http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: prosumer - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:56:57 +0000 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/ <p>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.</p> 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/ <p>&nbsp;Congratulations Robin!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Start investing time with your new equipment, even if it's just shooting some stock footage for yourself.&nbsp; Be careful, protect your camcorder and accessories from drops, scrapes, etc.&nbsp; I would also start experimenting with your shotgun mic in different envronments (indoor/outdoors).&nbsp; Good luck!</p> 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/ <p>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.)</p> <p><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></p> <p>I just got it yesterday and I'm really happy with it, though I'm still learning how to use it:) </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/panasonic-ag-hmc80-or-canon-xa10#post-73021 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:29:07 +0000 Mike 73021@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I need to purchase a low end prosumer camera for shooting music instruction videos.  Currently looking at the Panasonic AG-HMC80 or Canon XA10.  Videos will be watched either online as streaming, or perhaps downloadable products.  I like to have XLR audio inputs for channels 1 and 2 to split the audio.  I'm currently using a Panasonic AG-DVC80 and have been very happy with it over the years.  Any suggestions as to which camera I should go for? Or perhaps a different one altogether?</p> 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/ <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>There is no one size fits all camera.  Figure out what you are going to do with your camera and let that guide you.</p> <p> </p> 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/ <p> 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.</p> <p>Good luck and enjoy the experiences.</p> 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/ <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.  </p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.  </p> <p>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.  </p> <p>The Canon has moire and a digital look with microscopic vertical and horizontal lines.  The Sony's Exmor chip eliminates that completely.  </p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72491 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:40:02 +0000 Tim 72491@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Robin... as somebody else mentioned, you'll have to find another means for capturing audio if you go with a DSLR.&nbsp; Big consideration.</p> <p>I purchased an XA10 a couple of months ago.&nbsp; Great pic, relatively easy to use... I had a small issue configuring mic inputs, but I may have just been having a bad day... again.&nbsp; It's very small and a little hard to get used to as I was using a Panasonic AG-DVC60 before.&nbsp; Zoom control is a little touchy.&nbsp; But, I'm happy with my purchase and the quality of the video.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72419 Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:42:10 +0000 vid-e-o-man 72419@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Robin, as Joshua stated: <em>They sell camcorders with interchangeable lenses (almost any DSLR lens if you have the adapter for it) which are designed to bridge the gap between camcorders and DSLR's, </em>Sony's nex 10 price is in your range. I haven't any experience with it but you can find lots of input on it. It has a large enough sensor to give the shallow depth of field and you can add an adaptor to use a lot of different lenses. The form factor is similar to a videocam good for run and gun and I don't think that you will have the overheating issue as a DSLR. You were looking for another suggestion and I thought of this. Good luck with your choice.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72403 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:57:13 +0000 Robin 72403@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey thanks everyone-- this is great. I really appreciate the thoughts and comments. Rob you brought up a great point about just knowing the trade and Earl you brought up a great point about the inconvenience of changing lenses.</p> <p>Out of curiosity, does anyone have any other camcorder recommendations?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72392 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:18:53 +0000 Freddy 72392@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Actually, DSLR are pretty nice for many things, when you already know the basic and you are in situations where there is not enough light for example. But for learning purpose, I would prefer a camcorder, just for the fact that I would develop more skills to fix that low light situation, instead of relying on my low light capacity.</p> <p>At least for me, is not just "what is best", but "what push me more to be creative". Later on, you can find out "what is easier" : )</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72391 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:31:11 +0000 EarlC 72391@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Controlled shooting environment with the availability for retakes ... something in the growing, interchangeable lens, DSLR family. This is, of course, provided you have the budget for additional quality audio acquisition and an assortment of lenses that will enable you to take advantage of the creative potential that comes with interchangeable lenses.</p> <p>Virtually ANY other video production environment that calls for being quick on the trigger, from ENG to what Rob said about "run-and-gun" where you have to move quickly and be ready to shoot, or continue shooting for various reasons would benefit from a video camcorder.</p> <p>In my case i do a LOT of continuous record event shooting that lasts from one-to-two hours, often without breaks. I have NO use for another lens, nor would I be able to anticipate, drag out another lens and change it mid-performance. I need long record times without stopping/starting due to heat and time restrictions, and I do not want to be any MORE creative than what two camcorders, one shooting wide to medium, the other shooting medium to extreme close up, can give me. A camcorder, PLEASE!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72389 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:22:49 +0000 Joshua Strazewski 72389@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&nbsp;They sell camcorders with interchangeable lenses (almost any DSLR lens if you have the adapter for it)&nbsp;which are designed to bridge the gap between camcorders and DSLR's.&nbsp; The problem now is they're new and pricey.&nbsp; DSLR's are good for interview type shooting/fixed camera placement.&nbsp; I use mine (D5100 which I know is a pain to use for video on account of having to back door the settings to get it out of auto focus) for time lapse and stills to complement my HMC-150 footage, not replace it.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72385 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 07:28:47 +0000 videoworksjh 72385@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&nbsp;I find myself asking the same question, I have three,&nbsp;three chip Sony camcorders.&nbsp; Although these are good cameras, I do have problems in low light situations.&nbsp; I have just started looking into these cameras.&nbsp; The ability to change lenses seems like a great step forward in low light situations.&nbsp; Maybe if we throw this question up in the cloud.&nbsp; "Ha ha" we will all be able to gather some more information.&nbsp; But on the surface, these smaller cameras with the ability to change lenses, and their ability in low light situations makes them extremely interesting.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72382 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:58:09 +0000 robGRAUERT 72382@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>If you're a film student and want to work in film/television, I think you are better off getting a real video camera first. The HDSLRs lack many controls and inputs that are standard on video cameras. And whether or not HDSLRs are more versatile is based on the type of shoot you are on. They aren't more versatile in run-n-gun situations. And with new 35mm video cameras becoming more available, HDSLRs are becoming more irrelevant.</p> <p>When you get out of school, a legit employer will hire you based on what you can do, not necessarily what equipment you used in school. So you need to focus on HOW to tell a story, HOW to shoot, HOW to light, HOW to edit, HOW to make motion graphics, HOW to encode and compress. Don't get so caught up on what gear you are using.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72372 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:51:24 +0000 Don 72372@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>this debate has been done, check the forums search..</p> <p> I have no experience with that camera...</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72370 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:59:28 +0000 Robin 72370@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey thanks for the reply--yea I'd be able to get more lenses but that would have to wait a few months...</p> <p>Do you know anything about the XA10? Do you think it'd be the right investment?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72369 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:51:00 +0000 Don 72369@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I think you answered your own question... if your budget is limited, you're gonna want lighting and sound equipment.... then will you be able to afford lenses for a d-slr?</p> <p>if not then there is no point in going that direction.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder-1#post-72368 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:25:16 +0000 Robin 72368@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>I am a student filmmaker and I am about to purchase a new camera. I am debating between a DLSR (something like the Canon 7d) or a prosumer camcorder (like the Canon XA10.) My budget is around $2,000 or so. </p> <p>I already have a digital camera (the Nikon d80, which is decent) so I am leaning towards a camcorder. I feel that since if I am trying to be a filmmaker and not a photographer a DSLR is not the right direction to go. However, a lot of my friends have and recommend them because they are versatile (in terms of lenses and whatnot.)</p> <p>Any comments or advice? Is there another brand that I should consider? Do you have any other recommendations for cameras?</p> <p>(Just a note as far as my post production goes-- I edit on final cut pro 6 and have a 1 TB external hard drive.)</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/recommendation-for-an-hd-prosumer-camera#post-70241 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:34:44 +0000 djosbun 70241@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>After doing some more research, it might also look at a DSLR option.  I used to shoot lots of stills many years ago with SLRs as well as my Mamiya RZ67.  The Panasonic GH2 is much cheaper than the Sony I was considering, but I like the fact that Sony has an adapter where I can use Zeiss T* lenses, which should give phenomenal video (it should at $1700)!  But does the 60D limit how much video you can shoot at one time?  Since i'll be primarily shooting motor racing, I don't want to be limited with the shooting length.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/recommendation-for-an-hd-prosumer-camera#post-70238 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:41:12 +0000 Anonymous 70238@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>VG10 looks goods for a entry level prosumer camera..with the interchangeable lens feature you can create very good looking videos..We shoot weddings and were looking into getting a couple of VG10s but in the end decided to go with Canon 60D (DSLR) mainly because the VG10 lacks progressive recording, 24fps option  and the visual quality beats Sony hands down..and for the price of the 60D you can't go wrong.   We also have the Canon Vixia HF G10 and i must say it delivers   better quality recording than the VG10 for a much reasonable price.</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/recommendation-for-an-hd-prosumer-camera#post-70235 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 06:32:51 +0000 djosbun 70235@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Just to add a little more info:  I edit using Sony Vegas Pro 8.  I used to work for a computer hardware/software company called Digital Processing Systems (DPS), which was purchased by Leitch.  I worked with dpsVelocity and dpsReality until our office was shut down in 2002.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/recommendation-for-an-hd-prosumer-camera#post-70233 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 06:18:26 +0000 djosbun 70233@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I have been using my Sony Handycam HDR-HC3 for 5 years now and have been thinking about upgrading to a more prosumer camera.  Since i'm far from an expert, i'd like to solicit the opinions of those on this board for their recommendation.  After buying the HC3, I lucked out and purchased the mic input ActiveSync hotshoe accessory and have been using a Sennheiser MKE400 microphone with great results.  Since I want to stay HD, I was thinking about the Sony NEX-VG10, but some of the reviews have been less than favorable.  I do not shoot professionally but would like to start shooting sports car racing documentaries (strictly amateur stuff but still want great results).</p> <p>Is the NEX-VG10 a good choice?  I'd rather be closer to $1000 if possible, and don't mind buying used.  I haven't found many used HD cams on Craigslist, though.  I also plan on buying a Beachtek for XLR if needed.</p> <p>Any input is greatly appreciated!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dslr-vs-prosumer-camcorder#post-70034 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:49:43 +0000 R23 70034@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&lt;p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 8px;"&gt; </p> <p>Hi, I had Gh1 then waited for the red sub 2k price tag camera, which failed to emerge. With that said i moved to the Canon 550d. This gave me the shots that were perfect for B Roll stuff, but i always had some kind of back up camera to get the full shot on a tripod.</p> <p>I must say its a very deep dark hole which has a steep learning curve for beginners. Also the extras you need to bring with you ie: lights, sound, and all the rest. I think thats one of my issues with the prosumer camera kits, you need to have a army with you. I try to reduce in every way my kit or rigs, this create a less intrusive and intimidating environment for the subject who is being filmed.</p> <p>In terms of the hate towards youtube uploader's, well I think they are destroying the industry but at the same time created a bigger industry online with lower overhead global present and cost effective. The playing ground is almost even, which means quality and production time and cost will reduce at first and then creativity will rise. Oh i don't do wedding's, nice events but its not the way i'm going.</p> <p>Oh here's one i shot with the 550D.</p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/YJYnOE_2L4E" rel="nofollow">http://youtu.be/YJYnOE_2L4E</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-gl2-vs-xl1s#post-65268 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 07:33:03 +0000 gdaley76 65268@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I would agree with EarlC.  I love my GL2 and prefer the ease of use as well and the portability.  The downside for me is it is not 16:9 and that would make it perfect.  With the cost of HD TV's being so low, my clients prefer to be shot with what fits their screens.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-gl2-vs-xl1s#post-65253 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:41:50 +0000 EarlC 65253@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The technology, circuitry, engineering and design of the GL2 actually makes it superior to the XL1 or XL1s with the ONLY serious exception being the ability to use interchangeable lenses with the XL series. Had I known then what I know now I would have saved myself megabucks and purchased THREE GL2 units instead of one GL2 and two XL1 units because I never really NEEDED to change lenses and I never saw my way clear to purchase the very expensive alternative lens choices to do so. My GL2 is my main unit of this setup, and the XL1 units are second cam and backup. I do have to say Canon lenses are vastly superior to much of the other comparably priced SD units out there, and would even hold up well (lens quality wise) to many of the high definition choices available in a similar price range. Realizing, of course, that I'm talking about apples and oranges there.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-gl2-vs-xl1s#post-65250 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:10:01 +0000 gordyh1 65250@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi everyone,</p> <p>i am looking to buy my first prosumer/ professional camcorder and these 2 camcorders have come up a lot.</p> <p>I will mainly be using it for school work.</p> <p>Does anyone have any suggestions as to which one i should get?</p> <p>Thanks</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-with-prosumer-purchase-please#post-64483 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:30:56 +0000 IanMcElroy 64483@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm guessing moxyman has already had his answer - but to put my 2p worth in - the Sony NX5 is the camera I would recommend for "low light" tapeless capture. if it fits the budget!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-with-prosumer-purchase-please#post-64482 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:01:32 +0000 SargeHero 64482@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The Sony AX2000 is a great camera, the only problem is files getting split at around 12 minutes, which can be easily fixed by using the included Sony Content Manage Utility program (its a shame this program does not work on Mac). I agree with Doublehamm <em>"there really is not a camera out there where the built in mic is outstanding", </em>that's why you have the XLR to use professional mics and this camera lets you use phantom power mics. I'm very happy with the camera, I had shot some amazing footage with it, not at all disappointed. It took me a while to learn to use all its features, but the Vidiot in me likes playing with that kind of toys. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-with-prosumer-purchase-please#post-64481 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:08:49 +0000 Charles Schultz 64481@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Did you look at the Panasonic HMC-150 in internet searches. From my research on the camera it has good low level light, tapeless, and can be purchased for just under $3000 online. </p>