Midrange prosumer camera recommendations?

If one's looking for a selection of available lenses and flexibility for microphones/audio capture - what have folks found valuable that's not too pricey $$$$? DSLR? Something like Blackmagic camera? 'Going for cost-effective for advanced-hobby, occasional paid gig use.... Image-quality, dynamic-range considerations, etc. Thanks in advance!

.. depends very much on the stuff you're recording,...
vDSLR/Blackmagic is nice-to-have (and $$$$), but e.g. don't offer stabilization - which would be for my sports-recording and absolute NoGo! For me, the Pana hc-v757 (US: v750) would be a dream-machine, fullHD in 100/120fps unlimited/constantly (720/240p).
For 'artistry' my latest no-budget investments are an old Sony NEX5 (eBay, 240€) plus an adapter plus many super-cheap old Canon FD glases (Garage-sales, fleamarket) for 15-30€.. = APSC-sensor (like the Canon Rebel Ts) plus incredible shallow-focus (f1.8) etc etc etc,... But I'm doing 'beauty shots' very rarely (in 6 weeks, the yearly "can you record our wedding, pleeeeease?"-event will happen..
Audio? The BMPC is no 'hobby'-device, no audio (not even an option to format SDCards internally!)
Do you really USE (not need) changeable lenses?
What about UHD... about forthcoming Pana FZ1000? 'bridge' only, 28-600mm but: ....
4k for (rumored...) 800$!!!
.. you should narrow your real-life-needs - and, no "a lil' from everything!" isn't narrowing...

Similar Messages

Pro-consumer Video Camera: Recommendations?

I'm looking to purchase a pro-consumer miniDV camera but I am confused by the selection. I know that I want a 3-CCD imager (probably rules out Sony cams), 4:3 ratio and true 16:9 aspect ratio, 24p, 30p, 1080i/60i, and XLR audio input. It seems these cams run around +$3k.
I will not be using the cameras to shoot wedding or events but experimental video and I require rich colors. I will also probably be shooting dance. I would also like to leave room to film a short independent feature. (I might eventually have to upgrade to accomplish this.)
Which cams do you recommend?
Another question: In your opinion is it worth spending a couple thousand more to get a lower priced but true HD video camera. By true HD I mean progressive scan video at 720p. By is it "worth it" I am concerned about the cost of shooting in 720p mode, the limited storage capabilities, the cost to purchase hard drives and decks. What are the costs and complications of purchasing a 720p camera? I know I am probably limited to Panasonic or JVC brands. Which cameras do you recommend?
Thanks so much for all your feedback.
Mac OS X (10.4.1)
Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Standard Definition (the format which the DVX100 shoots in) has a relatively straightforward editing workflow, tried and tested in recent years and easy to work with, particularly if you are working on a budget and are restricted to using an iMac, which has less options for expandability i.e adding a second firewire bus (not firewire port - sometimes you can get problems capturing video via firewire if you have your transfer deck or camera hooked up to your computer on the same firewire bus, despite being on separate ports - not always and you may never experience the problem, but if you're editing in more than a casual user environment you don't want to take the risk)
You can't add e-sata drives (alternative to fW drives) via an e-sata card on an iMac whereas you can with a macpro which can also add internal storage whereas an imac can't.
HDV which the XA-H1 shoots in, is at the lower end of the Hi Def formats, looks great when shot well and displayed on a large screen hi-def tv, but is highly compressed and causes problems in the editing workflow.
Ideally, you want to have a monitor or at least a portable tv hooked up to your computer for external monitoring of your video - to check whether titles are correctly displayed within the title-safe areas and more importantly for colour correction as computer displays and tvs don't display video the same and whereas this may not be important if you're videoing your great aunt's birthday or the kids playing in the park, if you're doing serious stuff, such as commercials or short films you need to be able to monitor externally.
Performing this is simple if you're editing standard def but if you're editing HDV you can't do this using the method described.
You either have to use a combination of HD monitor such the Apple 23" Cinema display coupled with the Matrox MXO card or use a compatible capture card to convert to a more edit friendly format such as dvchpro to avoid long render times - both options will cost more than the price of the imac on it's own and is why it's recommended to get a macpro tower when using a Proapp such as FCP if you're hoping to edit for a living or if you're a serious and regular user.
That's not to say you cant edit HDV using a imac and external FW hard drive set-up - I'm sure many contributors to this forum do - just to illuminate the possible difficulties.
Also, when shooting in any hi-def format, your technical camera skills need to be more proficient - focus in an image that is blown up to higher sizes if much more critical and you're going to show every blemish and wrinkle of a character's skin.
Yeah, the XA-H1 is a fine camera for shooting with from a camera and image perspective - much more difficult to deal with the footage as an FCP editor and potentially a lot more expensive if you want/need to do it properly.
Yes, as large hi-def tv's become more widespread, Hd is going to become the format of the future - as I've no doubt, will tapeless cameras.
Many Prosumer HDV cameras offer the option of downconverting in-camera to standard def, meaning you can shoot in the HDV format, then downconvert to standard def for editing, retaining the HDV master for future re-editing if you don't currently have the setup capable of editing HDV natively or if, in future, the HdV editing workflow becomes easier to deal with.
This may be your best option, but you'll need to check if the XA-H1 has this facility - I'm not familiar with this camera but know that the Sony Z1 or v1 both offer this facility.
Don't forget, there's not yet an inexpensive way of burning HD/HDV material to DVD that'll play in the majority of HDDVD/Blu-ray players yet - that's coming in the near(ish) future, so if you are outputting to DVD, you'll have to do this in SD anyway.
BTW, I have used the DVX-100 extensively and it's the standard for 1/3" CCD standard def prosumer cams.
Search the forum for HDV to check out the current thinking on editing HDV - there's masses of opinion out there.
Good luck!

Advice for prosumer camera purchase

I have worked with both HDV and AVCHD in FCP and know the pros and cons. I also know between these 2 cameras one is HDV and one is AVCHD (avccam as panasonic calls it).
I am ready to purchase a prosumer cam, and although this isn't related to FCP, I would assume some of you have used these cameras and maybe even own them. So, which would you purchase? I am looking to shoot weddings, musical performances, and my own freelance/enjoyment of recording in state parks, downtown Pittsburgh, etc...
Panasonic AG-HMC150 or Canon XH-A1s
Thanks!

I do not have any experience with the cameras that you are considering, though i thought i might throw the cat amongst the pigeons here, i also dont know what your budget is,
but I use the sony FX1 and Z1 cameras, both are HDV and both are excellent in low light conditions.
Being a discontinued line they are quite cheap, I bought a 2nd hand Z1 three month's ago for AUS$3,500 with very low hrs.
They use mini DV tapes, some may consider this a draw back but for me it doesn't make a difference the quality of the footage and colours are exceptional.
Are quite robust, have been using them filming bull catching, cattle mustering, pig hunting and fishing in outback australia on the ground and in the air (helicopters) and touch wood have not let me down yet, but have been through several consumer type cameras.
This is my experience, hope it helps.

No conversion Prosumer camera

I am shopping around for a prosumer camera to use with Final Cut Pro 7 that does not require you to convert footage to an editable format. Currently use the Canon 5d Mark II all footage needs to be converted to APR from the native h.264 on my system. But after coming off a huge project, this created problems with time and space. I was coming off a Panasonic HVX200 before this camera so I got spoiled.
Looking for something small and portable where I can grab my footage in native format and start editing right away in 1080 or 720. Any suggestions or help with this appreciated. Thanks!

Hi,
.. you have a first class camera in the 5DMkII .. I would not waste money on a different canera .. find a work flow to help .. I use Magic Bullet Grinder to batch convert the files from mine to ProRes422 which I start off go have a coffee and come back all done! The finished files are put into a matching sequence which needs no rendering. It is a cool app .. check out the video and their site for more info (I checked lots of reviews before buying it all good)..
http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/products/all/magic-bullet-grinder/
Jimkells
www.jimkells.com

Prosumer Camcorder Recommendation

I have been using a Sony DCR-VX2100 for five years now, and want to make the jump to HD and also away from Mini DV tapes to avoid capture from tape (and moving parts). The 2100 has been the perfect camcorder for our purposes-capturing summer camp action...some low light campfires, drama productions etc. but also compact enough to take out in the field. Any recommendations for the new camcorder? Canon? Sony? Models? Where to buy? Thanks in advance.

G_Stray,
I am in exactly the same boat as you are....Been using the vX2000 for years now and it is time to move on......
Looked all over for the "recommended cameras" discussions page without any luck...
I was actually going to ask the same question in this forum as I am editing in FCP and want a camera which is compatible ..... which would in turn make this the proper forum for camera recommendations .....
Really am leaning towards the Sony EX-1 (thus my price range) .
Also looking at the Blackmagic Decklink HD Extreme card. Wondering how many of you have that card.
Want to shoot something that I can play on my 55" Samsung LCD TV...and get my moneys worth out of both a quality camera and my HD LCD TV.
Kirk

Prosumer camera advice?

Hi everyone,
I've been posting in the Final Cut Express forum about this, and someone pointed out that this forum was really better suited to my question, so I'm going to ask here too (the thread in the FCE forum is here, just for the record - http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6996202).
I'm looking for a prosumer video camera, in the range of $1-3,000, to be used for event videography and fictional/documentary shorts. I know I want to stick with tape-based (miniDV), and it obviously has to be compatible with Final Cut. I want to start using more manual controls, and probably go to HDV, although for now at least I would still shoot in DV (or in HDV and downconvert; several people have been promoting that). Also, I'm a high school girl, and not to stereotype, but I'm probably not as physically strong as a lot of camera-people out there; so having something fairly light is also really important to me (definitely NOT shoulder-mounted, though it seems there isn't much of that in this price range anyway). I'm also looking to get a good tripod, so suggestions on that front would be appreciated too.
It seems that the more research I do, the more overwhelmed I get with all the options! I've never had the choice of what camera to use before - just used the family's TRV330, and when it died, the new TRV38 - so trying to navigate all these features and options, and end up with the ideal camera for me, is quite daunting. I also have a paid project coming up in a few weeks and would really like to use the new camera for it, which means I have to buy something pretty soon so I can have time to play around with it before the event.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Claire

My advice hasn't changed. The Sony DSR-PD170. $2600 at B&H
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/296545-REG/SonyDSRPD170_DSR_PD170_3_CCD_MiniDVCAM.html
If you are going to be recording in any dimly lit room (or even dark room such as most wedding receptions), NOTHING compares to the 170. There is no other way to put it. The Panasonic 100 is a great camera, we have one. However, to make this (or any camera really) shine, you must have control over your lighting. Shooting events means you have little to no control over your lighting. If I put a Panasonic 100B next to a Sony PD-170 at a typical wedding reception, the 100B will have a very graining, very dark image lacking most color saturation. The 170 will be, IMHO, at least two-stops brighter, and though grainy, it will be less grainy and have some sort of color detail. To recommend any other camera to be used for event work (unless working your way up the Sony line) simply comes from users that haven't used all the models. We have used:
Sony: 1000, 2000, 2100, 150, 170, and the DSR 250
Canon: Gl1, Gl2, XL1, XL1s, XL2
Panasonic: 100a, 100b
Each camera has their own merits. Each is capable of recording a great image. Under controlled circumstances, any of these cameras are excellent. Event shooting is mostly uncontrolled, unscripted.
The only other camera I would consider is out of your price range: the Panasonic HVX200. I believe Panasonic is shipping a more sensitive version of this camera very soon and new models are salted for release this fall. I say this camera because it will record in the DVCPro HD format. Which in my opinion, is MUCH better than HDV. It allows allows DVCPro 50, which is better SD quality than DV. But again, when you add the cost of P2 media and the cost of the camera, you are well out of budget.
In terms of tripods, the least expensive I would consider is this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/481931-REG/BogenManfrotto__190XDB501H_Video_TripodSystem.html
And, while I don't have a 503 head, I have read that it is much better than the 501 on the model listed above. I do have 501 heads and they are OK, at best. If you really want to know the difference, go rent a $2,000 tripod and head. Might cost you $50 to rent but you will really be able to tell what the difference is. I have found the 501 head to be the least expensive head that I can live with. However, for most work that is scheduled in advance, I prefer to rent.
Having said all that, as Bilbo Baggins might say: it's time to stop thinking and wasting the day.
Your equipment is your tools. The tools you use to create something; to turn your visions into something concrete. Sure, you want the best tools you can afford. But learning to use the tool is for more important than the tool itself. In the end, it's just a tool. You are the part that makes the difference. Just get started.
Mike

200-300fps camera recommendation

Hi there,
I'm looking to buy a camera for use with vision/machine inspection tools. I need 200-300fps.
Currently I use a cheap Casio consumer camera and do the analysis offline but am looking at USB3.0 DirectShow compliant camera like this one:
http://www.mightexsystems.com/shopping_cart.php?categories_id=253&gclid=CIGNzrSN_LwCFe87MgodpgEAGA
Before I go get something that may be compatible has anyone got a high speed setup working that you can recommend??
Thanks...

Well what sort of resolution are you looking for? If you are OK with low resolution, then you should be able to use a USB 3.0 camera. If you want high resolution, then Camera Link will be the way to go if you want to achieve high speeds. Have a look at some cameras here (Basler's Ace line):
http://www.baslerweb.com/products/ace.html
Adnan Zafar
Certified LabVIEW Architect
Coleman Technologies

Camera recommendations for a FCS2 user.

I'm working with FCS2, and using a 15' MacB Pro. I'm curious what camera you all would recommend for shooting professional quality video, whilst being a little on the cheap side. (I'm a student)
A 1000 Internets to you.

There are many forums devoted to cameras. Decide which format you want to shoot then wander over to the creative cow or 2pop and start reading through the cinematography threads.
Just stay away from AVCHD.
x

Midrange DSLR Camera with Video Capabilities?

So I'm a soon-to-be graphic design graduate. Up until now I've (1) Used school cameras (2) Commissioned photographers or (3) Used stock photography. However, I'm planning to move abroad to Japan in a few months, and I think I ought to invest in at least a midrange camera (rather than the cheap point-and-shoot that I use for vacation photos.) I'm also quite interested video blogging, and since I'm also investing in the Adobe Master Suite and will have After Effects, I'd like something with decent video capabilities as well.
My design style tends to rely on illustration more than photography, but I'm looking for the best my budget can get me. I could possibly stretch it to $600, but ideally $500 or $550 would be the most I'd spend. Also, perhaps a Sony, Nikon, or Canon would be best since if I ever need repairs, a Japanese repair shop would be familiar with the make/model.
So, what do you guys suggest?

I happily mix video taken with my Canon G1X compact with video taken on an XF300 and 1DMK4. It also takes amazing stills. The biggest problem the video is that while it looks great straight out of the camera, it is nowere near as robust as the 50MB/s foot age from the XF300 if it need a lot of post processing.
The Canon 6D looks interesting. Full frame is big advantage for video, and it is a lot cheaper than the 5D range. DPReview has a nice review but it mentions moiré artifacts with video in its Conclusions
The thing I like about my G1X is that it is small enough to be always available. Try Google for Charlie Waite Compact to see what a really good photographer can do with a samll camera.

Web cam recommendation

http://webcam-osx.sourceforge.net/cameras/index.php
Can anyone recommend a web cam from this list I could get for may parents' eMac 1.0 GHz running 10.3.9?
Thanks!

Try Here.
eMac G4 ●1 Ghz ●1 Gb Ram ●Barracuda ST360015A 7200 60Gb Hard Drive Mac OS X (10.3.9) ●SmartDisk 7200 80Gb HD

Imovie compatible hd video camera recommendations

We broke our Flip camera and need to replace it.
We loved the ease of use and HD quality recordings (especially in low light) but the 2x zoom was insufficient. Any suggestions for purchasing a new HD video camera that's 1- simple to use, 2- compatible with iMovie, 3- has zoom feature, 4- external mic input, and 5- does well in low light?
What has worked for you? Recommendations and things to avoid would be appreciated.

iMovie 9 - cameras supported:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3290?viewlocale=en_US

Video Camera Recommendations

My sturdy old Sony SD Handycam has died, so I'm in the market for a new one.
I had asked for advice on this a while back but it's taken me a while to get to the point where I'm actually buying and I wanted to make sure nothing had changed drastically. Can you review the info below and comment?
First of all, I suppose it's time to upgrade from SD to HD.
Seems like it boils down to 2 basic camps: tape-based HDV and memory-based AVCHD.
For the best editing experience on PRE, HDV wins. But HDV cameras are much harder to find, and tapes certainly aren't as convenient as memory cards for many reasons. AVCHD is much more popular, but you'll need a fairly beefy computer for satisfying editing (which I don't currently have, I'm on an old XP 2GB, 2.8GHZ Pentium D).
So, if I get an AVCHD, can I easily convert the video into an HDV format? If I could do that easy and reliably, that seems like the best solution but that's a critical piece of the puzzle.
Thoughts?

When you are ready for a new computer, do read in http://forums.adobe.com/community/premiere/hardware_forum
Most of the discussion concerns Premiere Pro, but there is still a wealth of information there
A short summary... for Premiere Elements 10 and AVCHD
Intel i7 2600 (or 2600k if you plan to overclock)
Motherboard of your choice... ASUS is most often recommended
Windows 7 64bit... Home version for up to 16Gig of ram, Pro version for more ram
16Gig of ram at "current" prices for 4 x 4Gig ram sticks
-32Gig of ram if you want to buy 4 x 8Gig ram sticks if/when available
320-to-500Gig boot drive
AT LEAST one data drive, 1T is a good size
750watt "gold" power supply
Unless/until PrElements adds "CUDA" support, just about any ATI graphics card will work... I suggest at least 512Meg video ram on the card
My 3 hard drives are configured as...
1 - 320Gig Boot for Win7 64bit Pro and all program installs
2 - 320Gig data for Win7 swap file and video project files
3 - 1Terabyte data for all video files... input & output files (*)
(*) for 4 drives, drive 3 all source files & drive 4 all output files
Search Microsoft to find out how to redirect your Windows swap file
http://search.microsoft.com/search.aspx?mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US

MiniDV Camera recommendations.

I'm a beginner film student and I need a miniDV camera or camcorder that would allow me to transfer the video to FinalCutPro and edit. I'm not looking for something highly priced but not something cheap either. Anyone know a couple of good names I could look into? Thank you.

Hi matey - I'd stick with anything made by panasonic or sony at the minidv level.
Of those 2 brands the Panasonic dvx 100 or 102 is a good one to go for. Best would be buy new imo but you may be able to find a good one on eBay or Craig's list.
With Sony you could look for a PD 170 or older PD 150 .
With both those cams (even at the entry level) I would recommend you also buy a deck so you don't wear the tape transports out in the cam. The Sony dsr 11 is a workhorse - fw is the easiest way to get the footage into your Mac.

Emac and ichat camera recommendation

I'm planning on buying a new imac shortly and I'm thinking of giving my emac to my parents mainly for video chatting. Can someone recommend a camera I can send along with the emac that can be used with ichat? I've seen posts that USB cameras will work with Tiger, but nothing about the physical properties of the camera, meaning, how well does it attach to the emac? Most appear to clip to a flat panel. I'd rather not have to break out duct tape if I didn't have to.
thanks
Steve

Your answer to the Camera question can be found here.
http://www.ecamm.com/mac/ichatusbcam/
Happy chatting.

High speed camera recommendations

Looking to aquire 120FPS. Can someone recommend a camera and/or interface that would be very easy to integrate with labview (to decrease dev time)?
Thanks!
At least I have chicken

Hi labviewleroy,
There is'nt much information in your question.Please try to explain it more clearly.
Thanks as kudos only

Midrange prosumer camera recommendations?

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