What camera should I buy?

[wanataka]

Hello!!

I would like to buy a professional video camera, but I am totally stuck on my choice. First of all,…DSLR or a camcorder? I have worked in different audiovisual productions, and I have used both type of cameras. Now I would really like to become a professional camera operator, so I need a camera on my own. I am more interested in non-fiction that in fiction, and I would also like to use the camera for extreme sports, specially climbing, skiing and snowboarding. I have a GoPro, but I need an alternative camera as well.  My budget is around 2000- 2500 $. 

Many people told me to buy a camcorder rather than a DSLR, since I am more interested in non-fiction. But, on the other hand, I am scared about being a bit limited, since I will not have the option of interchanging the lenses…What do you think? 

Thank you!!

[ophelia]

Hey Bill – you always post such great informative posts, how about a challenge:  Would you please publish your "Wishlist" of your most wanted cameras….and in this case, money is not a factor.  Looking forward to your answer!

 

 

mitzie

[ophelia]

I just found your website, so, perhaps my answer is there.  Awesome and thanks for all your input!

 

mitzie

[brunerww]

Hi wanataka – 

 

I wouldn't buy a DSLR for sports or events (no video viewfinder, unless you spend the extra money for a loupe or EVF; limited to 30 minutes of coontinuous recording – so no speeches, plays or sermons; and poor in-camera stabilization).

 

The one interchangeable lens camera brand that can do this job in your price range is Panasonic, with their mirrorless DSLMs.  These cameras, unlike DSLRs, have built-in EVFs, essentially unlimited continuous recording, and unlike most DSLRs (with the exception of the Nikon D3300 and D5300) records at frame rates up to 1080/60p for smooth action and slow motion.

 

 

This is what the $678 Panasonic G6 (on sale with the kit lens as of this post) can do on the ski slopes:

 

 

 

 

 

I am a Panasonic GH3 shooter.  It adds a headphone jack, an all-metal splashproof body and a choice of codecs and higher bit rates to the G6's terrific image quality.

 

Here is what this $1000 camera can do:

 

 

 

 

 

If you prefer the camcorder form factor and you want to shoot skiing, you need world-class stabilization.  Sony camcorders are almost unequaled in this regard.

 

Here is a comparison of GoPro video and the Sony CX730 (the consumer version of the $1849 pro NX30 – please watch at 1080p):

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bac0m_V3iTE

 

 

Here is what the NX30 can do on a vehicle mount:

 

 

http://vimeo.com/39824407

 

 

If your budget is $2500 – you can actually afford to buy both the NX30 with a G6 backup 🙂

 

Hope this is helpful,

 

Bill

Hybrid Camera Revolution

 

 

[ophelia]

Yay!  Looking forward to your list!

[wanataka]

Hello Bill! Sorry for the late reply. Thank you so much, your answer was really really useful. I am still thinking, but I think I will go for a camcorder rather than a DSLR…

 

Thank you so much!

[Anonymous]

We just put the new Panasonic GH4 to the test in a shootout with the Canon 5D MarkIII & Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. Hold on to your butts the results are shocking!

[ophelia]

@Bill from Hybrid Cam Rev (1/15/14): got your "most wanted" camera list ready to post yet?

[brunerww]

You must have been reading my mind, mitzie 🙂  There's really nothing on my blog with a detailed side-by-side of all the newest cameras on the market. I've been thinking that I need to sit down and put together a spreadsheet, and your question gives me the incentive to do just that.

 

Thanks!

 

Bill

Hybrid Camera Revolution

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