Looking for a pro camcorder at DVinfo.net

Michael Lewis · November 22nd, 2017, 06:09 PM

In the $1300-1400 range.. I was looking at the Panasonic AG-AC30 but it seems the view here that I have seen is it can have issues with AF hunting and kind of grainy.

Nate Haustein · November 22nd, 2017, 10:22 PM

Pro can mean many things. What are your criteria besides price? Does it need to look impressive? Does it need certain inputs/outputs? Does it need to fit into a established workflow or system? Fixed lens or interchangeable?

When it comes strictly to image quality, I think that certain mirorless cameras look better than similarly priced traditional camcorders, if you want to get into lenses. Either way, a camera with a 1” or larger sensor (Sony AX100, X70, NX100, NX80, Panasonic UX90, etc) are going to be a better bet for higher quality pictures. Another great option is a Sony RX10ii with XLR adapter. Cheap and has a 24-200mm F2.8 zoom. Used cameras will also save you some big money.

I think the 1” Sony sensors have the edge in the price bracket you’re looking at. Maybe let us know some answers to what you’ll be using it for and what it needs to do.

Michael Lewis · November 23rd, 2017, 09:55 AM

Im not 100% sure right now I have a external recorder with XLR inputs but the option the camera would be nice but I'm looking more for image control and settings normally not found on most prosumer camcorders.

Nate Haustein · November 23rd, 2017, 10:49 AM

I don’t think you could go wrong with the Sony NX100 for shooting HD up to 60p. Takes cheap batteries and cards, and has a ton of pro features in a compact package.

Michael Lewis · November 23rd, 2017, 10:53 AM

Nice I will take a look at it today I'm headed down to B&H in a few.... if I come out without spending $600+ I've did good LOL

They say they have the cam on display so I will check it out.. how's the low light shooting? Not that I see myself doing much of any recording late at night

Nate Haustein · November 23rd, 2017, 11:09 AM

B&H even has some open box ones for $1,500. Go play and see what you like. The sales people will also be more than willing to help you find the right camera. Not sure about the low light, but the 1” Exmor R sensors are pretty good in my opinion compared to the competition.

David Barnett · November 23rd, 2017, 01:07 PM

I have the X70 & highly recommend it. It has XLR inputs, ND filters, optional upgrade to 4K for about $400 so it future-proof, 1" sensor & full manual controls, XAVC. As I dive more & more into the settings you can do alot with it. For a tiny camcorder size it's a powerhouse.

I use it for weddings and it handles good in low light, however I switch over to a 1.4 Sigma lens on a different cam come dance floor time. Still it handles well such as 1st dance with a small on camera light, looks fine up to about 18db, maybe 21 then the grain sets in.

Wish I had time to test a night shot for you but it handles as good as any in its price range I'm sure. Again, dance floor is typically dark-dark with alot of motion so I can't slow the shutter down too much. Looks like they have used for $1800

Michael Lewis · November 23rd, 2017, 05:57 PM

Got to mess around with the NX100 man it was really nice with the controls I wonder if you can have the lcd and the evf on at the same time. I wished I had a extra SD card to test but it also had me wondering what type of gimbal setup would you use for a cam like that? It’s 4.63lbs

November 22nd, 2017, 06:09 PM	#1
Michael Lewis New Boot Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 23	Looking for a pro camcorder In the $1300-1400 range.. I was looking at the Panasonic AG-AC30 but it seems the view here that I have seen is it can have issues with AF hunting and kind of grainy.

November 22nd, 2017, 10:22 PM	#2
Nate Haustein Trustee Join Date: May 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 1,313	Re: Looking for a pro camcorder Pro can mean many things. What are your criteria besides price? Does it need to look impressive? Does it need certain inputs/outputs? Does it need to fit into a established workflow or system? Fixed lens or interchangeable? When it comes strictly to image quality, I think that certain mirorless cameras look better than similarly priced traditional camcorders, if you want to get into lenses. Either way, a camera with a 1” or larger sensor (Sony AX100, X70, NX100, NX80, Panasonic UX90, etc) are going to be a better bet for higher quality pictures. Another great option is a Sony RX10ii with XLR adapter. Cheap and has a 24-200mm F2.8 zoom. Used cameras will also save you some big money. I think the 1” Sony sensors have the edge in the price bracket you’re looking at. Maybe let us know some answers to what you’ll be using it for and what it needs to do. __________________ Nate Haustein PXW-FX9 / FCPX www.flightcreativemedia.com

November 23rd, 2017, 09:55 AM	#3
Michael Lewis New Boot Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 23	Re: Looking for a pro camcorder Im not 100% sure right now I have a external recorder with XLR inputs but the option the camera would be nice but I'm looking more for image control and settings normally not found on most prosumer camcorders.

November 23rd, 2017, 10:49 AM	#4
Nate Haustein Trustee Join Date: May 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 1,313	Re: Looking for a pro camcorder I don’t think you could go wrong with the Sony NX100 for shooting HD up to 60p. Takes cheap batteries and cards, and has a ton of pro features in a compact package. __________________ Nate Haustein PXW-FX9 / FCPX www.flightcreativemedia.com

November 23rd, 2017, 10:53 AM	#5
Michael Lewis New Boot Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 23	Re: Looking for a pro camcorder Nice I will take a look at it today I'm headed down to B&H in a few.... if I come out without spending $600+ I've did good LOL They say they have the cam on display so I will check it out.. how's the low light shooting? Not that I see myself doing much of any recording late at night

November 23rd, 2017, 11:09 AM	#6
Nate Haustein Trustee Join Date: May 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 1,313	Re: Looking for a pro camcorder B&H even has some open box ones for $1,500. Go play and see what you like. The sales people will also be more than willing to help you find the right camera. Not sure about the low light, but the 1” Exmor R sensors are pretty good in my opinion compared to the competition. __________________ Nate Haustein PXW-FX9 / FCPX www.flightcreativemedia.com

November 23rd, 2017, 01:07 PM	#7
David Barnett Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Philly, PA Posts: 951	Re: Looking for a pro camcorder I have the X70 & highly recommend it. It has XLR inputs, ND filters, optional upgrade to 4K for about $400 so it future-proof, 1" sensor & full manual controls, XAVC. As I dive more & more into the settings you can do alot with it. For a tiny camcorder size it's a powerhouse. I use it for weddings and it handles good in low light, however I switch over to a 1.4 Sigma lens on a different cam come dance floor time. Still it handles well such as 1st dance with a small on camera light, looks fine up to about 18db, maybe 21 then the grain sets in. Wish I had time to test a night shot for you but it handles as good as any in its price range I'm sure. Again, dance floor is typically dark-dark with alot of motion so I can't slow the shutter down too much. Looks like they have used for $1800

November 23rd, 2017, 05:57 PM	#8
Michael Lewis New Boot Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 23	Re: Looking for a pro camcorder Got to mess around with the NX100 man it was really nice with the controls I wonder if you can have the lcd and the evf on at the same time. I wished I had a extra SD card to test but it also had me wondering what type of gimbal setup would you use for a cam like that? It’s 4.63lbs