G'day all, just wanted to know if anyone has had any experience with the Canon Legria G25 (Vixia G20). I'm looking to get one in the coming months or may hold off for the G30 which has double the optical zoom (20x) and a new image sensor. I've done a heap of research on YouTube and it looks like an awesome low light camera and pretty easy to use. I was looking at getting a T4i but as I'll be self filming I didn't want the extra hassle of manual zoom/focus during the heat of the moment. I'm also seriously looking at the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera and if anyone has any extra info on that it would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Cheers MarkV Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Get the G30. While it continues from the G20 line, it is pretty much a new camera from the ground up. It is basically the same as the new XA20 (which I have one on pre-order), minus the handle and XLR input capabilities. By the looks of the specs and initial reviews these will be near perfect cameras for professional self film situations or guys who just want to take their video work to a professional level. I am making the move from a Canon XH-A1 and am excited about this new XA20 unit. I looked at the HFG30 as well, but I'm a believer in XLR inputs (and I have all XLR mics) so it is worth the extra money to me for the XA20. Beyond that they are virtually identical units. In regards to the Blackmagic pocket cam ... the jury is still out. I honestly cannot see that camera with the interchangeable lens system as a good fit in the self film arena. That camera, while amazing, just doesn't lend itself to self film work. Now if a dedicated camera man wanted to focus on that format of shooting then yes some amazing stuff could be done with it. Basically like filming on a DSLR to a degree. I'm not big on the form factor of the Blackmagic to be honest. It takes a cage just to mount a simple microphone for example. Throw on an external monitor, lighting, a mixer if running more than one mic, etc ... then you have an obnoxious mess. Great for a studio work but not so much in a tree stand or ground blind, IMO.
Thanks DEC, I did some further reading on the G30 and you're spot on about the features. Reckon I'll wait to see how much they'll be here in Oz compared to G20 when they're released here. I'll then have to decide if the increase in cost is worth the extra asking price. I'm hoping it will be. Thanks again for your response. Anyone else got any input on this? Much appreciated. Cheers MarkV Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I just picked up a cannon Vixia hf g20 last week and am deeply impressed with this camera so far. It has almost every feature that your professional cameras have but your saving a good amount of money. Attach a Rode videomic and you will get great sound out of it also. The only down side that i wish it had was a handle to make it a little easier to get those low to the ground moving shots.
Thanks Coheley. I had the Rode VideoMic pegged as the mic to get, so thanks for reaffirming that decision. Just a question on the mic attachment, did you have to get an adapter for the mini advanced shoe on the G20 to get the Rode to attach? Regarding a handle/grip. I just picked up a cheap c-handle from DealExtreme.com (www.dx.com). It's cheap ($19.90 I think) but will do what I want, has a nice large foam padded handle and a cold shoe attachment. Thanks again MarkV Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Pearstone CSA-II Shoe Adapter for Canon Camcorders CSA-II B&H yes this is the one I picked up for it. I think it was $30 cheaper then the one listed on campbell cameras C Type Handle Mount for Camera / DV - Black + Blue - Free Shipping - DealExtreme was this kinda of like the handle you got?
Thanks mate I'll have to take a look at that adapter Yeah that is pretty much it, mine is all black and doesn't have the adjustable cold shoe slide on the handle. This is the one I picked up http://dx.com/p/fomito-cc-vh01-c-shape-mount-holder-for-dslr-camcorder-dv-black-195267 So pretty much the same thing. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Yeah i have seen these before, the only thing i do not like is you cant mount them to your camera arm or tripod with the handle on
I can attach mine to my tripod as the under side attachment knob for the camera has a 1/4" nut on the base of it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
UPDATE: Well I've decided to go with the Canon Legria HF G30 as its got 20x optical zoom and a new HD sensor and processor. Hopefully getting it within the next month or two. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
