Upgrade on a JVC Everio GZ330 and Canon Vixia R300

[bikemike66]

I have been taking and editing videos for a few years, and I was thinking that perhaps my next purchase would be a better video camera than the JVC Everio and Canon Vixia I already own and use.

Most of the video I take is either kids or sports related or both (lots of Minor hockey and some high school mountain bike racing). Although the Canon is newer and HD, I usually find myself using the JVC as I find the zoom to be easier to use (slightly less sensitive so I am able to zoom more subtly or quickly to capture the action).

I know still cameras fairly well (well...I'm a Canon owner, so I know their product line), so I have a handle on amateur, Prosumer, professional and what the differences are for your level of "investment", but I don't know as much about video cameras.

It's funny....I thought I'd start by looking in your profiles and seeing what some of you use..but all I see in there is the editing equipment (ie: computer) and not the cinematographic tools.

[Ken Berry]

FWIW, I use a now dated Canon HV20 high def HDV camcorder (which films to mini DV tape cassettes but still does a wonderful job) and a more recent GoPro Her0 3 Black edition, which films in high def (and great quality) mpeg-4, but also does stills. I also have an older Canon standard def camcorder, though have not used it in years. My Samsung smartphone also takes good high quality mpeg-4, though being hand held, stability in such a device can be problematic.

However, if you are well up, as you say, on still cameras, you would be aware that some of them take great video too, Canon included!

[bikemike66]

Thanks Ken...I forgot to add that I have the GoPro2. I've used it for mountain biking, snowboarding, waterslides, bike park, pond hockey etc. Lots of fun, and good to have. [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqedMly4LQw[/youtube]

The Canon DSLR I have (450D) is about 5 years old, basically the last version without video. I am considering a T3i or T5i, but although I know they shoot video, I hadn't really considered that. I guess I put myself into either photographer mode or videographer mode on any given day at any given event.

[bikemike66]

I guess I should have asked the question another way.

Editing and videography to me, seem like equal but different aspects of making videos. Unlike professionals, we amateurs are both the cameraperson and the editor (not to mention director, producer, gaffer...)

I am curious what type of equipment people on here use for the first part of the video-making equation (capturing the footage).

[TonyP]

I personally am using Canon t2i (550D) which was the first Rebel to use the Canon 7D sensor for video. Canon has sold more t3i's (650D) because of this fact and it has the view screen that you can move and tilt. There was no reason to go to t5i because it was the same sensor. The new one t6s is different with different sensor (again, similar to the 7DII). But the down side is, these cameras only shoot 1080. NAB is coming soon and there are rumors that Canon will be introducing a camera to compete with Panasonic's GH4 4K camera.
I also use a Canon HF10 AVCHD camcorder. They color match up great. I did a 3 camera shoot and added a JVC to the mix and you can see the color balance difference.

I am looking to go 4K and have looked at the Samsung NX1 and Panasonic GH4. They both have their pro's and con's, but waiting to see what Canon brings to the table (again, which should happen at NAB next month). Panasonic also has the FZ1000 that was well reviewed and received and the LX100. Videos everywhere from these cameras and they are under $1,000USD. Samsung is adding the nx500. Mind you, these cameras do not have mic input or headphone jacks.

The best camera is the one the you have in your hand. They are tools. In the video link below, most of it was shot with the DSLR. Some with the camcorder. Simple edits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPYONA71ED4

[canuck]

The Canon 6Ts and 7Ts record in 640x480, 1280x720 and 1920x1080

[TonyP]

...one of the reasons for me not even looking at them. Still 1080p cameras. Bigger sensor and more megapixels, and they do cost less than what I am looking at. They are listed as t6s and t6i (760D and 750D to non North Americans). If you plan on staying in HD and not go 4K, and would like a DSLR type video/still camera these are viable alternatives.
But NAB is right around the corner. Once I see where the rumored Canon 4K camera stands, then I will decide on what to get. Spring is near where I live, so I want to know the camera before going out in the world....

[bikemike66]

I personally am using Canon t2i (550D) which was the first Rebel to use the Canon 7D sensor for video. Canon has sold more t3i's (650D) because of this fact and it has the view screen that you can move and tilt. There was no reason to go to t5i because it was the same sensor. The new one t6s is different with different sensor (again, similar to the 7DII). But the down side is, these cameras only shoot 1080. NAB is coming soon and there are rumors that Canon will be introducing a camera to compete with Panasonic's GH4 4K camera.
I also use a Canon HF10 AVCHD camcorder. They color match up great. I did a 3 camera shoot and added a JVC to the mix and you can see the color balance difference.

I am looking to go 4K and have looked at the Samsung NX1 and Panasonic GH4. They both have their pro's and con's, but waiting to see what Canon brings to the table (again, which should happen at NAB next month). Panasonic also has the FZ1000 that was well reviewed and received and the LX100. Videos everywhere from these cameras and they are under $1,000USD. Samsung is adding the nx500. Mind you, these cameras do not have mic input or headphone jacks.

The best camera is the one the you have in your hand. They are tools. In the video link below, most of it was shot with the DSLR. Some with the camcorder. Simple edits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPYONA71ED4

Thanks Tony. I agree completely. I was just wondering if I was missing out on a slightly better tool that was not far from my price range. I have to admit that I have been wanting a T3i for awhile now, but had been thinking strictly for still photography, although I did realize it took HD video. Luckily, I have access to one I can borrow, so I may do that and see what I think. As for the 4K, that is certainly something to think about, although I am not sure my current computer specs are sufficient for the editing.

[skier-hughes]

Unless things have changed recently stills cameras do not shoot long videos in time, due to overheating sensors, so if you shoot a hockey match from start to finish you'd be better of with a dedicated video camcorder.

Semi pro canon's, my preference
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/7 ... order.html

There are cheaper and more expensive

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?at ... 4291570227

[TonyP]

Thanks Tony. I agree completely. I was just wondering if I was missing out on a slightly better tool that was not far from my price range. I have to admit that I have been wanting a T3i for awhile now, but had been thinking strictly for still photography, although I did realize it took HD video. Luckily, I have access to one I can borrow, so I may do that and see what I think. As for the 4K, that is certainly something to think about, although I am not sure my current computer specs are sufficient for the editing.

I've been shooting with a DSLR for a few years now. I am comfortable with it and know it's limitations. The form factor of camcorders is that they are naturally video cameras whereas DSLRS straddle the fence, being more of a stills camera that does video very well. I have both, but am looking for a single solution. One that can take photos and video.
I am waiting for NAB to see what competitor to the Panasonic GH4 they have come up with that shoots 4K.
@skier-hughes, the GH4 can shoot as long as the battery lasts, which is a very long time. it's not limited like Canon and other DSLR's to that 29minute limit (for EU purposes), and heat. IF I had to shoot an event, I would use a video camera and DSLR. That's how I have been doing it and it works for me great. But if something HAS to remain running, camcorder is really the only choice. IF I had to choose for video only one tool, then it would be a video camera, but 4K.
4K is the future. For me to invest in 1080 (and I already have them) is not quite something "I" want to do now. Yes, computers will have to become stronger, but there is proxy editing for that just like it was/is for AVCHD. When that compressed codec came out, no computer could edit it natively. Now...no problem. In VS you can make proxies to edit for speed and when satisfied, let the program apply your changes to the actual 4K files. Yes, rendering is going to take longer, but look what you wind up with. There are so many more options that are available when working in 4K and down sizing it to 1080 including better image quality (IQ), the ability to pan and zoom, crop, etc... something that can't be done in 1080 without degradation of the IQ. I've stayed away from "pro" looking cameras since my old Pana AG460 days. Especially now since I want to be as discreet as possible. What I shoot when out and about, I want to draw no attention to myself. Oh, I do when the tripod comes out, but when they see a DSLR or camcorder, they pay no attention. That's "me".
So, it's 4K for me!