ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

12 years, 5 months ago - chandra thumati

Look at the Panasonic HVX201 (should be able to get this full HD cam second hand for a good price, although P2 cards are quite expensive). Alternatively do check the Panasonic AF101 - interchangeable lenses, inexpensive memory cards and the form factor of a camcorder. goodluck

12 years, 5 months ago - Emma Dove

Gillian,

Have you had a look at the Sony HXR NX70? For a self-shooter it is great - very compact, lightweight, affordable and is also marketed as shower/sand proof. My only issue with it is that it is not great in low light conditions (though in very low light it does have the option of infra-red, which I'm yet to play with). It also has a lovely slow-mo function though with a max slow-mo show length of about 11 secs...

I shot my latest doc 'Sublime' on it, so you can take a look at that for getting a sense of the image quality. It's quite different from dslr aesthetic but personally I think it still offers a lovely image.

Hope you find one that suits you well - I know it can get a bit overwhelming looking in to all the options!

12 years, 5 months ago - John David Clay

Gillian,

Just a suggestion you could try Ex1/3 or possible even the F55 / F5 ( the quality is superb but I think they might be a bit pricey but they are reasonably light weight, - HD and good lattitude and solidly built. - they use the interchangeable S x S pro cards (EX3/F55/F5 all use) -

Hope this is helpful and best of luck with finding something that suits.

Thanks

John

12 years, 5 months ago - Emma Dove

'slow-mo shot length' - I meant!

12 years, 5 months ago - Peter Ward

With 1/2" sensors the Sony PMW-EX1/EX1R and PMW200 have the best quality in a "handheld", traditional video camera form factor--i.e., weighing less than 3 kilos and suited to run-and-gun style shooting a la the DP170. However they will not give you the "look" of a DSLR or cinematography-style video camera, which requires a larger sensor and use of photo or cinema lenses.

Of the the latter, cinema-style cameras the Canon C100 has the best ergonomics in my opinion. But I still wouldn't consider it run-and-gun friendly; as with any camera that uses photo lenses you will not have autofocus ("push auto" not withstanding) and you probably won't want to be zooming in or out during a shot--it is hard to zoom smoothly and most photo lenses will go out of focus as you zoom (i.e., aren't parafocal).

It boils down to is where your priorities lie. Is run-and-gun and easy handheld shooting the most important factor or can you adapt your shooting style to accommodate a cinema camera and thus benefit from the look? Unfortunately no camera fits booth bills.