I'm looking to shoot some nice quality YouTube documentaries and I was wondering if someone can give me advice on the best camera for a budget of about 1800-2000. I am not looking for a DSLR. I was thinking about the Cannon XA10 or the Sony HXR-NX30. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you.
Help with a camera
- Thread starter Bobbyisstrange
- Start date
Hi Bobby - If you edit on a Mac with either Final Cut or iMovie, get a $1950 JVC GY-HM150. It records to Quicktime compatible .MOV files. All the other cameras in this price range shoot to .MTS AVCHD files, which require transcoding for Macs. Here is what this camera can do:
http://vimeo.com/62649581
Otherwise, the $1760 Panasonic AG-AC90 is a great option. Here is what this camera can do:
http://vimeo.com/54060066
The $1700 XA10 costs a little less, and is a solid interview camera, but it lacks 1080/60p for smooth, fast-moving action. Here is a documentary shot on the XA10:
http://vimeo.com/25300108
I left out the $2012 Sony NX30, even though it comes with a mic, because it is overpriced. In my view, you would be better off getting the AC90 or the XA10 and buying a $155 Audio Technica AT875 shotgun mic separately. That said, the Sony has an absolutely fabulous stabilization system:
http://vimeo.com/39824407
Hope this is helpful,
Bill
http://vimeo.com/62649581
Otherwise, the $1760 Panasonic AG-AC90 is a great option. Here is what this camera can do:
http://vimeo.com/54060066
The $1700 XA10 costs a little less, and is a solid interview camera, but it lacks 1080/60p for smooth, fast-moving action. Here is a documentary shot on the XA10:
http://vimeo.com/25300108
I left out the $2012 Sony NX30, even though it comes with a mic, because it is overpriced. In my view, you would be better off getting the AC90 or the XA10 and buying a $155 Audio Technica AT875 shotgun mic separately. That said, the Sony has an absolutely fabulous stabilization system:
http://vimeo.com/39824407
Hope this is helpful,
Bill
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Premiere Pro CS6 will edit AVCHD just fine without transcoding or rewrapping if you have a fast enough processor.