Video Camera Recommendations

[Doug Young]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

From what I've read, the folks who are using the "pre-focusing" trick are doing it in conjunction with selecting "manual focus" mode with their cameras to prevent the camera from changing light levels drastically as it attempts to grab focus.

Just something to keep in mind when shooting with a smart phone.

Definitely.The other issue is auto-white balance. I'd move the guitar a little, picking up a reflection, and the whole video would go dark as the camera tried to compensate. Seems to me like my iphone is actually a lot better at all this than my DSLR cameras.

For focusing, I usually just put the guitar on a stand right in front of my chair, which ends up being pretty much where I hold it, and focus on that. I can be a little fuzzy, I don't mind :-) as long as the guitar is in focus.

[anton]

Ah i assumed your camera just had autofocus in video mode. So you manually focus everything?

[Doug Young]

Originally Posted by anton

Ah i assumed your camera just had autofocus in video mode. So you manually focus everything?

You mean me? Yes, I do have autofocus on my cameras, but I find that sometimes you see it working. I just do everything on my cameras in manual mode, focus, white balance, ISO, aperature settings, etc.

[keith.rogers]

I have never used a DSLR but did use a couple Sony mirrorless cameras that I liked, though for a lot of stuff I actually use video "camcorders" because they have better low-light capability unless you get a really nice lens.

And, the other thing all consumer and some pro-sumer camcorders have is a screen that flips around so you can view what is being filmed in cases where you might be the subject, or the camera is in a location where getting behind the camera is not possible. (I've put cameras in restaurant wine racks, dormers, etc.) They are relatively affordable, too.

I found camcorders can handle longer shooting times if you have something where you want (or have) to leave it unattended for long time. (My one Sony would start to overheat after a while and once it did that, it was basically done.)

[Doug Young]

Originally Posted by keith.rogers

I found camcorders can handle longer shooting times if you have something where you want (or have) to leave it unattended for long time. (My one Sony would start to overheat after a while and once it did that, it was basically done.)

That's an important point about DSLRs. Some have limited video time. Some overheat after a while. One reason I use the Panasonics - thanks to Fran Guidry's recommendation - they don't have a video length limit and don't overheat.

[varmonter]

My canon dslr 70d has a flip around screen. My ipad shoots 4k.

[anton]

Originally Posted by Doug Young

You mean me? Yes, I do have autofocus on my cameras, but I find that sometimes you see it working. I just do everything on my cameras in manual mode, focus, white balance, ISO, aperature settings, etc.

Oops yea, I meant you Doug. Forgot to specifically mention your name

Thanks that is great to know. I guess there goes my reason for wanting a new camera, which was mainly for the auto focus in video mode. I am going to try focusing on my guitar in front of the chair, and then experimenting with the ISO and aperature so the focus is not as sensitive.

I have run into the video recording time limit with my Canon. Not a huge deal, but it does mean i have to get up and record a new take on the camera whenever I screw up. It would be convenient to just be able to sit in the chair till I get it right on video.

[SprintBob]

The Zoom Q8 is a pretty good value if you are getting started in making some decent videos. The X-Y mics supplied with it are pretty good and you can plug in higher quality external mics. The video quality can be grainy with indoor shooting but it’s a pretty user friendly package. Download the file to your favorite video editor and DAW for further processing.

[Doug Young]

Originally Posted by anton

Oops yea, I meant you Doug. Forgot to specifically mention your name

Thanks that is great to know. I guess there goes my reason for wanting a new camera, which was mainly for the auto focus in video mode. I am going to try focusing on my guitar in front of the chair, and then experimenting with the ISO and aperature so the focus is not as sensitive.

I think auto-focus can work, depending on ???. I used to use a cheap little Sanyo Camcoder for 1 view, and tho the picture quality wasn't as good as my other cameras, I woudl just use it in auto-mode, and it always seemed fine. But I'd use it as closeup view, so there weren't many choices for it to latch onto. Teja uses his Zoom camera, and I suspect it only has auto-mode. I've just had enough videos where something went wonky with the focus, color balance, etc because I moved, or a reflection his my guitar, etc, that I went to manual on everything. The only hassle is focus, but I've sort of got it to where I don't mess up too often.

[Fran Guidry]

Originally Posted by Doug Young

I think auto-focus can work, depending on ???. I used to use a cheap little Sanyo Camcoder for 1 view, and tho the picture quality wasn't as good as my other cameras, I woudl just use it in auto-mode, and it always seemed fine. But I'd use it as closeup view, so there weren't many choices for it to latch onto. Teja uses his Zoom camera, and I suspect it only has auto-mode. I've just had enough videos where something went wonky with the focus, color balance, etc because I moved, or a reflection his my guitar, etc, that I went to manual on everything. The only hassle is focus, but I've sort of got it to where I don't mess up too often.

Are you using the Panasonic Image App? This lets you use your phone/pad to monitor and adjust the settings remotely, including touch focus. This capability is another reason Lumix G series cameras do good work.

Fran

[Doug Young]

Originally Posted by Fran Guidry

Are you using the Panasonic Image App? This lets you use your phone/pad to monitor and adjust the settings remotely, including touch focus. This capability is another reason Lumix G series cameras do good work.

Fran

You know, I tried that early on, haven't in a long time. I should try it again. I did get some of these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077FTPT46

Which really help me see from across the room. They also have their own focus guides, in addition the the focus help on the newer cameras.

[Howard Emerson]

Originally Posted by truckgoodbar

I would like to do some video recordings of solo acoustic songs in my home and send them on Vimeo. I could use some recommendations for mid price, but good value, camcorders to accomplish this. Any advice would be appreciated.

Ignoring the bad lighting behind me, what do you think of this video & audio quality? And be as critical as you need to be!



HE

[Acousticado]

Originally Posted by Howard Emerson

Ignoring the bad lighting behind me, what do you think of this video & audio quality? And be as critical as you need to be!



HE

Looks and sounds very good to me Howard, especially the audio. What did you use?