ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXEntry level DSLR/Mirrorless camera for video
6 years, 10 months ago - Jack Hawkins
Looking for some Camera Advice
I'm looking to get an entry level camera to use to shoot auditions -- thinking along the lines of a Canon 5D -- but wondered if anyone had any recommendations for something a little more compact (maybe mirrorless). Would be using with a tripod in good light, shooting mid-shot/close up takes.
Aware I could use my phone -- what I currently use -- but I'd rather have a dedicated camera, and recent results on a borrowed 5d looked much better
Resolution not too important (will probably downscale tapes to 720p) but it must have an external mic input (3.5mm ideally!)
If anyone based in London has one they're looking to sell I'd be interested in hearing from you -- or just getting some advice on what to look for on eBay...!
Thank you!
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6 years, 10 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
5D is Canon's flagship DSLR, big jump from just using your phone. And does it need to be a DSLR? How about using a video camera which will be a better video camera than a DSLR is? Honestly the field is so wide and enormous it's hard to make a sensible suggestion.
How about going to a camera shop, asking them for suggestions, and trying a couple of models to see what works best for your budget?
6 years, 10 months ago - Jack Hawkins
Thanks Paddy. Absolutely - I know a 5D is overkill I’m just looking for something more entry level to get some way towards that quality. Thinking DSLR/mirrorless over camcorder as will also be useful as a stills camera and could have other filming uses in future (interchangeable lenses would be a bonus for example). Have done exactly as you suggest and have some recommendations from new/used camera shops, but keen to compare what’s on offer in shops with knowledge from Shooters.
6 years, 10 months ago - John Lubran
Good observations from Paddy. There's allways been something of a compromise with what have been designed as stills cameras being modified as video cameras. It was of course the single full frame sensors that triggered the revolution and the initial picture quality over cost. Things have moved on since then with large full frame sensors or advanced triple chip technology available in true movie cameras with all the run and gun and depth of field control functions of what used to be mega buck cameras. These new generation broadcast 4K cameras now come as cheap as around £2,000.
6 years, 10 months ago - Alwyne Kennedy
An indication of your budget would help.
6 years, 10 months ago - Nathan Hannawin
Hi Jack,
A second hand 5dmk2 or Sony a7s are probably both less than 500 now but this may be without a lens. For your needs it sounds like you don't want to be spending too much for this. Maybe even a GoPro could suit your needs.
However your phone probably is the best tool for this - any modern smart phone is more than capable and will save you money you can spend else where. Quite a few android phones will let you plug a micro SD in which will be perfect
Hope that helps,