DSLR vs Handycam? Expert advise needed!

[Mantiz]

Hai guys

I have a Nikon d5100 and a Sony HDR-PJ 760

Question is, which 1 is better for video (I have steadicam, slider/dolly, jib etc) ? I was told that because the handycam has a small sensor, in low light condition is bad, he told me nikon d5100 will be a better choice to video.

I felt i wasted a **** load of money buying the Sony HDR-PJ 760 if thats the case,

Hope to hear some good advise which is better and why, and what are the pros and cons, i'm like so sad with the decision i want to throw my vcam away

 

[RyanKhoo]

I am no expert so I am not qualified.

But I think like all DSLR cameras, higher chance is that your Nikon has a limitation duration of continuous recording of 30 mins.

You may try to time yourself to record it at 20 or 29 mins, then re-record again. But it will get really hot.

But f you record less thatn 30 mins long, then no issue with the nikon ...

Hope others can post the pros n cons to help you

 

[Bamboopictures]

Mantiz, surely the PJ 760 is not that bad in low light! The Exmor sensor though small has very clean gain. IS0200 on your Nikon is about equivalent to zero db gain on the PJ. Although PJ760 does not tell you what level of gain it is using, you can calibrate it using some of the tricks listed in HV20.com You will find that the PJ760 stands up very well to the Nikon in terms of low-light. It can even shoot in NO light!!! (Nightshot mode)

DLSR are good for situations where you need:
shallow depth of field
wider dynamic range
good quality optics

Handicam is great for
Newsgathering
Long event recording
run- and-gun shooting
wide variety of shots in limited time
auto-everything unmanned camera
sports
good audio

No camera can do everything. The best camera is the one that you have on you when you need it. Areas where the PJ760 wins over the Nikon:
Stabilisation: PJ760 is the best on the market!
intelligent Auto focus: face tracking, touch screen focusing
focus peaking: for sharp focus every time
deep focus: smaller sensor have longer depth of field
Great zoom range: 26mm wide-angle is a JOY! No need to carry multiple lenses /attachment
macro mode: no need to buy macro lens/filter
Intelligent audio AGC: Sony new AGC is miles ahead of any DSLR
Mic jack: you can even plug in a beachtek XLR adapter
headphone jack: you can monitor audio
Built-in Projector: how cool is that!

The PJ760 is the consumer model of the professional NX30. If it is any consolation, you saved $800 getting the PJ760 over the NX30.

 

[Mantiz]

wah u made my day, i was depressed over this purchase for a few days,

Im selling my nikon d5100 to buy canon 5d mk3 next week, im still considering if i should sell my pj760, what do you think?

 

[Bamboopictures]

wah u made my day, i was depressed over this purchase for a few days,

Im selling my nikon d5100 to buy canon 5d mk3 next week, im still considering if i should sell my pj760, what do you think?

You should sell any camera that you do not use - fast. When the next best thing comes around, no one will be interested any more.
BTW, if you are buying the 5D mk3 to shoot video, make sure you find out more about the 5D Mk3 killer from Sony :NEX- VG900.

 

[Mantiz]

You should sell any camera that you do not use - fast. When the next best thing comes around, no one will be interested any more.
BTW, if you are buying the 5D mk3 to shoot video, read more about the Sony VG900 first. This one is possibly the camcorder of the decade.

I want something versatile, something i can video and shoot photos, handycam doesnt make a good camera does it?

 

[Bamboopictures]

This is a full frame sensor camera that shoots RAW stills! Only reasons to choose the 5D Mk3:

You like to appear to be shooting photos.
You like the shaky look of handheld video
You have a big collection of Canon lenses
You like to burn another $10,000 in accessories so that the Canon can operate like a video camera
You think auto focus is for sissies.

 

[XsenseX]

I think its a simple decision.

If you are not going to carry around tripods, stabilizers, additional mics, buy more lenses then do not buy a dslr for video shooting cause it does require alot of additional equipments to make it work well.

If you like running around with a light setup, do buy a handycam or a small proper video camera where everything is inbuilt.

Peace

 

[RyanKhoo]

make sure you find out more about the 5D Mk3 killer from Sony :NEX- VG900.

Hi Bamboopictures,

Am I right in the reading that although VG900 is cheaper at USD3300 but that without any lens. But if purchase EA-50H at USD3,600 it comes with the powered 18-300 lens.

So, VG900 is not really cheaper because the powered 18-300 lens itself will set you back by another USD1,200

So, in your opinion, which is more value for money, Sony Nex VG900 or Sony Nex EA-50H ?

Thanks

 

[Bamboopictures]

VG900 is worth the extra money for the much larger sensor in a much smaller body!