Hi team,

I am about to get into 'filming' a bit more rather than only photography. I will be getting a Soloshot system but my little video camera is not up-to-scratch.. for the video experts - can anyone recommend a semi-pro video camera to use?

Something you have used, pros / cons of different types etc. I know there are a few Video pros around so some tips will be welcome. I am mainly trying to get advice on type of cameras versus focus, zooming capabilities, HD.

Budget is of course low, I'm not serious enough to spend 2,500.00 on a camera so under a grand would be good. Once I understand more I will research further and maybe even get a 2nd-hand one as I won't be producing anything professional or for commercial purposes.

I kite waves, directional, Goldie mainly...

Cheers, tks for reading.

V

Reflex Films said..

those solo shots are a pita to set up

unless you have no time constraints / long reliable wind sessions

So I hear, but then again.. I need to see what I am doing wrong and figure out how to improve. And since I don't have my mates around all the time to pick on me I figured I can at least have an idea of what to work on.

When I posted this question I actually thought you'd have some insight considering your line of work and experience shown on your clips... any advice on camera type?

Cheers

If your going to be doing both video and photography, i'd suggest sticking with a good DSLR camera.
DSLR Cameras have come a long way, and are not great for shooting video as well as photography.

Start with the basic knowledge.

Mega Pixels arn't everything
Mega pixels arn't everything, don't purchase a camera because its got more mega pixel output then another.
Many cameras on the market like nikon and sony use boosters to increase the mega pixels, and appeal to the customer who thinks that bigger is better. What you should be looking at is the sensor in the camera, make sure it's a CMOS and you'll be a happy camper.

Lenses are where the money is at.
Brands will once again take shortcuts in this category, since you will be using your camera for video you can get away with a standard lens but know this you will always get a better quality if your not zooming in and out when shooting video. Pick a focus point and stick with it.
Depending on the brand some of the standard lens's are quite good.

Video stuff.
1080P is a given but if your doing photography on the same day you might want to check out the the shutter speed.
1/4000 frame per second is a good starting point, but the higher up you go the more expensive the camera.

Focus points
Focus points will determine how quickly you lock onto that shot when doing photography and also how well the camera will track the subject in video mode. Some brands like Canon and Sony do this very well as when your shooting in video mode you can track a subject and it follows them, provided your pointing the camera in the right position. The SoloShot is a great piece of technology as it will detect the wrist band and and follow you around.
I guess you just have to be mindful if you want to shoot your self that the camera can't zoom so you will have to run the same line as to keep everything in frame.

Based on these recommendations i can suggest a couple of cameras.
I use Canon just because you can get there stuff at good prices, they have lots of lenses and the quality is great.

The 700D is your best starting point, comes with a good standard lens and produces great shots and video is good to.
www.canon.com.au/cameras/eos-700d/support

$862
www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod9877.htm

The other camera id suggest if you want to spend a little bit more money is the 60d.
The reason why i think this is a better option, is it has more focus points, 19 where as the 700d only has 9, it has twice the shutter speed and also it is water and dust resistant.
I note worthy feature when your shooting at the beach.

www.canon.com.au/en-AU/Personal/Products/Cameras-and-Accessories/EOS-Digital-SLR-Cameras/60D

$1391
www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/category68_1.htm

if you ever want to check out side by side cameras and there specs, check out dp review.
www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=canon_eos700d&products=canon_eos70d&sortDir=ascending

Cameras are complex and a lot of things to consider when buying them, having been shooting photography for a couple of years now i know you'll be happy with either one of these options, you can of course look at other brands, but from my experience i've been very happy with Canon.

Enjoy.

Jon

Soloshot.... Oh dear, another self indulgent Facebook and Twitter posting hero. Perhaps if you were worth filming someone would put their hand up to do it.

Hi V

If I was in your siluation I would not be looking at spending $1600 on the system you are looking at. The solo shot does not tilt it only pans it does not zoom and you'll be watching hours of video to find a couple of seconds of good video

I would look to hire a film student from the local film school to shoot for you at about $30 an hour on your 7d and if you don't have a good fluid head for your tri pod spend your money on that.

Metro screen is where I would suggest you start if you in Sydney but there will be something similar in your local area

wishy said..

Soloshot.... Oh dear, another self indulgent Facebook and Twitter posting hero. Perhaps if you were worth filming someone would put their hand up to do it.

say's he with an avatar of himself on seabreeze. twat