DSLR or camcorder? Any reviews or recommendations?

[Bill Bruner]

Hi Lois – sadly, in addition to the lack of a microphone input, the 1100D’s maximum resolution is only 720p, which is short of the 1080p High Definition standard.

And even used, it is going to be a challenge to find a 600D body for less than £300.

If you want a camera with a microphone input, a viewfinder that actually works while shooting video (DSLR viewfinders blank out when you shoot video) and true 1080p high definition for less than £300, you may want to return the 1100D and take a look at a £270 new or £250 used Nikon 1 V1
.

Here is what this camera can do:

https://vimeo.com/78246067

https://vimeo.com/66338906

https://vimeo.com/31074895

https://vimeo.com/63480465

Good luck at University!

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

[Chris Wright]

im throwing in another camera into the mix. Samsung NX1000.
For one very important reason. For the same price as a Nikon 1v1,
you’ll get a vastly larger sensor size. This means that you won’t have to spend any money on a f/.95 lens to get extreme shallow depth of field, and that is the real secret to cinema.

it also has a 20.3mp for photography. The camera also has 11 stops for latitude and the sky won’t blow out. You can get it for around $300. It’s actual value is more around $1500 but due to marketing newer products, its value has been reduced by more than 3x.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdf1OLTGTRA

[Bill Bruner]

Good suggestion, Chris – except the NX1000 doesn’t have either a mic input or a viewfinder, which can be a problem in bright sunlight without the additional expense of a loupe or external EVF.

That said, for those who don’t mind shooting without a viewfinder, the Samsung NX1100 would be a better choice for video because of its 3.5mm external mic input.

You can find them for £245 and up on eBay UK – there is even a deal for a brand new NX1100 with a free Samsung Galaxy 2 tablet for a total of £299.99.

Cheers,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

[Chris Wright]

Good find Bill, same sensor too!

they both support a hot shoe EVF, and a hot shoe Samsung EM10 mic which has a 3.5mm headphone monitor. The mic also has a built in electronic analog to digital converter and volume control.

Now if you wanted a boompole shotgun mic with an xlr cable, you’d need an external sound recorder, but if you were going for professional sound, you’d do this anyway. have you had any luck with audio good enough from in camera?

[Bill Bruner]

I can’t vouch for any other camera – but here’s a test video I shot comparing a consumer mic to the Audio Technica AT835b straight into the Panasonic GH3:

https://vimeo.com/58876352

Here’s the blog post I did on this test:

https://hybridcamerarevolution.blogspot.com/2013/02/audio-technica-at835-and-gh3-pro-mic-vs.html

With a pro mic, I find this camera’s internal preamps to be good enough for interviews and b-roll.

Cheers,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

[Roger Martin]

I just ordered a GH3 and will be using one of my Azden SMX-10 mics on it.
We will see how this setup compares for Video with my D5300 at 1080P 60.
My main reason for getting the Panasonic is to extend in camera recording past 10 minutes.
The image quality of the Nikon is exemplary!

[Bill Bruner]

Congrats on the new camera, Roger! Look forward to hearing what you think of it.

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

[Kevin Rag]

Good buy mate. Would like to read your thoughts on GH3 vs 5300:) What lens did you get for the GH3?Cheers
Kannan

Kannan Raghavan
The Big Toad Films Pte. Ltd.

[Roger Martin]

$850 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3K 16.05 MP Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera with 3-Inch OLED –
Body Only (Black) Sold by alwaysAdeal Condition: Refurbished

$499 Adorama. Panasonic 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8 OIS Video Optimized Micro Four Thirds Lens for Panasonic Digital SLR Cameras.

I am hoping that I made a good investment, This more than I paid for my Nikon.

$1096.55 B&Hphotovideo, D5300 DSLR Camera (Black) with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens.

The GH3 is supposed to arrive between January 9 and 14th.
I’ve had the D5300 since the 1st of December and I am still finding things I like.

The big difference should be in shooting 1080P 60 Video.
Continuous shooting and much better FullTime AutoFocus with the Panasonic.

[Kevin Rag]

Cheers mate. I was looking at the Panasonic 12-35m f2.8 for the GH3. It’s expensive, but just great.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/865111-REG/Panasonic_H_HS12035_Lumix_G_X_Vario.html/c/product/#inpage:IN+STOCK
Should decide soon:(

Kannan Raghavan
The Big Toad Films Pte. Ltd.