New camera advice follow-up

[kat.hayes]

After lots of feet dragging, we are ready to upgrade from our HVX-200 cameras and are now considering purchasing a few of the following:

- DVX-200 (maybe 1 or 2 of these)
- DMC-GH4 (up to 4 of these)

We need the cameras to shoot web-based videos, and we like the DVX-200 for the large sensor and the DMC-GH4 for its ability to use an adapter to use Canon lenses. We also want 4K and XLR, which both of these do.

1. After all of the announcements from CES, are there any other cameras that we should consider?
2. Can anyone also recommend any 4K cameras in the $1,000 price range? These will mainly be point-and-shoot for when the other cameras are not available. XLR is not expected, just good image quality.

Thanks.

 

[Greg Smith]

In what kinds of conditions do you shoot? Tied to a tripod/pedestal in a nice clean studio, handheld newsgathering, sports coverage, or riding a rubber raft down the Amazon? Is your style more to use multiple cameras in live event style, or is it all scripted and edited? Have you been happy with the form factor and general design of the HVX200s, or would you prefer something more DSLR-like, or closer to a shoulder mount ENG camera?

Sorry for all the questions, but it should help narrow down the choices.

- Greg

 

[nyvz]

Sounds like you are Panasonic-centric, but I recommend trying out the Sony A7SII (plus K1M or K2M for XLR) or the Sony FS7. Still hard to beat a used FS700+7Q package since you also get awesome multicam monitoring and 120fps 4k bursts.

I've heard the Sony RX10 II and RX100 IV make pretty nice <~$1k 4k cameras too.

 

[kat.hayes]

We shoot sometimes on a tripod with studio lights, sometimes outdoors with natural light with a tripod and sometimes without. As for types of shoots - all of the above - we are across the board -- for both live event style and scripted and edited. We have been happy with the form factor of the HVX though something more like a DSLR would be preferred if it does not sacrifice major features/quality.

Thanks!

In what kinds of conditions do you shoot? Tied to a tripod/pedestal in a nice clean studio, handheld newsgathering, sports coverage, or riding a rubber raft down the Amazon? Is your style more to use multiple cameras in live event style, or is it all scripted and edited? Have you been happy with the form factor and general design of the HVX200s, or would you prefer something more DSLR-like, or closer to a shoulder mount ENG camera?

Sorry for all the questions, but it should help narrow down the choices.

- Greg

 

[kat.hayes]

We are not set on buying only Panasonic, we actually use 5DM3 and have lenses for that, and would prefer to stay with Canon DSLRs, though we need 4k right now.

1. Any idea how the Sony A7SII compares visually with the DMC-GH4 quality wise?

2. Any idea what the drawback to using an adapter with the a7S like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1158850-REG/metabones_mb_ef_e_bt4_canon_ef_to_e_mount.html to use Canon lenses?

Thank you!

Sounds like you are Panasonic-centric, but I recommend trying out the Sony A7SII (plus K1M or K2M for XLR) or the Sony FS7. Still hard to beat a used FS700+7Q package since you also get awesome multicam monitoring and 120fps 4k bursts.

I've heard the Sony RX10 II and RX100 IV make pretty nice <~$1k 4k cameras too.

 

[nyvz]

1. Any idea how the Sony A7SII compares visually with the DMC-GH4 quality wise?

I think it's generally accepted that the A7SII is visually superior in every way compared to a GH4. It is several years newer, has a sensor 4x the size with at least 2-3 more stops of dynamic range and much better performance in low lighting and high ISO. It also has sensor stabilization which can be pretty handy.

2. Any idea what the drawback to using an adapter with the a7S like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1158850-REG/metabones_mb_ef_e_bt4_canon_ef_to_e_mount.html to use Canon lenses?

The AF on certain lenses won't be as good as with a Canon DSLR, and other lenses AF may not work at all, otherwise for video and MF you won't really suffer any drawbacks.