Using a video camera to shoot video. Sounds reasonable enough. Execept that�s so
2009.
I�m B.C. with the Top 5 Digital *still* Cameras for shooting HD video, according to the
expertise of CNET�s resident photo experts, Lori Grunin and Josh Goldman.
Now, lots of cameras shoot HD video these days -- lots of smartphones do, for that
matter -- but these are cameras that make you put your video camera on eBay. These
are good. Some are DSLR�s, hybrids or advanced megazooms, but I�m also going to
have some pocket camera favorites for HD video in a minute.
Let�s go.
#5 is the Nikon D5100. No one thing about this camera is best in class, but overall it�s
real solid and exhibits relatively low autofocus noise when shooting video You never had
to think about stuff like that when shooting stills, did you? Also, this camera can grab a
long 20 minutes of HD video at a gulp.
#4 is the Canon EOS Rebel T3i. Video and image quality stands out on this one as
much as the stupid �Rebel� name. But Canon Rebels have been great values from the
get go and this one is right there. And like many of the cameras in this list, it can shoot
all the way up to 1080p/30 fps.
#3 is our value king on the list: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. Not a DSLR, and not
priced like one either. Under 500 bucks and it has a 24x zoom lens that can go wide
enough for interiors or long enough for sports. Now this camera will shoot 1080p but we
found it�s sensor was much happier shooting 720p, which looks great. Remember:
Under $500 AND it has a flip-out LCD.
#2 is also a Lumix, this one the DMC-GH2. We�re back to interchangeable lenses now,
and excellent video quality at 1080/24p -- its sensor can actually put out 1080/60p but
the AVCHD recording format limits that back down to 24p. We like the touch screen
interface on this camera and you can shoot up to 30 minutes of continuous video.
Now, before we get to #1, I promised you these: 3 of our favorite point & shoot cameras
for shooting HD video. These all max out at 720p, but they do a real good job of that, fit
in your pocket, none exceed $400 and don�t scream �I�m shooting now� when you hold
them, which can help you capture some of the best movies of all. (roll cameras to the
left.)
OK, our #1 best digital still camera for shooting video is the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
Yeah, I know, you�re saying �no shit, it�s pushing $2,700 without a lens.� But this camera
is still a steal -- that�s not a lot of money for something so good they shoot parts of the
new Hawaii Five-0 with! This is what the pros are shooting and with its full frame,
stunning lens system and rock solid built quality you can actually call it an investment
and not be wishfully thinking.
OK, to see all of the digital camera reviews that today�s list is based on, just go to
CNET.com and click on Digital Cameras. Thanks for Lori Grunin and Josh Goldman at
our digital imaging team. And for more like this, go to CNETTV.com and just pull down
CNET Top 5. I�m Brian Cooley, thanks for watching.
