Budget professional camcorder

[RyanKhoo]

All things being equal, it will be MORE difficult to get a sharply focused image on an APS-C sensor than 1/3 CMOS.
1. The depth of field is shallower on a large sensor camera.
2. You don't have reliable autofocus on most APS-C hybrid/camcorder

If you want deep focus, (everything in frame is in focus) go with the smallest sensor camera and close down the aperture.
If you want very shallow, selective focus, with beautiful bokeh, go with APS-C sensor, paired with a fast lens/lensbaby.

Different cameras for different situations. 1/3 CMOS is great for news gathering, sports, event recording.
APS-C /full frame/micro4/3 is better for TVC, drama, short film, MTV, corporate videos.

This is based on the optics component of sharpness and my caveat is "all things being equal" (etc. bitrate, codec etc)

Thanks Bamboopictures for the lesson. I am beginning to see the 1/3 CMOS in a better light. Before this, my brain is one track direction which is bigger sensor size = better picture/video quality

I am heading towards Panasonic AG AC 130 now. It comes with 3 numbers of 1/3 CMOS sensor. So, is having 3 CMOS sensors better than having 1 ?

Thanks

As an aside, if is also possible to get the shallow DOF field look of an APS-C DSLR with a 1/3 CMOS camcorder by means of 35mm adapters such as letus Micro35.

Thanks but I have looked at this 35mm adapter in youtube & they are huge lah !

 

[Bamboopictures]

I am heading towards Panasonic AG AC 130 now. It comes with 3 numbers of 1/3 CMOS sensor. So, is having 3 CMOS sensors better than having 1 ?

In the days of CCD, 3CCD camcorders produced noticeably better color reproduction than 1CCD camcorders. With today's CMOS technology, that difference is imperceptible. BUT all things being equal, if light is split 3 ways, you will end up with a darker image on each sensor. And while the low light and dynamic range of the AC130 gain is impressive, its gain is noisier than a NX30. If you must have 3CMOS, compare also the XF300 or PMW200 or wait for a successor to the NX5 from sony.

 

[RyanKhoo]

In the days of CCD, 3CCD camcorders produced noticeably better color reproduction than 1CCD camcorders. With today's CMOS technology, that difference is imperceptible. BUT all things being equal, if light is split 3 ways, you will end up with a darker image on each sensor. And while the low light and dynamic range of the AC130 gain is impressive, its gain is noisier than a NX30. If you must have 3CMOS, compare also the XF300 or PMW200 or wait for a successor to the NX5 from sony.

Thanks Bamboopictures.

I think the NX30, XF300 and PMW200 are all much more expensive than the Panasonic AG AC 130.

I thought maybe Panasonic AG AC 130 is worth considering based on the following:

Since the Sony NX70 is $4000 and Panasonic AG AC 130 is only $200 more at $4,200, I thought that maybe get the Panasonic is better since it comes with 3x CMOS sensor instead on only 1 in the Sony NX70.

So, the 3x CMOS is not a must have, it is just that I thought having 3 CMOS sensor is better than 1. Am I correct ?

Thanks

 

[Bamboopictures]

NX30 is only $2800. AC130 is worth considering for the dynamic range stretch and the ergonomics (controls, NOT bulk) The 3MOS is a non-factor, after all its just AVCHD.

 

[astrocom]

NX30 is only $2800. AC130 is worth considering for the dynamic range stretch and the ergonomics (controls, NOT bulk) The 3MOS is a non-factor, after all its just AVCHD.

NX30 is supplied with the same XLR mic as the NX70 right? With a $1200 saving buying the NX30 instead of NX70, I am very tempted to use the saving to get a Sennheiser ME66/K6. Is this a wise thing to do? I mean in your opinion, would I get significantly better audio with the Sennheiser for both indoor and outdoor recording?

As for the stock mic on the NX30/NX70, would I be able to hook it up with say a 1.5m or 3m XLR cable (to place it nearer to the audio source) and connect it to the camera XLR unit during shoots?

My apologies to the TS if I have hijacked this thread.

 

[Bamboopictures]

Yes, the mic is the same throw-away one from the days of the PD150. You will get definitely better ambient rejection with ME66/K6. Pair it with SKP100 for wireless operation. The sony kit mic is phantom-powered and has no issues even if the cable is 10m.

 

[RyanKhoo]

NX30 is only $2800. AC130 is worth considering for the dynamic range stretch and the ergonomics (controls, NOT bulk) The 3MOS is a non-factor, after all its just AVCHD.

Oops typo ... I meant to say that the NX5 is more expensive than the AC 130 range ...

Just realize the AC 130 cannot record at 1080 50p while the AC 160 can ... is that correct ?

How come the AC 160 can record at 1080 50p after some update but the AC 130 cannot ?

Thanks

 

[RyanKhoo]

Yes, the mic is the same throw-away one from the days of the PD150. You will get definitely better ambient rejection with ME66/K6. Pair it with SKP100 for wireless operation. The sony kit mic is phantom-powered and has no issues even if the cable is 10m.

A bit blur liao ...

How do we connect this Seinheisser SKP 100 for wireless operation ?

Connect this SKP100 to video camera or connect this SKP100 to the ME66/K6 mic ?

Thanks

 

[astrocom]

The SKP connects to the ME66 mic and turn that into a wireless mic. The SKP is a wireless transmitter, you will still need a receiver connected either to a recorder or to the videocam.

 

[RyanKhoo]

The SKP connects to the ME66 mic and turn that into a wireless mic. The SKP is a wireless transmitter, you will still need a receiver connected either to a recorder or to the videocam.

Thanks astrocom,

But how do we connect a receiver to the video camera ? The receiver has a xlr port ?

so when we buy the skp, does it come with a receiver ?

where can we buy this skp in spore ?

thks

 

[astrocom]

I do not have any practical experience with these but watch these 2 videos and you will have a very clear idea how they are used together both with XLR and 3.5mm connection. If I am not wrong, the SKP function as a transmitter that is fixed onto the mic itself and you can hand hold it as a wireless mic or mount it onto a mic stand. The Wireless Transmitter is more handy with a Lavalier mic so you can hide the transmitter and lavalier on a person that is moving about or in an interview.

Then you will need a wireless receiver connected to your videocam either via a 3.5mm connector, or 3.5mm to a Beachtek adaptor then via XLR to your videocam, or directly with an XLR to your videocam. Best to verify this with the shops (but we know which shop to avoid, right? )

Not sure where to get them but I am sure the usual video shops or the pro audio in Sim Lim would have them. I think they come both in individual items as well as in sets. In the video, the guy has a complete set.


Sennheiser Evolution G3 100 Series - Wireless Microphone Combo UNBOXING - YouTube
Sennheiser EW100 WIreless Mic Kit with Panasonic HS700 - YouTube

 

[RyanKhoo]

... the SKP function as a transmitter that is fixed onto the mic itself and you can hand hold it as a wireless mic or mount it onto a mic stand.

So, therefore we do no need the Wireless Transmitter at all since the mic an be fixed on the transmitter adapter (the rectangle "thing" that looks like a battery).

Then you will need a wireless receiver connected to your videocam either via a 3.5mm connector, or 3.5mm to a Beachtek adaptor then via XLR to your videocam, or directly with an XLR to your videocam.

Yes, I think if you buy the Sony NX30, you don't need the Beachtek as you can connect from the wireless receiver to the XLR input of the videocam.

Best to verify this with the shops (but we know which shop to avoid, right? )

Not sure where to get them but I am sure the usual video shops or the pro audio in Sim Lim would have them. I think they come both in individual items as well as in sets. In the video, the guy has a complete set.

think the best place to buy is prolly buy online thru Amazon ? Rather than buying fron you know who !

Thanks