Suggestions for camera type for videos?

19 replies
The only thread I could find when I searched for this was from 2010 and I know camera technology has come a long way! The videos I'll be making don't need anything hugely high-end, I don't think; I'll be taking some videos of puppies, not high-speed car chases. But I'm thinking my iPhone 5s isn't going to make it.

Thanks,
Helene
#camera #suggestions #type #videos
  • Profile picture of the author MikeMizOne
    Hi there, Helene.

    First of all, it would help us if we knew your budget. But I guess you want something in the midrange probably? Not too expensive and not too cheap.

    I would personally recommend buying a used DSLR camera, you can find them for pretty cheap these days. Even the older DSLR cameras can film in outstanding 1080p quality. They also perform waaaay better in low light situation compared to smartphone cameras. Take a look at the Canon T2i for example, it's almost 6 years old now, but check the video quality:
    And if you ever feel like you want more, there's lots of accessories to buy. New lenses, microphones, lights and so forth.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Burritt
    Banned
    I agree, Canon DSLRs are a great and inexpensive way to go. The entry line is about $400-$500. And for that you can get HD quality. The EOS M (mirror less) is cheapest on Amazon at $429, then the rebel line starting around $500 gets you into mirrors with full size lenses.

    Make sure you have a newer SD card. Then use final cut or adobe premiere pro to edit. The result is good quality web video.
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  • Profile picture of the author helisell
    Get yourself a selfie stick.

    Fasten your iphone into it. Extend it to full length and use this to
    video the puppies. The long extension will dampen out movements
    and will make great videos of your puppies.

    I shoot videos like this for the puppies we sell and they turn out great.
    Make sure to get as much light as possible for best results. You'll need
    to do some basic editing and the videos work best with some playful
    music in the background rather than what your camera picks up.

    If you need any advice you can pm me.

    P.S. I do this for a living and obviously use better cameras
    but the iphone will do a great job.
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    • Profile picture of the author webmarketer
      Not to ignore the helpful comments already given you, don't you think it would be better if you post your query to a more appropriate forum, which discusses vidcams, Go Pros, gadgets etc?
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  • Profile picture of the author .X.
    You may want a dedicated camera but I've seen some
    pretty good stuff now being done on cell phones.

    In fact my wife and I watch a "show" on Youtube and
    we were amazed to learn the creator does everything on
    a Samsung phone.
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  • Profile picture of the author ricericebaby
    Upgrade to the new iPhone 6s. It has 4K video.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tekno
    I completely agree with helisell. If you have good light, there is no reason you cannot record high quality videos with an iPhone and a monopod/selfie-stick.
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  • Profile picture of the author SherimanAF
    Hi,

    Go and check GoPro.com.

    They have one of the best camera, simple but good.

    Sheriman
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  • Profile picture of the author greatness008
    Canon 60D. Amazing camera.
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  • Profile picture of the author stackman
    DSLRs are not ideal for video. Camcorders, such as the Canon VIXIA series, are not only better for video, but cheaper.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Try a different cell phone, or go down to Walmart and get yourself a good camera. You may want to check Amazon also to see what the going rate is for the best cameras out there - that's within your budget. I typically like Canon models, but that's my preference.
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  • Profile picture of the author conradomahy524
    Originally Posted by Doodler View Post

    But I'm thinking my iPhone 5s isn't going to make it.
    You know, I just upgraded my cell phone from an iphone 5 to an iphone 6s+ and the different is HUGE!

    The camera functionality for taking snaps is simply awesome but the real improvement is the video recording. 4K really is overwhelmingly stunning and to top it all off is that there are a lot of sweet functions new functions that the iphone 5 didn't have.

    You'll need a good phone anyway, so why not try the 6s+? You might even be able to write it off as a business expense.
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  • Profile picture of the author Doodler
    Thanks for the time and thoughtful responses. I posted here because I thought I would get a better range of opinions than if I posted in one of the 'gadget' forums, which I figured would focus on more high-end pro-quality gear. And you guys came through! Much appreciated. I'll start with some good light and my son's iPhone 6, upgrade if I need to.
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  • Profile picture of the author michealkhobis
    If you can go to any camera shop, you will get what exactly you want. You will get the price limit also. You need to use the high MP camera to make video smoothly. Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author superowid
    I vote for GoPro.
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  • Profile picture of the author dustinthigpen
    Doodler,

    I agree that with proper lighting your iPhone 5S should get great quality video. If you want a more steady video, instead of using a selfie stick (aka a monopod), use a normal tripod with a smart phone adapter.

    The sound quality is where most people fail. Just get a zoom h1 recorder and sync your audio file with your video file. Then you'll have the best HQ video AND sound. I use Camtasia to sync them and edit my video, but I'm sure you can use other editing software as well.

    Hope that helps.
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    • Profile picture of the author koolphoto
      Anyone who thinks that an iPhone cannot be used as a video camera on YouTube should check out these two links. They talk about two highly received short films that were shot entirely with an iPhone.

      How the Filmmakers Behind Sundance Hit 'Tangerine' Shot on an iPhone & Got Cinematic Results

      iPhone filmmaker Creates an Award-winning Horror Film with a $400 Budget | Videomaker.com

      Video on a smartphone shot by YouTuber Devin Graham of Devin Super Tramp:

      https://youtu.be/QreRVD6hu3s

      I myself use Samsung Galaxy smartphones to create videos that look very good on YouTube. I have the Galaxy Note that records in 4K too. I find 1080p more than enough for YouTube. I use either a tripod or steadicam and I get great results.

      Use either an external microphone into an external recorder like the Zoom H1 or Tascam dr-05. What also works very well is the Rode SmartLav+ microphone for smartphones. This can plug directly into an iPhone or Android Phone.

      Just don't use the zoom feature on the Smartphone and you are good to go. Smartphones use digital zooms which are not very good. The lens wide open (no zooming) on smartphones are perfect because smartphones are light and always with you. Do I use it for everything? No. But, I am finding I can use a smartphone for more and more nowadays with great results.

      Here is an interview I did with an author in a coffee shop today. I used a smartphone for the video and a smartphone to take the still picture:



      Here is the video:

      https://youtu.be/Vcn40Gntxbo
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  • Profile picture of the author gdi4life
    I just got my iPhone 6s+ and it is amazing. Best phone I have ever owned by far. Apple really raised their game with this one.
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