Dragging Feet, Need HELP on Final Decision

Posts: 2219 - Karma: 1,057

Jun 20 2014 10:27AM

Here is my situation, I want to buy a new DSLR, primarily for video. I'd LIKE to spend under $1000 on the camera body. I will use it primarily for skiing, hockey, and everyday life.

Right now I have it narrowed down to Canon 60D or 70D, Panasonic GH3 or GH4.

Canon

I work for a hockey team that uses all Canon equipment. I would have access to 8-10 Canon lenses from them if I wanted to borrow any, plus a few I own myself. The 60D is a great camera. 720p at 60fps, easy to use, I have used it a lot before and am comfortable with it. It also comes in for around $700

The only major advantage I see to the 70D is autofocus, which I would hardly use anyways, so I'm not really leaning towards that one, especially with the big jump in price.

Panasonic

I am actually really starting to lean towards this option. It seems to be the best quality at the most affordable price. BIG advantage is the higher frame rate at higher quality. If I had more to spend, I would definitely get the GH4, but it's a little out of my range at this time. Although the 4K would be great, even if editing at 1080 and having that freedom to zoom in while editing.

The downside is the lens situation. I know you can get an adapter to use Canon lenses with it, which loses the autofocus, but like I said, not a big deal. Has anyone had experience using Canon lenses with a GH3 or 4? I would probably end up getting a few Panasonic lenses eventually as well.

So as of now, leaning:

1. 60D or GH3 about equally

2. GH4

3. 70D

I'd like to have it relatively soon to be able to use over the summer. Should I go with the older, but still very acceptable tachnology of the 60D or GH3.... or wait and keep saving and get the 4k capability of the GH4?

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J-Wile

Posts: 481 - Karma: 804

Jun 20 2014 10:31AM

How long are you planning on using the body before another upgrade? If it'll be quite sometime, your best bet would to be keep saving and go for the 4k/better technology.

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dan_swagner

Posts: 351 - Karma: 680

Jun 20 2014 11:48AM

if you want this body to last 5+ years I would go with the gh4. the only problem is the crop factor with canon lenses. its going to be hard to get a wide angle of view unless you buy a mft mount lens for the camera. I dont think the 60d or 70d are the best options just because the cameras are starting to become outdated for video. they are still good for photography

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Jwenz

Posts: 8893 - Karma: 7,633

Jun 20 2014 10:57PM

you must also consider your computer and capability to handle particular footage. Even my 15" mbp from late 2011 has some issues with 1080 footage (likely due to my ram situation) let alone 4k. Workflow is a big thing to consider...Are you going to have a super computer or what

Id look past the 60d and 70d tho.

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plorr

Posts: 3131 - Karma: 529

Jun 21 2014 12:45AM

GH3 is definitely the best price/quality ratio around right now if you're going to be filming mostly action sports. I would definitely not waste your money on any Canon DSLR for video. They're inferior in almost every way.

You'll have to drop a few hundred bucks on an adapter if you're going to use canon lenses on m43 though. your best bet glass wise with a GH3 is to get a decent nikon adaptor (or speed booster), and start investing in a set of nikon mount lenses. That way you can easily adapt them to any camera you rent or borrow or decide to upgrade to in the future.

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spruitm

Posts: 2219 - Karma: 1,057

Jun 21 2014 8:18AM

Ok, sounds like gh3 is probably best. I also work at best buy 2 days a week and get a discount of another $100 off of what Amazon sells it for.

I'll probably keep it 1-2 years, then sell it and upgrade to whatever is new at the time. Gh5?

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