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twist

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Im mostly a stills shooter but am looking to get into video a bit more, intended use would be family days out, plays etc. not sure which direction to go gear wise. I have access to all Adobe products so 'post processing' will be an option.

A) Decent camcorder
+ Excellent zoom and stabilisation
- Huge amounts of DOF

B) CSC like OM-D
+ Large sensor
+ Shallower DOF with fast primes
+ Interchangeable lenses, all will be stabilised
+ Still function
- Limited zoom

C) Blackmagic Pocket Cinema
+ Decent sensor
- No inbody stabilisation?

If anyone could provide some useful info as to their own experiences or suggestions.

Thanks in advance.
 
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I'm not sure you'll get decent image stabilisation in less than say a XF300. Lens based stabilisers are great to remove camera shake but you'd need full 2 axis control.

Even on expensive camcorders, you really need mains power.

I'd look at the Blackmagic and a decent tripod. Keep the camera still, learn. Then look for a steadicam or similar.
 
I'd say option B, they're all awesome stills cameras but then at the same time they have alot to offer as video cameras. Have a look at Panasonics GH2 or GH3!
 
I'd say option B, they're all awesome stills cameras but then at the same time they have alot to offer as video cameras. Have a look at Panasonics GH2 or GH3!

Agreed, have a look at a GH2/GH3 + voigtlander nokton 25mm f0.95.

I have this combination (GH2) and it is fantastic.

Crazy low light performance too. Have a look on Vimeo to see some examples.
 
I don't know much about a/b so I won't comment but I wouldn't recommend the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema.

Despite you saying you have all of Adobes products so post processing isn't an issue I really don't think the Blackmagic would be a good choice for what you're shooting. You'll have to colour grade and correct every single image, and it takes some time as it shoots so flat. You also need to know what you're doing, its not just pumping up the contrast and saturation, there's more to it than that. It's just a bit overkill for family shots.

You've not mentioned it, but I'd personally go down the DSLR route myself - especially seeing as you want to take pictures too.
 
Panasonic G6 is a wll specced Camera for Video that doesn't break the bank
 
I don't know much about a/b so I won't comment but I wouldn't recommend the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema.

Despite you saying you have all of Adobes products so post processing isn't an issue I really don't think the Blackmagic would be a good choice for what you're shooting. You'll have to colour grade and correct every single image, and it takes some time as it shoots so flat. You also need to know what you're doing, its not just pumping up the contrast and saturation, there's more to it than that. It's just a bit overkill for family shots.

You've not mentioned it, but I'd personally go down the DSLR route myself - especially seeing as you want to take pictures too.


Not true. The Pocket Cinema shoots flat in film mode or in rec.709 colorimetry in video mode.
 
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