dslr camera external monitor image
AK
I'm looking for a camera to buy to start my own video company. There are so many professional cameras out there, that I want to get some opinions on what the standard camera for this is. Thanks!
Answer
A real pro-grade camcorder and not a DSLR that happens to take highly compressed video and has only mono-audio and no mic input or manual audio control?
The short list of features should include:
Lens system larger than 40mm diameter.
Audio-in connection(s) AND manual audio control.
Manual zoom, Manual focus, Manual Shutter speed, Manual White Balance, and other controls on the outside of the camera and easy to get to.
Least amount of compression applied to the video stream when writing to the storage media.
The starting point that meets all four criteria is the Sony HDR-FX1000, but this is only prosumer... Pro grade starts at the Sony HVR-V1U, HVR-Z1U, HVR-Z5U, HVR-Z7U, Canon XHA1 and Panasonic AG-HVX200 and JVC GY series... And they go up from here.
Other items to consider:
Tripod (Bogen-Manfrotto is a good start - the weight rating should be at least 2x your camera's weight; with a fluid head).
High capacity rechargeable battery or two (from the camcorder manufacturer, not third party).
Sturdy case to protect your investment (Pelican and SKB are my favorites).
Mics. This gets really subjective - but a minimum of one shotgun mic, one UHF full diversity wireless lav, one stereo mic. Of course, if you ALWAYS have your sound person with you, they they could supply these items.
Cables. 50 foot AC extension cable; two 25 foot XLR mic externsion cables.
Next level of things to get:
Lenses: Wide angle and tele... maybe tele-macro.
Filters.
Video light.
Battery belt for the video light - if sized appropriately, this could replace the high capacity rechargeable battery.
Steadying devices... SpiderBrace or other shoulder mount system. GlideCam/Steadycam vest system.
LANC.
Next level of things to get:
Camera crane (I like the Kessler + their tripod and head). This feeds into a bunch of cables (LANC extension, Video monitor, audio monitor) amd accessories (monitor, counterweights, etc..). Then whether you subscribe to the Kessler tripod wheels or need something like their dolly options or do something else... and of course, the remote pan-tilt head...
This list is incomplete - but more than I ever got... I guess because I never asked.
++++++++++++++
And a FAST computer with LOTS of RAM and tons of available hard drive space on external drives (at least do not use the same drive as the start up computer Operating System for the video editing project files)... and a good-sized monitor (20 inch or larger).
A real pro-grade camcorder and not a DSLR that happens to take highly compressed video and has only mono-audio and no mic input or manual audio control?
The short list of features should include:
Lens system larger than 40mm diameter.
Audio-in connection(s) AND manual audio control.
Manual zoom, Manual focus, Manual Shutter speed, Manual White Balance, and other controls on the outside of the camera and easy to get to.
Least amount of compression applied to the video stream when writing to the storage media.
The starting point that meets all four criteria is the Sony HDR-FX1000, but this is only prosumer... Pro grade starts at the Sony HVR-V1U, HVR-Z1U, HVR-Z5U, HVR-Z7U, Canon XHA1 and Panasonic AG-HVX200 and JVC GY series... And they go up from here.
Other items to consider:
Tripod (Bogen-Manfrotto is a good start - the weight rating should be at least 2x your camera's weight; with a fluid head).
High capacity rechargeable battery or two (from the camcorder manufacturer, not third party).
Sturdy case to protect your investment (Pelican and SKB are my favorites).
Mics. This gets really subjective - but a minimum of one shotgun mic, one UHF full diversity wireless lav, one stereo mic. Of course, if you ALWAYS have your sound person with you, they they could supply these items.
Cables. 50 foot AC extension cable; two 25 foot XLR mic externsion cables.
Next level of things to get:
Lenses: Wide angle and tele... maybe tele-macro.
Filters.
Video light.
Battery belt for the video light - if sized appropriately, this could replace the high capacity rechargeable battery.
Steadying devices... SpiderBrace or other shoulder mount system. GlideCam/Steadycam vest system.
LANC.
Next level of things to get:
Camera crane (I like the Kessler + their tripod and head). This feeds into a bunch of cables (LANC extension, Video monitor, audio monitor) amd accessories (monitor, counterweights, etc..). Then whether you subscribe to the Kessler tripod wheels or need something like their dolly options or do something else... and of course, the remote pan-tilt head...
This list is incomplete - but more than I ever got... I guess because I never asked.
++++++++++++++
And a FAST computer with LOTS of RAM and tons of available hard drive space on external drives (at least do not use the same drive as the start up computer Operating System for the video editing project files)... and a good-sized monitor (20 inch or larger).
Why do people look for camera's such as nikon or canon for Video? Why not just get an actual camcorder?
Daniel
This is not meant to be sarcastic at all. Want to be able to film good quality videos as well as take an occaisional picture, and was wondering whether or not i should just go with a camcorder rather than a camera with good video shooting capabilites. Thanks for the help.
Answer
You're actually being quite logical in your approach. Most people would indeed be better served with a camcorder, many of which can also shoot stills. The reason for the DSLR video race is the control of depth of field and image quality provided by the use of a larger format sensor. The result is in fact a very film-like quality to video.
Don't let Jim bully you on the use of the terms. I just finished shooting a crew shooting a movie locally, and I'll be darned if they didn't consistently say they were "filming" inspite of the fact there wasn't a single "film" camera on the set. Most of their cameras were ARRI digital cameras but, a couple were Canon 5D Mark IIs.
DSLR video can produce great results but, unless you are willing to deal with learning to pull focus with a follow-focus cam, an external monitor, external mic/recorder and a fairly expensive video editing system, shooting video with a DSLR is generally not convenient or easy. This has admittedly been eased a bit by more recent DSLRs from Sony and Nikon that can autofocus while shooting video but, you'll still need an external microphone at the very least. Fact is, for all but the most committed cinematographer, most people would be better served by a camcorder but, DSLRs are quite profitable and that's what manufacturers would prefer to sell.
Depending on your budget, one camera in particular that seems to blend the best of both worlds is Sony's NEX-VG10. This camera doesn't get the credit it likely deserves as a video camera but, as someone who own a Canon 7D and 5D Mark II, both of which can shoot video, I generall reach for a camcorder if I want to shoot video.
You're actually being quite logical in your approach. Most people would indeed be better served with a camcorder, many of which can also shoot stills. The reason for the DSLR video race is the control of depth of field and image quality provided by the use of a larger format sensor. The result is in fact a very film-like quality to video.
Don't let Jim bully you on the use of the terms. I just finished shooting a crew shooting a movie locally, and I'll be darned if they didn't consistently say they were "filming" inspite of the fact there wasn't a single "film" camera on the set. Most of their cameras were ARRI digital cameras but, a couple were Canon 5D Mark IIs.
DSLR video can produce great results but, unless you are willing to deal with learning to pull focus with a follow-focus cam, an external monitor, external mic/recorder and a fairly expensive video editing system, shooting video with a DSLR is generally not convenient or easy. This has admittedly been eased a bit by more recent DSLRs from Sony and Nikon that can autofocus while shooting video but, you'll still need an external microphone at the very least. Fact is, for all but the most committed cinematographer, most people would be better served by a camcorder but, DSLRs are quite profitable and that's what manufacturers would prefer to sell.
Depending on your budget, one camera in particular that seems to blend the best of both worlds is Sony's NEX-VG10. This camera doesn't get the credit it likely deserves as a video camera but, as someone who own a Canon 7D and 5D Mark II, both of which can shoot video, I generall reach for a camcorder if I want to shoot video.
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Title Post: What is a good professional video camera to use for videography?
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Rating: 92% based on 9788 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Yukie
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