DSLR or camcorder? Any reviews or recommendations?

[Roger Martin]

What is uni?

If you want to go “cheap”, consider the D5300.
I like it better than my D800 for Video.
That is because the D800 can not do 1080P 60.
You might be shooting at 24fps, I do not know.
But at 1/4 the cost, it leaves a lot of money for Lens (and DX lens are cheaper and lighter too).
A good TriPod and computer are a must and that is just the start.

[Lois Carr]

Uni, university.
I’ll have a look at it. Thanks.
Computer, got and the university have a lot of industry standard software on their computers.

[Lois Carr]

That camera is very expensive! I’ve been looking at ones priced between £110 and £280!

[Mike Smith]

Have you talked to your college tutors about what they might think?

Pro kit is pricey, and even mid-range dslr / csc camera systems for video are going to be way out of your indicated price range.

To learn video, though, incorporates learning storytelling (script) and editing as well as photography / motion photography, sound, and, arguably, graphics and effects. Your tutors may have a view as to where to direct any spare time, effort and money in advance of starting.

Maybe writing a few scripts (free with OpenOffice) would offer a different starting point.

Maybe even sketching out simple animatics with a drawing app or something like https://motionartist.smithmicro.com/tour.html#features if you have a drawing app. Even a demo of something like Anime Studio might tell you something worthwhile … https://anime.smithmicro.com/anime-pro.html

I’m guessing you must have studied on a film-related course already …?

If your focus is on photography / image production, the best kit you can afford (or can nearly afford, with help) could be your target. You’ll want decent movie quality, and as much control of the camera (manual control) as you can afford.

If your interest is in the storytelling and you are going to be working with a small group of contacts or friends to explore narrative or other film making approaches, then any decent cheap camcorder that will let you get motion pictures easily (pictures your computer can edit) might server you well enough. That way, you could make short, experimental films with the emphasis on story or style rather than tech quality, and could try out your ideas and learn a bit through doing, before you start your course, … and have a few shorts to show too.

At the extremely limited but possible end while likely to be still useful later, something like the GoPro Hero might bave an interest. No zoom though, very tricky sound … hmmm. https://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/89562/Show.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLA&utm_term=HERO3%20White%20Edition%20Action%20Camera&gclid=COjN2Of24bsCFRLMtAodVHkA9A

[Roger Martin]

Then start with a used Nikon1 V1 kit.
Mine works great up to ISO 3200.
Great DOF
The Power Zoom Lens works great for Video.
I like it better than any camcorder under $5k
They make cheap, light weight stabilizers for them
although I have succesfully hand held mine.
The trick is little or no movement of your feet.

[Steve Crow]

I would recommend getting a USED DSLR and not a camcorder due to lack of full manual controls and other issues Your budget is very tight so I would say wait until your second or third semester to buy a camera, you probably won’t be filming much at all at the start anyways as your classes will be concentrating more on theory and history before getting hugely into camera operation

Check out the Canon Rebel Series (T2i to T5i) but the brand doesn’t matter as much so long as it has full manual control in video mode (shutter speed, aperture, iso), detachable lenses and an option to attach an external microphone. So long as you have those features most everything else can be worked around. The school will no doubt have cameras for you to use but it would be a great aid to your learning the basics of capturing image with sound to have some limited gear of your own.

I would buy just the body and then get a used 50mm lens separately – the “kit” lens that comes with entry level cameras are going to be challenging. For instance, as you zoom in you will find the image getting darker. (technically you could make adjustments to your camera settings to compensate but it’s best just to avoid the problem in the first place if you have the option) With a 50mm lens, it won’t have zoom besides your feet but you won’t have to deal with the darkening image issue

I wouldn’t go with the GE model just because it’s not a brand any one else is likely to have so finding specific help on it will be very challenging indeed.

Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com

[Lois Carr]

Okay, thanks. I’ve done a search on Amazon and I’m not sure if this is what you mean.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B004MPQXZA

[Steve Crow]

Actually something more like this but used not new:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EOS-600D-Rebel-KISS/dp/B005CHEDIG/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1388773775&sr=1-4&keywords=canon+t3i

is what I’m thinking….but again you can wait a few months, save up some additional money, and that will give you some expanded options as I know you are on a tight budget right now

Steve

Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com

[Lois Carr]

My dad’s already ordered that camera… It seems to be almost the same, apart from a few differences but the one that concerns me the most is the lack of the external mic jack… That’s not that much of a problem, is it? If you just record sound on a different device and layer it over it… :/

[Steve Crow]

Not having an external mic jack is a problem that can be worked around. You’ll have to rely on the built in mic which frankly is terrible but it could be good enough in most cases to sync another higher quality audio source to it just as you mentioned. Having a mic jack would simply give you the ability to greatly improve the sound quality captured within the camera giving you a better source to sync to but you would probably still record on another device (like the Zoom H4N or similar) anyways your “real” audio.

Your first camera is really just to teach you how to film in manual mode, understanding exposure and composition and how to work with pictures and audio together. Don’t worry about picture too much….in fact sound is much more important than pictures. Did you know that the people most in demand on professional productions are the women and men capturing and editing sound???

Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com