Deciding which camera to get...

C

cgl102770

I'm shopping for a video camera, and I'm a little overwhelmed with all of the possibilities. This is for a Blair Witch style short film I'm doing. My budget is $500 - $600, and I'm wondering if I should just wait until I can buy something better, meaning, for that price, am I really getting something much better than a Droid cellphone camcorder?

My priorities are something relatively lightweight, since it will be held by one of the actors while moving, and something with decent lowlight capabilities, since some of the scenes are at night by a campfire. Thank you for any feedback!
 
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You can get something pretty decent for $600, especially if you get a used one from a reputable dealer. Things to look for are image stabilization, microphone input, filter ring, manual controls, headphone output, SD card slot. You should consider pricing in spare batteries with an off camera charger. I would consider getting an Opteka X-GRIP EX MK III for some extra weight, stability and durability. Lighter doesn't always mean better. I'm sure others will chime-in with other things to consider. That's just off the top of my head. Oh, and you might want to consider lighting for the night scenes. Even if it's just a collapsible circular reflector disc.
 
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Has everything you need:
itref​
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/suppo...ition_camcorders/vixia_hf_m300#Specifications
  • Video Recording system MPEG4-AVC / H.264
  • Image Sensor 1/4-inch CMOS, RGB Primary Color Filter
  • Total Pixels Approx. 3.89 Megapixels
  • Zoom Optical: 32x
  • Manual Exposure Yes
  • Lens 2.8 - 89.6 mm / 35mm Equivalent: 38.5 - 1232 mm Optical Zoom32.5 - 1723 mm Advanced Zoom
    f/1.8 - 4.5
  • AVCHD Progressive
    1920 x 1080p / 60 fps (28Mbps)
    1920 x 1080i / 60 fps (24Mbps)
    1920 x 1080p / 30 fps (17Mbps)
    MPEG4
    1920 x 1080p / 60 fps (35Mbps)
    1920 x 1080p / 30 fps (24Mbps)
    1920 x 1080p / 24 fps (17Mbps)
  • Frame Rate 60i, 24p Progressive (records at 60i), 30p Progressive (records at 60i)
  • Filter Diameter 37mm
  • Audio Dolby Digital 2 channel (AC-3), 5.1-channel (with optional Canon SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone)

About $200.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=909788&Q=&is=REG&A=details

AND... it still includes a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack microphone input, so you can hookup your $149.00 Rode VideoMic with Rycote Lyre Suspension System http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=917425&is=REG&Q=&A=details

All inside your given budget.

(This is going D-T-YT, so ya'll calm down. :lol:)

GL!
 
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About the EOS-M:
brunnerw says in another thread: "I've been recommending this camera ever since it was marked down for closeout. At its original price, it was not a very good value for the money - but at $237.39 for the red body and $59.95 for the Fotodiox autofocusing EF adapter, it's a steal.

Here is what this camera can do:


Live music: http://vimeo.com/75122636#t=38s (h.264)


Fashion: http://vimeo.com/72938179 (RAW - note the lack of moire in the fabric of the dress)


Travel: http://vimeo.com/55604121 (h.264)


Skate: http://vimeo.com/80326419 (h.264)


Not bad for a $300 camera.

Hope this is helpful,

Bill"


Sounds like a great way to start, then get a nifty fifty, a Zoom DR-05 (or better) and still money left for accessories...
 
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