Newbie looking to buying camcorder & accessories.

[Michael Johnston]

What’s your budget? Tell me that and then I can put together a list of stuff to meet that budget.

[Jeffry Jeffry]

Hi Michael,

Thank you for your reply.
For now my budget is around $4k for camcorder & accessories. I can add more, but not so soon.
I know my budget is a bit tight if I wanna get the VG900, I was thinking to get the camcorder first and accessories bit by bit for now…

[Jeffry Jeffry]

Come to think of it, looking at my budget, I’m willing to consider the Sony NEX-VG30H (with E-mount 18-200mm
From what I can see, there’s only slight diff between the two.

[Leo Van emden]

Hi Newbie,

I’am new also on this site. Here’s is my advice your question. Don’t forget to buy a good bag, some cards a camera light and a good tripod. This means you’ll need some of your budget on the side. If you really look for the high end film look and the good XLR connections then buy the Nex-EA50 with the zoom lens. Out of the box you can work, a good tripod, ND filter, A good extra microphone and some SD cards is enough. Within your budget you will have space for an bag and a camera light.

Best Leo.

[Michael Johnston]

Frankly, based on your description and what you’ll be using it for, I have no idea why you’re wanting a camera like the VG900. You don’t need a film look for lectures. Here’s what I suggest:

Camera: Panasonic AG-HMC150 – $2795
Tripod: Manfrotto MVH502A – $399
Bag: Petrol PC202 Deca Mini Camporter – $136
Wireless: Sennheiser EW 100 G3 Combo System – $799
Mic: Rode NTG2 Shotgun – $269

That’s a great starter kit for your budget.

[Jeffry Jeffry]

I would look into the camcorder you guys recommend. Thks guys.

As I said, I’m new, and this would be my first purchase of camcorder. I don’t read the spec as good as you guy, don’t even know most of the functions.. At first I wanted to go for Canon XL2, then I saw the VG900, Honestly, I like how it look then knowing more of the spec haha.. And sony Optical SteadyShot really impress me.

Anyway guys, still my top priority is Full HD quality, HD sound and anti shake like Sony “Optical SteadyShot”. In camera LCD with touchscreen would be a bonus..

Why is the VG900/VG30 not suitable for me? What is it really for?

[Michael Johnston]

Well, first of all, the VG900 (and other similar cameras) uses SLR lenses and that produce a shallow depth of field. Very very difficult cameras for beginners to shoot with. Most beginners or novice shooters won’t be able to maintain proper focus with this camera. The best Sony camera for your needs is the NX5U. Great image, excellent steady shot, and the thing can practically shoot by itself in auto mode. However, while the camera is in your budget, it leaves no room for the “extras” you’ll need to buy. The HMC150 is essentially Panasonic’s version of the NX5U, minus a few features like HD-SDI output which I doubt you’d ever use.

[Jeffry Jeffry]

Hi Michael,

Thks for your reply and suggestions.
I’ve been doing comparing, youtubing, and reading on the camcorder suggested to me (Panasonic HMC150, Sony NX5P & Sony EA50H)
I also learned a little bit about ND filter, comparing frame rate, types of audio recording format etc..

I see the diff between HMC150 & NX5P, and from the video test I downloaded from youtube, I really love the quality from the NX5P. But my worry is most of the NX5P is having a “back foucs” issue and haven’t found a fix for it, that scared me. So I read on the Sony EA50H, few minor things are not there in NX5P. I like the shoulder mount function thou.. But then again (correct me if I’m wrong) the EA50H is using SLR lens which is an issue for beginner.
I also like the Sony HXR-FMU128 Flash Memory Unit, this will be in the near future, kinda expensive.

So anyway, here’s my new list of what I need in a camcorder. (PAL, we’re using 50Hz here)
1.Full HD Video quality
2. Face Detection for quick focusing.
3. ND filter (minor, but would be better if built in)
4. XLR IN put & Headphone Out
5. Liner PCM audio format
6. 1080/60p (24 or 28Mbps) Sometimes I go to soccer game, sometimes..
7. H.264 video format (AVC/H)
8. Steady Shot (Anti Shake)
9. Built IN LCD / Touch Screen

Accesories for now
1. Tripod
2. Shot gun mic & wireless mic
3. Bag
4. Memory card

[Michael Johnston]

Scratch face detection off that list. It’s not a function you’ll find on a pro camera. It’s a consumer feature only that you’ll find on $200+ cameras sold at Best Buy.

[Jeffry Jeffry]

Hi Michael & Everyone,

I’ve been doing more research and leaning towards the Sony HXR-NX5P, despite the back focus issue. I read that not all units are having that issue, will try before purchasing it. Thanks to all for helping. I might get this camcorder before end of year in Malaysia. Don’t feel right ordering such expensive item online.
Anyway, any rumor if Sony coming with a successor to the HXR-NX5? And why is the PAL camcorder more expensive? Between NX5U & NX5P. Am I missing something? I went to a local shop to test a few full HD consumer camcorder, I like the quality of the video, would the NX5P have a better video quality?
One more thing is, I have two ipad 4(with lightning connector), can I hook it up to my camcorder as my external monitor( and control it, if there is an app that you guys know of) while recording, and the other watching what is recording, real time, remotely using wifi?

Thanks guys.