Archive for the ‘cameras’ Category
Sony NXCAM
This is Sony’s first pro AVCHD camcorder. In fact, I’ve just acquired one for my own use. With all the craze about using DSLRs for video, they fall far too short for me for some of the work I do. Covering an entire days worth of seminars for example. This camera has to SDHC slots (or Memorystick Pro) and with two 32GB cards, over six hours of non stop footage is possible. You can even switch cards while actually shooting, allowing almost unlimited time. Clips that span multiple cards can be rejoined in software. An optional hard drive allows up to 11 hours of capacity.
The Sony “G” lens goes all the way from an approximate .6X wide angle, to a 20X zoom. This camera adds an enhanced stabilization mode called “Super Steadyshot”. I was able to get shots in this mode that almost looked as if I was using a Steadicam device, but in fact they were shot handheld.
This camera uses three 1/3″ CMOS sensors. Sony also adds some special processing to enhance the video quality from these relatively small processors. The results are very impressive, and get quite close to some of the big sensor pro cameras. The shotgun mic seen here is actually included with the camera. An improved model over the previous shotgun offered with its predecessors. Audio quality with this mic is quite impressive. The overall audio performance of the NX5 is greatly improved over previous models. Lots of audio options too. Assignable channels, internal stereo mic, phantom power, a limiter, and so on.
I’ve used Sony gear for years shooting event video, and video for business. They are certainly not without their flaws. These cameras do however shine brightly in critical areas. The addition of this tape-less model is a welcome one.
Panasonic AG-AF100
I was tempted like so many to make the DLSR plunge for video production. The shortcomings of such a rig just seem to outweigh the advantages. I was only a matter of time before manufacturers combined the best of both worlds. Panasonic’s upcoming AG-AF100 looks to be a major benchmark, as the second large sensor camcorder in the sub 10K range. It looks to offer much more than the Sony VG10, but is quite a bit more expensive, at $5000 for the body sans lens.
The official Panasonic site is here, but a local dealer has a page with much more information, and it’s here.
Sony NEX-VG10
I just ran across this review of the new Sony NEX-VG10 camcorder. While it resembles some of Sony’s other “Handycams”, it differs significantly in design. It uses the same large CMOS sensor as the Sony NEX series still cameras. This results in the sort of great depth of field images people are getting from DSLR’s while shooting video. And like those cameras, the lens is interchangeable. Unlike the various still cameras that shoot video, the design is much more suited to shooting video. One of the most appealing aspects to me, is that it does not suffer from the arbitrary shot time limit of DSLRs. Record time is only limited by media size and format. A whopping three continuous hours can be recorded on a 32GB card at the highest quality setting!
I look forward to getting my hands on one to check it out. For a $2000 list price, it seems like a pretty good deal to me.
Panasonic HDC-SDT750
I guess I must be in the minority here, but I’m just not as excited about the whole 3D craze as everyone else seems to be. This is probably due to the fact that I have a visual disorder that results in the fact I get virtually no sense of depth from 3D. One thing is for sure however, and that is the growing number of upcoming 3D capable TVs.
Panasonic is betting on the camcorder end of this with the HDC-SDT750. For you event shooters, I can remember when many thought that HD was overkill for our business, and standard def was just fine. Today, I shoot HD exclusively. Who knows, the same may eventually be the case with 3D.
The iPhone 4
Supposedly, over 600,000 pre-orders have already been submitted for the new iPhone. So much so, that AT&T’s system took a fall as the result of
the huge traffic influx. I wasn’t one of them, as my contract has another six months or so. I will definitely get one as soon as it’s offered. The feature that interests me the most is the video camera. Claiming to be able to capture at 720P, the idea of having a decent video camera in my pocket all the time would be great!
I could only find a small video on the apple site as an example, and it looks pretty good. You can’t however expand it to full screen from the website. I look forward to seeing more examples. Inbuilt editing is also a pretty slick new feature.
Sure, it won’t compare to dedicated HD camcorders, but it makes phone calls too! Usually….
The Canon 5D MK II
First of all, I should apologize for that title. Secondly, who expected this odd situation where a DSLR might be one of the best video cameras on the market. At least in the lower end range of event video gear. By “lower end” I do mean cameras that sell below $5000. In comparison to current television production, 5K is a drop in the bucket. 30 to 50 thousand dollars is much more the range you’d expect to pay for a camera in your TV studio. Seems now, we have this very strange phenomenon, where a DSLR has stepped to the plate. In fact, the season finale, of one of the most popular television shows in history, is shot entirely with this camera.
And what camera you ask? The Canon 5D MKII. I should note here that I’m a Nikon fan, and have been for years. I have also owned several Canons, including the venerable AE1. I have also spent much more on dedicated video cameras that this. Most all from Sony, and the most recent was just over a year ago at about $3500. Make no mistake, it’s a fine camera. I’ve yet to see an answer to this phenomenon from Sony.
Now folks, life is not perfect, and this is no exception. Swish pans with this camera are to be avoided. Sound will require some attachments to be sure. The form factor isn’t ideal for the work that we do. At least it will take some adjustment. Again, sorry about the pun. I will say from what I have seen so far, the results are stunning. I hear it takes some pretty good snap shots as well. Please forgive once again. I think it’s reasonable to say that if you seek a new camera in the sub 5000K us$ range, perhaps you should look at the new 5D.
I should add here that the “run and gun” video cameras from Sony, Panasonic and Canon in this range are well worth a look. These cams still have some features that are designed for event video shooters, and they do a great job. I might not take the latest 5D on the next event shoot, but I will darn sure be working it in asap.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/194158/season_finale_of_house_filmed_with_canon_dslr.html
