So, as I've posted I have successfully sold off all of my camera equipment to upgrade to what I want. That's where things tend to get hard. What do I really want. I'm all over the board. I love the compact nature of the Canon XA20, but I don't think I would like all the functions being touch screen driven. I love some of the features of the Sony HXR-NX3. Like all the manual functions, plus the new 40x clear image zoom. Lots of recording options like the slow and quick motions. It's a new camera, so there's not a lot of info out on it yet and it's a big camera, and as a solo hunter, this creates other issues. Then there's the NEX-FS100. A super 35mm sensor(which is similar to an APS sensor size in a DSLR). This camera seems to be brilliant in just about every single category. Interchangeable lenses so the options are endless, Amazing low light, Great picture quality, slow and quick motion. BUT, and it's a big BUT, NO servo zoom like most traditional camcorders. All the zoom has to be done manually with the lens. Again, a possible problem as a solo hunter. If I was dedicated to just filming, I think this could be overcome with practice, but framing the shot and actually getting a shot off seems pretty tough if I have to do everything out on the lens. If this camera had a zoom on it, It would be a no-brainer for me. Then there's 4K. While I had initially written 4K off as a fad similar to 3d, I've done some research and had some other thoughts. One of the things that intrigues me is that since you are recording in 4K, which is basically 4 - 1080p, you can actually shoot at a wider angle, and zoom in during post. You will not loose resolution if you are down-converting to output in 1080p. This would be an extremely huge advantage for a solo hunter trying to frame the shot. Low light is a concern, but if you can get basically 4X zoom in post, and you are filming at a wider angle than with a 1080p camera, you are actually gaining f-stops since you aren't zooming your lens in as far. So, for those of you looking to produce great video, and have something like $4000-$5000 to spend, where are you going? What's your dream camera(in that price range or below). Obviously there are cameras that would outperform everything I've mentioned here, most of which just aren't in a price range most people can afford.
I haven’t done any research since I bought my Sony NX5U. It’s going into its fourth year and has been a workhorse. I should be set for the next few years as far as an “A” camera goes. When it comes time to upgrade the one thing I will insist on is duel or simultaneous recording. I bought the optional flash memory recorder (FMU-128) which will hold 11+hours of footage. The camera records to this and SD cards at the same time. It’s what I call a real-time backup and I don’t have to worry about a corrupt card. One note of advice to anyone buying a camera: Do your research and don’t look back. Just as soon as you buy a cam you love there’ll be a new version with new gadgets out next month for less money. You’ll drive yourself crazy chasing technology.
^ Ain't that the truth! I was nervous to spend a lot of money on my first camera set up and decided to start out with a simple entry level camera, see how it goes form there and then I could always upgrade. I went with a Canon VIXIA HFR400....and well...I'm already hooked and wish I went with my "dream" camera that I was nervous to spend the money on. I would love a Canon XA10 or XA20 next...I'd have to say thats my dream camera right now and feel its a complete package of everything I need. Going to see how this all goes with my current rig and then see where I'm at in terms of getting a new set up. I know this is a tricky and difficult task, bowhunting in general but then throw solo filming it into the mix, but it is something I so badly want to become good and efficient at and know it will take time. I love the challenge behind it and capturing it all and cant wait to see how this upcoming turkey season and deer season goes.
Yeah, the NX5U is still a great camera. That and the AX2000 would probably be on my list too. They are both very similar to the new NX3. The NX3 doesn't take the FMU-128, but it does have duel SD slots for simultaneous recording. It doesn't have SDI output, but I can't see that I would ever use that function anyway. Some of the added functionality of the NX3 is the 40X clear image zoom, wifi capabilities, Slow & Quick Record, and multiple recording options for the duel SD cards. From my research, it's not a replacement for the NX5U, but another addition to the family to hit certain niche's.
I have an affinity for DSLRs, so with that budget I'd probably get a Canon 70D with 70-200mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, and 28-75mm f/2.8 lenses. For just a camcorder, I'd probably go with the Canon XA20.
I also love shooting with my Sony A57. It does a great job for stills and for some video. I'm just hesitant to film with a DSLR as a solo hunter. I'm just not sure if I can get the shot framed without having a servo zoom. How do you handle that situation up in a tree?
I'm using a Canon Vixia HF S100 as my main cam right now since I haven't been able to buy some longer lenses for my T3i. I just love the DSLR video though. Once I can get some more lenses I plan on using it as a main cam.
