Youtube links are blocked due to spammers but how about DSLR example videos?
https://www.google.com/#tbm=vid&q=YouTube+DSLR+as+camcorder
Bob
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I'm looking to buy a professional camcorders to use to record LIVE sport events in door and out door, also to use to record personal events, and family vacations.
I was wondering if i get 4K or not. My budget is 3000$ or less, amazing quality is my goal.
Discussion is locked
My definition:
Lens diameter: 67mm or larger.
Imaging chip: APS-C or larger - or 3CMOS or 3CCD that is 1/3 inch or larger.
XLR audio inputs.
When you find these three items, then all the other stuff comes along - separate manual zoom and manual focus rings on the lens barrel, manual audio gain control on the outside of the camera (easy to reach/adjust), low compression codec, many other manual controls on the outside of the camcorder - not buried in a menu.
Using this definition, the low end starts with the Sony NEX-EA50M for dSLR video hybrid units. Entry level for camcorders are the Sony HDR-AX2000 and the Panasonic AG-AC130. The lowlight behavior will be a lot better on the HDR-AX2000 and AG-AC130. Depth of field will be easier with the NEX-EA50M. If you want 4k, at the pro level, you'll need to increase your budget.
If your definition is different, please let us know so we can make more appropriate suggestions.
"Amazing quality" will come from the person using the equipment. Never use handheld - always use with some sort of steadying device. Tripods are common. Camera cranes, sliders, vest-mounted Steadycam systems... Watch pro sports. The big cameras are mounted on pedestals. The field cameras are on Steadycam vest/arm/sled systems or are shoulder mount cams (Sony PXWX500 XDCAM).
Thanks for the reply. Its very helpful.
What do you think of Canon XA25 compared to HDR-AX2000 and AG-AC130?
If you are in my place and you want a pro camcorder for live sport events, other live events, personal use, and to take HQ youtube videos and such. Which one would you pick from the three above or anything else?
Maybe for a viewfinder, remote control, transfer later but it's too flighty to expect real time video links without some glitches.
Bob
camcorders. In my opinion, let's say the Canon XA25 is a Buick 4 door sedan. Very nice, good for most folks. Larger than the Canon HF R or HF M series consumer cams. Could be used handheld (but should not). The XA25 is basically the same camera as the consumer HF G30. Both are fine camcorders for what they are. Won't fit in a pocket, can provide good video under most situations. In my case, I have an older Sony HDR-HC1. Took it to Europe, was easy to deal with - modern day equivalent is the HDR-CX900.
The HDR-AX2000 and AG-AC130 are more like a Cadillac SRX. Much bigger footprint. Much larger lens diameter. Heavier. I don't normally like to travel much with them. Video is great, lots more control... but very different from the smaller handheld.
I would start with the HF G30 and add a XLR adapter from juicedLink or BeachTek. The video quality will be the same as the XA25 but using XLR mics won't make the camera "top heavy". If you get serious about video capture and edit, then invest in another camera. I started with the HC1 and added (not replaced), a HDR-FX1, then added a NEX-EA50UH.
In your case, start with the HF G30... then to the XF100. There are synergies when you stay with a manufacturer because the menus are very similar as are some of the manual controls.
In the case of Panasonic, start with the HC-X920 and later on add the AG series cam.
For Sony, start with the HDR-CX900... then add the HDR-AX2000...
And remember, you get to invest in mics, lights, tripods and other steadying devices, cases, cables...computer upgrades for editing (and decent editing application(s), green screens, stands... the camera is just the start of the money pit! But the video capture and edit is fun - and I always try to make my stuff look as pro as possible. Heck, I even have mic flags and am considering getting a teleprompter...
But if you start at the high-end of consumer grade, you'll get decent stuff - if you continue and expand, great - if you don't, then the investment is not so large where you kick yourself for wasting money.
Agree with Bob - wifi cameras are fine for imperfect monitoring and remote control. The video transmission distance is quite short (to a smartphone or purpose made monitor), not for long distances. I'd need to understand why you think these would be useful to you. I got a Sony HDR-AS30V last year and it does a fine job as an action cam... and the wifi distance is near-field only - about 12 feet from the monitor device only.
If you are interested in streaming to the web, that is a whole different thread... Look into Ustream and the full-power wifi encoder add-on module they push. No built-in wifi...