Budget professional camcorder

[Sgdevilzz]

Helping my friend to source for a camcorder, semi pro series type, but which brand or model do you recommend? Not looking into handheld cameras (handycams). Looking more for low light capabilities, and zoom range, also 1080HD.

I came across the Canon XL1s, is it good? For the price it seems like it. Budget $1500 below.

Thanks in advance! Cheers.

 

[Confaderal]

Depends on what the purpose is for. If it's for narrative content, then you'd want to get a camera that can give you interchangeable lenses + shallow DOF...you know where this is going right? ;P DSLR! watch Zacuto's 2011 Great Camera shootout for a gauge on how the cameras did for low light: http://www.zacuto.com/the-great-camera-shootout-2011/episode-two. Also, getting a dslr would stay in your budget. I got my canon dm-xm1 at Cash converters in Toa Payoh three years ago for 1.4k, and that's like an obsolete video camera even for that time! you can try scouting for a second hand video camera, but it's not worth it 'cause the cameras there are almost obsolete and they don't come with warranty, receipts etc, which will make it hard to resell.

If you're thinking of getting a good video camera, then get a first hand dslr. Otherwise, video cameras are pretty much costly. Waaaay above 1.5k. Oh and btw, If you decide to get a dslr, remember to not buy it from gray markets. I think there's a list of trusted dslr vendors on clubsnap here somewhere

 

[Bamboopictures]

Canon XL1 is a miniDV camcorder. In its day, it was around 7-8K. Today, I suspect you may get better results out of a consumer HD camcorder. If you put a gun to my head and force me buy a usable camcorder for under $1500, and it will be my only camcorder come hell or high water, it will be a toss-up between a Panasonic SD90 ($1000) and a Canon HV40 (after bargaining down to $1500 maybe). At $2000, it will be Panasonic SD900, at $2500, I'll take the HMC41, at $3500, I'll take the Canon XA10, at $4000, I'll go for the Sony NX70.

My must-have features for a multipurpose camcorder are:
progressive mode
fast autofocus (rules out most DSLR)
mic input
audio level VU meter
headphones out or AV audio out
audio controls
manual controls for WB, focus, exposure

 

[Sgdevilzz]

Depends on what the purpose is for. If it's for narrative content, then you'd want to get a camera that can give you interchangeable lenses + shallow DOF...you know where this is going right? ;P DSLR! watch Zacuto's 2011 Great Camera shootout for a gauge on how the cameras did for low light: http://www.zacuto.com/the-great-camera-shootout-2011/episode-two. Also, getting a dslr would stay in your budget. I got my canon dm-xm1 at Cash converters in Toa Payoh three years ago for 1.4k, and that's like an obsolete video camera even for that time! you can try scouting for a second hand video camera, but it's not worth it 'cause the cameras there are almost obsolete and they don't come with warranty, receipts etc, which will make it hard to resell.

If you're thinking of getting a good video camera, then get a first hand dslr. Otherwise, video cameras are pretty much costly. Waaaay above 1.5k. Oh and btw, If you decide to get a dslr, remember to not buy it from gray markets. I think there's a list of trusted dslr vendors on clubsnap here somewhere

I've seen their episodes before. It's technical i must say, some parts i don't really understand apart from the photography terms. My friend is slow at times, don't think he can take much of those technical.

He is no a pro but is interested in film. I also suggested A DSLR but he's too stubborn to get one as he gives excuses of not using the photo function and is a waste of money. His only option is to either get a handycam or a really budget camcorder. DSLR also has it's pros and cons, for under 1500 i can only think of 600D and bellow. Although i find it quite suitable as it has the flippy tilty screen, given the kit lens and it's cropped sensor isn't going to give him much wide angle. So as the largest aperture it gives which is f3.5

Sorry should have stated the zoom range as in wide angle to midrange zoom.

 

[Sgdevilzz]

Canon XL1 is a miniDV camcorder. In its day, it was around 7-8K. Today, I suspect you may get better results out of a consumer HD camcorder. If you put a gun to my head and force me buy a usable camcorder for under $1500, and it will be my only camcorder come hell or high water, it will be a toss-up between a Panasonic SD90 ($1000) and a Canon HV40 (after bargaining down to $1500 maybe). At $2000, it will be Panasonic SD900, at $2500, I'll take the HMC41, at $3500, I'll take the Canon XA10, at $4000, I'll go for the Sony NX70.

My must-have features for a multipurpose camcorder are:
progressive mode
fast autofocus (rules out most DSLR)
mic input
audio level VU meter
headphones out or AV audio out
audio controls
manual controls for WB, focus, exposure

Thanks for the clarification! Consumer camcorders has limits right? Like full manual control of the settings you mentioned.

 

[Bamboopictures]

Generally speaking, consumer camcorders lack direct access to manual controls. They may be there, but hidden inside menus and submenus. But that is the sacrifice to keep the chasis small. Otherwise, how are all the manual buttons and dials going fit? Some brands work better in full-auto then others. So go for those consumer models which does not require you to override the auto mode so often. At the sub $1500, there just aren't many to choose from with a good set of manual features. If budget is a concern, a DSLR isn't really the most economical answer as you will need lots of add-ons just to make it function like a camcorder. IMHO, Canon and Panasonic are the most generous with manual features in their consumer range. The least generous is Sony.

 

[Sgdevilzz]

Generally speaking, consumer camcorders lack direct access to manual controls. They may be there, but hidden inside menus and submenus. But that is the sacrifice to keep the chasis small. Otherwise, how are all the manual buttons and dials going fit? Some brands work better in full-auto then others. So go for those consumer models which does not require you to override the auto mode so often. At the sub $1500, there just aren't many to choose from with a good set of manual features. If budget is a concern, a DSLR isn't really the most economical answer as you will need lots of add-ons just to make it function like a camcorder. IMHO, Canon and Panasonic are the most generous with manual features in their consumer range. The least generous is Sony.

Hmm.. If there's really no other option than consumer camcorders, and left with Panasonic or canon, which model will suit best?

Oh and btw, where can I rent or buy battery pack for lighting? Do they have a 2pin plug type?

 

[Bamboopictures]

I am leaning towards the Panasonic SD90 more ($1000) because it has the widest angle on any consumer camcorder (28mm through to 40X zoom.) It's a joy to shoot without attaching any wideangle adapter. Also, it has full HD 50p mode and imovie ready iFrame mode. Only complaint is there is no headphone jack so you have to attach the AV out cable to a headphone booster to get live audio monitoring. The NTSC version is only US$400 for anyone who wants to save a little money. On a separate note, why not invest in an LED light (eg Z96) Much more cooler, compact, lighter and more versatile than lead-acid battery lights.

 

[Sgdevilzz]

I am leaning towards the Panasonic SD90 more ($1000) because it has the widest angle on any consumer camcorder (28mm through to 40X zoom.) It's a joy to shoot without attaching any wideangle adapter. Also, it has full HD 50p mode and imovie ready iFrame mode. Only complaint is there is no headphone jack so you have to attach the AV out cable to a headphone booster to get live audio monitoring. The NTSC version is only US$400 for anyone who wants to save a little money. On a separate note, why not invest in an LED light (eg Z96) Much more cooler, compact, lighter and more versatile than lead-acid battery lights.

Thanks for the suggestions! Told my friend and he said he's quite convinced with the SD90 but still considering one of the sony's camcorders.

 

[rstaylor]

I'd totally recommend SD90, awesome quality images and features for the price.
Forget DSLR until they can autofocus, I have a Canon 7D that also producing great video as long as the subject never moves!
I got a TM90 (sd90+16gb onboard) from amazon which cost <S$650 delivered via vpost.

 

[mothership]

i also wish to know more

 

[hkingx]

I'd totally recommend SD90, awesome quality images and features for the price.
Forget DSLR until they can autofocus, I have a Canon 7D that also producing great video as long as the subject never moves!
I got a TM90 (sd90+16gb onboard) from amazon which cost <S$650 delivered via vpost.

yes, agreed with this.!!!

 

[Sgdevilzz]

Now he's currently looking at the NEX-VG10E. Saving until next year June. Anyone got this camera? Care to share it's advantages to SD90?

 

[Bamboopictures]

VG10 has got a much larger sensor compared to the SD90. That translate to better low-light performance, and shallower depth of field. It also has interchangeable lens and a headphone jack which is missing in the SD90. But there are no manual audio control and no VU meter in the VG10, making it somewhat of a deal-breaker for many serious videographer. To actually make it usable in the audio department, your friend will need to buy juicedlink's 214 preamp. Even then, one audio channel is completely lost to the AGC defeating tone. There are definitely better options in DSLRs such as Canon 60D and Panasonic GH2. Though the DSLRs may not have VG10's headphone jack, their AGC can be turned off and both audio channels can be used.

 

[Ian]

I am leaning towards the Panasonic SD90 more ($1000) because it has the widest angle on any consumer camcorder (28mm through to 40X zoom.) It's a joy to shoot without attaching any wideangle adapter. Also, it has full HD 50p mode and imovie ready iFrame mode. Only complaint is there is no headphone jack so you have to attach the AV out cable to a headphone booster to get live audio monitoring. The NTSC version is only US$400 for anyone who wants to save a little money. On a separate note, why not invest in an LED light (eg Z96) Much more cooler, compact, lighter and more versatile than lead-acid battery lights.

I use an SD90 and it's a brilliant performer for it's price point. I decided to get one as a compact video camera that has very good low level lighting capabilities, is exceptional in terms of image quality for it's price and highly versatile. I went with the SD90 as it's cheap (I paid $470 AUD or about 600 SGD for it). As a professional photographer (stills) I wanted a video camera that was highly competent, small and lightweight for travel and general purpose use. I have no interest in being a wannabe cinematographer however with that said I do want quality and a lot of bang for the buck.

Though there's no headphone jack there is a mic input and anyone who has had any exposure to professional video work knows that the audio is recorded seperately in most cases to the video. OB news crews are usually 3 people, an audio recordist using a field recorder, cameraman and reporter. If you want to increase the SD90's recording capability then a simple and relatively cheap external audio mixer will do the trick. Or if you know someone who's reasonably competent with electronics they could build you a unit for under 150 SGD that will do the lot.

 

[xlynn]

Take a look at Canon EOS Rebel T3i. Although it is a DSLR, it shoots 1080p HD at 30 fps and 720p at 60 fps.

 

[Bamboopictures]

Latest contender for "pro-usable consumer camcorder" is Sony CX760 or PJ760 (with projector) Pair it with a beachtek and its quite remarkable. Can fight with steadicam. Or top up $1000 for its professional XLR cousin NX30

 

[Superek4]

Try canon xa10 it's nice.

 

[Raptor937]

There is the JVC HM150, which retails at a lower price compared to the Canon XA10.

JVC GY-HM150 ProHD Camcorder

The GY-HM150U is JVC's latest and most advanced compact handheld camcorder. Based on the solid ergonomic design of the highly popular GY-HM100--currently in use by thousands of photojournalists at major television stations and networks around the world--we've upgraded the camera's features and performance without changing the attributes that made its predecessor so successful. A new encoder delivers not only improved HD recordings, but adds support for standard definition (SD). Manual controls are now more intuitive than ever with an iris dial next to the lens, and a total of 6 user assignable buttons. And shooters will love its dual card recording capability that creates an instant back-up copy! The GY-HM150 offers the world's fastest workflow delivering files that can be instantly edited in all professional level editing systems—all while producing recordings on par with broadcast cameras. The GY-HM150 is highly recommended for demanding news and production assignments.

 

[Bamboopictures]

There is the JVC HM150, which retails at a lower price compared to the Canon XA10.

JVC GY-HM150 ProHD Camcorder

Not possible.