Canon EOS M - Can it do the job for me?

[markoskerass]

I was thinking of getting a new camera, since my panasonic dvc200 cant keep up anymore (R.I.P.) and I did some research, which ended up with this:

I'll be using this mainly for recording, but i'd say a 40% will be photoshooting too. Any opinions?

Thanks in advance,

Markos

[ZetZet]

For video I would go with Sony mirorrless camera. They generally have the smoothest autofocus.

[markoskerass]

For video I would go with Sony mirorrless camera. They generally have the smoothest autofocus.

Can you be more specific? A model , perhaps?

[ZetZet]

Can you be more specific? A model , perhaps?

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Mirrorless-Digital-Camera-16-50mm/dp/B00HNJWU3G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1440246829&sr=8-3&keywords=sony+mirrorless

[markoskerass]

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Mirrorless-Digital-Camera-16-50mm/dp/B00HNJWU3G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1440246829&sr=8-3&keywords=sony+mirrorless

Is there any chance I can add external mics etc on that? Because from the reviews, I cant really tell. I want to build a small rig around my camera, to carry around.

[ShadowCaptain]

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Mirrorless-Digital-Camera-16-50mm/dp/B00HNJWU3G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1440246829&sr=8-3&keywords=sony+mirrorless

 

Agreed

 

more lens options too! (although you can get an EFS adapter for the EOS M)

 

Bear in mind not all of the sony cameras have a hotshoe mount so that might be something to consider - some models to though

 

Is there any chance I can add external mics etc on that? Because from the reviews, I cant really tell. I want to build a small rig around my camera, to carry around.

 

No you would probably need the A6000 - which is arguably the BEST mirrorless ASPC camera on the market

[ZetZet]

Is there any chance I can add external mics etc on that? Because from the reviews, I cant really tell. I want to build a small rig around my camera, to carry around.

apparently you can't, i think nex series cameras did, idk why they removed it from a5000.

[ALwin]

Don't get those cheap hotshoe extension bars, they are flimsy and break easily.

 

Whatever camera you buy it is better to invest more initially to build a solid rig than try to build up your rig with cheap components and upgrade later.  It will end up costing you more money and effort on the long run, while a good rig can be adapted for a variety of camera upgrades.

 

1. You want to start with a base plate for your camera, a base plate that uses standard rod diameters.  Even better is a base mount with a sort of cage around the camera (see image attached as an example).  This sort of cage for a small camera like the EOS M or Sony NEX mirrorless camera or any camera you choose, as long as it fits, will let you add other accessories.  Of course there are larger cages for larger cameras.

 

2. Then get a couple of rods that fit your system, you decide how long they need to be.

3. Consider investing in a follow focus, even if your camera supports AF in video mode, having a follow focus is also very useful. (e.g. something like this https://www.edelkrone.com/eu/p/103/focus-one)

4. The cage will have several points for attaching accessories such as lights, microphones, handles, etc.  So figure out which mounting solutions you need to get.

5. Make your rig streamlined.

 

Some of these components will be cheaper on ebay.

[LemonCheek]

 

No you would probably need the A6000 - which is arguably the BEST mirrorless ASPC camera on the market

 

 

Its ridiculously good for what it is, to be honest.

[markoskerass]

Quick update:

I decided to move for a jvc gy-hm70e rather than a mirror less/DSLR rig. Any opinions?

[ALwin]

Quick update:

I decided to move for a jvc gy-hm70e rather than a mirror less/DSLR rig. Any opinions?

 

If it does the job for you... does it matter what we think?

 

How much will it cost you?

[markoskerass]

If it does the job for you... does it matter what we think?

How much will it cost you?

I'm not sure about it really. I want to be able to mount it on a tripod too, and sadly I can't seem to find if that's possible. The description look sweet ,i have to admit, and it will go for 1k 130 euros.

[ALwin]

I'm not sure about it really. I want to be able to mount it on a tripod too, and sadly I can't seem to find if that's possible. The stats look sweet and it will go for 1k 130 euros.

 

Ok if you haven't paid for it or purchased/ordered it yet.... STOP!!! DO NOT GET THAT CAMERA.

 

You are throwing away 1130 Euros on something with specifications that can be beaten by a brand new camcorder less than half that price.  Sure a palm held camcorder may not have the form factor, or dual memory card and battery support, but in every other aspect it will out perform that JVC.  And still have money left to buy some accessories.

 

What key features, recording modes, specifications do you need?  List them for us and we can help you find a better option.

[ALwin]

For that price of 1130 Euros, you could get the following cameras, sticking close to the same price.  There are a lot more options that cost less.  They are also smaller in size and easier to travel with.  So the only reason to get something the size and form factor of that JVC is if you work professionally and need to record broadcast quality/broadcast ready footage, in which case you would have a bigger budget and would NOT be looking at the JVC at all.

 

You don't have to buy from B&H, I am just linking to the product pages because the specifications are easier to read and the user reviews there are very helpful.

 

1. Sony FDR AX33 4K camera

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1109387-REG/sony_hdr_ax33v_4k_ultra_hd.html

 

2. Sony HDR CX900, not 4K but it has a larger sensor and records up to 120fps

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1022657-REG/sony_hdrcx900_b_hdr_cx900_full_hd_handycam.html

 

3. Canon Vivia HF G30

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/963130-REG/canon_8454b001_vixia_hfg30_hd_camcorder.html

 

4.Panasonic HC-VX870K, another 4K camera

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1109406-REG/panasonic_hc_vx870_4k_ultra_hd.html

 

Just a few examples to start off.

[markoskerass]

-snip-

What key features, recording modes, specifications do you need? List them for us and we can help you find a better option.

I'm not really looking for anything specific really. The budget is around 1000$+- and the camera won't be used professionally. It's most likely going to be used to capture small events, and I just need footage that is easy to work with, as well as I won't have to redo the coloring etc in Premiere. I really got excited about that camera because of the dual battery(which you could got swap) and the dual sd card support and I don't mind the camera having a small form factor or anything, the opposite. I won't be doing this to make money off it, so I just want to be able to go mess with buttons, menus and such. Just to learn new stuff off it, really.

[ALwin]

I'm not really looking for anything specific really. The budget is around 1000$+- and the camera won't be used professionally. It's most likely going to be used to capture small events, and I just need footage that is easy to work with, as well as I won't have to redo the coloring etc in Premiere. I really got excited about that camera because of the dual battery(which you could got swap) and the dual sd card support and I don't mind the camera being small or anything, the opposite. I won't be doing this to make money off it, so I just want to be able to go mess with buttons, menus and such. Just to learn new stuff off it, really.

 

Ok let me tell you.

 

1. Some Sony HDR camcorders and others have a built in memory, typically at least 32GB and an SD card slot to add a memory card.  And you can set it to record onto one or the other and use the second as an overflow buffer.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?atclk=Internal+Memory_32GB&ci=1871&N=4294548093+4259332456

 

2. You can always buy a higher capacity battery for a camcorder, and it will give you about 5-8 hours of recording time.

 

3. Newer camcorders are better capable of handling color, so you will have to work less in post to color correct.

 

So why buy an old model camera that has specifications beaten by newer modern cheaper cameras.  You will learn how to operate a camera from the JVC as much as you will learn from a cheaper camcorder... because that JVC is not really a professional or even a prosumer camera.  Even the more expensive professional cameras, such as the Black Magic Ursa/Mini and Sony PXW-FS7 which costs in the thousands and are cameras I am really considering for my own purchase, all the buttons they have on the camera are mainly to provide faster access to functions otherwise would take time searching in the menu.  You don't learn filmography by playing with buttons and menu settings, you learn by actually filming and editing.

 

This camera, the Sony HDR PJ650, is a camera I worked with for 2 years professionally.  Now it is with my brother so he can film his kids growing up.  And I don't know why but it actually cost me less when I bought it a few years ago than it does now.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909744-REG/sony_hdr_pj650v_b_hdr_pj650v_hd_handycam_camcorder_black.html

[markoskerass]

Ok let me tell you.

-snip. ]

Thanks for the information.A Panasonic HC-VX870 comes at 918 euros in Greece. Do you think that's a good bang for the buck camera? Also, will I need an external mic for it? I was thinking of getting an external shotgun mic for it.

[ALwin]

Thanks for the information.A Panasonic HC-VX870 comes at 918 euros in Greece. Do you think that's a good bang for the buck camera? Also, will I need an external mic for it? I was thinking of getting an external shotgun mic for it.

Which version, there is one version which has a smaller secondary camera on the LCD panel and one version without which is cheaper?  Either way both versions look to be a good buy, and the camera has a cold shoe for mounting an external microphone.  Just make sure the way the external microphone mounts is compatible with the shoe on your camera.

 

The internal microphone is ok for filming in closed rooms, but outdoors a shotgun mic will be better.

[markoskerass]

Which version, there is one version which has a smaller secondary camera on the LCD panel and one version without which is cheaper?  Either way both versions look to be a good buy, and the camera has a cold shoe for mounting an external microphone.  Just make sure the way the external microphone mounts is compatible with the shoe on your camera.

 

The internal microphone is ok for filming in closed rooms, but outdoors a shotgun mic will be better.

I can't really tell which model it is. All I can say is that I only found 1 in Greece . The shoe on the camera is just like a DSLR's correct? Will this mic work with the camera?http://www.mdigitalphoto.gr/walimex-pro-stereo-direct-microphone-dslr-camc.html

[ALwin]

I can't really tell which model it is. All I can say is that I only found 1 in Greece . The shoe on the camera is just like a DSLR's correct? Will this mic work with the camera?http://www.mdigitalphoto.gr/walimex-pro-stereo-direct-microphone-dslr-camc.html

 

Buy the camera first, check what microphone connection it supports.  It should be a 3.5mm jack, and the mic mount must be a standard shoe size I guess.

[markoskerass]

Buy the camera first, check what microphone connection it supports.  It should be a 3.5mm jack, and the mic mount must be a standard shoe size I guess.

Alright, you're the man! Thanks for all the information and the assistance. I've cleared out a lot of things now. I'll ask again if I have any questions.

[markoskerass]

Buy the camera first, check what microphone connection it supports.  It should be a 3.5mm jack, and the mic mount must be a standard shoe size I guess.

*bump* 

So after all this time, I gave a call around a week ago to a store to ask if they had it on stock, and they informed me they didnt. I did lots of research, and I couldnt find this camera in any shops in Greece. They said that they have a canon xa 10 in stock, which they claim is better than the Panasonic HC-VX870. It will go for 1,4k euros and I guess I can save up a bit longer to buy it. Do you have any opinions about it, plus what external XLR mic should I buy with it? 

Thanks in advance

 

 

[ALwin]

*bump* 

So after all this time, I gave a call around a week ago to a store to ask if they had it on stock, and they informed me they didnt. I did lots of research, and I couldnt find this camera in any shops in Greece. They said that they have a canon xa 10 in stock, which they claim is better than the Panasonic HC-VX870. It will go for 1,4k euros and I guess I can save up a bit longer to buy it. Do you have any opinions about it, plus what external XLR mic should I buy with it? 

Thanks in advance

 

Ok what about the other models I mentioned, like the Sony CX900 or Canon HFG30?  Do you need to be able to record 4K? Keep in mind 4K video files will be larger so you will need higher capacity memory cards and more of them.

[markoskerass]

Ok what about the other models I mentioned, like the Sony CX900 or Canon HFG30?  Do you need to be able to record 4K? Keep in mind 4K video files will be larger so you will need higher capacity memory cards and more of them.

It doesnt really matter if its a 4k camera. Even if it is, I will be still downscaling to 1080P.

[ALwin]

Ok in that case, call the store and see if they have the other cameras I mentioned.  Sony CX900 or Canon HF G30.  Hopefully it will save you some money, because the camera models will not be as expensive as the Canon XA 10 and non XLR mics tend to be cheaper.

 

You also get better frame rates on the Sony and Canon HF G30. with slightly better sensors.