Recommended camcorder for best workflow (~$3000)

[Juan Salvo]

Would look into the new BlackMagic Cinema Camera. Right at your target price point, and can shoot prores native.

online editor | colorist | VFX | BD author

https://JuanSalvo.com

[Robert Wilkins]

This camcorder looks amazing, but sadly not available until July…

Thanks,
Bob

R.Wilkins

[Nick Ring]

The BlackMagic Cinema Camera is an intriguing camera for sure, but I’m not sure if it’s the right fit here, budget-wise. Right off the bat you’re at ~$3000, but then you have to get into the world of accessories–lenses, sled, etc. That would push right past that margin, I would imagine.

It would be helpful to know what kind of work you’re planning on doing with the camcorder. What is your hardline budget (there’s always something better just above–how far can/would you go?). What accessories do you need to factor in and are they part of the same budget? batteries, media, potentially a sturdier tripod for a heavier camera, lenses (if going the DSLR route), lights, audio, LANC/wired remote, etc.

-nick

[Robert Wilkins]

yeah thanks Nick. I was thinking the same thing. I don’t need a ton of accessories, but I’ld like the option to be able to add-on or expand. I would like to be able to switch lenses but I don’t have to if the camera has enough flexibility with settings and good enough built-in lens.

I’ll be doing documentaries and sports films. Mostly for web usage but some DVD or blu-ray.

At this time, I want a great quality camcorder that has good sound capability (2 xlr input) AND that has an easy workflow with FCP X. My budget is around $3000 and I have to add RAM to my imac so I don’t want to go over much if possible.

Thanks,
Bob

R.Wilkins

[Craig Seeman]

Look at this list
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ns=p_PRICE_2%7C0&ci=1881&N=4256818814+4293918146+4249888325+4249888297&srtclk=sort

[Claude Lyneis]

Have you thought about the Canon XF100? Phillip Bloom gave it a good review sometime back. I use its smaller brother the XA10, same chip and lens but not as many knobs. I like its AVCHD format which runs at about 24 Mb/s. Works great with FCPX. I can edit in FCPX on my 27 in iMac without converting to an intermediate format.

I use it for web videos, but have read the XF100 will produce minimum acceptable network quality.
XA10 runs about 2k$ and the XF100 runs abut 3k$.

[Jason Porthouse]

If you’re doing a lot of ‘run and gun’ style shooting you would be better served by a dedicated video camera such as the XF100 – being able to record sound without a separate recorder and being able to plug XLRs straight in is a big plus IMHO. The Canon being a 50mb/s machine will give excellent quality too, though most any modern pro HD camera will give you quality enough for web and SD DVD.

Left-field suggestion would be something like a Panasonic GH2, and a few bits of grip/sound kit to make it work ergonomically – hacked (there’s a very well developed firmware hack out for it now ) the quality available is outstanding, but you’d sacrifice a little usability for that. Stunning results in the right hands though, and would come in on budget.

_________________________________

Before you criticise a man, walk a mile in his shoes.
Then when you do criticise him, you’ll be a mile away. And have his shoes.

*the artist formally known as Jaymags*

[Craig Seeman]

Jason, the reason why there’s so much interest is the Blackmagic Digital Cinema Camera is that solves a lot of the DSLR issues although keeps a similar (almost point and shoot) form factor. Granted there’s still the ergonomics. I’d chose it over most DSLRs for shooting video especially given the price point (and feature set).

While not XLR, it has balanced 1/4″ in for audio. A simple adaptor is all you need. No need for separate recording device.
Raw recording gives you the grading potential (exploited by the included DaVinci software) otherwise ProRes or DNxHD. No AVCHD to worry about. This makes for a very fast post workflow. A big SSD gives you failrly long record times. That it’s not FAT32 also means the files themselves aren’t in pieces.
I suspect it’s got better low light performance that a 1/3″ (or smaller) cameras

Disadvantages are you’re still faced with DSLR ergonomics, lack of ND filters, fighting shallow depth of field for run and gun.

It’s not a replacement for run and gun but if one is doing corporate shoots and interviews, it’s a breakthrough camera both in features and price.

[Robert Wilkins]

thanks for this information. for the most part, the reviews look really good. do you know anything about it’s workflow with a mac? i’m using FCE now but am upgrading to FCP X soon.

a lot of people have mentioned something about rattling buttons on the handle. i’m a little concerned about that too.

thanks,
Bob

R.Wilkins

[Jason Porthouse]

[Craig Seeman] “Jason, the reason why there’s so much interest is the Blackmagic Digital Cinema Camera is that solves a lot of the DSLR issues although keeps a similar (almost point and shoot) form factor. Granted there’s still the ergonomics. I’d chose it over most DSLRs for shooting video especially given the price point (and feature set).”

I totally agree. It looks great, and I applaud BMD for going down the smaller chip route – I’m fed up with seeing DSLR footage that has DOF sooo thin for that ‘arty’ look – no, IT”S JUST OUT OF FOCUS!!. I think their design should yield controllable DOF so one can easily go either way. Form factor is unusual but I think it will work, especially with a small rig. I’d pretty much decided to bit the bullet on Resolve and Ultrascope as an upgrade to my current Color based suite, so I think I’ll be adding a camera too given it would be silly not to at that price point.

My only reason for steering the OP off that is cost. I think to get a realistically usable setup with lenses and SSD’s you’d be looking at around 5k. Still a bargain if the promise lives up to the hype but beyond the OP’s budget.

_________________________________

Before you criticise a man, walk a mile in his shoes.
Then when you do criticise him, you’ll be a mile away. And have his shoes.

*the artist formally known as Jaymags*