Newbie Guide to Buying/Renting Video camera


Bamboopictures

Senior Member
I have compiled a simple guide for newbies looking to buy or rent a large sensor camera for video.
By large sensor, I mean M43, APS-C, Super35 and Full-Frame only.
The list is not exhaustive and represents only my very colored opinion (sorry Nikon, Fuji, BMD , JVC)
Features listed refer to body ergonomics only. Accessories and work-arounds don't count.
I have omitted codec features such as 4K, Log profile, frame rate, color bit depth and bit rate.
What I consider to be "must-have" (or rather, peace-of-mind) feature for a particular application is denoted with a "0"
Cameras listed will have the pre-requisite "0" features plus the bonus feature in their column
A short explanation of the application situations:
Long interview = Camera interviews longer than 30 minutes under good lighting
Short interview - Camera interviews under 30 minutes
Livecast = multicam live switching/recording
Run&Gun = handheld, B-roll shooting with zero control over the enironment. Audio is not needed or not important
Stage event- Performer/Speakers moving around on stage/arena infront of live audience. No retakes. Audio is important. Shooter is on tripod. Duration unknown.
Drama - DP is God. Total control over your actors, locations, lighting,... the Alpha and the Omega.
Low-light= Night interiors/ exteriors or worse
Vlogging - Selfie style on a tripod. $cameraMatrix6.jpg
 

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