Hi guys anyone brought a dslr for kiting recently? im trying to decide between the canon 550d and 50d.

I want like to shoot video as well, but just not 100% sure whether I am happy to have my stills and HD video be shot using the same camera.

Also, from my experience cameras that shoot video have some trade offs or limitations...usually with Autofocus. This means you cant really just hand the camera off to your mates and get them to shoot great footage. this typically means great video of everyone else and ****ty out of focus stuff of you.

550d
+great video quality
+great photo quality
-not a 'point and shoot' camera in video mode
-3.7fps not really enough for kiting
-not built as tough as the 50d

50d
+6.3fps much better for photos
-maybe slightly less photo quality
+tougher built


so do I go with the 550d and try to train my mates up on how to use it. or do I get the 50d and buy a cheapish $700 HD video camera that can be handed around and still get decent video?

definatly canon 550d mines on order

Buy the cheaper option and spend your extra cash on decent glass. The lens affects focus and shot quality way more than the body does.

Nerk said...

I recently bought a 550D and I'm happy with it so far, but your summary is pretty accurate.
Still, it's not that hard to use - it won't autofocus during the shot, but you can use the SLR autofocus function in a second with a half press on the stills trigger before shooting video. The video quality is good, although no faster than 30fps

it can do 720p at 60fps.

yeah its not that hard to use, but as much as I like taking photos and shooting video I like to see myself as well..sometimes. With my current casio which does 1080p I have yet to see anyone get decent video from it without a couple hours practice. I am not sure how much better or easier the 550d would be but I get pretty frustrated with the focus hunting on the casio.

thanks for all the advice..am leaning towards a 50d at the moment.