Thanks, yeah I suppose so. That cameras been a workhorse, and I feel comfortable trusting it, but I suppose it's becoming time. I also use a Sony VG900 & the last few weddings have used it extensively for the dance floor footage, it's been great, and I used it on bridal prep once. I was hoping to get another year out of the Z5U, even thinking of using it just for the Ceremony & 1st dance (has a cool LANC controlled zoom tripod that gives a nice flowing motion to the 1st dance & parent dances).

I should look at a AX100, alhtough I was thinking about a Sony body like the A6000 & use the same lenses that I have for the other cam. However I'm still impressed by the low light ability of some of these camcorders & their price points.

I was so happy to make the switch away from "videocameras" and I haven't been following them since I made the leap about 5 years ago. That being said, I totally understand why some prefer them...especially for weddings. If I were looking at videocameras now, I would strongly consider the EA50. You get all the benefits of a video camera, but the image strongly reflects the "DSLR" look. Too bad the lens is f/4, but at least that is a fixed aperture.

Hi Ian

I had my EA-50's for 3 years (two of them) .. Loved the form factor, loved the features and on the last year used them with fast Nikon lenses for low light work. However I never did like the end result ..it was good but always seems on the soft side and I had a huge amount of post work to do to get the image right. Sadly they are somewhat outdated now so you don't have 4K and hand held with fast lenses like the Sigma 18-35 F1.8 art series they become very front heavy indeed. They look very professional but I feel the AX100 out performs it by a long way!!

Too bad the lens is f/4, but at least that is a fixed aperture.

That camera can exchange lenses so you can put on fast primes if needed.

Full marks for Chris for sticking with the EA50 for 3 years, but lugging around what looks like a torpedo launcher all day isn't my idea of an alternative to DSLRs or a small camcorder like the AX100.

When the nex-ea50 came out nothing came close to a camera that could give you the look of a dslr but functioned like a videocamera, it's actually too bad Sony didn't see any future in this camera, I do agree though that for weddings the size isn't exactly a advantage.

Aside from using an FX7 when I first started out, my only experience of larger video cameras comes from the AF101A, and its hardly an experience that's endeared me to video cameras over DSLRs. Despite the larger size and more buttons to play with, it feels arguably less functional than my GH4. No touch screen for focus, a toggle switch to choose between 3 custom ISO settings, as opposed to 1 button on a GH4 that opens up a full range and only 3 custom white balance settings, compared to the GH4 with multiple presets, 3 custom presets, Kelvin settings; all of which can be adjusted for colour manually. Limited to AVCHD too, which I'm not a fan of.

Of course audio control is where the AF101a does score, but this is also tempered by an incident on a shoot where the battery died despite the camera suggesting I had 40 mins remaining. Had I patched my wireless mic into my Zoom recorder, this loss of image wouldn't have affected my audio too.

That said, if any camera is tempting me back to larger video cameras, its the DVX200; not a camera without its faults, but for non Wedding work and even some aspects of Wedding work, it could be very useful. Might wait for the price to drop a bit. I also looked at the Sony X70 when visiting the BVE earlier in the year. Its smaller and cheaper than the DVX200. Not sure how good the low light is, given its a 1" sensor as opposed to the DVX200's micro 4/3s.

To be perfectly honest Steve I think it was more vanity than anything else. Admittedly I love shoulder mount cameras and as Noa says there was nothing else on the market and it was a chance to get a DSLR look with camcorder functions but probably the bottom line was it looks professional and you will impress everyone with your big brute on your shoulder ... that's the vanity part kicking in!!

Put a decent lens up front with a matte box and suddenly you have a 5 or 6kg brute trying to dislocate your lower back ... not a good idea at my age either. I must admit I now have to say "Guys, it's video..see the big microphone ..you can talk not pose for a photo" with the small form factor of the FZ1000 despite the shotgun mic and big dead cat they still think it's a still camera. With the EA-50 ..there was no doubt at all that you had a TV style camera pointing at you.

My main change was I think due to my constantly sore lower back despite using a support rod and waist belt and Peter Rush also had the same problem so he is now using his A7S in place of the EA-50. It was also tough to jump ship from Panasonic to Sony as I was weaned on Panny cameras and the EA-50 was my first Sony but after the disaster of the AC-130 cameras I had, Panasonic had nothing more to offer and I wasn't quite ready (vanity again) to go to a smaller camera!!

I know you didn't refer to me but vanity never played a part in my camera choice, if that was the case I would not use a cx730 as a main camera during a ceremony. I just wanted a all in one solution and since I came from a canon xh-a1 the nex-ea50 seemed like a logical step but the size of the camera became more of a burden then I expected and it also was a attention magnet and I prefer to be a fly on the wall instead of the elephant in the room. :) I know it has been discussed herer before about how the size of the camera can make you look more professional but for weddings that doesn't matter, it's more of an ego thing if you think that size matters or just being insecure.

Back when I started using DSLR's in 2011, guests would always come up to me and comment on how small cameras were becoming. I always felt I had to defend my choice of gear. In recent years, no one comments at all; its just accepted. Then again back in 2011, guests weren't taking photos with smartphones (those were the days), so I don't think people expect cameras to be as big now. Though ironically phones have gotten bigger as cameras have gotten smaller.

I did have one guest at a Wedding last year, who worked for Sony come up and comment on how my GH4 looked like a toy camera. Hard to argue with appearance, especially when I slap the 12mm silver Oly lens on it. It doesn't resemble anything professional.

Switching so quickly to a DSLR after starting my business, I never got to enjoy the vanity phase of working with a big camera, an FX7 being as close as I got. Running a Canon 60D early on, I was quite conscious of its small size. Recent years it doesn't bother me at all, so now even the toy camera remark just brings a smile to my face.

No Noa, you never implied that you needed a big heavy camera to look professional ..that was my ego only and at that stage I was very anti-DSLR ..probably due to the fact that people were using Canon 550D's with a mere 12 minute record time then and it was before Magic Lantern too!!
I did delve into using a Panny GH1 which was hacked and it shot very nice video I must admit but the manual focus was too much for me. I still find the form factor horrible to shoot video with hence my twin grip rigs on my current cameras which actually make things a lot easier.

All I can say now is that AF has become on par with camcorders and I have yet to see any out of focus shots on the FZ1000 ...I always however do a half press shutter before shooting but then let the continuous focus take over and even on long aisle walks it has been amazingly good! It's turned off however on my A-Camera as that's the tripod mounted one!

Yes, I have had to eat humble pie since going the mirrorless route but I am still delighted with the results and most importantly I don't get a sore back any more!! Including the rig, camera and shotgun it tips the scales at a mere 1400 grams ..a far cry from my 5 -6 kg shoulder mount cameras.

We live and learn but huge advances in technology have also made the newer cameras a lot easier to use for video ... I don't think I could get any useable results with my Nikon D90's but they still take brilliant still shots so that's all they are used for!

So, how far away from the FZ1000 can you be when using the remote control app Roger?

Hi Jack,

Sorry for delayed reply. In answer to your question, I am not actually sure as I have only needed to use it at no more than 20 feet away. That has been good for the situations I have used it in, but may not work for a locked off camera at the back of a church. I also often use a GoPro remote in the same way.

Regarding the use of locked off cameras, I use them all the time, but as a backup for my main operated camera. I spent a couple of decades filming weddings with just one camera, so am very used to quick smooth changes from one shot to another and being creative while constantly filming. Over the last few years I have gradually changed to using as many cameras as I feel appropriate, but always with a continuously running video camera taking a wide angle of the ceremony. That gives me the opportunity to rapidly respond with the main operated camera without having to worry about quick movement or focusing as that is covered by dropping in a B cam shot. I nearly always shoot solo, so using extra cameras could present the added problem of having to run round restarting them if necessary. It can also mean missed shots while you are setting up or packing up, so I have streamlined my working so I really don't have a problem.

The main tripod has the A cam and a clamp for a B video cam that enables me to set a wide angle which is not affected by the pan and tilt of the A cam. I can also choose to quickly clamp it somewhere else, if I want a different angle at some point. I have another video cam on a clamp that can be used for another continuous C cam angle if required, and the same with the GoPro as a C or D cam. I also often use the second FZ1000 as the locked off B cam although I tend to use it for shorter ceremonies, to avoid the restart and also in 4K for zooming or cropping in post.

My reservations about relying on multi cameras locked off, are about using them as a substitute for creative video work with the main cam. Locked off cameras are very valuable when solo as they give you far more freedom on the main cam to get some great footage without needing to flow on the changes. Different angles don't give you the close intimate detail that a skillfully used main camera does, but as I said before, are great for a change of angle particularly during main camera reframing or moving.

I also use the remote on the second FZ1000 to alter the zoom from time to time, just to vary the cutaway. If I am using the clamped B cam on the tripod, I will often change the framing, between using the main cam, to give even more variation.

Finally, one of the main reasons that I use clamps for the backup cams is that they can all be set up and broken down in a couple of minutes, so shots don't get missed, and they can be placed almost anywhere.

Roger

I think anyone who uses multicam as an excuse to forego creative camera work for their main camera, won't be much cop when working with just 1 camera.

I agree with Roger, you should never be in a situation of running around resetting cameras. Only 2 of my 4 cameras have a time limit and another GH4r I intend to add in the New Year will mean only 1 will need restarting, which I'll be operating. If the rumoured GH5 arrives next year, I'm hoping it will follow the GH4r model in allowing continuous recording. If not a foreign import will have to be considered.

When the nex-ea50 came out nothing came close to a camera that could give you the look of a dslr but functioned like a videocamera, it's actually too bad Sony didn't see any future in this camera, I do agree though that for weddings the size isn't exactly a advantage.

I recall you calling it a 'bazooka' Noa!

I've still got mine - I was going to sell it on in order to get an additional A7s but I've done a few small corporate jobs recently, which were made easier buy using this cam for constant run time/XLR input and well....yes it just looks the part more for corporate clients so I'll be holding on to it.

Pete

I'm in the same boat with my af101a, but decided to live with any Corporate disapproval and sell it for another GH4r. I've spent enough on gear not to have to apologise for it and there are plenty of audio bolt ons to handle that side of things.

Hi Jack,

Sorry for delayed reply. In answer to your question, I am not actually sure as I have only needed to use it at no more than 20 feet away. That has been good for the situations I have used it in, but may not work for a locked off camera at the back of a church. I also often use a GoPro remote in the same way.

Regarding the use of locked off cameras, I use them all the time, but as a backup for my main operated camera. I spent a couple of decades filming weddings with just one camera, so am very used to quick smooth changes from one shot to another and being creative while constantly filming. Over the last few years I have gradually changed to using as many cameras as I feel appropriate, but always with a continuously running video camera taking a wide angle of the ceremony. That gives me the opportunity to rapidly respond with the main operated camera without having to worry about quick movement or focusing as that is covered by dropping in a B cam shot. I nearly always shoot solo, so using extra cameras could present the added problem of having to run round restarting them if necessary. It can also mean missed shots while you are setting up or packing up, so I have streamlined my working so I really don't have a problem.

The main tripod has the A cam and a clamp for a B video cam that enables me to set a wide angle which is not affected by the pan and tilt of the A cam. I can also choose to quickly clamp it somewhere else, if I want a different angle at some point. I have another video cam on a clamp that can be used for another continuous C cam angle if required, and the same with the GoPro as a C or D cam. I also often use the second FZ1000 as the locked off B cam although I tend to use it for shorter ceremonies, to avoid the restart and also in 4K for zooming or cropping in post.

My reservations about relying on multi cameras locked off, are about using them as a substitute for creative video work with the main cam. Locked off cameras are very valuable when solo as they give you far more freedom on the main cam to get some great footage without needing to flow on the changes. Different angles don't give you the close intimate detail that a skillfully used main camera does, but as I said before, are great for a change of angle particularly during main camera reframing or moving.

I also use the remote on the second FZ1000 to alter the zoom from time to time, just to vary the cutaway. If I am using the clamped B cam on the tripod, I will often change the framing, between using the main cam, to give even more variation.

Finally, one of the main reasons that I use clamps for the backup cams is that they can all be set up and broken down in a couple of minutes, so shots don't get missed, and they can be placed almost anywhere.

Roger

Good info Roger, appreciated!

Just in case...

I'm probably selling one of my Sony CX730s. One of them, the LCD screen doesn't flip out fully. Not sure why. Its like 45 degrees rather than 90. You can still see your framing and use the screen - better suited to being used as a static.

You can't buy these new anymore.

Quite a few on here swear by them including Noa, and we believe them to be the best quality and best in low light for the form factor and price range.

I bought my second one two years ago - it took me months to find somebody that still had a new one for sale.

I coughed up £600 for it.


So ... make me an offer!

Clive, why are you selling Sony CX730?

On the subject of controlling multiple cameras with time limits, I've just been reading article on some new Bluetooth device currently getting funding called Pulse. Apparently works from 100 feet away and can control your camera via it's USB port. Connection is via a smartphone app and you can control up to 3 cameras at once. Even for my cameras that are unlimited recording, it is tempting if only for monitoring.

Clive, why are you selling Sony CX730?

My old package required various unmanned angles to add more cuts in edit to keep the ceremony interesting. My current package is much shorter and heavily condensed, so I really only need one of two CX730's as a wide 'safety' option.

I'm also considering buying a Ninja Star or Black Magic VideoAssist to bypass the time limit recording from either my RX10ii or my A6000. This might lead to be selling both my CX730s!

Thanks clive. I guess the CX730 is used for a wide safety shot and the A6000 and the RX10ii for more detail?

The a6000 kit lens is is 16mm on the wide end and the RX10II is 24mm. My thoughts are to use either of these as the wide safety in the future. Getting rid of all my camcorders, and bypassing time limits by recording to a separate device via HDMI output.

Will the A6000 not overheat even with an external recorder? Sounds an expensive and potentially unreliable solution. What about focus? I have been using a Canon 700D as a b cam but focus is a problem that's why I've been thinking about a camcorder as a general wide safety shot. The Go-pro Hero 4 Black just doesn't cut it either. It will be interesting to see how you get on.

As safety wide camera nothing beats the little cx730 alike camera, the best set and forget camera you can get in a very small package, it's takes as much space in your backpack as a lens and will record for hours with the right battery.

A 4K capable camera would be preferable for a wide safety shot as it will give you the option of zooming & re-framing in post if delivering in HD. It would also be preferable that there were no recording limit so it's a set & forget device. An AX100 is about the same price as a GH4r with a wide angle lens so take your pick.

An AX100 is about the same price as a GH4r with a wide angle lens so take your pick.

Hmm, food for thought!

Will have to get some info on lenses for the GH4.

Hmm, food for thought!

Will have to get some info on lenses for the GH4.

Note that I specified the GH4r which is the version with no recording limit.

So the GH4 would be cheaper again.

I'm pretty sure that there is no limit on Australian models.

Haven't read much on the GH4r yet, but I will.

If you buy an genuine Australian GH4 that actually comes from a dealer, yes, there is no record limit ...the grey imports might be cheaper but they could also have a limit depending where they are sourced from.

My GH1 had no time limit but the firmware had been hacked ...I got that really cheap from the USA and the hack allowed a higher bit rate, NTSC/PAL switching and no time limit so you could always find something like a GH2 or GH3 that has been worked on but remember they won't have any 4K modes.

My issue with the GH4, as great as it is, is having to buy new micro2/3rd lenses ..ouch ..that's why I went with the FZ1000's

My issue with the GH4, as great as it is, is having to buy new micro2/3rd lenses ..ouch ..that's why I went with the FZ1000's

Not quite true. There are adapters for other lens systems like Canon and Nikon if you own any of those, though with some loss of functionality.

Seeking 4k for an unmanned camera, the ax100 has easy setup and maybe longer battery life in its favour. GH4, the chance to add further faster lenses down the line. The fz1000 has a cheaper price, but a recording limit, albeit with remote control via smartphone. There are other options of course. No right answer for everyone, so down to budget, how it would fit in with your other equipment and whether it's being used in very low light situations.

My issue with the GH4, as great as it is, is having to buy new micro2/3rd lenses ..ouch ..that's why I went with the FZ1000's

I'm hearing you Chris, seriously considering an LX-100 for Low light, "Dance floor. etc" for that reason. Lens and body in one, sorta thing! 15 minute 4K pretty useless though...
They seem to be getting cheaper too!

Not quite true. There are adapters for other lens systems like Canon and Nikon if you own any of those, though with some loss of functionality.



Good point. I'm trying to get accurate info on the functionality of canon primes with the GH4, seeing that I do have some useful canon lenses.
Those adapters aren't cheap.

Sure, I have a nice selection of Nikon mount lenses but I'm lazy!! I prefer to use AF on the camera or at least half shutter press to focus. I ran my EA-50's with Nikon mount lenses and manual focus and it's a lot harder work than push the shutter to focus .. I do like to seek the easy way out and apart from bridal entry I use the FZ1000's without continuous focus ..it's much easier to just half press the shutter ..see what's in focus and record!!

Yeah, if I was to get the GH4s I would be using AF compatible only.
So that would mean selling my Canon and going to Panasonic lenses!!!??

Gotta start somewhere I guess!

Some useful points. GH4 in 4k mode has poor af. Compared to the HD mode, where it is much more reliable, I find in 4K it can find focus then lose it. Even in situations outdoors where you think a deep depth of field would help, it can go in and out of focus. As I predominantly shoot 4k, I do a lot of manual focus, often just setting focus using af before hitting record, then adjusting as and when. Some micro 4/3 lenses like slr magic and voigtlander are manual focus anyway.

In 4K mode, focus becomes even more critical. Indoors especially, its important to check rather than rely on af. Unless you're shooting with a high aperture, I find I have to set focus to a point in the room to ensure as many of the guests are in focus, as the larger sensor and low aperture can contribute to a narrower depth of field even in wide angle. This can end up looking terrible if you're cropping the 4K image in post production. In some ways a smaller 1" sensor can have an advantage there, as depth of field is naturally deeper.

Although I use a GH4r as a B camera, and benefit from easier colour matching in edit, unless you're running a GH system throughout, like I am, more flexibility can be had with something like an AX100, unless low light is a serious issue for you. By all means trade in your main camera for a GH4, but for a B and C camera, you may wish to look to camcorders.

Good info Steve, food for thought.
We can be too reliant on auto focus. been caught out even with camcorders. Learnt the hard way!
Been using a Sony FX1000 for the Aisle cam for ceremonies, then fixed on main speaker at reception, recording Pro Res to Ninja Star. Can get in to trouble if I forget to switch it to man focus after setting in auto.
Will replace the FX with something smaller that shoots 4K, and is good in low light.

Is there a quick way to change the GH4s back to manual focus during recording?
I've done absolutely no research on the GH4, so time to start I guess.

Is there a quick way to change the GH4s back to manual focus during recording?
I've done absolutely no research on the GH4, so time to start I guess.

There's a switch on the GH4 that allows you to go from auto focus to manual; it can be used during recording, so I can sometimes use it to get a lock then switch to manual.

Good info Steve, food for thought.
We can be too reliant on auto focus. been caught out even with camcorders. Learnt the hard way!
Been using a Sony FX1000 for the Aisle cam for ceremonies, then fixed on main speaker at reception, recording Pro Res to Ninja Star. Can get in to trouble if I forget to switch it to man focus after setting in auto.
Will replace the FX with something smaller that shoots 4K, and is good in low light.

Is there a quick way to change the GH4s back to manual focus during recording?
I've done absolutely no research on the GH4, so time to start I guess.

I set my G7 up for BBF, I then use it to acquire focus with one press and as soon as released you are in manual

I have attached a varavon loupe to the lcd screen so I can hold it to my eye

Noa if you don't mind me asking what model is that Varavon? Is it the low angle EX Supporter for the Canon 60D? Looks like a reasonable setup for bright outdoors.

Chris Young
CYV Productions
Sydney

Not quite true. There are adapters for other lens systems like Canon and Nikon if you own any of those, though with some loss of functionality.

Seeking 4k for an unmanned camera, the ax100 has easy setup and maybe longer battery life in its favour. GH4, the chance to add further faster lenses down the line. The fz1000 has a cheaper price, but a recording limit, albeit with remote control via smartphone. There are other options of course. No right answer for everyone, so down to budget, how it would fit in with your other equipment and whether it's being used in very low light situations.

I'd add the Samsung NX1 into that mix. 4K. Somebody just announced they were easily able to eliminate the recording time limit entirely in its firmware. You can charge it via USB (while recording, I believe), which seems super nice. It also got the best reviewed focus tracking between it, the GH4 (which did OK), and the Sony A7r (which got terrible video focus tracking reviews... might have been the A7r 2).

My main hesitation is that its a whole new lens system for me. *sigh* Darn it, Canon, stop being so terrible. I love my 70D,but rumors don't mention the upcoming 80D having 4K.

/just saw Steve's info about the GH4 doing poorer with focus tracking in 4K. Good note. Thank you.

The Samsung NX-1 does get forgotten. In fact I hear Samsung are withdrawing the camera from some European countries. I'd be reluctant to invest in a camera system that its manufacturers are scaling down.

As for Canon, bare in mind they like Nikon have no big interest in 4K; unlike Samsung, Sony and Panasonic, they don't have a line in 4K TV's to push this function. Primarily they see their DSLR's as Photographic tools, with video as a sideline. There's talk the new 5D when it turns up may have a photo and video version, the latter offering 4K, but that's just a rumour. Until then I don't see Canon introducing 4K in DSLR's before it appears in the 5D.

If you are willing to deal with a 29:59 minute clip length limit (and you can instant restart), you could add the Sony RX10MkII to the list. RX10 "mark 1's" can produce a very nice sharp (HD, but looks very good on a 4K monitor) image, and are available very inexpensively in the used market. Not a bad option, particularly if you also wanted stills from time to time.

I was looking at Samsung for a while, the rumors that they are exiting the imaging/camera market made me stop looking, though they seem to make a very nice camera....

That NX1 has gotten a serious price reduction, went from 1500 euro to 1000 euro, about the rx10, I do have it but I never would trust it to run unmanned, I probably have one made on a Monday because it has displayed behavior that could cause failed shots, the weirdest thing is I cannot replicate it, it just happens randomly, by far the most unreliable camera I have in my gearbag.

@Noa, -
You've definitely got the black sheep of the lot, mine has never given me grief, and I know a lot of people use 'em.

I haven't had the time I'd like to give the Mk2 as good a good workout as I'd like, but I wouldn't be too worried about running it as a unmanned camera. Of course if mine were acting up randomly... I'd feel differently!