Old DSLR or Traditional 4K Video Camera?

[Steve Crow]

Have you thought about the Sony A7S II which only recently came out? The folks over at the “Our Week in Video” podcast just had a fellow come on the show to talk about his experiences with the camera.

https://www.facebook.com/ourweekinvideo

Unless the client is specifically asking for 4K you really don’t need it frankly for web video or even tradeshow booth content – yes, it’s very nice to have but also places demand on your computer processing during editing, storage, backup and archiving. But in your budget don’t forget all the other bits and pieces – a great ND filter for getting shallow depth of field for any “artsy” shots outdoors on a bright day springs to mind – and maybe an external monitor to help getting that critical focus. I’ve only used a LCD loupe with my camera but the scopes etc on modern external monitors are hard to pass up, although you may need some kind of simple rig. And AUDIO,that’s going to be critical for you so don’t shortchange yourself there.

Bottom line, get the camera YOU are most comfortable with, it’s you who is going to be using it and these days it’s very hard to go very far wrong, 4K or not.

Steve Crow

[David Salahi]

Alex,
I’d recommend that you first get clear on what you expect to get from a 4K camera. From your post it’s not clear to me why a 4K camera would be right for this project.

Don’t get me wrong. I have a Panasonic GH4 and I love it. I almost always shoot in 4K, mostly for the ability to crop in post. For the type of work I do that’s a huge advantage.

But be clear on your expectations and don’t forget that editing 4K footage requires a fairly capable PC.

Dave

https://photoperformance.photos/

[Bill Bruner]

Alex- for a few hundred dollars more than the $2998 Panasonic HC-X1000, you can have both 4K and the large sensor look of a DSLR.

The new $3495 (body only) JVC GY-LS300 camcorder has a Super 35 sensor, about the same size as the 7D II or a Hollywood cinema camera – and records to full 4096×2160 4K.

With the v2.0 firmware update, 4K and a new “J-LOG” flat color profile, it can produce images that are competitive with high end cinema cameras.

Here’s a nice review of the new J-LOG and prime zoom features:

– Fred Blurton Reviews JVC’s GY-LS300 Firmware Upgrades Version 2.0

Here’s a 3840×2160 Ultra High Definition file shot with cine gamma (before the J LOG release):

– “Honmonji Temple” in GY-LS300 by moribun (downloadable if you’re a Vimeo Plus or Pro member [if you’re not, you can sign up [here])

Here’s a nice J-LOG piece from Dan Chung at newssshooter.com:

– JVC GY-LS300 4K J-Log Vision (not downloadable)

And here’s a very quick J-LOG camera shelf test at 4096×2160 Cinema 4K resolution from Gert Tetzner at avmediafactory:

– JVC GY-LS300 Firmware 2.0 J-log ungraded (downloadable for Vimeo Plus and Pro)

A few more examples of what this camera can do:

– GY-LS300 UHD 4K w/ Canon 70-200 and 85mm lenses

– EVS’s test footage for the JVC GY-LS300 4K super 35 Cinema camera

…and 1080p on Vimeo:

– JVC GY-LS300 Camera Test

– Breathing in New Life

A very nice overview from Zacuto:

– First Look at JVC’s GY-LS300

And a couple of useful reviews from Rick Young’s Movie Machine:

– One of a kind – shooting with the JVC GY-LS300

– Shooting with the JVC GY-LS300 & Micro Four Thirds Lenses

I have shot with this camera – it is an easy-to-use, very high quality Super 35mm camcorder and a very good value for your money.

Hope this is helpful – and good luck with your decision!

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

[Alex Wishart]

Update:

Wow! Thank you so much for your help, everyone 🙂 For my own personal use, I’ll certainly be keeping all of these suggestions in mind.
Unfortunately, once corporate had seen the costs for my camera (it’s a new position), they flipped and told me to cut/downgrade my equipment. Sadly, I have more at my own house than what I do at my job, and will have to be somewhat clandestine in my equipment use. Though I think it’s safe to say that that’s pretty much every videographer’s life story 🙂
I’ll be using a 7D MK II for both filming and photos. I did see a video that shows how to export 1080 to “4k” size (it’s mainly a bit rate trick), but even then, our demographic will most likely max out at 1080p for now. I’d like to have a 4K option, but I’ll certainly make some great video none-the-less, and keep these suggestions in mind after they realize they need to update/upgrade equipment.
Thank you again to everyone for your insights, video tests, and question posing. It’s always nice to have more experienced people look at issues.

Take care!
-Alex-

@AlexWishard
or
@AscensionVisual
OR
Ascenvisuals.com

[Aaron Star]

You could just rent a red or alexa package for the shoot days. Businesses can write off the expense of equipment rentals in a different fashion than capital goods. That would give you much better color quality and look than some DSLR camera.

[Robert Trip]

why not get the best of both worlds and get the panasonic gx8 for 4k. video. 🙂

[Robin Kang]

Maybe I’m just old school, but the 5D MK II has been enough for me. I’ve shot promo videos, most recently for a garbage bin rental company, as well as backup wedding videos with it and it’s been great for me and my clients.

Future proofing is something you’ll always struggle with. Sometimes you just have to pull the trigger so you can get on with your work. (and sleep lol)