[Nick]

I also say go with the camcorder. It'll give you the flexibility to shoot in different environments. You can also use something like this as a "selfie stick" or versatile tripod for filming in different locations: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FGT...UTF8&psc=1

Since you'll probably doing most of your filming solo (camera subject and operator), I think the camcorder will be the best option.

[Espresso]

(08-23-2014 02:29 PM)Roosh Wrote:  

Quote:

Check reviews online about the sensor overheating issue. See what people say - does it actually give you up to 30min of recording, or is it typically less because of the sensor issue?

It's actually 12 minutes if you record in HD (30 minutes in 480p). That could be a problem.

In that case you can just get the Nikon D5200. It does 20mins in HD. And like I mentioned before, it's a better camera than the T3i anyway.

[monster]

(08-23-2014 04:30 PM)Espresso Wrote:  

(08-23-2014 02:29 PM)Roosh Wrote:  

Quote:

Check reviews online about the sensor overheating issue. See what people say - does it actually give you up to 30min of recording, or is it typically less because of the sensor issue?

It's actually 12 minutes if you record in HD (30 minutes in 480p). That could be a problem.

In that case you can just get the Nikon D5200. It does 20mins in HD. And like I mentioned before, it's a better camera than the T3i anyway.

yes my d7100 gets 20 min at a clip, which is a long time.

I like Nikon's more than Canons cause they're a lot more ergonomic and feel a lot better in my hand.

[germanico]

(08-23-2014 02:29 PM)Roosh Wrote:  

It's actually 12 minutes if you record in HD (30 minutes in 480p). That could be a problem.

I have a Nikon D3100 and it has a built-in 10 minute limit on video.

Its has never been a problem, specially if you plan to use it to do video blog segments at home.

Heres a video I shot using a 50mm lens. Audio is form the camera mic, since the D3100 has no audio jack. Im planning on upgrading to a D3200 wich does. Its $480 on Amazon and I trust I can sell my current one for $400.

Disregard message as its on spanish. The point im trying to get across is the video quality on a $450 camera.

[Roosh]

The D5200 looks like a winner. Based on prior videos I've done, 20 minutes for max recording is going to fit my needs best.

[turuk]

You are only filming indoors I assume so if I were in your shoes I would go for DSLR since that is more than enough for filming. Also you will have the added value of taking great pictures with DSLR of women you meet :-) ... At the end it is a personal preference but I think the camcorder you have chosen in the OP is an overkill since it has a lot of functions you won't need. You are just filming inside anyway.

[HD668B]

(08-24-2014 08:50 AM)Roosh Wrote:  

The D5200 looks like a winner. Based on prior videos I've done, 20 minutes for max recording is going to fit my needs best.

I always use this website. Notice their "top value" is the D5300. It is the updated version of D5200 with wifi, gps, etc. Depending on your budget both are good options.

http://www.digitalversus.com/digital-cam...-a731.html

[monster]

(08-24-2014 09:52 AM)LÉtranger Wrote:  

(08-24-2014 08:50 AM)Roosh Wrote:  

The D5200 looks like a winner. Based on prior videos I've done, 20 minutes for max recording is going to fit my needs best.

I always use this website. Notice their "top value" is the D5300. It is the updated version of D5200 with wifi, gps, etc. Depending on your budget both are good options.

http://www.digitalversus.com/digital-cam...-a731.html

Unfortunately, the upgrades on cameras from v1 to v2 are about as meaningless as the upgrade from windows 8 to 8.1 in 99% of the cases. What's important: the CMOS sensor and the megapixels rarely change significantly. They only add stupid inconsequential shit like Wifi and GPS (really? who needs GPS on a dslr). If wifi is that important you can purchase 3rd party wifi sim cards for a fraction of the cost for an upgrade.

I think used camera bodies are probably some of the best deals in used consumer equipment in the whole market today.

[DaveR]

(08-24-2014 10:27 AM)monster Wrote:  

Unfortunately, the upgrades on cameras from v1 to v2 are about as meaningless as the upgrade from windows 8 to 8.1 in 99% of the cases. What's important: the CMOS sensor and the megapixels rarely change significantly. They only add stupid inconsequential shit like Wifi and GPS (really? who needs GPS on a dslr). If wifi is that important you can purchase 3rd party wifi sim cards for a fraction of the cost for an upgrade.

I think used camera bodies are probably some of the best deals in used consumer equipment in the whole market today.

Built-in wifi may prove useful to Roosh if he will be shooting solo, because it enables remote control from a phone or computer without having to carry a bulky USB cable - keep in mind that he is still somewhat of a nomad.

The D3300 has the same sensor as the D5300, so it may be a better deal if the wifi isn't important. I haven't checked into it in too much detail, but all of the other features related to video appear to be equal.

[RexImperator]

The megapixels aren't important for what Roosh needs. He should be concerned with low light performance, focus ability and lack of self-noise during video, articulated screen (for filming himself), audio level meters and adjustment, etc. Also, a fast prime lens at a focal length where he fits within the frame properly. That plus good lighting and audio and he's going to get good results.

Some of the older DSLRs were lacking in video-oriented features. They can produce great video, but with a lot of effort, external audio recorders, etc.

[thirty-six]

Good stuff, Germanico.

(08-24-2014 05:09 AM)germanico Wrote:  

(08-23-2014 02:29 PM)Roosh Wrote:  

It's actually 12 minutes if you record in HD (30 minutes in 480p). That could be a problem.

I have a Nikon D3100 and it has a built-in 10 minute limit on video.

Its has never been a problem, specially if you plan to use it to do video blog segments at home.

Heres a video I shot using a 50mm lens. Audio is form the camera mic, since the D3100 has no audio jack. Im planning on upgrading to a D3200 wich does. Its $480 on Amazon and I trust I can sell my current one for $400.

Disregard message as its on spanish. The point im trying to get across is the video quality on a $450 camera.

[monster]

(08-24-2014 10:44 AM)DaveR Wrote:  

(08-24-2014 10:27 AM)monster Wrote:  

Unfortunately, the upgrades on cameras from v1 to v2 are about as meaningless as the upgrade from windows 8 to 8.1 in 99% of the cases. What's important: the CMOS sensor and the megapixels rarely change significantly. They only add stupid inconsequential shit like Wifi and GPS (really? who needs GPS on a dslr). If wifi is that important you can purchase 3rd party wifi sim cards for a fraction of the cost for an upgrade.

I think used camera bodies are probably some of the best deals in used consumer equipment in the whole market today.

Built-in wifi may prove useful to Roosh if he will be shooting solo, because it enables remote control from a phone or computer without having to carry a bulky USB cable - keep in mind that he is still somewhat of a nomad.

The D3300 has the same sensor as the D5300, so it may be a better deal if the wifi isn't important. I haven't checked into it in too much detail, but all of the other features related to video appear to be equal.

The wifi was a consideration I had when I was debating b/w purchasing a used 7100 or the new version 7300 (I think?). It was practically the only technical difference but was a $500 difference. I ended up just buying a wifi SDcard that does the exact same for txfering pictures for $40.

[DaveR]

(08-24-2014 12:43 PM)monster Wrote:  

The wifi was a consideration I had when I was debating b/w purchasing a used 7100 or the new version 7300 (I think?). It was practically the only technical difference but was a $500 difference. I ended up just buying a wifi SDcard that does the exact same for txfering pictures for $40.

The price differential is much smaller today (approx. $150 for the D5200/5300). In addition, wifi SD cards don't provide any remote control of the camera or viewing the of live view on a phone or computer. When shooting oneself, having full remote control of the camera can save a lot of time and frustration.

Nikon's wifi adapter is now price competitive with wifi SD cards anyway, so wifi SD cards have essentially been made irrelevant: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/85...apter.html

[Roosh]

I don't think paying $150 more for 5300 will be worth it for me, especially since I don't need wifi download/control.

I do plan on shooting video outside though.

[The Wire]

I'd also keep an eye for something like a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. Panasonic seems to have a good reputation for video on their cameras.

[Valhalla]

You can purchase a brand new EOS M for about 300. It's pretty much a mirrorless t3i. The plus is you'll be able to use many more types of lenses that you can buy in yard sales or flea markets.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008NENG1A...ot_redir=1

[The_CEO]

DSLR's are great but I'd carefully scrutinize what you will use it for.

Is it mostly for "interviews"?

In that case, being able to swap out a variety of lenses is less important.

You can definitely learn the video features of a DSLR but the main thing to keep in mind is that since it's origins are as a stills camera, they aren't necessarily as ergonomic as the 'camcorders'.

This is important because when you see "image" test videos posted online, and see great stuff captured with whatever DSLR, what kind of rig did they have? What kind of lens (is it Image Stabilized)?

If you're going to hand hold, then you are maybe talking about a rig, and definitely an I.S. lens.

DSLR's are also very hard to "follow focus".

News guys (like foreign correspondo's do use DSLR's for their work in the field. They use camcorders as well).

So my main point is make sure you don't any extra gear to get going (a shoulder-mount or something), or if you do, that it's within your budget.

[BDawg]

As an owner of the D5100, keep in mind that the D5200 has a patch, but it's probably not up to the Magic Lantern standard of tweaking a Canon offers. The D5200 has a stock limit of 20 minutes but looks quite good in video performance.

The D5200 has a stereo mic unlike my D5100, but an external mic will do wonders.

The patch should remove the video length limit and only the memory card capacity will end it.

The most recent Roosh video made has proper headroom and honors the rule of thirds quite well.

Speaking on the out breath helps gives a more authoritative tone.

[Zep]

Very informative thread. Thanks.

I’m digging the Panasonic posted by The Wire for it’s zooming quality straight out of the box ( 24 x optical ) and overall picture quality.

Excellent zoom…

Good follow of an Eagle

[Roosh]

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.

[tonipepperoni]

This kid has another updated one somewhere in his channel.

[tonipepperoni]

[Zep]

(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 )

[AlreadyGone]

I would go with the DSLR since the film and pictures would be probably better quality.

Remember: You get what you pay for.

[DaveR]

The videos are looking better already:

The lighting is much improved, but I see that your forehead is a bit over-exposed (too much light compared to other areas). A few ways to fix it:

- try to soften the light by putting a semi-transparent material between it and yourself.

- another option: use more lamps to even out the light. The light source in that video is from above, so you may wish to place some lamps on the floor to give more even coverage (notice the shadow on your neck and eyes). Don't worry about the video being too bright; the camera will automatically adjust to account for that. The main concerns are to get even lighting, and to ensure that all lights are of the same colour (all fluorescent or all regular incandescent - don't mix different kinds of lamps). Frosted lamps usually work well and don't need any diffusion.

- lastly, a better camera will have more dynamic range, which means it won't be as affected by differences the amount of lighting.


Also, a video editing tip: when combining multiple recordings into a single video, using a transition effect (fade, dissolve, wipe) makes it less obvious that the video is not seamless.