Yet another camera advice question...

C

cuthugas

Hey guys.

I apologize in advance for posting this, but I have spent the better part of two days looking for the information I need to make a decision about which camera to buy. So, please bear with a newbie. I have done quite a bit of research, but it is easy to become overwhelmed by the plethora of choices!

Here's what I want to do:

1. Film events (documentary style) but with a cinematic feel. (I don't like the "newscaster" look)
2. Make short films.

Here are the features I'm looking for:

1. Good low light response
2. Cinematic look/feel
3. XLR inputs
4. Changeable lenses
5. Not DSLR
6. Codecs that are compatible with iMovie and/or CS 6 editing
7. Full manual controls
8. Large sensor (Super 35 or full frame if possible)
9. Flexibility. I would like to be able to add accessories later to match my needs, such as a viewfinder extender, etc.

My max spending limit would be about $5000, so I have to take in consideration that if I'm buying a body, I also need lenses. Essentially, I need a versatile camera that will have me up and shooting with just the budget of $5000, but with enough expandability that I can eventually have a nice setup by adding to it.

I have no other camera equipment at the moment, but I would forgo a tripod for a better camera that can be used for handheld filming for now, and buy additional equipment later.

I like some of the features of the Sony Nex-VG900, but it feels light on professional features in favor of the full frame sensor.

I like the Sony Nex-FS100, but it doesn't seem that it would be "versatile" as far as shooting an event.

I really appreciate your patience with this question. I know it has been asked a million times. But, because new cameras come out all the time, I figure there may be something out there that is just right for me.

Thanks!!!
 
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Hi cuthugas - sounds like you're looking for the soon-to-be-released $3600 Sony NEX-EA50. The EA50 has an APS-C sensor rather than Super 35, but otherwise meets all of your requirements.

Here are a couple of pre-release examples of what it can do:

https://vimeo.com/51524757

https://vimeo.com/47713588

If you don't mind the even smaller micro 4/3 sensor of the venerable Panasonic AF100, it too has all of the professional features on your list. You can pick up a used body for less than $2000, which would leave you enough for lenses and audio gear.

Here is what it can do:

https://vimeo.com/16724324

https://vimeo.com/18694223

Hope this is helpful,

Bill
 
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Bill,

Thank you so much for your quick response. I appreciate that!

I did see the Nex-EA50, and really liked everything about it except for the smaller sensor than I wanted. I thought it was only a UK item, but if it is coming soon, that may be a good fit for me.

Do you think the differences between it and something like the Sony Nex-VG900 make it stand out? Are you just paying extra for the larger sensor on the 900? I don't have any lighting equipment either. Will that hurt the EA50?
 
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cuthugas said:
Bill,

Thank you so much for your quick response. I appreciate that!

I did see the Nex-EA50, and really liked everything about it except for the smaller sensor than I wanted. I thought it was only a UK item, but if it is coming soon, that may be a good fit for me.

Do you think the differences between it and something like the Sony Nex-VG900 make it stand out? Are you just paying extra for the larger sensor on the 900? I don't have any lighting equipment either. Will that hurt the EA50?
Click to expand...

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. The EA50's APS-C sensor is large enough. Here is how it stacks up against a small sensor camcorder similar to the HM600, the Sony Z5u: https://vimeo.com/53724521

In this test, the NEX-EA50 seemed to have better resolution and was better in low light than the small sensor camcorder. ISO 5000 from the EA50 was very usable, in my view.

cuthugas said:
Also, how does the JVC GY HM600 compare here? Is it more for "newscasts"?
Click to expand...

The HM600 is fine for what it is - a standard news camera with a small sensor, an awesome zoom and very little control of depth of field.

Here is an example of what you would get from this camera: https://vimeo.com/53778337

If you want to shoot news or local TV commercials, this would be a great choice.

Again, hope this is helpful,

Bill
 
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The $4799 NEX-FS100 is a fabulous low light camera, and I would have recommended it for this use case, except cuthugas said:

cuthugas said:
I like the Sony Nex-FS100, but it doesn't seem that it would be "versatile" as far as shooting an event.!
Click to expand...

Without the ability to mount a servo zoom or paying extra money for a shoulder rig, he's right. Same thing for the $6499 (body only) C100, which is above cuthugas' $5000 budget limit anyway.

These are cinema cameras - not really event or "run-n-gun" cameras, in my view. The shoulder-mounted, power zooming, large sensor, interchangeable lens $3599 NEX-EA50 with built-in XLR inputs is pretty much the only camera in this category.

Cheers,

Bill
 
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Wow! Thank you guys for all the input. This has really helped me immensely!

I do love the CS100, but it doesn't have a lens, so I wouldn't be able to get started right out of the box like I'd like to.

I think I have to make a decision between the FS100 and the EA50. They both have some really great features.

Again, thank you guys, and if you think of any others, please let me know.
 
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Jeff,

With your FS100, how does it handle off the tripod? I've heard it is very cumbersome when it comes to handheld control, cable management, etc.

Is it feasible to film events handheld, or does it strictly work on tripod?
 
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The more I read, and the more I research, the more I am leaning toward the FS100 for longterm advantages.

JohnRogers, try this blog (http://philipbloom.net/2011/05/05/bloomshootout/). He does a great breakdown of three cameras, the Sony F3, and FS100, the Panasonic AF100.

The AF100 has a smaller sensor, but some nice options. The F3 is just too expensive. I think I would get the F700 first. And the F100. He goes into some great detail about the camera.

I think overall, despite the fact that if I get the F100, I will be limiting my "out of the box" shooting, I will have more capability of adding features to get the camera I'm really looking for in the long run. Its modular design is really appealing, and I really love the larger sensor.

Jeff, do you have any final FS100 advice?
 
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