HDSLRs

Comments: Canon’s 50(!) Megapixel sensor is finally here! This full frame beast uses dual DIGIC 6 processors to give you a whopping 50.6 MP at up to 5 frames per second. The 61-point AF system ensures your images are quickly in focus using 41 cross type points. Canon also finally built an intervalometer into the body! Timelapse mode allows you to take a series of images then stitch them together into a full HD movie file, all in camera! This is also the first Canon DSLR to give you a selectable crop mode, either 1.6x (20MP) pr 1.3x (30MP.) SRAW and MRAW gives you plenty of options to record a 12.4MP and 28MP file, respectively. Take that, Nikon! The only downside we can see so far is that the ISO range is only from 100-6400, though expandable to 50-12800. The difference between the 5DS and the 5DS R is that the R has a low-pass filter (LPF) cancellation, effectively removing the LPF to give you the most sharpness and detail possible. This can technically introduce a bit of moire to your images, though historically, it hasn’t been that big of a deal.

Description: Canon’s 50(!) Megapixel sensor is finally here! This full frame beast uses dual DIGIC 6 processors to give you a whopping 50.6 MP at up to 5 frames per second. The 61-point AF system ensures your images are quickly in focus using 41 cross type points. Canon also finally built an intervalometer into the body! Timelapse mode allows you to take a series of images then stitch them together into a full HD movie file, all in camera! This is also the first Canon DSLR to give you a selectable crop mode, either 1.6x (20MP) pr 1.3x (30MP.) SRAW and MRAW gives you plenty of options to record a 12.4MP and 28MP file, respectively. Take that, Nikon! The only downside we can see so far is that the ISO range is only from 100-6400, though expandable to 50-12800. The difference between the 5DS and the 5DS R is that the R has a low-pass filter (LPF) cancellation, effectively removing the LPF to give you the most sharpness and detail possible. This can technically introduce a bit of moire to your images, though historically, it hasn’t been that big of a deal.

Comments: Canon’s 50(!) Megapixel sensor is finally here! This full frame beast uses dual DIGIC 6 processors to give you a whopping 50.6 MP at up to 5 frames per second. The 61-point AF system ensures your images are quickly in focus using 41 cross type points. Canon also finally built an intervalometer into the body! Timelapse mode allows you to take a series of images then stitch them together into a full HD movie file, all in camera! This is also the first Canon DSLR to give you a selectable crop mode, either 1.6x (20MP) pr 1.3x (30MP.) SRAW and MRAW gives you plenty of options to record a 12.4MP and 28MP file, respectively. Take that, Nikon! The only downside we can see so far is that the ISO range is only from 100-6400, though expandable to 50-12800.

Description: Canon’s 50(!) Megapixel sensor is finally here! This full frame beast uses dual DIGIC 6 processors to give you a whopping 50.6 MP at up to 5 frames per second. The 61-point AF system ensures your images are quickly in focus using 41 cross type points. Canon also finally built an intervalometer into the body! Timelapse mode allows you to take a series of images then stitch them together into a full HD movie file, all in camera! This is also the first Canon DSLR to give you a selectable crop mode, either 1.6x (20MP) pr 1.3x (30MP.) SRAW and MRAW gives you plenty of options to record a 12.4MP and 28MP file, respectively. Take that, Nikon! The only downside we can see so far is that the ISO range is only from 100-6400, though expandable to 50-12800.

Comments: This is still (in my opinion) the best DSLR in the world for both video and stills in terms of price / value & feature ratios.   This is the camera I shoot with for my still + HDSLR video work (notably my timelapse.)   If you have a 5D MKII – the Autofocus and motor speed make this the easiest upgrade choice, and the video is significantly cleaner and w/o moire issues.  This is in effect Canon’s update to the wildly popular full frame EOS 5D Mark II, which changed the Industry with it’s full HD video capabilities.  The Mark III improves upon the Mark II with a range of mechanical upgrades, including a Dual CF Card Slot, and an improved ISO of up to 25600, making this one of the best low-light performing cameras on the market.

Description (from B&H): A full-frame 22.3MP DSLR featuring exceptional still image and movie recording capabilities. Integrating Canon’s new DIGIC 5+ Image Processor and 14-bit A/D conversion, this camera is able to produce superbly detailed imagery with immense low-light sensitivity that is further aided by an extended ISO range up to 102400. The 5D Mark III is capable of recording full HD video with manual exposure control and in multiple frame rates, including 1080/30p and 720/60p. Image review is possible using the 1,040,000-dot 3.2" Clear View II LCD monitor, which features a high-transparency, reflection resistant multi-coating for adequate viewing under bright conditions. A highly durable magnesium-alloy body surrounds the components and offers increased dust and weather resistance. Dual CF and SD memory card support also increases the compatibility of the camera. Support is also provided for the optional Canon Wireless File Transmitter and GPS receiver for remote logging, tracking, and sending of your imagery.

Comments:  Basically this is the BEST STILL camera out there today (without going to the PRO 1D series.)   I’d get this hands down over any other camera including the 5D MKIII perhaps… the only catch:  the video has moire issue as did the 5D MKII… if you want to shoot stills, consider this camera over the 5D MKIII if you’re on a budget.  If you want to shoot video: the 5D MKIII is the way to go over the 6D.

Description (from B&H): A full-frame 20.2MP DSLR offering exceptionally high image quality and detail while providing compatibility and convenience through its design and features. When paired with the powerful DIGIC 5+ image processor and 14-bit A/D conversion, the full-frame sensor is capable of recording vivid imagery with expanded sensitivity up to ISO 102400. The 6D employs an 11-point autofocus system for acquiring precise focus regardless of the shooting situation, which is further enhanced by a center cross-type focus point for improved low-light focus sensitivity.  Full HD video recording is possible up to 1080/30p in the All I-frame or IPB compression, as well as the standard H.264/MPEG-4 AVC codec. The 6D features a smaller form factor compared to other full-frame DSLRs, but still integrates a large 3.0" 1,040K-dot TFT LCD monitor for clear playback and review of your imagery. The construction of the body integrates an aluminum alloy and polycarbonate chassis within a magnesium and polycarbonate shell for durability while still maintaining a lightweight profile. Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS technologies also provide extensive connectivity to the 6D. 

Comments: While I’ve never been a fan of the smaller sensors on these cameras… this camera is definitely a sign of the FUTURE.   The built-in AF capabilities of this camera (while shooting live video) is exceptional.   It may change the way you work in terms of not having to worry as much about keeping your subject in focus with expensive wireless follow focus, or even simple (yet still expensive) follow focus units and rigs to support them.   So I think this is a fantastic camera to start out with – both in terms of photography and definitely in terms of video.   

Description (from B&H): This camera features a 20.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+ image processor to ensure high-resolution images and excellent low-light sensitivity. Both the sensor and processor work together to produce well-detailed, full HD 1080p video recording in multiple frame rates with manual exposure and audio level control. The 3.0" 1,040k-dot vari-angle Clear View II touchscreen LCD monitor profits greatly from the advent of the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system and its ability to utilize Touch AF focusing for finely controlled selection of the point of focus. Providing a wealth of additional functionality to the camera is integrated Wi-Fi connectivity. This functionality also allows for wireless remote control over camera settings, including exposure controls, focusing, and shutter release, from a mobile device when using the Canon EOS Remote app.

Comments:  This is a bit of a "classic" but I would discontinue using this and go to the 70D, 6D, or obviously 5D MKIII.

Description (from B&H): Designed for pros and semi-pros alike, the Canon EOS 7D is a high-performance digital SLR, that features the resolving power of an 18-megapixel APS-C format CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 4 image processors that enable 8 frames-per-second capture of high-definition, low-noise imaging at sensitivity levels up to ISO 12800. It accepts lenses with EF or EF-S mounts.  The camera captures true HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second. Video clips can be up to 12 minutes in length or 4GB in size. Live View mode enables you to compose, review, and edit images using the camera’s 3", 920,000-dot TFT LCD. The 7D also features a Dual Axis Electronic Level and tilt display that enables you to adjust the roll and pitch of the camera in 1° increments, using the viewfinder or LCD.  For metering stills and video, the 7D features a new 63-zone iFCL metering system that takes focus and color data into consideration when establishing exposure times.

Comments: While this is missing many of the "pro" features that the other cameras have (and I would recommend you purchase a 7D over this model) I have to admit that this is nonetheless an impressive little camera. In fact I know people who have opted for this camera over the 7D as their personal camera – people who know about video. I’ve used it only once – but that doesn’t meet it’s not a perfect starting camera that fits much more easily in many people’s budgets! 

Description (from B&H) an APS-C format digital SLR camera with an 18MP CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 5 image processor. With 14-bit Analog/Digital conversion, an ISO range from 100-12800 (expandable to 25600), and Multi Shot Noise Reduction, it offers sharp details, accurate colors and low-noise imaging in both bright and low-light shooting situations. A 9-point all cross-type autofocus system provides fast focusing when shooting with the viewfinder and Hybrid CMOS AF increases autofocus speeds when shooting in Live View. A 3.0" Clear View II Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD with 1,040k-dot resolution provides composition and playback viewing.  Full HD 1080p at 30 fps and 24 fps is supported with Movie Servo for continuous autofocus during shooting. Manual exposure is provided in video mode and 60 fps is possible when shooting at 720p HD. A built-in stereo microphone with manual audio level adjustment is provided for quality audio recording with your videos.  The EOS Rebel T5i utilizes SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards and is compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

Comments: This is the workhorse on the Canon line.  Incredible Autofocus, image quality (shoots in the dark!) and 14 frames per second… and it shoots video 😉  Still would use the 5D MKIII over this camera, however this camera can do incredible stuff in low light.   For the best combination of both – go to the next camera:  the EOS 1D-C.   Nonetheless this is likely the best DSLR still camera in the world in terms of pretty much everything…

Description (from B&H): Designed with the pro shooter in mind, as evidenced by its tough magnesium alloy body, large 3.2" LCD, the Intelligent Viewfinder, and of course the 18.1Mp CMOS sensor, among other professional features.  In addition to its large pixel size – for outstanding still images and 1920 x 1080 video – the camera provides the serious photographer with a generous ergonomic design, along with smart layout of the controls. Dual CF card slots ensure that every shot can be captured, while the Gigabit Ethernet terminal and the WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter and the GPS connection provide quick connectivity for file sharing on the fly. The EOS-1D X’s 18.1Mp CMOS sensor is a full 24 x 36mm frame sensor, capturing 5184 x 3456 images. That translates into high-quality, JPEG and RAW images, to impress even the most demanding shooters. The camera also provides 14-bit processing and a standard ISO range of 100-51200, with expanded sensitivities of 50 to 102400 and 204800. All of this is made possible by the camera’s Dual DIGIC 5+ Image Processors, which enable a 17x faster processing speeds and greater noise reduction, among other duties. Like most all pro DSLRs these days, the EOS-1D X provides you with 1920 x 1080 HD video capture. The camera offers both ALL-I and IPB compression, supports H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile, and automatically splits files greater than 4GB for extended recording up to 29:59 minutes without interruption. The camera also offers up Live View, a 64-step volume control, a sound recording level meter, and a Quick Control Dial which allows for silent adjustments – using the dial’s touch pad – during shooting.

Comments: Technically a DSLR in terms of ergonomics, but this camera was designed for cinema purposes, allowing you to shoot 4K internally to CF Cards, and crop the sensor to Super 35 mode when pairing with specific lenses (such as the Zeiss LW.Z).  THIS IS CANON’S BEST KEPT SECRET.   The fact that you have all of the class-leading still the features of the camera above (1DX)  AND that you can shoot 4K video… well it’s an incredible camera, that is likely the smallest 4K "Pro" camera out there that I would consider using on almost any job.   The cons:   lack of frame rates over 30fps.  The Pros: as you’ll see in the video below it shoots in the dark!  3200 and even 6400 ISO is clean as a whistle, so much so that we had to add grain to the video below.

Description (from B&H): Designed specifically for the unique demands of the motion picture industry, the EOS-1D C Camera from Canon is a breakthrough in hybrid HDSLR technology–able to record stills, 4K and Full HD video, to either two on-board CF cards or uncompressed Full HD to outboard recorders. One of the largest benefits of having 4K video technology in a DSLR body is that it will be able to go places that other larger 4K cameras cannot, providing new ways of composing and capturing scenes. It is also compatible with the entire fleet of Canon EOS lenses already available, and perhaps already in your arsenal. The EOS-1D C was built to shoot cinematic quality, in a compact and versatile EOS body. It is able to capture 4K (4096 x 2160), 24p (23.976) content directly to its on-board CF memory cards. It does this by using an 8-bit 4:2:2, high bit rate Motion JPEG compression scheme–allowing 4K content to be acquired in virtually any shooting environment, without an off-board external recorder.