Camera Decision

      In today’s production world there is a ton of video cameras to select from. From the “cheapest” DSLR cameras to the new and changing video cameras. Noticed that I quoted the word cheaper, that is because the camera itself is cheaper or the same price as some video cameras in the market. The truth is, that if you are thinking of having a video production business or you are already in that business, you should take in consideration a few things. Let’s start with a video camera like the Sony PMW-200 XDCAM HD422: this camera starts at $6,299.00, is that cheap? Not really, but it has everything you need for a good video outcome. It captures Full HD and SD video, and supports continuous recording times of up to four hours in the 50 Mbps MPEG HD422 mode. With 4 channels of high quality, 48 kHz, 16-bit LPCM, you will have all the audio capabilities needed to cover every project. It also has three Full HD 1/2'” CMOS sensor which it will cover your low light conditions. After that you will need a good steady tripod and maybe a shotgun microphone, which it would add your price in about $1,200.00 with a total of $7,499.00. Like I said before, it is not a cheap investment but for video projects like weddings it will be a great buy. Of course there are more camcorders out there like the Canon XF300 that is cheaper and it has almost the same features as the Sony PMW-200.

      When thinking of buying a cheap video camera or a DSLR for video purposes I will recommend you to do a research first. Yes the camera itself is cheaper than the other two I talked about before. The DSLR camera most used right now for video purposes is the Canon 5D MARK III. This camera starts at $3,399.00 only for the body, and $3,999.00 with a Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF lens. That is cheaper than any of the other two cameras right? Yes and no, it all depends on what type of projects you will be working on. The 5D MARK III has an excellent resolution and works very well in low light conditions. The trick part is that it doesn’t come with good audio options which that could increase your price. To get better results for audio in a video you will need a good preamp box like Juiced Link ($329.00) to plug a good shotgun microphone ($200.00) and get better audio results. That’s just to start with. The 5D MARK III doesn’t come with built ND filters like most of the professional video camcorders, which makes it a little more complicated when switching from an indoor lighting location to an outdoors location. Sometimes you will need to buy ND filters depending on what your project is. Since the 5D MARK III is a still camera, and not a video camera you will need to buy a good shoulder mount, maybe a with follow focus which could start from $800.00 to a couple thousand dollars. Now since the lens that camera comes with is a wide lens you will probably want to invest in another type of lens with better zoom, which it could be another $1,000.00 to $2,000.00 or more. So there it is; a $3,999.00 DSLR camera becomes a $6,328.00 camera. That’s just with the estimated prizes. 

The best advice I could give you is this: you are the artist, use the brushes that are going to make your art look the best. Do your research, and know what your business is going to focus on, because maybe you will need a combination of a DSLR and a professional camcorder.