You can compare the 5D and C300 by watching Channel 4 tonight (Sunday 27th April) at 8pm. We shot most of For the Love of Cars on the Canon C300. 

GP’s: Behind Closed Doors is a fixed rig show but all the interviews were shot on the 5D. The first episode is this Tuesday 29th April at 9pm on Channel 5. I’m very excited to see it!

I find the 5D very creative with good potential for that 'shallow depth of field' look in interviews. For those new to these cameras, the small camera size is also less intimidating for the interviewee. However, you have to record sound separately and sync clap (we used an XF305 with an ME66) and you have to stop filming every 10 mins as the camera can only record aprox 12 mins at a time. These issues make the camera not so great for shooting actuality but it is fine for interviews and GVs. 

The C300 has more possibilities. It creates very crisp pictures and shallow DOF but you need to make sure you have the right lenses for the job. 

This would be my ideal kit:
24-105mm zoom - best for actuality - can get a CU standing 2m away
50ml prime - for interviews, reconstruction, GVs
70-200mm zoom - outdoors only for CU’s of distant objects e.g. church spire, race course or a contributor walking down the street

Optional: 
17-55mm zoom - the Image stabilisation is great for hand held, taking out some small hand movements.
85 Macro - can film a spec of blood full screen!

To really see the difference between the 2 cameras, check out this great clip on YouTube...

DV Talent - The Kit Room hire price comparison:

Finally, don't forget that Skillset offer freelancers help with funding for courses.


Happy filming!

I really enjoyed learning some South African slang. It was really useful for building trust with contributors. Below are a few examples you might find useful...