Bamboopictures
Senior Member
With exciting new launches so early in CES 2014, here are some key features to look out for in video cameras this year:
1. 4K-ready CMOS
It's not necessary to buy a video camera that records 4K but the sensor should be 4K ready. eg Pany GX7 and GM1 do not record 4K but their dynamic range is greatly improved with the new generation 4K ready sensors.
2. Focus peaking
If HD is unforgiving of out-of-focus shots, 4K will be worse. You will need all the help you can get within the camera.
3. Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS
JVC, Panasonic and Sony have all adopted sensors with circuits printed on the non light gathering back of the sensor. This greatly improves low-light performance. Do not buy models that still uses the old sensor design
4. Optical stabilisation
In-camera stabilisation has come a long way, with Olympus'EM5/1 and Pany AC90 adopting 5-axis stabilisation and Sony's PJ660/790/810's Balance Optical Stabilisation. Avoid cameras that only have digital stabilisation
5. MP4 recording
AVCHD is still a bitch to edit. For fast turnaround and sharing, look for cameras with MP4 recording function.
6. WIFI
This is great for controling your camera and monitoring what your shooting when you walk away from the camera. Not a deal breaker if its absent but good to have.
1. 4K-ready CMOS
It's not necessary to buy a video camera that records 4K but the sensor should be 4K ready. eg Pany GX7 and GM1 do not record 4K but their dynamic range is greatly improved with the new generation 4K ready sensors.
2. Focus peaking
If HD is unforgiving of out-of-focus shots, 4K will be worse. You will need all the help you can get within the camera.
3. Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS
JVC, Panasonic and Sony have all adopted sensors with circuits printed on the non light gathering back of the sensor. This greatly improves low-light performance. Do not buy models that still uses the old sensor design
4. Optical stabilisation
In-camera stabilisation has come a long way, with Olympus'EM5/1 and Pany AC90 adopting 5-axis stabilisation and Sony's PJ660/790/810's Balance Optical Stabilisation. Avoid cameras that only have digital stabilisation
5. MP4 recording
AVCHD is still a bitch to edit. For fast turnaround and sharing, look for cameras with MP4 recording function.
6. WIFI
This is great for controling your camera and monitoring what your shooting when you walk away from the camera. Not a deal breaker if its absent but good to have.
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