What camera should I buy?
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- This topic has 1 reply, 4 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 4 months ago by
wanataka.
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- January 12, 2014 at 10:30 AM #71694wanatakaParticipant
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!!
- January 14, 2014 at 1:55 PM #209546opheliaParticipant
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
- January 14, 2014 at 2:00 PM #209547opheliaParticipant
I just found your website, so, perhaps my answer is there. Awesome and thanks for all your input!
mitzie
- January 15, 2014 at 3:02 AM #209532brunerwwMember
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:
If your budget is $2500 – you can actually afford to buy both the NX30 with a G6 backup π
Hope this is helpful,
Bill
- January 17, 2014 at 2:26 PM #209596opheliaParticipant
Yay! Looking forward to your list!
- February 5, 2014 at 12:48 AM #209722wanatakaParticipant
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!
- May 1, 2014 at 1:14 PM #210335AnonymousInactive
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!
- October 10, 2014 at 3:43 PM #211214
- January 15, 2014 at 2:59 AM #209554brunerwwMember
You must have been reading my mind, mitzie π 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
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