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Question

Nikon 1 J5 or Sony a5100 for videos?

Aug 12, 2015 5:38PM PDT

I was wondering what a better buy would be, the Nikon j5 or the sony a5100? I already have the Canon 60d but I wanted a smaller more compact camera.

The main thing I'm looking for is the autofocus, shallow depth and field , video quality all with the kit lenses.

Which one would you recommend?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
What you shooting?
Aug 12, 2015 5:46PM PDT

Both are 20+ megapixel cameras. OK for 1080p let's do that math again.
1920x1080 = 2073600 or 2 megapixels. Seems this is Space Balls One going to plaid.

Why 10 times the pixel count for 1080?

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Mostly art videos + vlogs
Aug 12, 2015 6:19PM PDT

I usually record speedpaints and thinking about shooting vlogs. I saw someone vlog with the a5100 and i really liked how it had sharp and quick autofocus with a shallow depth and field..i was wondering if the j5 shot the same quality..

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OK, what resolution are you shooting?
Aug 12, 2015 6:30PM PDT

I gave a hint that 20+ MegaPixel (MP) looked to be overkill for video work. Even full 4K video is 8847360 or just under 9 megapixels so are you shooting 4K?

As to sharp, autofocus you need to hit the reviews. If you are shooting I don't need to go over how lighting affects focus speed or that a seasoned videographer often turns of auto focus.

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Answer
re: Nikon 1 J5 or Sony a5100 for videos?
Aug 12, 2015 6:47PM PDT

For "shallow depth and field ... all with the kit lenses", neither.

Generally speaking, kit lenses (with apertures in the 3.5-5.6 range) aren't capable of shallow DoF, especially on a crop (APS-C) sensor, and even more so on a 1" (Nikon CX) sensor. And this is even more true when shooting video since most hybrid still/video cameras further crop the sensor readout area when shooting video.

Also, shallow DoF works against autofocus since precise focus becomes even more critical.

Also, video of "speedpaints and ... vlogs" would benefit from at least some DoF. i.e. shallow DoF would be a detriment.

So, for all of those reasons, I would once again recommend a dedicated video camera.

Having said that, if you are dead set on trying to use an interchangeable lens hybrid photo/video camera, I would recommend you spend your money on another lens (with a fast/bright aperture, at least f2.0 and some ND filters) and an external monitor (and cage, rails, follow focus, etc) for your 60D.

And keep in mind that I shoot video on a Panasonic GH1 and GH2 and Canon T4i(650D) and 70D (and, depending on test results, am also considering adding a Panasonic GXCool. So, if anything, you would think I'd be biased toward shooting video on interchangeable lens hybrid photo/video cameras, but I'm advising you against it.

Mark

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Thank you so much
Aug 12, 2015 7:06PM PDT

That was incredibly helpful, thanks!