Quote: (08-25-2014 04:31 AM)Roosh Wrote:
I had a Pansonic camcorder (mid level) but wasn't too satisfied with it. The image quality wasn't a significant step up from my Canon point and shoot. Also the video format was MTS, which had to be converted before I could plug it into my video editor, adding a long extra step.
Yea, I've had two Canon's, one was great, one was ok. Technology is evolving so rapidly that what sucked two years ago can be great today.
So, I looked into the Panasonic fz200k some more. Of course it records video in .mp4...a company has to to begin competing. It got editors choice award over at cnet. I do not trust big name site reviews, but the editors choice I'll give some validity to. The Fz 100 had problems, people complained, and Panasonic fixed it. I like that. I like that it's lenses are made by Leica also.
Also, the Rebel and that 10 minute recording issue, is a problem for me doing my own recording. I've been in the position where I'm doing a take, and I get into a zone and do not want that disrupted...so, you're rambling and a voice in your head goes "this is good, I'm on a roll"...and Beap!, the camera turns off and you have to get up and walk over and turn it on again. Now your flows been interupted and it's on your mind that you have a time limit. Sometimes for 10 minutes of gold you have to ramble for 30 minutes, then edit. But, it's the flow state I wouldn't want interupted by a camera needing to be turned on. Then of course there's the issue of needing to buy and extra lense, just for zooming. Why? I'm not a pro, I don't even know if I want to go pro. The panasonic at $500 will zoom excellently without third party lenses, and apparently won't turn off. This camera seems perfect for someone starting out.
The only thing I don't know is if it's reliable. But, you can get lemons with big names, I have. If it's made it China...who knows. I'll be buying a Panasonic ( crosses fingers )