500D for video and what lens?

Hi,

My first post having just joined so hope I get things right! I used to do a lot of amateur photography and owned a Canon EOS 650 (I think that's what it was - one of the early AF 35mm film SLR's). In recent years I've been doing less photography and just using compacts - Canon IXUS 75 now - for family events etc but I am now looking at doing a lot more having experienced my son's 40D with envy and with time to pursue my hobbies having taken early retirement!!!

I was leaning towards a 450D but wondered about a 500D mainly due to the video option. I know many people don't rate it but I only do a bit of video (holidays etc) using a fairly basic Sony Mini DV (DCR-HC35) so my questions are:

Would the video facility of the 500D be an adequate (or worse) replacement for my Mini DV, i.e. just for occasional use a few times a year. If the video quality was a lot worse then I probably wouldn't bother.

Lenses - rather than consider the 'basic' Canon 2-lens pack I would prefer just one lens so any views on the 18-200+ offerings from Canon, Sigma and Tamron would be appreciated please. I like the look of the Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical lens but have seen mixed reviews on this site.

So I thought the 450D with the Tamron would be a decent combination and within budget but I'm wavering on the 500D / Tamron which I could just about budget for.

Main interests would be holidays, landscapes and motorsports.

Hope this makes sense - any views appreciated, thanks. Gary

Welcome aboard.

On the video question, I can't speak with much authority, but I believe that for any even semi-serious work, the inability to control the aperture during a take is a big limitation, particularly where light may change either inherently or by virtue of zooming or panning. Hopefully I'll be corrected if this is not the case or is insignificant in practice.

As for one-lens solutions, I believe that the Tamron 18-270 VC you mention is indeed the lens in this class most favoured by POTNers.

xarqi wrote in post #7824428
Welcome aboard.

On the video question, I can't speak with much authority, but I believe that for any even semi-serious work, the inability to control the aperture during a take is a big limitation, particularly where light may change either inherently or by virtue of zooming or panning. Hopefully I'll be corrected if this is not the case or is insignificant in practice.

Yes, you will be corrected.

Auto focus and auto exposure are important to amateurs shooting home movies of their kids. These are the same people who shoot in auto mode for stills.

Professional filmmakers, OTOH, never use auto anything, as it will cause surprises like scenes changing from dark to light and focus going in and out. They set up their shots beforehand, set lenses, focal points and apertures, and choreograph any focus or movement changes that will happen during the take.

A pro or good amateur still photographer doesn't use auto mode or leave anything to chance. The video maker using a Canon DSLRs for making video needs to think like a pro and he'll be fine. It may work as as well for a novice.

skanter wrote in post #7829624
Yes, you will be corrected.

Auto focus and auto exposure are important to amateurs shooting home movies of their kids. These are the same people who shoot in auto mode for stills.

Professional filmmakers, OTOH, never use auto anything, as it will cause surprises like scenes changing from dark to light and focus going in and out. They set up their shots beforehand, set lenses, focal points and apertures, and choreograph any focus or movement changes that will happen during the take.

A pro or good amateur still photographer doesn't use auto mode or leave anything to chance. The video maker using a Canon DSLRs for making video needs to think like a pro and he'll be fine. It may work as as well for a novice.

So, is it that the 500D implements an auto-aperture (or other exposure control) in video mode? I was under the impression that the aperture was fixed prior to the start of the take, and so exposure problems could develop during panning or zooming as there was no ability to adjust aperture on the fly. What the real deal?

xarqi wrote in post #7829662
So, is it that the 500D implements an auto-aperture (or other exposure control) in video mode? I was under the impression that the aperture was fixed prior to the start of the take, and so exposure problems could develop during panning or zooming as there was no ability to adjust aperture on the fly. What the real deal?

I'll let you know as soon as I get my hands on one.