ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXLooking to buy a camera that takes stills and shoots video
8 years, 10 months ago - Amber Agha
Hello, Im looking to get a camera that takes good pictures but that I can also shoot good video on. Im new to a lot of this so something that is simple to us and something under £500. Canon has been suggested anyone have any good recommendations? Thanks
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8 years, 10 months ago - Janelle Balnicke
I recently used a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100. Retail price at John Lewis was £500 with a £100 rebate last month. I needed something very lightweight, with a good fixed lens. This is EXACTLY the same model as the Leica, but with the addition of a handy hand grip. I am an experienced filmmaker, but wanted something inexpensive and incredibly simple. Oh, and that also could record 4K internal. I had used a Lumix GH4 2 years ago, but didn't want to haul lenses with me, so the fixed lens was perfect. That, and a monopod, did the trick for the documentary work I needed. There is sound record, but way of monitoring it with headphones, and so I chose to use separate sound as I needed high quality. For sound I used a Sony PCM-M10 stereo recorder set on the highest sampling and it was EXCELLENT. Unfortunately this model is discontinued, though you can still get it from the US. In any case, the camera is great - shoots RAW stills and 4K, but you will need to content yourself with a 24-75mm lens range. As it is lightweight, it may seem fiddly if you have large hands, but I love the ability to discretely record excellent 4K with something I can slip in my pocket (with my sound recorder in the other!) Good luck. Simple and inexpensive doesn't mean you can't achieve the results you want easily. All the equipment will be out of date in two years anyway, so stay within your budget and make a great film!
Response from 8 years, 10 months ago - Janelle Balnicke SHOW
8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich
As Janelle points out, don't forget about sound. At the very least, include a good mic in your budget.
Response from 8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
8 years, 10 months ago - Amber Agha
Thank you so much thats all great advice.In the end I went to John Lewis and the man there directed to a Canon Eos which was under my budget so I went for it! I dont have a mic yet though, any suggestions? It does have a built in mic. Also Id like to be able to interview people on the move and film them is there anything I can use for that?
Thank you so much.Im very excited and a little nervous too :)
Response from 8 years, 10 months ago - Amber Agha SHOW
8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Never, ever use the built in mic. They are really terrible. If you're attaching the mic to the camera for "on the go" shooting, I'd go with a shotgun mic. They are very directional, so they won't pick up a lot of noise from the surrounding area.
There are tons, now, and most come with their own little mount for DSLR cameras. I can't really advise you very well. I've had the same sennheiser for over 25 years now, and just don't know what's available nowadays except in the most cursory way. Here's a little guide to get you started:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/audio/buying-guide/shotgun-microphones
Just remember: you really DO get what you pay for when it comes to this kind of stuff. I'd stick with a well known company.
Hope it helps!
Response from 8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
8 years, 10 months ago - Amber Agha
Thanks so much that does help I shall start shopping around for mics and tripods too. Thank you!
Response from 8 years, 10 months ago - Amber Agha SHOW
8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich
I'm sure you'll find something to fit your budget, as well as the films you're planning to make. It's good that you're nervous. Only an idiot wouldn't be. (I've fixed dozens of movies over the years, and every time, on that first day, someone says: "you look really pale. Are you OK?"). Practice. Start small. Work your way up. You'll be awesome!
Response from 8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
8 years, 9 months ago - Amber Agha
@Dan Selakovich Ah thanks so much :)
Response from 8 years, 9 months ago - Amber Agha SHOW