Which of these 4 camcorders is most versatile?

irontrooper

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Dec 19, 2010
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Going to be recording variety of events and videos both inside and outside, not (long) movies. Camcorder should last me a long time without needing early replacement as this is my long-term investment in self-employment.

Feedback appreciated!

Available:
[strike]-Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K
-Panasonic DMC-GH4H + Lumix 14-140 objective
-Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K
-Canon XC10 4K[/strike]
Canon C100
Sony PXW-X70
Sony A7s
Anything better within 2500$ budget
 
Solution
-Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K is the best for me.. I think you can use an EF lens for this camera. I'm also not shooting 4k. for example the gh4(it's not a camcorder). it has 4k 8 bit video. I ould prefer it's 50mbps 1080p video.

but of course it depends on you. I shoot with 5d, c100, eos m3, and 760d. the only 4k I have is panasonic hc wx920.I am just using it in my jib crane

fcnealvillangca

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May 11, 2015
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-Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K is the best for me.. I think you can use an EF lens for this camera. I'm also not shooting 4k. for example the gh4(it's not a camcorder). it has 4k 8 bit video. I ould prefer it's 50mbps 1080p video.

but of course it depends on you. I shoot with 5d, c100, eos m3, and 760d. the only 4k I have is panasonic hc wx920.I am just using it in my jib crane
 
Solution


Before anyone can actually answer your question, you need to give answers to the following:
1) Have you ever had proper training in videography?
2) Do you have any lenses already?
3) What "self-employment are you talking about?
4) What is your budget?
 

fcnealvillangca

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May 11, 2015
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I think he is saying "freelance" than self employment
 


I know, the question still stands as-is though. Weddings? Photojournalism? Corporate videos? All have different requirements and very different "acceptable" equipment.
 

irontrooper

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1. Highschool ed (aka. basic) plus active recording for several months (been a few years since).
2. None.
3. Freelancing pretty much. Drone + camera combo.
4. 2500$

Events: Tourism promotion spotlights, indoors and outdoors events and gatherings, no weddings nor corporate.

Suggested has been also: Canon C100, Sony PXW-X70 and Sony A7s
 


$2500 for body only, or $2500 total? If $2500 total, absolutely nothing in your list will work! (except maybe the PXWX70 or GH4H). For total of $2500 when you have nothing to start with, a 760D/Rebel T6s + some lenses, video tripod, lights/reflectors, etc. Some lenses to look at: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-10-18mm-f-4.5-5.6-IS-STM-Lens.aspx, http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-35mm-f-2-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx, http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-50mm-f-1.8-STM-Lens.aspx, and maybe http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-55-250mm-f-4-5.6-IS-STM-Lens.aspx

An alternative is to get a Canon XC10 , Sony PXW-X70, or Canon XA20 and memory/batteries, and save up for an XLR mic and video tripod
 

irontrooper

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2900$ total atm, I don't plan to get the whole package right away but add few missing pieces in 1-4 months. Tripod and lenses seem crucial, lights/reflectors/mic not such a priority right at this moment, will be bought if needed first.
 

fcnealvillangca

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May 11, 2015
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sorry I disagree. lighting is also important. :D I have a lot of cheap aps-c cameras but their videos are great because of the proper lighting :D are you familiar with px100? 70d, 760d, e0s m3 their great for steady videos. you should consider them too. but watch out for jello effect