Discrete compact for video

JonathanRyan

JonathanRyan

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So I want to add some multi angle video to other coverage. Plan is to stash 2 or 3 compact cameras at different static angles and use these to intersperse with main coverage.

Question is, what cameras to use? [Please note that GoPros won't cut it. They do most of what I want but are really designed for outdoors. This will be indoors in lowish light.].

Need something small (since it will be unobtrusive), shooting 1080 with a decent lens (no security or spy cameras), battery life needs to be at least 2 hours, oh and they need to be cheap since I'll need a few.

Any recommendations? Last year's model from eBay would be great ;)
 
JonathanRyan said:
So I want to add some multi angle video to other coverage. Plan is to stash 2 or 3 compact cameras at different static angles and use these to intersperse with main coverage.

Question is, what cameras to use? [Please note that GoPros won't cut it. They do most of what I want but are really designed for outdoors. This will be indoors in lowish light.].

Need something small (since it will be unobtrusive), shooting 1080 with a decent lens (no security or spy cameras), battery life needs to be at least 2 hours, oh and they need to be cheap since I'll need a few.

Any recommendations? Last year's model from eBay would be great ;)
Click to expand...

Small + Low Light = Expensive.

You need very good noise handling on small sensor cameras to handle low light. (The pixel size on the sensor is small, so it receives fewer photons but has similar noise levels)

The GoPro is quite good at it. Some Camcorders are Good. But you may be better off getting a bigger camera.
 
Your best bet might be something like a Panasonic GH1 or GH2.

They are small (compared to a DSLR) and have very good low light video capability when used with the right lens.
 
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Maybe a few canon 550d's with nifty fifty's for lens? Would be pretty cheap, especially 2nd hand :)
 
Thanks - yeah I'm trying to find a compact solution. Fewer moving parts and all that.
 
Remember that HD video is only 2 megapixels and that with a small sensor, noise handling is easier for lower megapixel sizes.

Something like a TZ7 set to HQ mode, may be OK.

You would need the AVCHDlite plugin for whatever editing package you use.
 
Cheap good reliable pick two.


Some of the high end Sony consumer cams are essentially the same as their pro handhelds - nx30? Etc. good but not cheap - but tbh if you get a flip video or something like that, the quality will be so bad that in comparisom with the nice hd footage you'll be capturing, it'll be barely usable.

Video ain't half an expensive game :(
 
st599 said:
Remember that HD video is only 2 megapixels and that with a small sensor, noise handling is easier for lower megapixel sizes.

Something like a TZ7 set to HQ mode, may be OK.

You would need the AVCHDlite plugin for whatever editing package you use.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Now looking at some reburb TZ30s :)
 
LX7 looks tidy. Pricey though.

@st599 - hadn't though about that.... Yeah a lower res camera should be better for 1080.
 
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