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What camera should I get?!?!?

Tags:
  • Cameras
  • Video
  • Camcorders
  • DSLRs
Last response: in Digital Camera
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October 15, 2013 9:58:13 AM

Hi everyone! So I need help on picking a camera, I've also sucked at deciding in general. Basically I need it to film videos for my vlog, some of me rambling about some political issue at home and others me filming protests. If it was just videos at home of me talking I wouldn't care that much, but filming protests means the camera has to do well in different lighting, specifically low light, and it has to deal with a lot of people moving around. Another important thing is audio, because during protests I might ask someone some stuff and I'd like the viewer to be able to hear them. I know DSLR's don't do very well in that aspect, although you can buy a separate thing for that.

I'm not sure about budget yet, I am a student though so don't suggest anything more than $800 while I figure what I can afford.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you :) 

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a b w Digital camera
October 15, 2013 8:26:16 PM

Here are a couple to consider:
The Panasonic HC-V720 Live Streaming HD Camcorder: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/910268-REG/panaso...
Has microphone input jack but no headphone jack.

Canon 32GB VIXIA HF R42 Full HD Camcorder: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909789-REG/Canon_...
It has a microphone input jack (you can add an external microphone) and a headphone jack (critical for monitoring audio).

Both of those camcorders are under $500
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Best solution

October 16, 2013 2:29:23 AM

Hi Phoenix - if you want video that looks like this, you should get a no-viewfinder camcorder such as the Panasonic V720:

http://vimeo.com/72721348

If you want a viewfinder, higher resolution, more control over depth of field and more lens flexibility, you should get the $638 Panasonic G6 (on sale until October 19th, when it goes back up to $749). The G6 is a mirrorless DSLM - not a DSLR.

Unlike a DSLR, its viewfinder continues to work while shooting video - and it can shoot for hours continuously, like a camcorder (with no DSLR-style arbitrary 12, 20 or 30 minute clip length limits).

Here are a few examples of what this camera can do:

Exterior (Day): https://vimeo.com/72107884

Exterior (Night): http://vimeo.com/72692507

Interior: http://vimeo.com/73561266

Wedding: http://vimeo.com/72010967

Add a $149 Rode Videomic with the Rycote Shock Mount and you're in business for less than $800.

To Ken's point, this camera has a mic jack - but no headphone jack. When you can afford it, you will want to put an external recorder such as the $99 Zoom H1 and a $36 Sescom cable with a headphone monitoring output between your mic and the recorder. That way, you can record directly to both the camera and a high quality external track - and monitor what you're recording with audio level meters and headphones.

I use a $27 Kamerar Hot Shoe extension and $15 hot shoe adapter to mount a recorder, mic and top handle on my Panasonic GH3.

This setup works well for me.



Hope this is helpful and good luck with your vlog!

Bill
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October 18, 2013 1:04:13 PM

brunerww said:
Hi Phoenix - if you want video that looks like this, you should .....
Bill


that is quite a rig you have there - what was the total cost? and the weight?
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October 18, 2013 6:57:52 PM

brightside said:
brunerww said:
Hi Phoenix - if you want video that looks like this, you should .....
Bill


that is quite a rig you have there - what was the total cost? and the weight?

Should be fairly light! I'm guessing around 5-6lbs?
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October 19, 2013 4:07:10 AM

brightside said:
that is quite a rig you have there - what was the total cost? and the weight?


Thanks, brightside! The cost (today's prices) would be:

Panasonic GH3 body - $998 (marked down $200 right now) - 1.2 lbs.
Panasonic 14-140mm lens (old version) - $642 - 1.4 lbs.
Tascam DR-40 recorder - $197 - 1.2 lbs.
K-Tek Windscreen for DR-40 - $26
CoolLCD Top Handle - $40
Audio Technica AT835b pro mic - $75 (used via eBay) - 5.3 oz.
Windtech MM-21 Mic Muff - $31.95
Kamerar 20cm Hot Shoe Extension - $27
Rainbowimaging Pistol Grip - $24.50
Audio Technica ATH-M50 Headphones - $147 - 12.5 oz.

Approximate Replacement Cost (SDXC card not included): $2208.45
Approximate Weight: 4.9 lbs. (amuffin was about right :) )

Cheers,

Bill

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