Overwhelming amount of camcorders. Is more $$$ really better?

[Cashnichols]

Alright guys, so I'm looking at getting into serious filming to eventually edit and put on YouTube. I've been studying for a couple days and the amount of camcorders out there is crazy! The most I'm looking to spend is around 2000, and for this I was looking at the cannon xa30, but that's a lot to spend on a camera and why I'm really wondering is is it really worth spending that much on that camera? Is there really that big of a difference from something like the Panasonic hc v770 that has full HD 1080p? I'm not really smart with all this stuff but I'm learning, and just looking for some of your guys opinions. Thanks in advance!

[Big Fin]

I bought this Sony FDR AX53 a couple months ago. I've bought $50K in cameras over the years and I think this one is the best value I've ever found, when value is considered the intersection of useful features and price. I am super impressed with this came for outdoor filming. Gonna get a ton of use out of it this season.

Amazon link here is $848 - https://amzn.to/2GYo8R1



Odds are you don't need the 4K, which will save a lot of money and a lot of headaches when editing. If that is the case, these two are good options.

HDRCX455- https://amzn.to/2uM7nDQ

HDRCX675- https://amzn.to/2GAzTxG

[Cashnichols]

Awesome, thanks randy! I'll be checking those out for sure. I actually just watched your guys videos on what camera gear to get. Very helpful.

[Mudranger1]

I tell you my biggest fight with these cameras is the auto focus...a limb or weed 10 yards from you can mess up the clarity of what your really trying to focus on

[pointingdogsrule]

After lots of research (some years ago).... I bought the Panasonic HC-X920. I am happy with the camera.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...fine_full.html

I would suggest that you go online and do comparisons. There are many video comparisons out there. These will give you an idea of what the differences include.

good luck to all
the dog

[Big Fin]

I tell you my biggest fight with these cameras is the auto focus...a limb or weed 10 yards from you can mess up the clarity of what your really trying to focus on

A very common problem. The new Sony AX53 solves that problem. Push the master button and it overrides the focus issue and allows you to use a focus ring for manual focus while leaving every other setting on auto.

[el unit]

I use the small Sony camcorder and absolutely love it. The zoom and focus are excellent and it comes with me on every hunt. I bought it in 2011 and I can't wait to upgrade to a newer model- it is time. Thanks for the Amazon links Big Fin.

[CampRipleyLF]

This is really helpful information Big Fin. I've been looking into getting a good quality camera to capture hunts as well as some family events.

[kansasdad]

A very common problem. The new Sony AX53 solves that problem. Push the master button and it overrides the focus issue and allows you to use a focus ring for manual focus while leaving every other setting on auto.

Now that's a huge improvement!

[pointingdogsrule]

Alright guys, so I'm looking at getting into serious filming to eventually edit and put on YouTube. I've been studying for a couple days and the amount of camcorders out there is crazy! The most I'm looking to spend is around 2000, and for this I was looking at the cannon xa30, but that's a lot to spend on a camera and why I'm really wondering is is it really worth spending that much on that camera? Is there really that big of a difference from something like the Panasonic hc v770 that has full HD 1080p? I'm not really smart with all this stuff but I'm learning, and just looking for some of your guys opinions. Thanks in advance!

One more point. I think that I remember this correctly (maybe not). If you put these on YouTube, you may have to re-format them to a smaller size. This can at times decrease the video quality in the end.

Here is a buck from last fall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIkEq7kQ9Us Notice that early in the video he goes behind some branches yet the deer stays in focus.

Here are some turkey: The very end gives close up detail (like I stated: seems as though some "detail" is lost through YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjqY-SQCWOg

Salmon fishing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSNGSH4MSEo

good luck to all
the dog

[AtenJones]

No need to reformat for YouTube, you can upload HD videos with no problems.

[TheWanderer]

A friend and I have been trying to get better at filming and have upgraded equipment in the past year. Both of us were using basic camcorders and I had a Canon T5i as well as each having a couple GoPros and a Contour Roam

He got a Sony CX900, which doesn't have 4k but i think has a bigger sensor and t/f better low light capability. Got a Shotgun mic but Sony is a pain because they make you get a Sony mic to use their "multi-shoe". His camera was $1000.

I decided to go dSLR and just got a Sony A7iii to do better photos and video. I was looking into the a6500 but was told to wait because something new was coming out. The camera I got is a blend of their photo (a7R) and video (a7s) models. The body of my camera was $2000.