New Product Review Channel Gear - Camera Choice?

[NinetyFour]

Hello Guys,

 

Great news is that I've been accepted into a growing company's first product reviewer program! Scarier news is - I have no camera! I gave it to my mother due to a liquid spill she did on hers. #LoveTheFamily

 

Anyways, I've setup a budget ... but I know i'll blow through that if it's worth it. Just hit me with your best value cameras, no more than $500. All I need is 1080p 30Fps. It needs to be able to shoot photo/video in one well-lit room, an average living room, and outdoors (backyard, park, etc.)

 

I am not opposed to used either, but I realize this makes listing them very difficult. Maybe amazon used only? Currently, I am looking at these cameras.

 

Canon EOS Rebel T3i  ($275 Used) |   Lumix GF3 ($120 Used)

 

I'm kind of leaning more towards the Lumix because of its newer tech & first-glance better value. I just need better eyes on this, so thanks!

[ShadowCaptain]

Honestly, either will take great quality photos and video, dont forget to invest in GLASS, AUDIO and LIGHTING - not forgetting a tripod, fluid video heads, sliders or any other bits and pieces to make nice footage

 

also editing software

[ZetZet]

Most definitely the DSLR, it has large sensor so you can film at worse light and it has external mic input, which means better sound quality. Unless you plan to always do voice-overs.

[ShadowCaptain]

Most definitely the DSLR, it has large sensor so you can film at worse light and it has external mic input, which means better sound quality. Unless you plan to always do voice-overs.

 

Honestly I would avoid using DSLR mic inputs, when you can get a zoom h1 for cheap which sounds 100000x better

 

The DSLR has a big sensor but the GF3 still takes very nice footage 

 

Either can be hacked ( i believe) to increase the bitrate and video options available 

[NinetyFour]

Honestly I would avoid using DSLR mic inputs, when you can get a zoom h1 for cheap which sounds 100000x better

 

The DSLR has a big sensor but the GF3 still takes very nice footage 

 

Either can be hacked ( i believe) to increase the bitrate and video options available 

 

I was also considering this SAMSUNG or if I don't have as much as I think, get this SONY as a backup choice (used of course, not worth it full price).

[ShadowCaptain]

I was also considering this SAMSUNG or if I don't have as much as I think, get this SONY as a backup choice (used of course, not worth it full price).

 

No, Samsung are leaving the imaging industry and Bridge cameras are pants

 

How about a Sony A5000, can grab some cheap legacy glass for cheap (will be fully manual) 

[NinetyFour]

Also, does the Lumix record at 1080p or 1080i? This is all I can find on the camera (researching at 3am didn't help ).

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmcgf3/2

 

I'm leaning more towards the Lumix, but if it doesn't record at 1080p ... then i'm not sure.

[NinetyFour]

No, Samsung are leaving the imaging industry and Bridge cameras are pants

 

How about a Sony A5000, can grab some cheap legacy glass for cheap (will be fully manual) 

Does the A500 do 1080p? I still can't tell what the video resolution and file format on each resolutions on all of these cameras. Arrrgh!

[ShadowCaptain]

Does the A500 do 1080p? I still can't tell what the video resolution and file format on each resolutions on all of these cameras. Arrrgh!

 

yes the A5000 is 1080p as is the GF3 - almost all cameras these days record 1080p

 

snapsort is a good way to compare cameras and get full specs

[NinetyFour]

Seems like the major difference between the Canon & Lumix is the Canon can do 720p at 60fps vs  30fps on the Lumix, but the lumix has so many other things I think i'll go with that. Plus for the price used, it's a lot better I think.

[ShadowCaptain]

Seems like the major difference between the Canon & Lumix is the Canon can do 720p at 60fps vs  30fps on the Lumix, but the lumix has so many other things I think i'll go with that. Plus for the price used, it's a lot better I think.

 

Just bear in mind that its MFT and will suffer in low light performance due to its tiny sensor

[NinetyFour]

Just bear in mind that its MFT and will suffer in low light performance due to its tiny sensor

Would the canon be better suited for capturing LED Keyboards in darkness? That's a major factor too.

[ShadowCaptain]

Would the canon be better suited for capturing LED Keyboards in darkness? That's a major factor too.

 

well yes APSC is a much larger sensor and better in low light

[NinetyFour]

well yes APSC is a much larger sensor and better in low light

Fantastic, thanks. I guess it all comes down now to whatever I can get a used one for.