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Suggestion for a complete DSLR camera package?
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Yeah just as a caveat- I never ever shoot audio directly to my DSLR. That’s just a guide track for later sync. I generally use a lav mic running into a Zoom H1 recorder. Sounds great.
Noah
Call Box Training.
Featuring the Panasonic GH2 and Panasonic AC160/130. -
My pal, a DP who also is on a permanent crew shooting RED Epics around the globe, replaced his 7D and Nikons with the FS100.
If Video is the goal, that’s a great choice although, he still is welcome to use my Nikon glass.
We were at Mono Lake, in the late fall, frost and fog at dawn, pink pre sunrise and sunup, also the next day at Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney, I haven’t seen the decoded takes but the files in camera, were stunning, plus all of the in/out configurations, pretty hard to beat the machine at that price.
I’m signed up for a D4 and a D800, so we’ll see if the Nikon hype is real.
Have fun,
Rob
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Thanks Noah and Rob!
About the Red DP switching to the FS100 is pretty impressive. I just hoped its body would be sturdy enough to not buy additional gripping tools.
I do have the glidemcam HD400, but for simple handheld, Im may need to find some basic gripping info.
Other than that, I’ll research more about the FS100! The image quality I have seen so for is pretty good!
Thanks,
Daniel
https://www.CorporateHawaiiProductions.com -
I highly suggest Nikon. I wrote a few detailed posts just a week or two ago here:
Regarding the Nikon D7000 (by far the best video-capable dSLR in the under $3000 class, and at $1300, you won;t find a more capable camera):
https://forums.creativecow.net/readpost/280/8285
And regarding a few useful lens choices for the D7000:
https://forums.creativecow.net/readpost/280/8316
If you have more to spend, the Nikon D4 is the best video camera below the Red Scarlet or Epic.
The D4 has superior dynamic range and high ISO performance compared to any camera (still or video) under $10,000. The D4 Body is $6000.
https://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25482/D4.html
At a more modest $3000, the D800 utterly destroys the Canon 5D and 7D in terms of performance for both video and stills:
https://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25480/D800.html
See this comparative review at DXOmark, comparing the Nikon D800 vs the Canon 5D Mark II:
Now, as to the Sony FS100 – there is a lot to be said for a dedicated camcorder instead of a dSLR. For $5000 for the body, it looks to be a solid camera – though the D4 exceeds it in terms of ISO and dynamic range.
Both the D4 and the FS100 have full res HDMI outputs (so you don’t have to use the built in compression). But both are also 8 bit in terms of video.
Now there is talk that the FS100 will have an upgrade to 10 bit – and THAT would really swing in favor of the FS100. A true 10 bit camera for $5000 ? That would be a real winner.
On the other hand, THIS GUY seems to hate it:
https://wideopencamera.com/skid-row/10-reasons-to-hate-the-sony-fs100/
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Daniel, if it’s any help what I’ve settled on would do well in your budget range. I use a Panasonic Lumix GH2 with hacks available from https://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussions.
For sound, I use a double system. I mount a Zoom H4N on the hot shoe and connect it to the GH2 via a Sescom cable to allow monitoring. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/755857-REG/Sescom_LN2MIC_ZMGH_MON_3_5_Line_to_2_5.html. I have other mikes for interviews, which are connected to the Zoom with a cable or with a wireless system. Add a RedHead windscreen to the Zoom. https://www.redheadwindscreens.com/
The camera is mounted in a Trusmt cage (check them out on ebay) I have two stock GH2 lens plus a range of Canon FL primes. An old O’Connor 50D serves as a tripod, and I have light kit.
Regards
Stephen Best
https://stephenbest.ca -
Thanks Steve for your informative email! I’ll check it out!
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