Post by Will R (admin) on Apr 21, 2014 20:19:57 GMT
My current recommendation:
Canon Vixia HF G20. About a thousand bucks U.S. With crack shopping skills, you might get one for closer to $800.
www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/camcorders/high_definition_camcorders/vixia_hf_g20#Overview
camcorders.reviewed.com/products/canon-vixia-hf-g20
The reasoning:
For a foundational research camera, it is hard to recommend anything of lesser quality. For second- and third- cameras, there can be a lot more lee-way, and the price can come down when there are no external controls, mic jack, or low-light capability. Hek (pardon the french), you can even gather a lot of usable data with a camera-phone. But every research group (define that as broadly as you like) should have at least one solid-quality foundational video camera.
I've used Canon brand a lot, and have enjoyed their quality and reliability, but other brands make good cameras too. I've seen reviews of some Panasonic models that look worthwhile, but I won't recommend them simply because I have never had one in my hands. I find Sony too stringent on their proprietary controls of their tech, so I avoid them as much as I can. A good portion of that is emotional, but some of it is rational as well; I don't mind if the reader makes their own choices.
I used to recommend the Vixia M series as a cheaper possibility, but they are no longer manufactured, Amazon is only selling them used. I'm not sure what Canon has done for a low-cost, low-light replacement; someone please let me know.
Don't forget to have at least 2 extra batteries (more than 3 total), and an external, dedicated battery charger is strongly encouraged.
Questions? Doubts? Contrary opinions?
Canon Vixia HF G20. About a thousand bucks U.S. With crack shopping skills, you might get one for closer to $800.
www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/camcorders/high_definition_camcorders/vixia_hf_g20#Overview
camcorders.reviewed.com/products/canon-vixia-hf-g20
The reasoning:
- low light. low light. low light. excellent low light.
- large glass (wide lenses that allow in a lot of light)
- external microphone jack.
- manual audio gain controls
- external, programmable controls: (focus) ring, and (volume-type) control
- Canon reliability (i.e. it is not a Sony)
For a foundational research camera, it is hard to recommend anything of lesser quality. For second- and third- cameras, there can be a lot more lee-way, and the price can come down when there are no external controls, mic jack, or low-light capability. Hek (pardon the french), you can even gather a lot of usable data with a camera-phone. But every research group (define that as broadly as you like) should have at least one solid-quality foundational video camera.
I've used Canon brand a lot, and have enjoyed their quality and reliability, but other brands make good cameras too. I've seen reviews of some Panasonic models that look worthwhile, but I won't recommend them simply because I have never had one in my hands. I find Sony too stringent on their proprietary controls of their tech, so I avoid them as much as I can. A good portion of that is emotional, but some of it is rational as well; I don't mind if the reader makes their own choices.
I used to recommend the Vixia M series as a cheaper possibility, but they are no longer manufactured, Amazon is only selling them used. I'm not sure what Canon has done for a low-cost, low-light replacement; someone please let me know.
Don't forget to have at least 2 extra batteries (more than 3 total), and an external, dedicated battery charger is strongly encouraged.
Questions? Doubts? Contrary opinions?