I'm intrigued with the possibility of having both media in a single camera, and I think I'd lean toward a SLR with HD video capability. I'd like for it to have a shoe and audio input to accept my external mike I use on the GL1.

Question: Is there a best place on the net to dig in to this quandary? Any comments or recommendations?

TIA

 

[Sammy Cat]

It depends on your budget.

If you want to go overboard, wait for the new full frame Canon 5D MK III to come out (rumor...before summer Olympics...body cost of $3500). Other wise try out a Canon 60D DSLR camera. The 60D like the 7D is a crop camera, which means that you have to multiply your lens by 1.6 (35mm really equals 56mm, where as a full frame DSLR will be a full 35mm).

The 60D has all of the same quality functions related to video as the 7D, plus one key function that the 7D lacks: manual audio control. Photography wise, the 60D lacks lens micro-adjustments and the 7D has a 19 point auto-focus vs. a 9 point for the 60D, as well as shoots 9 photos per second vs. 5. The 60D is also made of a cheaper material, but all of the guts of the body are the same. The 60D also has a LCD that can swivel out and be your monitor while filming like a traditional camcorder.

There are other cameras out there, but the 60D is really the best bang for the buck. Technically it is not a pro camera, but it is very close to it.

A good mic that you can use is the Rode Videomic Pro. It plugs into the 60D and gives you excellent audio once you adjust your camera's manual audio control. I don't know if your current mic will work. The input on the 60D is a standard 3.5mm jack.

A good site to read up on some of the cameras out there is dpreview.com

If you are interested in the 60D the shop.canon website has refurbished units in stock with 18-135mm Image Stabilizer lens for around $1100 after tax. The 60D bodies are sold out.

Hope that helps.

 

[martinX]

I'd like for it to have a shoe and audio input to accept my external mike I use on the GL1.

What mic do you have?