Get the Canon 5D Mark II at Adorama for $1999
This is really tumbling now. I think there has been around 4 price drops in the last week on the 5D Mark II. Now it is at $1999 for the first time. That is cheaper than some 2nd hand bodies on eBay.
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Sony HX9v vs Canon 600D – DSLR gets beat by compact in video mode
This is what happens when you don’t overhaul your imaging chips for 3 years, Canon. The new Sony HX9v compact out-resolves the 600D’s video mode for resolution, and has 1080/60p. It is also a lot closer to a DSLR in terms of dynamic range than I expected it would be. It fits in my pocket and has a stabilised 24-380mm lens.
It has an image processor powerful enough to handle 43 megapixel panoramas in-camera as well, but that along with the incredible ACT stabiliser is something I’ll go into more detail on in the full review later.
The HX9v’s video mode is to compacts what the 5D Mark II’s video mode was to DSLRs.
Read moreSony HX9v vs Canon 600D – DSLR gets beat by compact in video mode
Canon 600D versus Panasonic GH2 – Which is best?
This video should give you a really accurate idea of how the cameras compare in video mode. All shots are in 1080/24p.
Sony FS100 – a kick up the arse
I am very impressed with the Sony FS100. The DSLRs have had their first proper kick up the arse today, and they deserve it. Not since the 5D Mark II was released at the end of 2008 have we had any meaningful steps forward.
Panasonic GH2, AF100 pixel peeped – AF100 loses
German website Slashcam recently tested the GH2 and AF100, and shot something which I never do – a test chart – with surprising results.
Dear Sony (Part II)
Contrary to what some believe I don’t dislike Sony or pro video cameras. Back in the earlier days of DV I used to shoot with a series of different Sony cameras. The Sony VX2000 was an affordable competitor to the legendary Panasonic DVX100. I upgraded to the more rugged Sony PD170 with XLR jacks and lots of nice pro features but unfortunately very similar image quality. My last Sony camera was the FX1, predecessor of the more expensive EX series, and then DSLRs came along and gave me what I really wanted. Better low light performance, less noise, better dynamic range and interchangeable lenses on a (very) large CMOS. A big change in the market.
Sony F3 – Who would have thought film industry dogma would be worth so much money?
Above: notice zoom rocker switch on camera body
Sony’s F3 is here, a competitor to the Panasonic AF100 in all but price.
The F3 is the reason for the lack of 24p in the NEX-VG10 and Sony’s DSLRs, the F3 is aimed squarely at the film, TV, broadcast and video industry in competition with Arri and RED and features a new Exmor Super35 CMOS. They have saved all the good stuff for this but it comes at a significant price – $28,000 with lenses and $20,000 without. 4 times more than the AF100.
Read moreSony F3 – Who would have thought film industry dogma would be worth so much money?
Buyer’s Guide – Canon 5D Mark II or Panasonic GH1?
One of the biggest ownership dilemmas I ever had was between these two cameras. I loved the silky smooth shallow depth of field image from the 5D Mark II and the fun factor of the very usable Panasonic GH1. The low light performance of the 5D Mark II was completely absent of banding and colours looked incredible on a big screen. The GH1 had a significant cost and handling advantage plus some ‘interesting’ lens options. Hours spent hunting down old Canon FD lenses and C-Mounts!