Small and Somewhat Pocketable Camcorder

Shakenbake158 · Jul 25, 2014

Hey guys, so as of recently I have started shooting some videos with my 5Diii, and I have really enjoyed it. About 3 months ago I decided to start experimenting with videos, and I have really enjoyed it so far.

Anyways, I love my 5D, but I want something else that is small, something that doesn't require a dedicated camera bag. I don't always wanna lug around my 5D, especially if I am only going to take video.

So I am looking for something relatively small. I have been eyeing the Black Magic Pocket, since the recent price drop. I also came across a Canon Vixia HF G10 that is in great condition for a great price, but other than that, I don't know what else to look at.

Is the Vixia HF G10 still a good option?

Do you guys have any recommendations?

Thanks!

Will Vincent · Jul 26, 2014

The black magic pocket is small, but only until you put a lens on it.

Metrostar · Jul 26, 2014

Canon VIXIA HF R400 is my 'pocket' camera. But you will only really find them on eBay or Amazon these days. $200. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-VIXIA-R400-Advanced-Camcorder/dp/B00AWZFJ22

I shot this with it: http://youtu.be/YAbuD2_0QVs It's rendered at a low quality and still looks good. The original files are great quality. The zoom is incredible. Took this still from the video:

brunerww · Jul 27, 2014

Hi Shakenbake158 - even with a lens on it, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is more pocketable than an HF G10

In my view, if you're as serious about motion pictures as you are about stills, but don't want to spend a lot of money, you should jump on the $495 Pocket Cinema Camera deal With a $31 DSLRKIT Canon EF to MFT adapter, you can use your existing Canon lenses.

But it can be a challenging camera to use (you need extra batteries, it's hard to see the LCD in bright sunlight, color grading is pretty much mandatory).

If you don't want to work that hard - I recommend a $698 Panasonic G6 (with the kit lens) and the DSLRKIT adapter. This camera is much smaller than your 5D Mark III, much easier to use than the Pocket Cinema Camera and produces better video quality than the HF G10.

Here is what this camera can do:

Music Video:

http://vimeo.com/88584840

http://vimeo.com/84436275

Narrative:

http://vimeo.com/78037118

http://vimeo.com/81339712

Documentary:

http://vimeo.com/97274302

http://vimeo.com/73561266

http://vimeo.com/87978429

http://vimeo.com/78507820

Slow Motion/Sport:

http://vimeo.com/76503135

Travel Video:

http://vimeo.com/88543042

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

Compared to your 5D Mark III:

http://vimeo.com/82318903

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your decision!

Bill

Shakenbake158 · Jul 27, 2014

Well thanks for the advice guys, the Panasonic G6 looks amazing.
However I am now second guessing my consideration of the BMPCC, and any camera that would require changing lenses.

What is your guys' opinion on the DSLR vs camorder?

I wouldn't necessarily want to have to stop and switch out lenses when I am out in public to get a shot.

Also, what do you guys think about the Sony NEX-VG30?

Gonzo_Entertainment · Jul 27, 2014

I actually just bought a Nex 7 for the smaller more pocketable camera.

brunerww · Jul 28, 2014

Shakenbake158 said:
...what do you guys think about the Sony NEX-VG30?

- 8-bit camera with a bad codec - susceptible to moire (see the brick in this video: https://vimeo.com/50589605)

- standard Sony amateur camcorder controls with limited number of color profiles and no control of color saturation or sharpness in-camera

Overpriced for what it is.

If you want a fixed lens camcorder and don't mind paying VG30 prices, you may want to consider the $1998 Sony AX100. Four times the resolution of the VG30 - but still no control of saturation or sharpness.

Cheers,

Bill

Punky · Aug 1, 2014

Also, it should be pointed out that the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera is only $500 until August 31, or supplies last.

Gonzo_Entertainment · Aug 1, 2014

Couple of people have brought up the Black magic. I'd view that as way too limited a camera for what it sounds like he wants, starting with the 3X crop factor making anything even remotely wide problematic right off the bat and continuing through the workflow. I mean it's a cool camera, which could be awesome for certain uses, but hardly "handy" on any level.

SixOhThree · Aug 1, 2014

I'm on the BM Pocket bandwagon. I ordered the day it went on sale after doing quick, extensive research.

The deciding factor for me was this post from LinkedIn:
"If you pair the BMPCC with the Metabones Speedbooster you'll have a camera with essentially a Super35 field of view that's more light sensitive than any other camera on the market for just over 1000. Also for the price you get a camera that shoot Raw vidoe, various flavors of ProRes including HQ, 422, LT and Proxy. For the price you're getting better quality 1080p video than you'd get from any DSLR for about half the price."