video camera best choices

[Ryan Orr]

I’ve read this whole thread, and it seems to me that you are wanting a camera that does the following.

1) As inexpensive as possible.
2) Very thin DOF.
3) Capable of high frame rates.
4) Good quality.
5) As inexpensive as possible…

Here is a list on BHphotovideo.com that is based around the Panasonic GH2. I have planned on getting in steps…

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/wl/3B372DBD70

1) It’s inexpensive…as in only $999, which is CHEAP considering you are wanting something that would cost you several thousands of dollars more…
2) It has a larger sensor, thus will give you that thin DOF you would desire
3) The GH2 gets you 1080p video (overcranking drops it to 720p though).
4) Nice swivel screen, so low angles are easier.
5) Did I say it was inexpensive? Not as inexpensive as a Canon 60D or T2i, but that swivel screen…blows my mind

You will see the flashNano in my list…that’s for better quality video files. The in camera compressed files stink…but the GH2 outputs clean, uncompressed HD video out of the HDMI, and when coupled with a nanoFlash, the quality of the video is supreme!

If you want a higher framerate, you aint gonna get it from cameras in the lower price range. You could fake it in post, using programes like Twixor or a free plugin in Final Cut Pro. It works, with various results…but still much cheaper then buying a Phantom or Epic…

But as others have suggested, the Panasonic AF100 (which has the same exact sensor as the GH2) could possibly be the best choice. It can do overcranking without downsizing it to 720p…it stays up at 1080p. You wouldn’t need to buy a separate audio recording device. The in camera compressed file still sucks, but with a nanoFlash, again it would be better.