Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: camcorder

Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: camcorder - Recent Posts http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: camcorder - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:26:40 +0000 composite1 on "Just Starting, Have Questions" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/just-starting-have-questions#post-74790 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:01:00 +0000 composite1 74790@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ John, With low, micro or near zero budgets like yours, keeping it simple is the only way to go. In all seriousness look at a good Point and Shoot camera with video built-in. Most do HD in 720p or 1080p and you can get really good images. Don't spend more than 200 bucks. Take another $100 and buy a Zoom H1 so you can record synced audio because you won't get good audio with just the camera. Next, go to 'S-Mart' and buy a small camera bag that will hold the camera, a small tripod (Joby preferred), the Zoom, 2 or more SD cards (4GB or bigger), two extra camera and AA batteries, your manuals a cleaning cloth, the battery charger and any connection cables. Don't spend more than $30 on the bag. You'll also want a larger tripod again don't spend more than $25. You'll need a small light. There are many small LED and fluorescent LED lights you can hand hold, put on your head or rig up to light your subjects that are under $20. Trick will be to choose the proper whitebalance with your camera settings to get the color right. You can find good point and shoot cameras with video and many of the other camera accessories at BHPhoto-Video.com. Stay out of Best Buy. Their job is to make you spend money. You'll blow your budget fooling with them. vid-e-o-man on "Just Starting, Have Questions" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/just-starting-have-questions#post-74788 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:35:32 +0000 vid-e-o-man 74788@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ John, Sony Vegas Studio is in the affordable range and it comes with an audio editor to help with the clean up of your audio. It should do anything in the basic range of editing and producing DVDs etc. It also has has a lot of the features of the pro model except for the unlimited quantity of audio and video tracks and some things that are more advanced. It should fulfill all of your needs for editing and outputing your video. Keep shooting.  cfxcorp on "Just Starting, Have Questions" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/just-starting-have-questions#post-74785 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:56:45 +0000 cfxcorp 74785@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Tough budget.  Sony has a bluetooth lapel mic you can pin on the subject and it links to the ActiveShoe receiver on a Sony camcorder.  Or buy a $99 Zoom mic and place very close to the subject then sync the audio and video in the editor (challenging).  I think you cold save money on the editor and sink it into the camera and mic by using AVS4You Video Editor - lots of bang for the buck.  Also, Corel and Magix products are decent for this type of work. The AVS4You has some nice titling effects for lower thirds, etc. and allows for video overlays like Picture in Picture or PowerPoint slides with adjustable opacity, etc. <a href="http://www.Izotope.com">http://www.Izotope.com</a> (Nectar and Music & Speech Cleaner) and <a href="http://www.bias-inc.com">http://www.bias-inc.com</a> (SoundSoap) offer audio cleaning tools for $199.00, $39.00, and $129.00 respectively.  Both offer trial/demos.  If you are going to use plug-ins instead of stand-alone tools, you won't be able to use the AVS4You Video Editor, probably want at leat Vegas Studio version. John on "Just Starting, Have Questions" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/just-starting-have-questions#post-74656 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:35:20 +0000 John 74656@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Greetings, I am just starting out in film and am having trouble getting the information I want answered by any of the suits at the big electronic stores. Unfourtunate for me, I have no friends with experience in these matters either. I am looking for some (i call them simple) answers, and I am hoping that someone here might help me. The project: I am doing a documentary of a precarious group of people and require equipment and know how. 1st question: What Camcorder should I look into. I have a budget of about 700 dollars, and am looking at a mic, and a software compliment for this camcorder. I am hearing alot of good things about the Canon Vixia, but I have no idea if the information is accurate. 2nd question: I have heard that Vegas Software would be above my grade for a documentary, but better to have it and not need it I always say. I want to eventually burn it to a dvd to watch, would Vegas work well for this and say normal burn software? 3rd question: With a documentary I am going to be interviewing people in some pretty noisy places, and would require the tools to turn down the volume levels of the area to better hear the subject's response. Which program would I use, or would it depend on the mic or camcorder? Any help would be appreciated... Linda Estridge on "Firewire video transfer from camcorder to pc is pixelated" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/firewire-video-transfer-from-camcorder-to-pc-is-pixelated/page/2#post-74255 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:16:58 +0000 Linda Estridge 74255@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ The firewire port on my Canon ZR800 has stopped working. It looks like two pins might be broken off. Can I replace the firewire port. Matt on "Sony HDR-TD10 Stereo 3D Camcorder For Sale" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sony-hdr-td10-stereo-3d-camcorder-for-sale#post-73473 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:19:57 +0000 Matt 73473@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have a 2 month old new open box sony hdr-td10 full hd, 3d camcorder for sale. I thought i would use it a bunch, but it turns out for me there is nothing interesting for me to film when it is freezing and snowing outside. There is 0 imperfections on the unit, the lens has never been touched. Opened and only used to test the 3d viewing on the lcd screen. Has all original accessories, box, manuals and software along with warranty cards (still under manufacturers 1 year warranty). I paid $1500 for the unit. If interested please make me an offer I live in Algonquin, IL. Zip Code 60102. I have a verified/confirmed paypal account to make the transaction with. Thanks. <img alt="Unit Powered On" src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i452/442convt/Sony%20HDR-TD10/DSC00051.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> <img alt="Top" src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i452/442convt/Sony%20HDR-TD10/DSC00049.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> <img alt="Body" src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i452/442convt/Sony%20HDR-TD10/DSC00048.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> <img alt="Lens" src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i452/442convt/Sony%20HDR-TD10/DSC00053.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> designcbts on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-73286 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:32:23 +0000 designcbts 73286@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/  I realize you want to go tapeless, but I really love my Sony HDR FX1000s.  The image quality is fantastic, it probably fits the bill in the size/weight department, batterey life is good and it performs well in low light.  One potential downside:  no XLR input.  The money you'd save going with miniDV, you could afford more accessories...  EarlC on "DSLR vs. Prosumer Camcorder?" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-73271 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:30:12 +0000 EarlC 73271@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Great tool, Robin. I like your enthusiasm and initial assessment. I am personally interested in hearing more as you get into the abilities and quality of video with your new camcorder. Please do keep us informed. designcbts on "DSLR vs. Prosumer Camcorder?" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-73270 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:07:21 +0000 designcbts 73270@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/  Congratulations Robin!   Start investing time with your new equipment, even if it's just shooting some stock footage for yourself.  Be careful, protect your camcorder and accessories from drops, scrapes, etc.  I would also start experimenting with your shotgun mic in different envronments (indoor/outdoors).  Good luck! Ian James Smith on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-73258 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:49:47 +0000 Ian James Smith 73258@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Because of my special requirements, I have recently bought and am now using, a 'Panasonic' HDC-SD900. I have to carry all of my gear over long distances at times and I certainly have no objection to this camcorder's high level of portability. Apart from the fact that we all have lists of 'would-like-to-haves', I find this camcorder to be almost ideal for my purposes and I have a growing catalogue of video-clips, to prove the point. In fact, I chose this model for its excellent manual-focussing, amongst its other features. Only one 'gripe'. Since I occasionally carry my camcorder, on its tripod, over my shoulder while walking between locations which are not too far apart, why, Oh why, did the designers not put a positive 'lock' on the pull-out screen? For safety, I always place a rubber-band around the rear of my camcorder when I have finished shooting, just in case the damned thing accidentally 'catches' on something between shots and is wrenched-off, or damaged. And, CKI don't be carried away by 'bigness', or what looks 'professional'. Quite a number of years ago, a professional photographer whom I knew of, was invited to a school's 100th-year Anniversary. You know the thing, the requirement to take, probably, hundreds of 'class-of-xx-year' and similar photographs over a long weekend. He took along a large and impressive looking 'plate' camera and retired under the black hood at intervals to 'do-the-business'. All went well, until someone began poking around his camera to get a better look at some item of detail and found that the plate-camera didn't seem to have a 'normal' lens. And so, he 'dug' some-more and found, to his great surprise, that nestled snugly inside the camera, mounted on its own little bracket, was a second camera, a Leica M3, in fact. The 'exposure' of this seeming scam, produced consternation, and a bit of fancy-footing in the excuses department, but all was OK, once the school committee accepted his explanation that the results would be of the highest order, which apparently, on the release of the 'proofs', they turned out to be. Robin on "DSLR vs. Prosumer Camcorder?" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-73256 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:42:02 +0000 Robin 73256@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hey thanks everyone for all the info. It was extremely helpful. I ended up getting the panasonic AG-HMC80-- it's a perfect size and weight (really stable); it can record in HD or SD; it has a lot of really great manual functions; and the sound is good (I got a shotgun mic as well.) <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/709719-REG/Panasonic_AG_HMC80_AG_HMC80_3MOS_AVCCAM_HD.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/709719-REG/Panasonic_AG_HMC80_AG_HMC80_3MOS_AVCCAM_HD.html</a> I just got it yesterday and I'm really happy with it, though I'm still learning how to use it:) Joseph Dellwo on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-73248 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:45:54 +0000 Joseph Dellwo 73248@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I had done extensive research similar to what you're doing right now and I decided on the Sony NX5U to replace my venerable XL-1. It meets all of your criteria plus has a few added bells and whistles. Like you, I considered the reaction a client has when they see your gear. Clients drooled over my big XL-1 while the little (high end consumer) Canon Vixia HF-S200 sitting next to it kicked it in the chips - picture-wise at least. While I will honestly admit to being one of those Canon snobs - I actually made the Sony my first choice not because of size but due to it having three chips over the single chip in the Canon xf100. I find a lot of professional jobs adhere to the old three chip requirement and choosing a single chip no matter how good might have lost me work. The Sony also has an HD-SDI output which increases the variety of jobs you might have access to such as live events. (It can also do 4:2:2 through the SDI.) And of course I must admit the picture on the NX5U is really top notch. Better maybe, I think, than the xf100. I ultimately couldn't afford the NX5U and so I can't tell you how it might have worked out for me with a lot of professional work. But I am confident it would have been worth every penny spent on it. Good luck with your choice. I hope the info on the NX5U is helpful in your decision making process. MediaFish on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-73235 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:47:56 +0000 MediaFish 73235@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ We are using the XF100 and love them. Weddingmaster on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-73234 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:18:09 +0000 Weddingmaster 73234@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ sony nx5 has been a great unit for me. I have 2 now. love the features and the quality is A-1. I have used most of the cams on your list, I primarily do weddings and I need controls on the cam not in a menu. good luck in your search. Harry karimba45 on "Confused. ini dv to DVD issues" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/confused-ini-dv-to-dvd-issues#post-73159 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:48:29 +0000 karimba45 73159@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi all All my drives are NTFS, but am going stright from Camcorder - Panasonic NV-DS11B After about 20 mins it says dvd finished, but theres another 50 mins left. I dont want to keep chucking dvd's at thsi!!! As I said it didnt happen with my samsung VPD381/XEU although i had bad pixelation which redered the results useless! Any help greatfully received Andy karimba45 on "Confused. ini dv to DVD issues" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/confused-ini-dv-to-dvd-issues#post-73140 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 01:21:17 +0000 karimba45 73140@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi there thanks for your reply. impretty sure its NTFS, but will check and post here with more information! PMorton on "Confused. ini dv to DVD issues" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/confused-ini-dv-to-dvd-issues#post-73077 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:31:54 +0000 PMorton 73077@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/  The experts here would need more information about the software and settings you are using to give you any answers about the quality issues. The 20 minute limit sounds like you may be using a computer with the hard drive formatted in FAT32, which has a file size limit of 4GB.  This equates to 18 minutes of DV video. karimba45 on "Confused. ini dv to DVD issues" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/confused-ini-dv-to-dvd-issues#post-73063 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:26:30 +0000 karimba45 73063@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi all, I had a JVC mini dv camcorder. been taking video of my kids for years. Started to download to DVD and noticed issues with quality. I bought a second hand samsung to download with. am now getting pixelation on the right hand side. Borrowed a canon camcorder from a friend and although it can playback really well but whilst downloading my computer ejects the dvd after about 20 minutes. What ami doing wrong? Ive tried a cleaning tape on the samsung, no use. dagunner on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-72897 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:33:52 +0000 dagunner 72897@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I am rather fond of my Sony AX2000. SD cards, good low light. dual XLR inputs. Lots of adjustability. CKI on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-72814 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:40:42 +0000 CKI 72814@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Charles, the HMC150 would probably do wonders to my low light worries, the problem is I am in Denmark, Europe, so am not blessed with U.S prices, nor do I have the chance to pass by New York and B&H in the near future. And I haven't seen it priced within my budget here in Europe. May look around a bit more or have to stretch that budget. About the size discussion that has evolved, all the camcorders I mentioned are the right size, and there are many more of similar size that I have left out, so I honestly don't get the point. Also, it's more about handling than image. I shoot using the handle and would not be comfortable panning around a tiny lightweight cam. Charles Schultz on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-72799 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:33:26 +0000 Charles Schultz 72799@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ CKI, check out the Panasonic AG-HMC150, I think it may be what you are looking for. It does very well in low light, has a fantastic image and you can get a battery that lasts for 3 hours. B & H photo has kits with camera bag, extended battery, shotgun mic for about a $1,000 under your budget. It also has 1/3 CCD sensors so you will not have to worry about someone taking pictures and the flash messing with the image like a CMOS does. Here is a link to the kit that I got and I truly love the camera. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/576246-REG/Panasonic_HMC150SHOOTER_AG_HMC150_AVCCAM_Camcorder_Shooter_s.html WSanford on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-72792 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:04:00 +0000 WSanford 72792@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Well, if size is an issue, you could always stick it on rails and add a external monitor and a bigger dead cat on your mic. I rolled up pair of socks in your front pocket could help too. Thats not entirely said tounge in cheek. One area of design in the "Prosumer" class of camera that companies compete against is a smaller size with an ergonomic form factor. That is somewhat working against you in the "Size" area but there are a lot of add on's to go with that are not only size/tech enhancing but extremely functional. With smaller sizes, cameras get harder to steady. Rails, shoulder mount rig's and such are beyond functional, almost an absolute must for small cameras and they also add a touch of (this guy is serious). External monitors are the same for small cameras. I have and use a VG10 a lot. Using a camera with such a range of depth of field (depending on lens) will eat your lunch maintaining focus on such a small flip out screen when in run and gun situations. I have a Sony 5" external monitor I use with it and it is the bomb. I get much better footage and peaking makes focusing on the fly easy, not to mention does add a bit to the look. Mic's and audio equipment is the same and opens a whole world to function and "Size". Don't think I'm scoffing over your "Size" requirement. I've seen the look on clients faces when I pull out a "B" cam or POV cam's first during set up. Its kind of like going to a mechanic, he pops the hood and first thing he does is pull out a pair of vise grips. So I understand there is some merit to that requirement but in the "Prosumer" catagory I don't think you are going to find an answer to your satisfaction anymore with a decrease in size being a part of the product race between manufactures. However, as I said earlier you can enhance look while enhancing performance and customising the whole set up to your needs. Thats another plus with add-on's. I still have my Gl2, several small cams like HV40's and the VG10 and an EX1. I actually shoot more with the VG10 right now. Its a tad smaller than my GL2 but with all the add-ons, its a pretty good sized rig. I scale down and remove some for "Run and Gun" shooting but when at an event I've got all the bells and whistles. I can customise to any situation with that rig. To get all the bells and whistles wrapped up in a camera, its going to take you up and out of the "Prosumer" class. Staying in the prosumer class and adding just what you need can take you in the same direction as far as look while keeping function the top priority. Your look may influence people in getting some gig's but in the end its the quality of footage that your reputation will be built on. I'd keep the later as the number one priority and cheat like hell on the other...the rational for a rolled up pair of socks. :-) CKI on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-72784 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:59:18 +0000 CKI 72784@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Guys, thanks for reading and replying, but no offense, not sure you read my post there. Not looking for a DSLR, not looking for a small palm cam. As I said the XA10 is too small for instance. I want a camcorder that is at least the size as my old XM2/GL2. Size does mean a lot to me, both in terms of image and actual handling of the thing. Would appreciate any feedback on which of the cams on my shortlist would live up to my criteria. And if I have left any out. Luc van Vliet on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-72777 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:34:11 +0000 Luc van Vliet 72777@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ `Check out the Canon Legria HF G10 (type name in europe) it's the same as XA10 or XF100 on the inside (lens, chip etc) and I did buy it last week for € 1175,- I love the thing very very mucho, it's great. Shawn Lam on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-72770 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:00:24 +0000 Shawn Lam 72770@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ If you want the best image quality and a more professional look (shallow depth of field) then the Sony VG20 is a great video camera. The nice park about that camera is that because it accepts interchangeable lenses (native Sony e-mount but easily adaptable to pretty much every other lens mount with an adapter) you have more options than a fixed lens camcorder does. larryparson on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-72768 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:01:23 +0000 larryparson 72768@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Check out Canon SX 40 HS which has better video than almost all DSLR or prosumer camcorders exceeding most of your dream list. 24-800 smooth wide angle 35x zoom. Best steady shot available. Accessory hot shoe mount excellent stereo recording & outstanding still camera function. Price is the kicker at less than 500 & the last years SX 30 available less than 400. Best value & performance in the prosumer level!! Joseph Dellwo on "DSLR vs. Prosumer Camcorder?" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72766 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:28:49 +0000 Joseph Dellwo 72766@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ I'm not going to get too deep into the DSLR vs camcorder issue here - I own both and both have their place - it really depends on what you want to do with them. But I will say this - I owned the venerable Canon XL-1 for almost 10 years and never bought a second lens. Weddings, commercials, sports, training videos and more - same lens. So don't get hung up too much on interchangable lenses. Your camera moves. And I NEVER had to sweat the audio with my XL. There's nothing like having all your controls at your fingertips and a nice headphone jack to make sure you get the audio you need. Secondly, if you do go DSLR to shoot mostly video, consider a Canon t3i (600d) instead of the weather sealed 7d. If you aren't taking it into the jungle, the t3i will do everything video-wise and more that a 7d can do for way less money. Same APS-C sensor. Same lenses. Awesome flip out viewfinder. An admittedly difficult to use audio meter and manual controls, but at least it has them. It's also less prone to overheating. Put the money you save into good audio equipment. There is no one size fits all camera. Figure out what you are going to do with your camera and let that guide you. Bruce on "DSLR vs. Prosumer Camcorder?" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72763 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:07:35 +0000 Bruce 72763@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Robin, I think you're getting ahead of yourself. Interchangeable lenses? Why? It's like starting out as a young driver and your want your first car to be an Indy racing car. Get a great rated Canon, or any other brand/video camera that others rate high. Use that camera's zoom feature, or better yet, get your subject within the framing/asthetic reasons. When you've reached that peak in ability, projects, getting to know what works and what doesn't, then you can use your past knowledge and step up to the interchangeable world of videocameras. Good luck and enjoy the experiences. David Forrester on "DSLR vs. Prosumer Camcorder?" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72762 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:43:44 +0000 David Forrester 72762@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Robin: I have both. A dedicated camcorder Sony Z5 and a superb DSLR Canon 5D Mk2 with 8 Zeiss lenses. I have used them extensively for over a year. Both cameras give stunning quality pictures. When it comes to stills, the Canon is world class. When it comes to clear, clean night or low light photography, the Canon wins hands down. When it comes to shallow depth of field, creativity "art" type of shooting, the Canon wins big time and in truth, that is why I got it. But when it comes to audio - and remember audio is 50% of the total capture and often overlooked or minimized, the Canon fails miserably. So I had to buy an external Zoom Hn4 recorder - which means you need another person with you to focus in on the audio component. It means you have to turn on and off the camera AND the recorder each time - watch for level controls, etc. It won't work for a single gal. Not at this stage of the game. And then you have sync the sound in post. The Zoom does give a huge range of audio options and quality and 4 channels - so that is amazing alone and worth the price of admission!! But it IS another job for a dedicated sound guy. The Sony Z5 does these things that the Canon cannot do: Delivers stunning pictures with a 20X zoom, the quality and sharpness indistinguishable or better than the Zeiss and the Canon. Maybe the colors aren't as saturated, but that is always done in post anyway. That Sony has superb built-in mics and another directional mic that is as good as my Sennheiser ME66. The controls of the Sony allow me to do anything my heart desires from run and gun automatic to any form of manual / auto and therefore alllows me to follow focus. The audio is taken care of automatically or manually. It can accept 2 XLR mics, on line inputs, phantom power. I don't have to change out lenses - the range is from 29-580 - huge! And variable zoom rates which can almost duplicate a slow dolly shot! and 2 zoom rockers and start / stop buttons for low angles. It has a flip out rotational screen - awesome! For ultra wides, I use an adapter. It has 3 built in ND's which are absolutely a MUST (Canon does not). it has something like 100 functions including peaking, color settings, profiles, last frame review, variable rates when color or light changes, 24 and 30p as well as SD and interlacing (dinosaurs these days). And variable lens stability too! And I USE all of them often. Even slo-mo (but you sacrifice pix quality). And it can record for an hour non-stop - then you have to change tapes. It does not overheat. One battery is good for 6 hrs of continuous recording - unheard of in a dslr. The only downside is the lack of shallow depth of field at 29-150mm settings and low light with clarity and no noise. But trust me, the Sony is still the king of the 2. I love that Canon 5D, but it has become a cash sink-hole to make it work. For instance, when shooing at f 1.4-2.8, the focus is shallow - sometimes razor thin. Following action is almost impossible and takes great skill and practice. The live view is the only way to see the picture and it and it is not nearly good enough for precise focusing with a big lens of 50-180mm range and a moving subject 5-10' away. You are always switching to 5 and 10X zoom for precision - a pain but necessary. The fully manual Zeiss lenses are world class and trust me, they need exacting precise operations to make them sing - therefore you need help. I got a Hoodman to look up close to the live view which is a great asset, but still cannot equal an external monitor such as the Marshall 5 or 7" (absolute pre-requisites) and that costs 500-1000. The Canon cannot do a 15 min straight shoot as it gets too hot and shuts down to cool off. I can do it in the winter tho. The Canon has moire and a digital look with microscopic vertical and horizontal lines. The Sony's Exmor chip eliminates that completely. The Canon shines when it comes to the creative aspect, but really needs to be properly set up and very carefully used only in the right setting. The Sony weighs 6 pounds. The Canon with lenses, audio, gear accessories is 30 lbs or more. Canon investment is around $10k. Sony is $4k and is easier to use by a wide margin. But when it comes to stills, Canon is the king in the world. Hope this gives a really detailed, in depth, understanding of what you are up against. Now, having said that, a great DP once said this after looking at the Great Camera Shootout, "Give me a good script, a good cast and a good Director and I can win the world" even with so-so equipment. Schindler's List is a classic example of exactly that. CKI on "Help me buy the right semi-pro camcorder" http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-me-buy-the-right-semi-pro-camcorder#post-72761 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:40:38 +0000 CKI 72761@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Looking for a camcorder and really need some help. My old Canon XM2 (GL2) is just not doing the job anymore, and I am tired of tapes and standard res. Not to mention it's starting to look antique, so it's not really giving me that professional confidence boost when I pull it out. What I am looking for is something like this: - Full HD avchd - Midsize with handle. Need a pro look for my business so a small one, won't do the job. - Record to SD card and/or internal memory (flash or HD) - Decent wide angle (or a cam to which a good wide-adapter can be bought at a reasonable price) - Decent battery time. - Heavy enough for steady handling, light enough to be able to shoot using the handle for some time. - Good low light quality as I will be shooting lots inside and not always with optimal light. - Generally speaking, image quality more important than audio quality. - Maximum price: Around 4,500 USD / 2.800 GBP These are the cams I have been looking at: - Sony HXR-NX70E - Canon XF100 - Panasonic AG-HMC40/41 - Sony NEX-VG2OEH The Sony HXR-NX70 gets great lowlight reviews, but it's expensive and I don't know if I would be paying for lots of stuff I will never need (like the jungle-thing, waterproof, dustproof etc) The Canon XF100 also at the very top of my budget, but seems like an overall great camera. The Panasonic is affordable and I think would certainly do the job had I always a perfect light set-up, but I am worried that the lense is small and that it does a bad job in less than great light. I am tempted by an offer right now of 2040 GBP for the camera + XLR-adapter + iPad. The Sony NEX-VG2, i Just saw this, looks different and interesting, but can't compare the lense really, so am fairly clueless. Any cams I have left out? And which of these would you suggest and why? (Note: Could not find a general camcorder forum, only brand specific ones. Please feel free to move this thread to any correct forum I might have missed.)