Video - which camera should I be looking at?

Gangster · 29 May 2016 at 18:20

Hi all,

I am looking at getting a new camera as I'd like to make a step up from my iPhone 6 in terms of video quality. I am looking at the Canon G7X at the moment.

My issue is I want that crisp look, like some YouTubers have (mkbhd/Jonathan Morrison) and I understand they use a DSLR?

Any ideas as to how I could get close to their quality, not exact as their equipment is probably really expensive - but I am debating between the G7X and a dSLR. The reason the g7x is in the mix is because I have seen it do a good crisp, shallow depth of field occasionally where as the dSLR seems more consistent.

I'd like the g7x as it is quite compact, but at the same time would love to get footage like those two I mentioned above. I have seen a Sony used quite a bit which looks excellent but it is a bit too expensive to be starting out with.

Smeghead · 29 May 2016 at 18:44

MKBHD and Jonathan Morrison use a RED camera (Scarlet I believe?) and a Sony FS7 respectively, both of which start at £5k for the bodies only. They're professional video cameras rather than DSLRs.

I think if you want the same aesthetic, a DSLR (or interchangeable lens camera) is pretty much a necessity. If you wanted something for vlogging, then the G7X/RX100 would be fine, but for their types of videos, I think you'd run into a ceiling quite quickly, especially in terms of shallow depth of field.

The Panasonic G7 is rated highly for video, and the Micro Four Thirds lens selection is great.

Somnambulist · 29 May 2016 at 23:47

The G7 has been usurped by the GX80/GX85 which just came out:

Andy90 · 30 May 2016 at 17:30

Panasonic LX100?

Most places have it for £499 new, but it currently has £50 cashback from Panasonic.

John Lewis have it for £499 and offer a 2 year warranty.

It is quite small, has a micro 4/3rds sensor, a 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 equivalent lens, wifi and nfc connections, 4k video capture. It doesn't rival the Panasonic G series since it doesn't include features such as a microphone input, video-focused picture modes, variable frame rate or HDMI output to an external recorder, but it is a nice capable little camera.