Sorry I just couldn’t resist…
But as I wish you ALL a wonderful holiday with friends and family and a wonderful 2013 – given that the world is supposed to end today I found myself humming these two songs on the drive to the office today.
Thank you all for your support and comments on the blog this year! Hopefully we get to do this again next year!!!!
and
Hopefully not! (Meaning the song above)
Too many good films to be made and seen by all! I’ll be shutting off comments, the blog, and e-mail until January 3, 2012 as I unplug – hope you all get to do the same and enjoy your second lease on life should we all survive the day!
And if that doesn’t do it for you read this rather funny (not intentionally … at least I don’t think .. at best tongue in cheek ) explanation from NASA as to why the world won’t end today.
Feel free to embed your song suggestions in the comment sections – I’ll check the comments one more time tomorrow (if future circumstances allow) and Sunday.
Lastly, I wasn’t going to do this this year because I thought I didn’t get it in early enough… but I’m still being asked and there’s still time to shop (and if we are all going to perish tonight you might as well SPEND IT!!!!!) so:
The MOST common question I’ve been getting this week – WHAT CAMERA SHOULD I BUY RIGHT NOW?
Based on my use/personal experience ONLY (i.e. I don’t shoot Nikon – it’s nothing personal people love those too but I have little to no experience with the current models… and I will definitely admit I have an obvious bias to Canon cameras given the investment I have made in their lenses – so please do take that into account.)
Best deal: Canon 60D $699
Best "still affordable for most and is worth the financial stretch" camera: Canon 6D $2,099
Best camera: Canon 5D MKIII $3,499
Most versatile "if I only had ONE lens" : Canon 24~70mm 2.8 II – $2,299
Best starter lens you can’t go wrong with: Canon 35mm f2 $289
Same as above but for videographers who will benefit from IS: Canon 35mm f2 IS $849
Best "classic camera": Leica M $6950 or if you can’t wait ’til Feb Leica M9
Best "affordable, you want to make your first film" video camera: Canon C100 $6,499
Best "documentary bar none (and indie!)" video camera: Canon C300 $14,999
Best "dark horse / best kept secret" camera for both stills + amazing 4K video that I will likely buy myself next: Canon 1DC $11,999
Best "Director’s best friend for scripts/scout/storyboards/reference tool": iPad Mini
Best medium format camera: Leaf 80MP Credo $45,595
Best "future proof" camera: RED Epic Price depends on configuration.
Best power solution that I used all the time now: Freedom-1 pack $749
Best hard drive (portable): G-Tech 1TB Slim USB 3.0 $149
Best "up your production value tool": Kessler Stealth Slider $799
Haven’t had my hands on the Canon C500 or the Sony F5/F55 so I can’t recommend any of those until I do. I’ve worked with all of the cameras mentioned above.
Geez this is becoming an expensive hobby/habit!
Happy Holidays Vincent!
Last year I didn’t unplug, but I think you’re onto something here.
It’s probably the only time of year to unplug without having to worry about missing some “important” email or w/e.
All the best to you and your family!
Jan
ps. If you for whatever reason get bored:
Most of your “Shameless Self Promotion”-links are 404. 😉
Vincent Laforet Reply:
December 21st, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Nah – not unless you want to volunteer 😉 404 til 2013!
Happy Holidays, I always find your blog a great place for industry insights, I wounder why you didn’t include the Sony FS 700 vs the C100 I always wanted to hear about your experience with this camera?
Thanks for your inspiring work and knowledge you have shared with the community over the years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUoc6Wv72cs
Your labeling the Mk III as the best camera helps me feel better consider I just purchased one haha,
Now I just need to use it to make up enough money for a RED.
I consider your book and app(mainly for the behind the shot) the best reference for learning video and photography.
Hi Vincent, I’m looking forward to buy a new camera, specifically for budget filmmaking. I’m thinking in 7D, but after reading your opinion in the best deal… What do u suggest? 60D or 7D?
Thanks and happy holidays from Spain!
Hope Christmas was fantastic for you !
It would be great if you would tell me what apps you would recommend for the ipad mini for film makers? as Santa was kind enough to bring me one !!
cheers
Andy
Best “Director’s best friend for scripts/scout/storyboards/reference tool”: iPad Mini
Happy New Year to you and your family. Still enjoy the shoe spot you shot here in Vancouver .. Watched it the other day on a macbook retina, snowball should’ve exploded, but someone cut, lol. Peace!
‘J-dog
Disclaimer: I am a fan of the Panasonic GH cameras so I get a little hurt when the GH2 (or the new GH3) doesn’t even make the list. I also think the Black Magic cinema camera is worth mentioning. And lastly maybe the Sony NEX 3 or 5.
Keep up the good work! Great blog, love it, man!
hi vincent thanks a lot for all that you have shared big fan of your blog … a small question- does the t2i and 60 d hold up good on the 60 foot screen .?
plz reply i have actually shot a lot of footage on 550d and think the footage is to good to be reshot dramatically .this film was meant to be a short later we shifted our plans and want it to be a feature .. plz help
Vincent Laforet Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 7:07 am
I would say no… 7D at a minimum. Due to how it handles noise, compression etc.
Your blog, you get to do what you want! Thanks from those of us who appreciate it and thank you for the equipment reccommendations!
I love the Canon cameras and personally I would choose them over Nikon every time.
thanx for this (:
The blogger is apparently Canon Fanboy