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Upgrading to a more ''serious'' video camera

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LeComfortable
Posts: 510 - Karma: 257
Hello guys , im rigth now doiing a couple videos with a Nikon D3100 ( wich got me into video making) and iI realised I really love doiing this so i may upgrade camera in a near or far futur !

So first thing i need to chose between DSLR cameras or Camcorder, i'll be filming wakeboard, skateboarding,sport,etc.., I will probably start doiing other stuff when i will be better so it's really not only for sports ! (probably goiing in film school so im gonna make amateur movie and stuff!
i have a few question about the Camcorder video cameras. I always been more interessed into camcorder for some reasons ! I think it's because the body of a good camcorder look better to handle!

so Camcorder have smooth zoom rigth ? ( I have read a thread about the ZOLLY technique and I understood that you need a automatic smooth zoom to do this rigth ? how can you do this with a DSLR ? does DSLR like 7D can have this ?

On DSLR you can change lens to have ,fisheye better zoom or Wtv but can you do this with a camcorder ? sometime i see CRAZY ASS wide fisheye camcorder in some video do I have to buy a camcorder with a fisheye(or wide angle) as a lens and not be able to film not wide shot ?

I was thinking about something like a 7D for the DSLR but i really don't know alot about camcorder so if you guys could help me out by posting your own experience and/or post some article to read about the diference and wath is the best for wath i want etc !

Sorry for weird sentence english is not my primary language !
Jul 4 2013 11:55PM
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juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
well there are a bunch of different reasons to shoot on dslr vs a camcorder. first thing you gotta know is that most dslr's out there were made for pictures first and video second. camcorders obviously are meant strictly for video. because of this, camcorders are designed to record non stop without overheating like some dslr's do at long periods of time.

CAMCORDERS generally record in a much higher codec, or video "dna" so to speak. they also record at higher bit rates making them have higher quality images with more integrity to play around with the image in post and not have nearly as much quality loss. camcorders have an awesome build and yes almost all the good pro-grade ones have a handle and smooth zooms. unless you go with a sony fs series or even some others, they usually don't have interchangeable lenses so you are limited to that camera's lens and focal lengths. you can add attachments on the end of those lenses if you wanted the fisheye look however. camcorders have a CCD instead of CMOS sensor so with a camcorder, you don't have any rolling shutter or aliasing effects like dslrs

camcorders also have a smaller image sensor than dslrs making them not quite as good in low light situations and also making it hard to achieve a shallow depth of field.

DSLRs are usually cheaper than a good camcorder and have interchangeable lenses with a much larger sensor making it easy to achieve a shallow depth of field and also provides more options when it comes to lenses. This is where they can become pricier than a camcorder however. DSLRs for video have a much weaker codec and a lower bit rate, making the image a little more vulnerable in post production. there are also problems such as rolling shutter and aliasing that can make some situations tough for shooting. you can still do dolly zooms like you mentioned on a dslr but you have to have a much steadier hand to pull it off.

There are so many examples of good and bad footage from each camera online and really it comes down to your style of shooting and what is going to best benefit your shooting needs. Knowing all of the downsides of DSLRs compared to Camcorders, i chose the dslr route and have been very happy with it. I have also used several camcorders as well and they are a lot of fun to shoot with.

A 7D is a good camera but it is no different than a 60D for filming. Plus the 7D is more expensive. Also, T2i's are very similar in regards to filming as the other two because i believe they have a similar sensor.

For camcorders, I really like the Panasonic HVX200 and HPX250. both bad ass cameras but up there in price. Canon also has good camcorders in their pro series but they don't record to P2 cards like the panasonic ones do. So basically it comes down to what your style of shooting is and what kind of shots you want to be getting. hope this helps shed some light on the two
Jul 5 2013 1:02PM
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Tanner-D
Posts: 2061 - Karma: 4,116
Just want to point out I'm pretty sure the t2i up to the 5i all have the same sensor. So in regards to video perform just as well as the 60d or 7d
Jul 5 2013 1:21PM
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LeComfortable
Posts: 510 - Karma: 257
Thanks i am goiing to re-read your post a couple of time to understand a couple thing before I post more question but thank for the answer!
Jul 5 2013 6:50PM
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juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
yeah no problem, ill try and help with any questions best i can, and like tanner mentioned, im pretty sure all those sensors are the same. the new one they just released is supposed to be slightly better but idk much about that one yet
Jul 5 2013 8:17PM
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-emile-
Posts: 6610 - Karma: 8,583
avoue que t'as pas lu au complet et que t'as rien compris gui
Aug 16 2013 3:25PM
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eheath
Posts: 61100 - Karma: 118,255
They key point here is what is your budget?
Aug 16 2013 3:48PM
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LeComfortable
Posts: 510 - Karma: 257
1000+ not more then 1600 though !


-emile- oui jai comprit petit con
Aug 16 2013 4:36PM
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eheath
Posts: 61100 - Karma: 118,255
It's tough to really get an "upgrade" for less than 1600. One thing you could consider is "switching" to a t3i and then spending the rest of the money on new lenses/tripod/mic etc that would help boost the quality of your videos. the d3100 isn't exactly the most ideal HDDSLR and making the switch over to canon HDDSLRs could help you out.
Aug 16 2013 4:40PM
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eheath
Posts: 61100 - Karma: 118,255
Forgot to add that if you wanted a professional camcorder you'd need to spend $2k+
Aug 16 2013 4:40PM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,325
i will sell you a panasonic hmc40 with a century wide angle for $1000 shipped. all you need after that is a tripod
Aug 16 2013 5:13PM
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