WANT TO KNOW WHAT CAMERA TO BUY? $1,000-$9,000 & YOU HAVE A MOVIE STUDIO Video has become a part of today’s culture, but the need for the “right” kind of camera has not changed. Just as there are different types of situations in which video will be shot, there are specific types of cameras that will best serve being used. Shooting video has always been about what the lens is aimed at and the activity that’s taking place. It’s for this reason that there are so many different types of cameras — from the low-priced, amateur, stand-alone models to the more costly, prosumer models and highly-priced professional cameras. The smartphone camera may have made shooting video more ubiquitous in daily life, but it hasn’t replaced the need for the specialized features that dedicated cameras provide. Deciding on which camera to buy is more a function of what it’s needed to do than cost, because just as there are different kinds of cameras, there are different kinds of situations where the video will be shot. So it makes sense to break down these situations into their basics: events video, corporate video, creative filmmaking and “run and gun” video. We’ll also look at the least expensive category, that can also provide great video, DSLRs. EVENTS VIDEO The events category is one that lends itself to comfortable shoes and unobtrusive clothing, because staying on one’s feet and not calling attention to oneself is decidedly necessary. The type of camera to use for shooting a meeting, bar mitzvah or church event among others, needs to be able to stay on the shoulder for long periods of time, with controls readily accessible by touch, so as to facilitate keeping an eye on what is going on at all times. A variable-zoom lens will provide multiple camera angles and keep the finger on the record button, rather than in the camera bag, should the camera support interchangeable lenses. Because lighting will be catch-as-catch-can, with the exception of using a small LED light, the camera needs to be sensitive enough to deal with a variety of light temperatures, as well as being practical for shooting in low light conditions. Additionally, a long battery life and lots of storage capacity are required. 5 Tricks to Get more YouTube Views Every director wants to get a bigger audience for their videos. Get a free report that will show you how to get more people to see your videos on YouTube. Read more... JVC GY-HM70U/$1,599.00 This camera is equipped with a wide angle lens (29.5) that offers a 16X dynamic zoom. Full 1080/60P recording is done in the AVCHD progressive format at 28Mbps, and there is also 1080/60i and 720 recording capabilities. There is optical image stabilization and a dual snap-on battery system that is hot swappable for providing ongoing power. A 3” touchscreen LCD display accompanies a color viewfinder; with a focus assist function that includes face detection/smile shot. 2MP still photos can be captured concurrently during video recording, and the built-in zoom microphone also accommodates external mics. Storage is handled using dual SDHC/SDXC memory cards. Sony NEX-VG900/$3,298.00 This interchangeable lens camera features a lightweight design (as compared with others of its class). The 24.3MP full-frame 35mm sensor is accompanied by an ISO range of 100-3200 and delivers Full HD 1080/60i/60p/24p recording. There is a top-mounted front-facing 5.1 channel microphone and both a color OLED viewfinder as well as a side-mounted 3” swiveling LCD color display. There is optical image stabilization, a 25-point auto focus and direct manual control buttons for iris, gain and shutter. Storage accommodates Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. A multi-interface hot shoe allows for accessories to be added. Deciding on which camera to buy is more a function of what it’s needed to do than cost. CORPORATE VIDEO A corporate video is designed to promote a company’s business or product line. It is a deliberately shot video that has been scripted and planned — even if it appears to have been done “on the fly,” the actual fact is that every frame has been thought out beforehand. The camera thus used can take advantage of accessories and definitive control of the lighting of the location. The camera does not need to be as easily hand-held, since it will not be used for extended shooting as would be the case in a documentary, but does need features such as control over the depth of field, optical image stabilization, as well as other functionality (such as manual exposure control) resulting in a professional production-grade video. This also means that convenience features, such as in-camera editing or a titling LCD screen, are less important than they would be for someone shooting in another genre. Sony HXRNX30U/$1,999.00 The compact, palm-size shape makes for greater flexibility when it comes to whether the camera is to be tethered to a tripod or allowed to roam free. An ultra-wide 26.3 lens with optical image stabilization and manual/auto focus accompanies enhanced low light performance. Recording is done in Full HD, 1920 x 1080p at 60P, 30P and 24P. There is a 3.5” color LCD panel and a built-in LED light. There is a detachable audio pod with two balanced XLR audio units for linear PCM/Dolby Digital 2-channel audio. It also has a unique built-in video projector for displaying what has been shot. The Memory Stick Pro Duo/SD card compatible storage slot accompanies 96GB of internal flash memory. AJA CION/$8,995.00 This camera features an ergonomic shape for a comfortable, on-shoulder fit and utilizes a 4K APS-C sized CMOS sensor with an electronic global shutter and 12 stops of dynamic range. It can record at 4K (4096x2160), UltraHD (3840x2160), 2K (2048x1080) and HD (1920 x 1080) with frame rates of up to 50 and 60P being supported. High speed storage mounts directly in the camera, with the user interface on the side providing a menu system free of sub-menu navigations (interface controls are also found here). A real-time image can also be monitored and there is network-based control via a LAN connection. CREATIVE FILMMAKING The creative filmmaker requires a camera that is chock full of features — both physical in its construction as well as in functionality. Variable resolutions and frame-rate control over those resolutions are needed, so that the filmmaker can choose to create what looks best to him or her. The ability to add in-camera effects and edit in-camera can provide on-the-spot creative solutions, as can being able to choose from a wide assortment of interchangeable lenses and accessories that will impact the visual and aural results. This type of camera is less about convenience (i.e., automatic exposure or focus) and more about manual control that can match the creative vision that is to be laid down on video. Red SCARLET-X/$7,950.00 The SCARLET-X provides the capability to shoot both motion video and still images at 6K resolution, from 1-12 frames up to 48 frames per second at 5K. Up to 18 stops of dynamic range are possible for broadening its use in challenging lighting conditions through the addition of HDRx technology, with up to four more stops than 35mm/DSLR counterparts. The 14MP sensor records in 5K (full frame), 4K, 3K HD, 1080p and 1K (RedCode Raw), with frame rates ranging from of 23.98 to 59.97. REDMAG SSD media provides storage with speeds that are two times faster than traditional CF cards. The camera is compatible through mount options with Canon EF, PL, Leica and Nikon lenses. Blackmagic URSA/$5,995.00 This digital film camera features a large, fold out 10” on-set monitor and user upgradable Super 35mm global shutter 4K image sensor, with 12 stops of dynamic range. It can change both its sensor and lens mount assembly for EF or PL lens mounts or even a broadcast video sensor with B4 mount. There are built-in scopes for exposure, focus and audio levels, with a dedicated screen for camera assistants to use independent of the operator. Besides the Ultra HD 12-bit lossless Cinema DNG RAW shooting capability, it can also shoot Ultra HD or HD in Apple ProRes for an easy post production workflow with minimum storage requirements. Dual recorder slots enable ongoing recording as a storage card can be replaced while the other card is recording. RUN AND GUN VIDEO This type of shooting requires quickness of reflexes and thought — because there’s very little, if any, time to prepare for what is being shot. Good examples of “run and gun” would be a documentary or a “reality-type” shooting in which situations unfold as the video is being shot. The camera needs to be one that can adapt to such a situation, with the most obvious requirement that controls are readily available and the camera is able to “turn on” quickly and begin to record with little hesitation. Additionally, a wide-angle lens will be more useful since there’s no telling what size room or location the camera will have to record in. And having the capability to add an external mic (shotgun, lavaliere or otherwise) to compensate for poor audio conditions is definitely a plus. It’s also necessary to be intimately acquainted with the camera so all controls can be acquired by touch and the eye can remain on what is being filmed. And of course, using the biggest storage card that is possible makes sense; having to change storage will occur at the worst possible time and should be avoided at all costs. Canon XA20/$1,999.99 This camera utilizes a CMOS Pro Sensor designed to provide realistic color rendition even in low-light situations. The 26.8mm wide-angle lens includes a 20X zoom, along with dynamic optical image stabilization. Compact in size, there is a tilting electronic viewfinder and OLED touchscreen (providing a brighter view than LCD), with AVCHD video shooting of up to 28mbps in a 1080/50P setting (there is also a recording mode of 35 mps in 1080/50P). Two memory slots accommodate SDHC/SDXC storage cards featuring simultaneous recording both at low resolution MP4 as well as HD. There is also built-in WiFi, GPS compatibility and infrared shooting through the IR light source built into the handle. The built-in microphone (choice between Dolby digital and linear PCM recording) accompanies an input jack for use with an external mic. Panasonic AG-AF100A/$3,799.00 This camera has the ability to use Micro Four Thirds DSLR camera lenses (directly) as well as 35mm film camera lenses and prime lenses (via an adapter). Its small size and low weight is part of an ergonomic design providing a base for holding the camera both comfortably and with stability. There are 20 variable frame rates available for fast motion and slo-mo work. Additionally, a new PS mode provides for recording, playing and outputting Full HD progressive video for delivering AVCHD image quality in a variety of HD video formats. There is also HD-SDI output and a mic input (to compliment the one built-in), remote control terminals and system interfaces normally found on professional models. Dual card slots accommodate SDXC storage cards and support continuous (relay) recording. DSLR Enthusiastic videophiles don’t have to feel shut out of shooting high-quality video because of price — thank the DSLR for that. Similar to that of its film-based predecessor, DSLRs are typically used for taking photos, but also have the capabilities for shooting video at 1080p Full HD resolution. The video stream is able to take advantage of the same functionality that ensures the camera taking a photo — for example, a large high-resolution sensor that allows for more depth of field control (i.e., creating a shallow depth of field to highlight the foreground over the background), automatic focusing and manual exposure control. The DSLR’s lighter weight and physical size also makes it ideal for documentaries, travel and other types of shooting where portability is a factor, quarters are cramped or where the larger sized camera becomes bulky to handle and use. Additionally, the appearance of the camera offsets the reality that video is being shot — placing bystanders at ease and removing the intimidation factor that a camera can bring on. The standard procedure is to purchase the camera body, followed by those lenses that will provide the most capability for the type of shooting one plans to do. For those opposed to having to buy a series of lenses of different focal lengths (i.e., a wide-angle, fisheye, etc.), the choice may be to get a zoom lens, as it will provide a number of varying focal lengths in one. The size and type of the memory cards that will hold the video being shot vary by model — but all employ solid-state storage as opposed to the early days of hard drives. Two examples follow: Canon EOS Rebel T5i/$699.00 Body Only This DSLR features an 18MP sensor and an ISO of 100-12800 for shooting in light, whether bright or dim. A variable angle 3” LCD color monitor provides a VGA resolution view. The 1920x1080 resolution Full HD video recording capability can capture and save in 30p, 25p or 24p frames per second, with other recording sizes consisting of 720 or SD/VGA quality. There is also a Movie Digital zoom feature that, once the Full HD resolution is set, allows for the center of the image to be magnified by 3-10X without any image degradation. Short video clips can also be combined in-camera as a single file, with manual exposure and focus control. Thanks to an HDMI out, video can be directly output to a HDTV. Nikon D5300/$796.95 Body Only This 18-ounce (body only) Nikon DSLR has an ISO range of 100-12800, multiple type storage media options (SD, SDHC, SDXC) and a 3.2” LCD monitor with a wide viewing angle. It has a highly sensitive 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS image sensor and can shoot video in 1080, 720 and VGA resolutions, with varying frames per second (the D-Movie mode employs Full HD 1920x1080 60p for visibly smoother sequences). Subject tracking and face-priority AF features work in conjunction with a built-in stereo microphone (controlled manually if desired through 20 incremental steps). In addition, an optional WiFi adapter enables remote camera control and the ability to use a smartphone/tablet as an external “live view” monitor. Sidebar Why Get A DSLR for Video A DSLR is more dissimilar to its old film predecessor because it can shoot video as well as still photos. While a DSLR may not be as specialized as a stand-alone video camera in the functionality it can offer, it has the added convenience of being able to use interchangeable lenses. These lenses provide a wide range for changing the perspective of the shooting — from wide angle to fisheye to telephoto — at varying F/stops. Due to the fact that there are a number of manufacturers of such lenses being made for DSLRs, the price range of the interchangeable lenses are more affordable than if only the maker of the specific DSLR was providing the lenses. Marshal Rosenthal is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and journalist specializing in technology and consumer electronics. webfilmschool
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 03:49:12 +0000
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