If you're loving the AX100 and CX900 for the 1" EXMOR sensor, quit waiting and grab the RX10 instead.
(docu here:
)
30 mins shot limit but f2.8 on maximum zoom trumps the CX900. (Same audio capabilities)
Also the DSLR form factor gets you into more venues than a camcorder can. No one can tell if you are doing
videography or photography.
Just too bad it doesn't sport NX30's Balanced Optical Stabiliser (BOS) which is perfect for handheld shooting. Still, Sony's PJ660 or PJ820 (MP4/WIFI)will gives you the same BOS for a lot less than the NX30.
That said, if you're looking for maximum bang for buck, a swiss army knife of a camcorder, I've found that in the Panasonic W850.
The killer function in the W850 is the unlimited 120fps slo-mo. An on-screen button allows you slo-mo action for as long as it is depressed. Release the button and recording continues at normal frame rate. Hit it again and slo-mo again! You can invoke the slo-mo up to three time in a single continuous shot.
That function alone is worth the price of the camcorder ($1200)but it also gives you many other incredibly useful features for
videography:
• Pan-tilt- zoom and remote viewing via smartphone ( essentially a second cameraman when coupled with the accessory panning head)
• headphone out, audio level indicator, manual control and mic input.
• timelapse recording
• infra red night vision ( ala blair witch)
• and get this: a SECOND rotatable lens that inserts a quarter screen size PIP into your main recording!
• 20X optical zoom (in a body smaller than Canon's XA20!)
• 5 Axis stablisation
As much as I love my Sony NX30 for
videography, I would say get the Sony over the W850 only if you absolutely need to literally chase a subject on foot. The only other compromise is the W850's 30mm wide angle vs Sony's 26mm.
Now on to audio:
Juicedlink RM222 accepts XLR input only, so you will need adapters if you're using unbalanced mics like the Rode Videomic.The Juicelink also supplies phantom power. Remember to turn that off and tape down the switch to avoid accidentally frying your videomic.
Beachtek's DXA-SLR MINI preamp however is designed specially for mics with 3.5mm jacks. The beachtek form factor however is more suited to Sony RX10 than AX100.
Because these micpres are bulky, expensive and require 9V batteries, you should test the unity levels of the mic/cam combination first before rushing out to buy a micpre you may not need. If the levels is sufficiently strong without preamp, than a passive volume controller/splitter like the MCC-2 is a much more compact and cheaper option.
Senheisser G3 (super compact transmitter that makes virtually any lapel or shotgun mic wireless)
Zoom H2n ( A life saver for group audio, dual system recording, musical performances)
Shure lenshopper VP83F shotgun microSD mic (the ONLY shotgun mic that can record even without a camera!!!!)
Tascam TM-2X stereo XY capsules for excellent multi party conversation recording onboard cam (No batteries needed!!)
For legs, nothing comes close to the versatility of the Benro C1192TB0. Stores flat and one leg is detachable as a monopod. You should get a Acratech levelling base if you're using video heads on photo sticks. (Otherwise watch your horizon tilt when you pan)
If you have another $800 left to spare: a gopro Hero 3+ black on a pocket-sized Feiyu electronic 2-Axis gimbaled stabiliser for magical steady tracks.
A difficult aspect of documentary making in
Singapore is subtefuge shooting. Many places such as MRT, offices and government buildings, shops and restaurants, even seemingly public places like the esplanade and the marina barrage frown on camcorders. You may have to set a aside a small part of the budget for non-conventional cameras like the Sony QX100, RX100, GoPro, or Lumix GM1 for those situations. These cameras have WIFI remote control and viewing, allowing you to frame your subject with aid from a smartphone. Reserve these for shooting in venues that frown on
videographers. They are also tiny enough to be mounted on umbrellas (as monopod) or hidden inside the closed umbrella when not in use. Good luck!
