Using a couple of cameras for piece to camera videos

by Gordon Hall
(UK)

"Hi. Came across your site through your comments on backlinko.

I'm setting up small membership website which will house information videos to a niche market.

The videos I'm creating will be a piece to camera (nothing fancy). They will be watched over the Internet, so max of 1080p or possibly even 720. We're creating 100+ videos, each of approx 5 minutes.

I'm looking for a 2 camera setup. I can borrow both a 5DMk3 and a 70D, but would love to buy 2 cameras myself rather than rely on friends equipment.

What should I be looking for in regards to camera/lens specifically with video in mind."

Hi Gordon, thanks for your question about shooting video with Canon cameras. I don't shoot much video at all-only stills, so take my thoughts without putting too much weight on them.

Without knowing your budget and whether you have any lenses yet, I can't recommend a specific camera to you, but I can tell you the most important feature will be focusing.

If you had a good experience with the Canon 70D, it is equipped with dual-pixel focusing which is great for video. Quick, accurate and SILENT focusing should be your priority. A tilt screen and touch LCD screen would both be desirable features too. The Rebel T5i cameras have these features and come with kit lenses at a very affordable price now that they've been around for awhile. All of the more recent Canon bodies come with 1080 video, so resolution is not an issue unless you go with a older model of Canon.

As for lenses, you definitely want a zoom lens that is fast enough (largest aperture) f/4 or better to get good bokeh.

Good Luck