Duration 7:11

4K Video Camera, Which is Best For You Consumer or Semi-Pro

by Video Alchemy

74 296 watched

1.2 K

Published 4 May 2014

http://video-alchemy.com 4K video camera's are available in both consumer and Semi-Pro models but the quality of the output can make a big difference depending upon what you intend to use it for. The new follow on video about the real cost of upgrading to 4K is now up here : /watch/kfyZCQJgr0tgZ Blog post here : http://video-alchemy.com/4k-video-cameras In this video I look at the pro and cons of these new 4K video cameras and whether you should go with a consumer range camera or look to step up the Semi-Pro 4K camera. I also cover some of the issues that you may run in to that 4K video footage carries with it. Mentioned in the video are the following models Blackmagic 4K Production camera Blackmagic Cinema Camera Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera Panasonic Lumix GH4 Sony FDR AX100 Arri Alexa RED Scarlet Canon C500 Samsung S5 Atomos Shogun monitor / recorder Get Our FREE Home Studio Setup Guide Here... http://video-alchemy.com/home-studio-setup-guide /watch/YLm6cTOFx8bF6

Category Howto & Style

Comments - 161

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@MarioCastillion9 years ago If you were a teacher, I certainly would be in all of your classes.
Man, the way you explain things is excellent!
Glad I found this video were someone FINALLY breaks it down for people to understand.
Thank you very much. ... 5
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@MagicBiscuitShow8 years ago Good job on this video. It does clear up some of those questions that I didn't know how to ask.
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@TheOldbsa8 years ago This video answered many questions I had. Thank you for posting.
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@Gunhillstudios9 years ago superb so nice to find some straight talk that I can happily pass on to clients
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@andybrown57059 years ago Good and clear advice, well done ... will certainly subscribe to this channel!
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@markirish379 years ago Great video, very informative and easy to follow,, well done. Will you be doing an updated video as I see the likes of panasonic has just released 2 4k camera's for in around or less than £1000 and I am sure other manufactors are following suit. I am just starting out as a videographer for a hobby and I'l be watching this a few times more to learn the jargen,,lol. Good job here. ... 2
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@raybutchard76379 years ago Very informative video in an easy to absorb style, well done
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@Armadillopepper9 years ago Very informative. Been looking at 4K options and didn't understand there were 2 options for the quality.
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@SubaruAugust10 years ago Thank you for the information it was a real eye opener to a newbie. want to get a 4k camera your video was a great help in understanding the various types available. leaning toward the GH4.
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@AvpStudios8 years ago A truly helpful video, thanks and yes I have subscribed and liked the video!
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@hassanalhassan78429 years ago V good info and straight forward! Thank you
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@bobbrick8619 years ago Most interesting and well explained - currently we use Canon DSLR and BMPCC (which we much perfer) seeking to move on to 4K but no rush, were letting some the dust settle.
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@MK2EA9 years ago First time ive seen your channel already love it, i would be great to know what you think about drone and Ariel photography/video.
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@601hdmaster10 years ago Yep this was a big help in my understanding of 4k
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@Bobclips9 years ago Thanks for your very clear explanation! :)
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@Azzurro65010 years ago Great video, good information! Well done, Paul!
And i will not upgrade to 4k at the moment, 'cause of the higher costs of post production relating to the hardware that's needed. I didn't mention that so clear before i saw the video... ...
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@ifell38 years ago Thanks some really good info there. Now say on of the consumer level cameras taking stills is that still compressed?
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@mmhuq39 years ago You are a true star. Thank you for the video. Very good explanation.
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@AlGreenLightThroughGlass10 years ago Great vid - I'll probably go for the AX100 as I think it gives great results despite the compression
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@RockstarLittle9 years ago Some very good information here, I was considering making the leap to 4k and chroma key is going to be important to me so you have saved me a lot of trouble. I think I'll stick to 1080p for now. 3
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@McBlick179 years ago Hey Paul. Thanks for the informative video.
I have been looking into purchasing the Sony FDR AX100. I primarily film weddings and I also film vacation rental properties for advertising. I occasionally do green screen work, but not very much. Is the AX100 a good option to go with? I've worked more on the editing side of video, but over the last year or so I have been getting more into the filming side and so I'm starting small with weddings and other things. I have used the Canon XA10 and I also have a Sony HVR-Z5U, but I'm a bit tired of using miniDV tapes, so I'm looking to switch out. Also, does the AX100 work well with external mics? Thanks for any help and info you can pass along. ...
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@mrrandom1779 years ago Great Video .... learned a lot from it. What do you think of the Panasonic HC-VX870 ?
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@Vlaakster10 years ago I learned a lot from this video, thanks!
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@Lymedin201010 years ago Thanks for an informative video! Can you record video directly on a laptop, instead of the Atomos Shogun?
Do you know of any 4k, or if not 4k then any decent hd cam that can do the following:
1) Allow tethering and recording video on a laptop. Which I think can be accomplished with video card & software too, besides the cam hardware features?
2) Can do time lapse video.
3) Has no recording time limit. For instance the Sony A6000 can do time lapse & video, but is limited to 30 min intervals.
4) Can accept a power supply to keep it running.
Thanks. ...
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@emsiardy9 years ago This helped me a lot. Thank you! I was about to buy a 4K camera so that I can start uploading 4k videos, but I see now that I have a ways to go before I can work with 4k.
I just have a simple MacBook Pro late 2012, atm. This upcoming semester I will be buying an iMac or Mac Pro with i7, 64gb of ram, and as much gpu processing as possible. Thanks for saving me a headache! For now I'll stick with my puny 1080p Flip camera! ... 1
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@avinash50459 years ago really nice video.Sir can you tell me which 4k camera is better in cannon for Professional film-makers
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@radha98765432110 years ago Good video, very informative,the only one that compares the 3 models of 4k cameras. After seeing this i have decided to go in for the sony AX-100 as it seems to be the best among the 3, especially in the last pan video. , Well done ...
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@mrrandom1779 years ago Thanks for your reply. Not sure what to do at this stage. If o was to buy the panasonic sd 870 it would be replacing my panasonic sd700 which I really like. Just thought a couple of years advancement in technology would make a huge difference ... Then I start to factor in whether my editing pc is up to it, new batteries, size of raw footage for storage. As o don't have a4k tv or monitor .. My main usage for 4k would be for zoom and cropping for output to 1080 ...
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@itsallabouttheclag8 years ago A friend of mine has a ax100 and the picture is excellent.... But the picture seems to shiver on fast moving subjects , I'm guessing it the 25p setting..
Would the Panasonic dvx200 picture quality be has good as the ax 100 ?? With the 50p setting on dvx200 it should be a smoother motion I guess .
Any ideas would be appreciated. ...
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@jasminehks9 years ago Hi,
I am looking for a good video camera to record dance videos at events. The lighting of the events may differ greatly and i really don't know how the image per second could affect the footage either. What would you suggest i should look for? ...
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@KarolChaSo8 years ago Hi am using an iPhone 6 Plus please advise me on how I can use it better to make my videos for YouTube?thanks a lot
9 years ago Hi, Thanks for your helpful video,
and Could you help me, please I need to Know if it's possible to make a Time-lapse video with the Sony AX100? I need a really good camara with this feature.
THANK YOU
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@1079stuff10 years ago Great videos! I want to shoot video (only) of high school basketball and track. What camera to get in your opinion to "future proof" the video and best for the constant panning of basketball?
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@milmasdeportesaventuraymas588810 years ago great video very clear and good information. I am looking for a video camera mainly for Youtube and vimeo. I am filming sports events like triathlon, climbing and so on. I am going to buy a gopro and I have a Sony HDR SR11 but I would like to upgrade. Can you recomend anything? Thanks again and sorry for my lousy english. I´m from Spain.
Keep on. ...
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@VideoedTechReviews9 years ago Does the new Sony AXP33 have those same drawbacks as the AX100?
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@Making8 years ago I just started my youtube channel and I am looking to get a camcorder (right now my cell phone is held in a wooden jig and it can be troublesome :p). I do want 4k for the stills (I have a companion blog with pictures and more detailed instructions). I will most likely have to go 1080 because there is no used 4k market yet. Although my GS5 does do 4k, I find that the heat it generated degrades the picture quality. I had an E-PL1, but shooting video with it was very troublesome, so I don't think I want to go the DSLR route for video again (noisy focusing). I did like the olympus hot-shoe mic though! ...
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@rajendracool110 years ago For Pro Cinema project what cam you will suggest Gh4 or BMCC 4k?
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@radio73s9 years ago Wow looks like 4ks way to GO ...presently transitioning from Analog VIDEO sony HDV 1080i Tapes and HOPE To Convert To Digital HD MPEG 4...once I get this done with Your HELP I will TRY Recording in 4K. Cheers!
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@qwiklok10 years ago Well done: Now - you have to try to get this video everywhere. Your commentary was well thought out, to the point, nothing superfluous, clean and actually, quite unforgettable. I want to hear more - which is a good thing because you attained your objectives with those like me.
I saw a comparison between the GH4 and the Canon c300 both internal and raw. Although I think the Canon had a bit more latitude, the GH4 was a lot better in sharpness and clarity - amazing actually. I could hardly believe what I was seeing. I was even thinking of a Sony F5 but at $20,000 vs $3,500 with audio module, I am wondering if the advantages of the F5 are worth that cost - I mean this panasonic is amazing. And I can use my lenses plus smaller ones for the small sensor. In the end, the sensors are about the same size, so much to consider - wow. ...
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@inproperlywild8 years ago this was really helpful! I'm about to walk the entire lenght of Norway which is 3000km/4-5months trip and make a 'one man story' movie, capturing moments, landscapes etc then to be published later on this year. I thought of buying Panasonic HC-570 or any other camcorder, but recently realized it might not be enough. So I'm hesitating between regular camcorder and pro. Budget? 1000-1400 usd? I'm gonna save it from rain, but in scandinavia conditions are pretty rough. If this goes well, I'll continue such adventures. Gonna carry external disks to backup data with Kingston MobileLite Wireless G2. Some proffessional editing will make the final effect of 8-10 episodes ca 25min each.
If there's anything on Your mind I'll be gratefull for a clue. So much thanks! - J.Wild ...
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@MariosPanteliadis-pianist8 years ago Hello! Thanks for your explanations! Really helpful. I would like to ask you an opinion between Sony Ax33 and Ax100. I am thinking to buy one of the 2 cameras mainly to record live concerts of mine (I am a musician). I would need frequently to record in pretty low light situations even though I would be well lit (in most of the cases). Also the camera would be fixed on a tripod and I would need to zoom, as the camera would not always be near the piano. In some cases it is placed even 20 meters away from me. Which of the two would be the most convenient solution? Do I really need to spend more for the AX100 or the AX33 is going to do pretty much the same? Thanks a lot! ...
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@mrdevinci7819 years ago Im new to all this but would like to learn , so based on that, I want the best camera out that can shot at 4k and also i can edit it off Final Cut pro. I video tape our Fitness Boot Camps, Bubble Ball Events and Parties. Since you have the Blackmagic Cinema Camera, I'm assuming thats the best out for the price or at least the Blackmagic 4K Production camera? ...
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@dominikkulas30389 years ago I would like to start making videos, like places I visit or myself talking, so in this case what would be better for me? nx 500 or lx100? Or maybe even something else? Thanks for help! :-)
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@hummertrish10 years ago thank you very much Paul !!! you rock,
I am filming ice skating events .. I skate with the skaters (very fast action stuff ..Ice Shows in theatre venues, with low light stuff) I need a run and gun camera .. Help what do you recommend for 4K? .. I will give the footage over for TV production
thank you ...
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@johncaradimas669 years ago Great video, clarified a lot of things for me.
Being an amateur photographer for years, my camera collection is quite expensive (a Nikon D700 and a D300), but none of them allows me to shoot video. Lately, SWMBO and the kids are asking more and more for videos, and the only way to satisfy that need is either with my aging iPhone 4S or with a small Canon S90 I have, both of them have elementary video capabilities. So I am thinking of acquiring a more "video-oriented camera", which would also be used as a "travel camera" when I do not feel like dragging along the Nikons and their lenses.
Obviously I would prefer to get a 4K camera these days, since that appears to be the future. However, I can't afford to pay over $1,000 for it. It appears that the (relatively) new Panasonic FX1000 is an attractive (but large) candidate, while the LX100 is a much smaller option. Price-wise they are now about the same. The maximum processing I would do to my videos includes cut and paste, and perhaps adding some sound. Nothing fancy, I guess.
As far as video quality is concerned, which one of these two models would you suggest? Many thanks! ...
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@YasmeenEStewart8 years ago I am doing a documentary and need cinema quality. I had my heart set on the Panasonic GH4, I am worried now about what I need to do to store my film and if I can edit on my MAC as I had hoped. If I get the GH4 what lens can get great cinema quality effects. ... 1
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@DouglasGautraud10 years ago I want to spend around 6 grand on a camera set up and I don't know if I should go with a consumer 4k recorder like the A7s with the Shogun, or go for a Canon C100. Some of my work is filmed on the go like a wedding and some is more traditional with controlled lighting set ups. ...
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@McDasdi10 years ago You should mention the Sony FS700. With the Odyssey 7Q or maybe the Shogun youl get a nice cam with a price between Blackmagic and RED. Besides 4K RAW it can output 2k 12bit(maybe 14bit) RAW 240fps . For most (TV) jobs 4K is still oversized (not payed) and 240fps let you jump on the SLOWMO-train wich many "stylo" producers want these days. Even the new BM URSA wont give you more than 60fps. Nice Video though ! ...
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@mramster12489 years ago Hi, great video. I have a panasonic Tm700 which is HD. I am thinking of upgrading it to a Panasonic wx970 4k. I am a family man, my videos are of my children on outings and around the home. My current TV is a panasonic 55vt30 so its not 4K. But it is a plasma so the colours are spot on! Is it worth the upgrade from the Tm700 to the WX970. I do find the video footage a bit grainy on the Tm700 at times. I can see the pixels. The WX970 is a £800 camera so its not pocket change. Your help would be appreciated. ...
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@rahmatrad45998 years ago Thanks for your excellent explanation
I have Panasonic GH4 and I am going to build up a PC for 4K Video editing.
do you think CPU: Intel core i7 4790K and GPU MSI/Asus GTX 970 gaming are good enough
what is you recommendation
Thanks ...
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@wayloncarter39168 years ago So I'm still waiting...due to the dilemma you pointed out. I started at the GH4 and passed. I want 4:2:2 ProRes on a MFT camera though (maybe GH5) I'm planning on buying a "maxed" imac (except for memory/ I'll buy that separate) I'm having trouble deciding on storage in the IMac(ssd only).
Is the terabyte storage going to work as a stop gap (until I save for a DAS) as workspace for a final project that's 15min long finished from 45 min of 10bit 4:2:2. I will empty the project onto a pocket drive when I'm done.
OR is the hard drive too small and too much of a hassel to deal with for a start up 4K workstation??? ...
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@rahmatrad45998 years ago Thanks for your answer
Can I play/see my 4K footage on full HD monitor?
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@PERIKLISTSINTZAS9 years ago hello!what is your opinion about panasonic fz1000?does it worth it for making films as a cheap 4k camera?
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@ethanwinstead62808 years ago I feel like Michael Caine is teaching me about cameras. This is awsome
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@radio73s9 years ago What Type of HD AUDIO used to RECORD 4K VIDEO?
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@slojam10010 years ago hi
real newbie to prosumer products ..but i want to capture good quality video with reasonable cost.
i found it interesting what you had to say and would be grateful if you could share your thoughts on the
GoPro HERO3+ BLACK Edition.
i would like to capture holiday and normal family life but with the extra quality
thanks
kind regards ...
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@alzahraniabdulrahman9 years ago Please reply :) .... i have just bought Ronin M and attach it with my Nikon D7100. i took some footage but it wasn't clear. i am thinking to by video camera that will make my happy all the time. no matters about $$.... do you recommend to buy BLACKMAGIC PRODUCTION CAMERA 4K.... it is full 4k or semi one. can be fit in my new Ronin M model. i need your advice. i am using premier and after effect to my work and also keing works. ...
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@randyzuckerman853110 years ago I just want to film my families vacations and the kids soccer games. I was originally looking at the Sony FDR AX100. Is this not a good choice? 4k is a must though haha. Any help would be appreciated. i am one of those guys that like good quality but not paying out the butt. so to speak. ...
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@americandm9 years ago Looking for a camera to record video of vehicles which will be posted on youtube.. inside outside walk around kind of thing .I am trying for the very best quality and have a budget of $1,500...what do you think I should buy? ...
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@lizmyer29679 years ago I am NOT a videographer. Going out of state to film a documentary, but can't afford to hire a film crew. Need advice on what camera to use. Need good quality sound. Am told I should look for XLR inputs as sound is so important. (Was planning on using a mic and also a digital sound recorder that could be merged with footage in post production...my thought was use two so as to have backup.) Most shots will be INDOORS in an interview-style with only a few outdoor neighborhood/location shots as fill. Prefer a camera that I can use on AUTO as I'm not a videographer (but more of a director who has to film this time.) Want ability to do lots of editing (probably in FCP, but can use Adobe too.) Need good enough quality that I can submit to film festivals. I have a great idea, am good at directing, but need the filming to be as auto as possible as its not my forte. PS: I leaned a lot from your vid above. Thank you. ...
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@DanielKLaux10 years ago I would love to upgrade to 4K, but unfortunately I would not only upgrade my camera set up, but my computer set up as well. So I probably won't be upgrading soon, which is a shame because I feel like everything I am making now will be obsolete and un usable in a couple years time, much like YouTube videos in 240p from 5 years ago. ...
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@natetheoneandonly1799 years ago Does Anybody know how he made the audio sound vintage in the beginning of the video? Thanks
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@josevargas77149 years ago hi,
can i match or get near an sony XD cam with an newer/cheaper 4k camera?
if yes ....which one?
thanks!!!
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@michaelbrack68429 years ago What about the Nikon v1? It's supposed to shoot raw 4K
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@02phenom9 years ago I'm looking for a good quality camcorder for filming sporting events specifically football and basketball games. Can you help point me in the right direction please.
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@noezzi10 years ago Is it true the GH4 4k video at 4:2:0 downsized to 1080p will make the 1080p 4:4:4 10 bit?
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@andrewvanrhoberts9 years ago Is there any camcorder under 2000$ that I can buy that can output uncompressed 4k video?
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@chriscordell87169 years ago I'm needing a camera that will be good for filming a outdoors HUNTING show I plan on buying a nice set up latter this spring but for now what can I get by with it needs to be a fast point & shoot for filming a hunt but I need something cheap as I can for this first trip I filmed with full size cameras in the old days 3 chip 20x Zoom but that was right befor HD will any 1080 have a better picture than that old 3 chip Sony ...
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@johnnyViDeO9 years ago Lovely video but I don't like the amateurish jump cuts.
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@Redhotsmasher10 years ago You should've mentioned the Apertus Axiom project (), that's probably going to result in essentially professional cameras with quite reasonable pro-sumer pricing levels. ...
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@nwsrcphotog10 years ago Ok.. a few things..
ProRes of any flavor is a COMPRESSED codec.. and not uncompressed such as you say in your video.. The compressed footage from pretty much any 4K camera should be robust enough for color grading and chroma keying. None of these cameras record the H.264 as you suggest in your video.
the Panasonic GH4 records 4K in .mov and mp4 formats at 100mbit/s.
Sony 4K cameras such as the ax100, ax1, and z100 use the XAVC and XAVCs codec which ranges from 60mbit/s in the AX100.. up to 150mbit/s in the AX1, and all the way up to 600mbit/s all-intra in the Z100. talk about rubust! good luck finding a computer to edit that beast on! and that's not even scratching the surface when you talk about the Sony F55's 16bit 4K RAW!!
The Canon C500 uses various flavors of codecs ranging from it's 8bit mpeg-2 longGOP all the way up to 10bit 4K raw..
Unfortunately the Blackmagic 4K camera is having so many issues with it's sensor and FNP that it's not really a viable option for shooting anything in a professional environment. Plus I don't believe it's even capable of it's advertised 4K lossless RAW recording yet. That Lot at BMD is having serious issues when it comes to getting it's cameras sussed properly. ...
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@larryjohnson65798 years ago Great information, but all that jumping around you're doing is difficult to watch.