t1i vs. hv20

[bjolly]

Without taking into account the differences in manual controls, or the fact that the t1i only does 20fps at 1080p. This is for my own reference because I only need 720p, I like 30fps, and will settle for manual aperture by using a manual lens. I don't really mind the auto shutter and iso because the shutter will most likely stay high with a low aperture (which I like), and as far as I've heard the iso stays low enough as long as I use the same low aperture scenario.

So, my real question is: At 720p, which camera has better sharpness, clarity and dynamic range?

Thoughts?

[SteelTech6]

From someone who has both, and shoots video with both regularly:

I think the sensor in the T1i is what allows it to create far more dynamic and cleaner images than the HV20. The HVxx's suffer a lot from the HDV codec in my opinion. I tend to get much better quality out of the T1i within regards to detail in the video.

It is definitely not the only camera you'd want to use because of the aforementioned caveats, but it does an incredible job reproducing color, and capturing light. Don't move too quickly, and use separate audio if you needed to capture it from the source.

Overall - the number one reason for using the T1i = interchangeable lenses. The flexibility this provides in a small convenient package is priceless. Just like anyone will tell you when using a 35mm adapter - get yourself some good lenses for flexibility, and go to town.

I really appreciate the form factor of the T1i, it's not the best for doing video, but it fills a niche for me at a price point I could handle at the time. The screen resolution also trumps the HV20 so it makes it easier to focus manually as well.

If you can spring for the 5DMkIII - it is much more capable of doing video. But these 7D and 60D rumors are really intriguing me. If I hadn't bought the T1i a few months back I would hold off a little longer. Full Frame would be a huge plus for doing video and using the EF lenses.

Hope that helps.

-Michael

[Bif]

Overall - the number one reason for using the T1i = interchangeable lenses. The flexibility this provides in a small convenient package is priceless. Just like anyone will tell you when using a 35mm adapter - get yourself some good lenses for flexibility, and go to town.


One exceptionally useful lens is the 50mm f1.8 EF. With this and other "fast" lenses manual aperture selection for DOF control is possible, whether large aperture for shallow DOF and selective focus or small aperture for very deep DOF is wanted.

First go to AV or Manual mode (dial on top) and "dial in" desired aperture using the control wheel by the shutter button.

Then depress the lens mount lock button and gently turn the lens barrel slightly until the aperture value shown on the LCD screen changes to "00". This indicates the electrical connection between lens and body is disconnected and the camera can no longer communicate with or control the lens aperture or focus (aperture will remain at last selected value until lens barrel is turned back to "locked" position, even if camera is turned off).

Next turn dial on top to video mode, a message on the LCD will say "insure a lens is mounted" - ignore it and press the video start button. Mirror will flip up and Live View for video composition and focus appears (focus will have to be done manually as autofocus is not available). Press video start button to begin recording and again to stop.

If you need to change to a different aperture you do have to go through the whole procedure again starting in AV or Manual with the lens "locked" into the mount.

To return to normal lens operation, auto aperture and auto focus simply turn the lens that tiny bit back until it "clicks" into the locked position.

I ran some tests yesterday at f1.8 and it works. As soon as I can arrange for a model, I'll shoot some outdoor video with this lens. Had I given this method a serious trial I could have saved myself the expense of an adapter and Nikkor lens for the T1i.



I really appreciate the form factor of the T1i, it's not the best for doing video, but it fills a niche for me at a price point I could handle at the time. The screen resolution also trumps the HV20 so it makes it easier to focus manually as well.


The SpiderBrace 2 Combo (www.spiderbrace.com) works very well for me with the T1i handheld if you use something like the Hoodloupe 3.0 from www.hoodmanusa.com The Hoodloupe 3.0 can be held in place with a sturdy 12" rubber band as in my video in this thread:

http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=26739

I've since switched to a CAVISION viewfinder assembly with mounting plate originally designed for the 5D MkII but adapted to fit the T1i. Some assembly required each time it's used so I hung onto the Hoodloupe for "quick 'n dirty".

[-Rogue5-]

The HV20s 1080 is actually sharper than the T1Is 720p... but the lowlight performance of the T1i is a bit better. Unfortunately the pixel-skipping method that Canon uses in their DSLRs is much more noticeable at 720p, so if you're shooting a lot of straightlines, you'll see aliasing. Also, there's a 12/18min shot limitation which can be a pain, and there's TONS more rollingshutter going on in the T1i (especially if you're handheld, as rollingshutter is really noticeable with slight, quick shakes.)

I'm having a real hard time deciding which camera to use; exposure locking on the T1i means you can pretty much get whatever shutter/ISO you want on manual lenses, but it has to be locked on a shot-by-shot basis (which, again, is a bit of pain). The audio on the T1i is about as good as the onboard audio of the HV20 -- actually, it MIGHT be a little worse quality on the T1i, but you don't pick up the HDV motor hum, so it's objectively better.

If I had to make a purchase decision between the two, I'd probably go with the T1i, HOWEVER, if I already had an HV20 (or could get a used one for less than half the price of a T1i) I'd probably continue to use the HV20.

Just my two pennies.

-Rogue5-