What camera to get for video?

Not sure if this is the best place to ask this or not, but I'd give it a try. I don't know any videography forums.

I was originally planning on getting a 7D, 24-105, 70-200 F4 IS, and a couple of other lenses for video and photo but then I thought I might want an actual video camera.

I was thinking about the Panasonic AG-AC90 ( or variants ) and get some DSLR for my B-Rolls and photos. ( probably a 7D with only a 24-105 )

What do you guys think of the Panasonic AG-AC90? And should I consider another?

Speedster159 wrote in post #17491516
Not sure if this is the best place to ask this or not, but I'd give it a try. I don't know any videography forums.

I was originally planning on getting a 7D, 24-105, 70-200 F4 IS, and a couple of other lenses for video and photo but then I thought I might want an actual video camera.

I was thinking about the Panasonic AG-AC90 ( or variants ) and get some DSLR for my B-Rolls and photos. ( probably a 7D with only a 24-105 )

What do you guys think of the Panasonic AG-AC90? And should I consider another?

You might post this on the https://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdis​play.php?f=131 forum.

I won't comment on specific cameras, but I will say that if you get an APS-C DSLR for b-roll, unless you are planning to specialize in long distance video (sports, wildlife) you will get a lot more use out of an 11-55-ish zoom plus 24-105 rather than the 24-105 plus 70-200. Remember on that format, the 11-55 range spans from half the "normal" focal length to double it (similar to a 24-100mm lens on a full-format camera). The short distance from 55 to the 70mm of the longer zoom won't be missed.

The 24-105 might even be more useful than the 70-200. Although 70-200 is my primary go-to for my full-frame portrait photography work, I have yet to touch it for APS-C format videography.

As far as videography forums go, most are not nearly as active as photography forums, but CreativeCow is pretty good.

Speedster159 wrote in post #17491516
Not sure if this is the best place to ask this or not, but I'd give it a try. I don't know any videography forums.

I was originally planning on getting a 7D, 24-105, 70-200 F4 IS, and a couple of other lenses for video and photo but then I thought I might want an actual video camera.

I was thinking about the Panasonic AG-AC90 ( or variants ) and get some DSLR for my B-Rolls and photos. ( probably a 7D with only a 24-105 )

What do you guys think of the Panasonic AG-AC90? And should I consider another?

It depends on what you want to shoot, just like with photography different types of video cameras work better than others for different scenarios.

As a very broad over generalizing statement if you need to shoot run and gun/off the shoulder type videos then you will probably want a dedicated video camera. They have slightly more video friendly ergonomics, and generally have better audio input options built into the cameras. They also have a smaller sensor which helps keep more in focus so that holding focus with a moving subject or while the camera is moving wont be quite as difficult.

I personally use a couple of DSLR's for video. I like the look a lot more than what you get from most EFP cameras, and they work for my stills work as well so I don't have to buy into a completely different system. The major downsides here are that since they are geared more toward stills photography than videography, they are not usually set up ergonomically the way most people want a video camera to be set up, and that you will need to use an external audio recorder for almost everything. After shooting for a little while you will get used to these things and they really are non issues.

As for the Panasonic, I don't have much to add. I have used an older model of the same camera and it operated just fine.

I know this comment has been a bit rambling, but hopefully there was some useful info in there somewhere.

Also just a note the body might be the 7D MK1 since the MK2 might eat in the budget for the accessories on the VideoCam. Well what I was thinking is the 7D be mounted with a good all around lens and the only one I could think of is the 24-105 for the video B-Roll and still shots.

The camera would be used to cover events, do interviews, and generally what news crews do but in a more... modern way since it won't acutally be broadcasted but uploaded to the website and/or video hosting sites like YouTube. So I would sometimes be going elbow to elbow with guys lugging around heavy shoulder mounted cameras and handheld cameras similar to the AG-AC90 ( larger than it but still handheld )

Will probably also do something Cinematic but that's not the primary reason for the purchase.

70D

BlakeC wrote in post #17491710
70D

I agree. Of Canon cameras out right now, the 70D is the best choice out of the box for video. The touch flip screen is an incredible wonder for video focusing (the trick is to judicially turn the subject tracking feature on and off with a touch of the screen).

Would you guys recommended any other models to take the place of the AG-AC90?

That main usage will be ENG and events.

Bump.

Bump.

If you're headed more for video use, then I would take a hard look at the Panasonic GH4. Even if you don't plan on shooting in 4k, having a higher bit rate 1080p and with a wealth of shooting options would make it a good choice. Add to that the stabilized 12-35 and the 35-100 f/2.8 (24-70 and 70-200 equivalents) would be where I would start.

Panasonic GH4. If you're on a tighter budget the GH3 is also really good.

The GH4 doesn't have XLR though.

You can pick up an external recorder with much better pre/post amp quality for very little though. If your considering the DSLR form factor at all you should be familiar with external recorders.

solepatch wrote in post #17498827
You can pick up an external recorder with much better pre/post amp quality for very little though. If your considering the DSLR form factor at all you should be familiar with external recorders.

Yes, this is true. An external recorder like a handheld Tascam or Zoom. Sync it with the camera audio in post, then discard the camera audio.

I would find the DSLR be problematic in a ENG scenario with the lack of servo zoom and smooth autofocus.