Is the Canon Rebel T2i the Perfect Frugal Cam?
People interested in video production are buzzing about Canon's latest DSLR, the EOS Rebel T2i. It seems that this little camera has many of the features as its cousin, the 7D, but with enhanced video modes and half the price tag. It will sell for $799 for the body only or $899 with a standard lens. Considering I recently purchased Canon's VIXIA HFS100 video camera for $899 (now available for $799), I have to ask myself if I made the right decision.The T2i shoots HD video at 1080p in 30, 25 and 24 frames per second. It also shoots 720p at those same rates, and adds 50 and 60 frames per second, which should create some silky smooth slow motion. It allows for full control of exposure, shallow depth of field and interchangeable lenses. Not to mention the fact you get an amazing 18 megapixel still camera. Full details can be found here.
So what's not to like? Well, there is no autofocus, which comes in pretty handy in run-and-gun situations. There is an external mic input, but no headphone jack and no manual audio control. This means you can't monitor the sound coming into the camera and once it's there, the camera runs the level. It's the return of the dreaded AGC (Automatic Gain Control). Yuck!
While no one has seen any test footage yet, my guess is we have another DSLR that will shoot some very pretty pictures (at the most affordable price point), but be very lacking in the audio arena. If you want to use this camera for any kind of real shoot, it means double system sound, or recording audio on a separate recorder. This isn't horrible, but means one more piece of gear and the annoyance of capturing and syncing in post.
To me, this is a deal breaker. While my HFS100 won't produce an image as sweet as the T2i, it can record audio through an external mic (via an XLR adapter) using a level that I can control. Manual audio will always sound better than AGC. And it has autofocus!
Maybe next time Canon.
Comments
I don't think canon is to blame here. Let's be fair. DSLR's were designed for still photography. The introduction of high quality HD footage was just so photographers could incoorperate video with their stories. With that in mind, it's easy to see why good audio wasn't a big concern.
I don't think you can beat a camera like the T2i for the money.
For under $1000, you get stunning HD footage, interchangable lens options, full manual adjustments, and great low light performance.
a similar performing camcorder could easily cost $3300 alone, not including a mic set up.
Having just worked on a feature film, using the Panasonic GH1, and a secondary sound rig, I'm a believer. As much as I dislike the idea of having to look for someone to run sound, the results were well worth it.
I agree with your philosophy, "look at what other's have done". Hollywood has used seperate sound recording for years, and well... we know how well it's surved them.
Just my take on it. Still a great review of the camera.
Oh...AND it takes amazing pictures. Easy....easy decision.
As far a "serious filmmaking" goes, it wasn't that long ago that film was the only serious medium. Now it's everything. You can make a great film on a cell phone if you know what you are doing. Which is all that really matters anyway.
It doesn't matter how pretty your picture is, if the sound is sh*t the film is sh*t.
Since Film takes have clapper board type intros for each take it seems like syncing the audio would only need to have someone speak the scene/take just before the audio spike that you sync to.
That way you are sure that your audio clip goes with the video clip you are trying to sync.
I seem to remember that is what they did in film but it has been a long time since I was on a film movie set :)
HELLLPPPP!
I don't think the T2i is the perfect frugal DSLR. I may have been when it was released, but now, even with newer models like the T4i or even T3 available, the T3i (to me) is the best frugal DSLR.
That model has everything I need, and it solved some inherent issues the T2i had -- namely the overheating issue.
The on-camera mic is good enough to capture some dialogue, but as always, you should shoot dual sound. Synching in post is simple with PluralEyes (which may not have been available when the T2i was originally released).
The camera I'd suggest after the T3i would probably be the Panasonic GH2 or GH3. If I had the money (and didn't already have an extra Canon battery), I'd pick that camera up. It's amazing.