Which camcorder to get?

[NinetyFour]

Hello Guys!

 

Currently I am working off an Olympus point-and-shoot style camera, I believe it's 15MP.

I am not looking to do anything fancy like 4K footage or have useless features like having a web browser built into the camera (is that even a thing? )

 

I just need something that takes great pictures and videos at minimum of 1080P. Something that I can easily edit the footage without worry of ruining the quality, considering things like zooming in on post-production, chroma keying, etc.

 

Thanks!

 

Your Crazy Tech

- NinetyFour

[ShadowCaptain]

SNIP

 

What kind of stuff are you planning to film?

 

What about audio?

 

Experience with video etc

[NinetyFour]

What kind of stuff are you planning to film?

 

What about audio?

 

Experience with video etc

 

1 - Mostly vlogs and fast-paced videos of events and friends.

2 - I would plan to get the Zoom H2, but that's only if there's the views to justify the expense. This is largely a hobby for me, but I don't want to walk around saying I do video and only have a point-and-shoot.

3 - I've edited footage people have given me, but nothing quality or frame specific. I understand the basics of various angles and take styles, but have never had a proper use for it. So ... more than hobby but less than expert?

[ShadowCaptain]

1 - Mostly vlogs and fast-paced videos of events and friends.

2 - I would plan to get the Zoom H2, but that's only if there's the views to justify the expense. This is largely a hobby for me, but I don't want to walk around saying I do video and only have a point-and-shoot.

3 - I've edited footage people have given me, but nothing quality or frame specific. I understand the basics of various angles and take styles, but have never had a proper use for it. So ... more than hobby but less than expert?

 

1) Ok so its going to be more run and gun stuff, rather than more set up shots, if so then I think a camcorder with a nice AF system will be the best idea

2) Benefits of the zoom h2 (or the H1 if you want to save money) are that they are pretty good mics in their own right, but also useful in the future for connecting more serious microphones too for nice clean audio!

3) ok makes sense

 

 

Do you have a budget in mind? that is really the main thing

[NinetyFour]

1) Ok so its going to be more run and gun stuff, rather than more set up shots, if so then I think a camcorder with a nice AF system will be the best idea

2) Benefits of the zoom h2 (or the H1 if you want to save money) are that they are pretty good mics in their own right, but also useful in the future for connecting more serious microphones too for nice clean audio!

3) ok makes sense

 

 

Do you have a budget in mind? that is really the main thing

1 - Exactly correct! Recommendations? When it comes to systems I'm pretty king on choices, but with A/V stuff, it just seems like they're so much more finnicky that you need to know what you're doing.

2 - Yup, that exactly why I chose it. I did a LOT of research on this one.

3 - Yeah. I am being put in positions that will bring me more in-field later on, so right now I just want to set myself up good for when that happens.

 

Budget ... can you give me options at the every $100 mark? It seems like that's normally a good price-step to go by, but if for camcorders it's every $150 go with that. Like I said, not sure how this works - I just need options. I don't want to pay 3K when that can get me a great 4K cannon or whatnot.

[ShadowCaptain]

1 - Exactly correct! Recommendations? When it comes to systems I'm pretty king on choices, but with A/V stuff, it just seems like they're so much more finnicky that you need to know what you're doing.

2 - Yup, that exactly why I chose it. I did a LOT of research on this one.

3 - Yeah. I am being put in positions that will bring me more in-field later on, so right now I just want to set myself up good for when that happens.

 

Budget ... can you give me options at the every $100 mark? It seems like that's normally a good price-step to go by, but if for camcorders it's every $150 go with that. Like I said, not sure how this works - I just need options. I don't want to pay 3K when that can get me a great 4K cannon or whatnot.

 

Well for budget you would be looking at something like one of the <$500 Sony/Panasonic etc camcorders

 

I would also consider something like the Sony RX10, $900 or $1300 for the new one (which shoots 4k btw) but its a pretty amazing camera with great video, and simple to use, and includes a killer lens

 

RX100 is a great idea too, even the older ones

[NinetyFour]

Well for budget you would be looking at something like one of the <$500 Sony/Panasonic etc camcorders

 

I would also consider something like the Sony RX10, $900 or $1300 for the new one (which shoots 4k btw) but its a pretty amazing camera with great video, and simple to use, and includes a killer lens

 

RX100 is a great idea too, even the older ones

Awesome, thanks!

 

This gives me a great line of products to choose from. What about a $200 MAX one? Would something like THIS be advisable? Remember, it's just a decent 1080P for the purposes I said before.

[ShadowCaptain]

Awesome, thanks!

 

This gives me a great line of products to choose from. What about a $200 MAX one? Would something like THIS be advisable? Remember, it's just a decent 1080P for the purposes I said before.

 

hmm I am not super confident with recommendations at that price

 

is that the HX300?

 

See review here - there are some nice sample video clips on youtube, seems pretty decent

[NinetyFour]

hmm I am not super confident with recommendations at that price

 

is that the HX300?

 

See review here - there are some nice sample video clips on youtube, seems pretty decent

It does seem like it, except the classifieds post says it has GPS as well - might be a slight model change. Again, not the best judge on a lot of this.

[ShadowCaptain]

It does seem like it, except the classifieds post says it has GPS as well - might be a slight model change. Again, not the best judge on a lot of this.

 

There is a 400 model too, seems cheap if it is since it $450 on amazon

[NinetyFour]

There is a 400 model too, seems cheap if it is since it $450 on amazon

That IS kinda the purpose of classifieds postings, haha.

[ShadowCaptain]

That IS kinda the purpose of classifieds postings, haha.

 

True, I rarely buy second hand  haha

[NinetyFour]

True, I rarely buy second hand  haha

Haha. The only thing I don't buy used is hardware. Cases I will when there's one I like, there never is

 

Cameras, bags, and most accessories I don't mind buying used (depending on the visible wear of course).

DVDs I always buy new though, haha.

[NinetyFour]

There is a 400 model too, seems cheap if it is since it $450 on amazon

The other thing I just thought of was audio. Currently I use a Blue Snowball for pc recording, but if I record on-the-go with this camera, how will the audio compare?

I mean, I'll have to use the on-board microphone before I get the zoom. Especially considering I'm already looking at $100 - $300 to get a proper NAS setup.

 

The 100 seems like the best option

[NinetyFour]

Well for budget you would be looking at something like one of the <$500 Sony/Panasonic etc camcorders

 

I would also consider something like the Sony RX10, $900 or $1300 for the new one (which shoots 4k btw) but its a pretty amazing camera with great video, and simple to use, and includes a killer lens

 

RX100 is a great idea too, even the older ones

Okay, found the HX400 and 100 on amazon for the same price.

HX400

HX100

 

If I can't get the craigslist one, which of these two should I get? I really liked that video you posted, seems perfect for me with the addition of the gimbal.

[ShadowCaptain]

Okay, found the HX400 and 100 on amazon for the same price.

HX400

HX100

 

If I can't get the craigslist one, which of these two should I get? I really liked that video you posted, seems perfect for me with the addition of the gimbal.

 

The RX100 has a bigger sensor so better in low light, and better ability to get a nice shallow depth of field etc, limited lens range though - I dont think it has a mic connection

 

compared to your snowball depends on what mic you buy really

[NinetyFour]

The RX100 has a bigger sensor so better in low light, and better ability to get a nice shallow depth of field etc, limited lens range though - I dont think it has a mic connection

 

compared to your snowball depends on what mic you buy really

Would I be able to hook up the zoom H1 to either of the cameras?

I really don't want to be forced to sync the audio and video if I don't have to.

 

Plus the H400 has a tiltable screen, that'll be really helpful for me.

[ALwin]

The Zoom H1 has a line-out/headphone jack which you can use a cable to connect to the camera's mic/line-in jack.

You can buy the Zoom H1 as a kit that includes the connection cable and the mount and a few other goodies.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/731488-REG/Zoom_H1_H1_On_Camera_DSLR_Audio.html

 

By the way, I would not get the H100 if you plan to mount the Zoom H1 to your camera.  The Sony H100 doesn't have a hot or cold shoe at the top.  Because you will need something like this to attach the Zoom H1 to the camera.  The Zoom H1 has a tripod mounting screw hole at the bottom.

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Mini-Adapter-Camera-Cradle/dp/B00AKT96GU

[ALwin]

True, I rarely buy second hand  haha

 

If you know where to look (certainly not ebay) and how to check/test for quality (before giving away your money), you can find decent 2nd hand gear.  Especially camera lenses.

[ShadowCaptain]

If you know where to look (certainly not ebay) and how to check/test for quality (before giving away your money), you can find decent 2nd hand gear.  Especially camera lenses.

 

Yeah I bought some old A mount minolta lenses, but I generally just prefer to buy new

[NinetyFour]

The Zoom H1 has a line-out/headphone jack which you can use a cable to connect to the camera's mic/line-in jack.

You can buy the Zoom H1 as a kit that includes the connection cable and the mount and a few other goodies.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/731488-REG/Zoom_H1_H1_On_Camera_DSLR_Audio.html

 

By the way, I would not get the H100 if you plan to mount the Zoom H1 to your camera.  The Sony H100 doesn't have a hot or cold shoe at the top.  Because you will need something like this to attach the Zoom H1 to the camera.  The Zoom H1 has a tripod mounting screw hole at the bottom.

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Mini-Adapter-Camera-Cradle/dp/B00AKT96GU

Agreed, the 400 is an all-around better choice imo.

 

So you're saying to use the 400 with the shoe at the top using the adapter and that will work? Will it work on the Gimbal ?

If so, this kinda stinks because I saw a post on craigslist for $250 for one.

 

In essence, I need one that has a great AF, low-light, and 1080p 60p camera with the shoe to use the adapter right?

 

EDIT

 

Also, couldn't I use something like THIS instead of the ball joint shoe adapter? I've had a LOT of those ball joints break on me and I just don't trust them anymore unless they're 100% metal.

[ALwin]

LOL I never said the 400 is an all around better choice. You don't know what I would consider a better choice.

As for a product with great AF, low light, 1080@60p and so on, you may want to increase your budget. That's why my minimum budget for a video camera is at least $4000.

Ok I am using my phone for editing, will check your other links later.

[ALwin]

The H1 recorder mounts on top of your camera, it won't interfere with the gimbal but you may need to adjust balance. As for the mounting head either the ball head or that screw head works. The screw head is part of the Zoom H1 kit on B&H.