What shall I buy? Help Please!

[spacemen]

Good Morning,

I am looking at upgrading my equipment. I currently have a Canon EOS 400d that I have been using for years. I do like the camera and I am quite into photography but I am picking up quite an interest for video.

My question is what would be best for me to buy, a new SLR that can do video or a mid range camcorder?

I have not had any experience with SLRs that do video, I have been using GoPros and an old handycam but with the GoPros I don't get any zoom function. Is it possible to get a longer zoom whilst using an SLR etc?

On the other hand my 400d serves me well so would my money be better spent on a camcorder?

I am going to the states at the weekend so maybe prices will be better.

Any suggestions welcome and also models of camera/camcorder that you guys are already using.

Thanks for any help in advance

Regards,

Tom

[POL]

The 70D is an excellent body that also does video.

[Sparts99]

If you're more into photography than video I think you should get another Canon DSLR. Your 40 can then be a back up camera or a second body with a different lens to save lens changes when time is of the essence, and your current lenses will fit as long as they are EF and not EF-S if you go for a 5 or 6 or 7D. But if you do more video than photography then the choice isn't so clear as a camcorder of some sort will have most of the features and equipment you need that are add ons to a DSLR. But the latest DSLRs have excellent puicture quality.

[spacemen]

Thanks for your replies!

I think im leaning more towards an SLR with video and several people i have spoke to have said the 70d

Quick question, can the SlR video with any lens on or is it just compatible with the standard lens? In other words what reach can i get zoom wise when using an SlR? Are there adaptors or gadgets avaialble? External mics? Etc

Thanks

Tom

[Sparts99]

I don't do video myself but as far as I understand things any lens can be used. There are bolt-ons to do anything you can think of, and plenty you haven't. I would seriuosly consider some sort of shade for the screen, in bright light it can be hard to see well enough to check focus, remeber that in video the mirror locks up so the viewfinder doesn't work. Maybe look at some hire company websites to see what extras there are and what would be of use.

[Andy_99]

The 70D is an excellent body that also does video.

+ 1 on that, just done this very same upgrade myself

[spacemen]

Thanks for your replies, i shall have a look when stateside

Thanks

Tom

[powerslave]

Thanks for your replies, i shall have a look when stateside

Thanks

Tom

Just took my 70d to Cold War Jets last week with the 18-135 stm lens instead of my 100-400.
The photos I got with the lens are really really good,but the video from the 70d and lens is just awesome.
It's a bit fiddly zooming in and out with it unlike a proper camcorder but practice makes it better and there is just the right amount of wind noise not to spoil the filming.
I wouldn't mind another 70d for both lenses instead of keep taking them on and off.

Ian

[spacemen]

Think you have twisted my arm lol