What is a good professional video camera to use for videography?
I’m looking for a camera to buy to start my own video company. There are so many professional cameras out there, that I want to get some opinions on what the standard camera for this is. Thanks!
A real pro-grade camcorder and not a DSLR that happens to take highly compressed video and has only mono-audio and no mic input or manual audio control?
The short list of features should include:
Lens system larger than 40mm diameter.
Audio-in connection(s) AND manual audio control.
Manual zoom, Manual focus, Manual Shutter speed, Manual White Balance, and other controls on the outside of the camera and easy to get to.
Least amount of compression applied to the video stream when writing to the storage media.
The starting point that meets all four criteria is the Sony HDR-FX1000, but this is only prosumer… Pro grade starts at the Sony HVR-V1U, HVR-Z1U, HVR-Z5U, HVR-Z7U, Canon XHA1 and Panasonic AG-HVX200 and JVC GY series… And they go up from here.
Other items to consider:
Tripod (Bogen-Manfrotto is a good start – the weight rating should be at least 2x your camera’s weight; with a fluid head).
High capacity rechargeable battery or two (from the camcorder manufacturer, not third party).
Sturdy case to protect your investment (Pelican and SKB are my favorites).
Mics. This gets really subjective – but a minimum of one shotgun mic, one UHF full diversity wireless lav, one stereo mic. Of course, if you ALWAYS have your sound person with you, they they could supply these items.
Cables. 50 foot AC extension cable; two 25 foot XLR mic externsion cables.
Next level of things to get:
Lenses: Wide angle and tele… maybe tele-macro.
Filters.
Video light.
Battery belt for the video light – if sized appropriately, this could replace the high capacity rechargeable battery.
Steadying devices… SpiderBrace or other shoulder mount system. GlideCam/Steadycam vest system.
LANC.
Next level of things to get:
Camera crane (I like the Kessler + their tripod and head). This feeds into a bunch of cables (LANC extension, Video monitor, audio monitor) amd accessories (monitor, counterweights, etc..). Then whether you subscribe to the Kessler tripod wheels or need something like their dolly options or do something else… and of course, the remote pan-tilt head…
This list is incomplete – but more than I ever got… I guess because I never asked.
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And a FAST computer with LOTS of RAM and tons of available hard drive space on external drives (at least do not use the same drive as the start up computer Operating System for the video editing project files)… and a good-sized monitor (20 inch or larger).
How to Make Professional Digital Video : How to Use a Digital Video Camera