Hi team,
I am about to get into 'filming' a bit more rather than only photography. I will be getting a Soloshot system but my little video camera is not up-to-scratch.. for the video experts - can anyone recommend a semi-pro video camera to use?
Something you have used, pros / cons of different types etc. I know there are a few Video pros around so some tips will be welcome. I am mainly trying to get advice on type of cameras versus focus, zooming capabilities, HD.
Budget is of course low, I'm not serious enough to spend 2,500.00 on a camera so under a grand would be good. Once I understand more I will research further and maybe even get a 2nd-hand one as I won't be producing anything professional or for commercial purposes.
I kite waves, directional, Goldie mainly...
Cheers, tks for reading.
V
those solo shots are a pita to set up
unless you have no time constraints / long reliable wind sessions
Select to expand quoteReflex Films said..
those solo shots are a pita to set up
unless you have no time constraints / long reliable wind sessions
So I hear, but then again.. I need to see what I am doing wrong and figure out how to improve. And since I don't have my mates around all the time to pick on me 
I figured I can at least have an idea of what to work on.
When I posted this question I actually thought you'd have some insight considering your line of work and experience shown on your clips... any advice on camera type?
Cheers
... from a newbie camera buff's perspective, a normal run of the mill video camera is the easiest to deal with but a DSLR is the go if you want to go the next level, but, there is always a but, they are much harder to handle and easier to stuff up. Your going to struggle with a grand budget if you want to go the next level, a half decent DSLR will allow you to do more but as I said, its easier to stuff it up too and to get a goodish one is going to cost you abit. Study, practice and time will serve you well.
Do some research here on Seabreeze, Reflex Films has some good posts with great advise and how to videos here, just search for it.
Good luck and have fun,
Robbie
If your going to be doing both video and photography, i'd suggest sticking with a good DSLR camera.
DSLR Cameras have come a long way, and are not great for shooting video as well as photography.
Start with the basic knowledge.
Mega Pixels arn't everything
Mega pixels arn't everything, don't purchase a camera because its got more mega pixel output then another.
Many cameras on the market like nikon and sony use boosters to increase the mega pixels, and appeal to the customer who thinks that bigger is better. What you should be looking at is the sensor in the camera, make sure it's a CMOS and you'll be a happy camper.
Lenses are where the money is at.
Brands will once again take shortcuts in this category, since you will be using your camera for video you can get away with a standard lens but know this you will always get a better quality if your not zooming in and out when shooting video. Pick a focus point and stick with it.
Depending on the brand some of the standard lens's are quite good.
Video stuff.
1080P is a given but if your doing photography on the same day you might want to check out the the shutter speed.
1/4000 frame per second is a good starting point, but the higher up you go the more expensive the camera.
Focus points
Focus points will determine how quickly you lock onto that shot when doing photography and also how well the camera will track the subject in video mode. Some brands like Canon and Sony do this very well as when your shooting in video mode you can track a subject and it follows them, provided your pointing the camera in the right position. The SoloShot is a great piece of technology as it will detect the wrist band and and follow you around.
I guess you just have to be mindful if you want to shoot your self that the camera can't zoom so you will have to run the same line as to keep everything in frame.
Based on these recommendations i can suggest a couple of cameras.
I use Canon just because you can get there stuff at good prices, they have lots of lenses and the quality is great.
The 700D is your best starting point, comes with a good standard lens and produces great shots and video is good to.
www.canon.com.au/cameras/eos-700d/support
$862
www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod9877.htm
The other camera id suggest if you want to spend a little bit more money is the 60d.
The reason why i think this is a better option, is it has more focus points, 19 where as the 700d only has 9, it has twice the shutter speed and also it is water and dust resistant.
I note worthy feature when your shooting at the beach.
www.canon.com.au/en-AU/Personal/Products/Cameras-and-Accessories/EOS-Digital-SLR-Cameras/60D
$1391
www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/category68_1.htm
if you ever want to check out side by side cameras and there specs, check out dp review.
www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=canon_eos700d&products=canon_eos70d&sortDir=ascending
Cameras are complex and a lot of things to consider when buying them, having been shooting photography for a couple of years now i know you'll be happy with either one of these options, you can of course look at other brands, but from my experience i've been very happy with Canon.
Enjoy.
Jon
Hi team, and Jon..
Very in-depth comments, thank you.
I guess it is my fault for not explaining myself properly. I have 7D.. I use this for photography and chose it for it's 8fps rapid fire, but not only. I am very happy with it and have several lenses with it including a 70-200 1:8, a Bigma and a 10-22. But I won't be using the 7D to shoot video when I am alone on the beach.. a few points: the salt long exposure would kill it quickly, and I am not leaving a DSLR unattended while I am 1km down the road chasing waves - that'd be just silly.
I also have a cheapie 5x optical Korean made video camera but the quality is absolute crap.. it was a complete waste of money from 2 years ago and I never really used it.
Perhaps if I'd said that at the beginning it would not have led your comments astray. But I am very grateful for your input and positive comments.
I got some advice from Soloshot and they recommended these 2 models: Sony HDR CX-220 (720p) and Canon Vixia HF R40 or R42.. Presently I am leaning towards the Canon so I am reading reviews on both.
Now, if you can add pros and cons to any of these or the direction I am taking - really appreciated.
V
Soloshot.... Oh dear, another self indulgent Facebook and Twitter posting hero. Perhaps if you were worth filming someone would put their hand up to do it.
Select to expand quotewishy said..
Soloshot.... Oh dear, another self indulgent Facebook and Twitter posting hero. Perhaps if you were worth filming someone would put their hand up to do it.
Rack off Wishy
have you ever seen any of my videos here? who says you have to watch the stuff I publish (which I haven't, or intend to.. ). But I understand your POV (get it?) as there are a lot of not worth watching, which is perhaps I haven't bothered...
Can't stop laughing man, take a chill-pill. Me thinks we need wind, people are bored.. eheheh
Peace up and good winds to all, Seabreezes are here already. The NW are still a little wild but at least we're kiting..
V
Hi V
If I was in your siluation I would not be looking at spending $1600 on the system you are looking at. The solo shot does not tilt it only pans it does not zoom and you'll be watching hours of video to find a couple of seconds of good video
I would look to hire a film student from the local film school to shoot for you at about $30 an hour on your 7d and if you don't have a good fluid head for your tri pod spend your money on that.
Metro screen is where I would suggest you start if you in Sydney but there will be something similar in your local area
Select to expand quoteIanR said..
Hi V
If I was in your siluation I would not be looking at spending $1600 on the system you are looking at. The solo shot does not tilt it only pans it does not zoom and you'll be watching hours of video to find a couple of seconds of good video
I would look to hire a film student from the local film school to shoot for you at about $30 an hour on your 7d and if you don't have a good fluid head for your tri pod spend your money on that.
Metro screen is where I would suggest you start if you in Sydney but there will be something similar in your local area
Cheers Ian, I'm just interested in watching my own line of attack in waves so I can self-coach. Your suggestion is a good idea though. I live right on the beach so I could just about set it up anytime and then pick on it at night, that was my plan.
Still in research mode :).
Tks
Select to expand quotewishy said..
Soloshot.... Oh dear, another self indulgent Facebook and Twitter posting hero. Perhaps if you were worth filming someone would put their hand up to do it.
say's he with an avatar of himself on seabreeze. twat 
