Stuck making a camera choice: D5300, A6000, GX7...

T

toutouou

New member
Hi,

I'm trying to pick a camera for work. Budget for the camera and lens(es) is around £700. There is no pre-existing system (i.e. no lenses) so I'm starting from scratch here. But I don't need to worry about audio or lighting (that's sorted) or recording limit. I do need a nice-ish lens with AF for stills (that's just occasional but important).

I've narrowed it down to the D5300, A6000 and GX7 and I'm at the stage where I might just go crazy. There is no rush to choose so I'm just running around in circles trying to make a decision.

My criteria: good video in terms of resolution, codec, colour (esp. skin tones) and features (and little to no moire/aliasing please!). Shallow DOF (I shoot interviews and that's the look I need). Good low light performance (so I can trust the image to be ok in situations where I might not be able to control the light).

  • Nikon D5300 + Sigma 17-70 (general purpose lens, looks up to the task to me but no manual aperture control)
+ Looks good (I like what I've seen for stills and video, just quickly searched and found this https://vimeo.com/90898393)
+ Great lens selection
+ Sensor size is good to achieve shallow DOF
+ Swivel screen
+ Low light
+ Little moire/aliasing

- Pain to work in video mode as it's not optimized for that (BIG minus)
- No handy video features (peaking, zebras, etc.)


​
  • Sony A6000 + kit lens + cheap prime (a 50mm equivalent)
+ Got all the video features (peaking, zebras, etc.)
+ Sensor size is good to achieve shallow DOF
+ Small body

+/- Image looks fine (like the look of this https://vimeo.com/99769499) but that's a point people don't seem to agree on
+/- Low light seems ok (conflicting reports, overall seems ok)
+/- Moire/aliasing (conflicting reports but overall, seems ok)

- Lens selection isn't great, lenses are expensive
- Have heard not so good things about the codec (but this might be similar for the D5300)
- No swivel screen (not a 100% necessity of course)


​
  • Panasonic GX7 + kit lens + cheap prime (a 50mm equivalent)
+ Heard good things about the codec and there some nice looking videos around (https://vimeo.com/100958195)
+ Video features (peaking, zebras, etc.)
+ Low light seems ok (better than A6000 as some claim?)
+ No moire/aliasing
+ Small

+/- Have read people complain about the camera over sharpening the image (can't make up my mind on this yet)

- Sensor size (would need a lens turbo, which costs ££)
- Lens selection (just not as good as what's available for Nikon based on my research)
- No swivel screen (not a 100% necessity of course)​


I was going to go with the D5300 but then I read up on others cameras again (why did I do that??), and many opinions later, I'm confused again. I'm lacking a bit in terms of A6000 and GX7 knowledge but as far is I can tell, they are more capable for video because of the features and resolution but that doesn't necessarily make them better than the D5300.

I guess they are all fine cameras. As I shoot interviews, at the end of the day, the image needs to look organic and not super sharp as no one wants to see all their wrinkles...

I can't test all of them. So can someone tell me: take this camera and that lens! (Not being entirely serious here...) I know it's just your opinion but I'm stuck. Or have I answered my own question and I should go with the D5300 and just live with the shortcomings in terms of video features?

Sorry about the ramblings but any thoughts would be much appreciated!
 
toutouou said:
Hi,

I'm trying to pick a camera for work. Budget for the camera and lens(es) is around £700. There is no pre-existing system (i.e. no lenses) so I'm starting from scratch here. But I don't need to worry about audio or lighting (that's sorted) or recording limit. I do need a nice-ish lens with AF for stills (that's just occasional but important).

I've narrowed it down to the D5300, A6000 and GX7 and I'm at the stage where I might just go crazy. There is no rush to choose so I'm just running around in circles trying to make a decision.

My criteria: good video in terms of resolution, codec, colour (esp. skin tones) and features (and little to no moire/aliasing please!). Shallow DOF (I shoot interviews and that's the look I need). Good low light performance (so I can trust the image to be ok in situations where I might not be able to control the light).

  • Nikon D5300 + Sigma 17-70 (general purpose lens, looks up to the task to me but no manual aperture control)
+ Looks good (I like what I've seen for stills and video, just quickly searched and found this https://vimeo.com/90898393)
+ Great lens selection
+ Sensor size is good to achieve shallow DOF
+ Swivel screen
+ Low light
+ Little moire/aliasing

- Pain to work in video mode as it's not optimized for that (BIG minus)
- No handy video features (peaking, zebras, etc.)


​

  • Sony A6000 + kit lens + cheap prime (a 50mm equivalent)
+ Got all the video features (peaking, zebras, etc.)
+ Sensor size is good to achieve shallow DOF
+ Small body

+/- Image looks fine (like the look of this https://vimeo.com/99769499) but that's a point people don't seem to agree on
+/- Low light seems ok (conflicting reports, overall seems ok)
+/- Moire/aliasing (conflicting reports but overall, seems ok)

- Lens selection isn't great, lenses are expensive
- Have heard not so good things about the codec (but this might be similar for the D5300)
- No swivel screen (not a 100% necessity of course)


​

  • Panasonic GX7 + kit lens + cheap prime (a 50mm equivalent)
+ Heard good things about the codec and there some nice looking videos around (https://vimeo.com/100958195)
+ Video features (peaking, zebras, etc.)
+ Low light seems ok (better than A6000 as some claim?)
+ No moire/aliasing
+ Small

+/- Have read people complain about the camera over sharpening the image (can't make up my mind on this yet)

- Sensor size (would need a lens turbo, which costs ££)
- Lens selection (just not as good as what's available for Nikon based on my research)
- No swivel screen (not a 100% necessity of course)​


I was going to go with the D5300 but then I read up on others cameras again (why did I do that??), and many opinions later, I'm confused again. I'm lacking a bit in terms of A6000 and GX7 knowledge but as far is I can tell, they are more capable for video because of the features and resolution but that doesn't necessarily make them better than the D5300.

I guess they are all fine cameras. As I shoot interviews, at the end of the day, the image needs to look organic and not super sharp as no one wants to see all their wrinkles...

I can't test all of them. So can someone tell me: take this camera and that lens! (Not being entirely serious here...) I know it's just your opinion but I'm stuck. Or have I answered my own question and I should go with the D5300 and just live with the shortcomings in terms of video features?

Sorry about the ramblings but any thoughts would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...

I actually just purchased the a6000 that came with two Sony lens and then I went on to buy a Canon adapter and now have their 50mm 1.8. Here's two test videos I shot with the Canon lens:

https://vimeo.com/116291114 (I had to use a stabilizer in post as this particular Canon lens doesn't have a built-in stabilizer).

https://vimeo.com/116223879 (This ones a bit shaky, but again, I used the same lens).

Also, I don't know if it'd be useful for you, but the a6000 is boasting to have the worlds fastest auto-focus system for a mirrorless camera. I've not yet personally tested it, but from what I read and have seen videos covering it, it's indeed very impressive and VERY accurate.
 
How often will you be using this camera? If it's only occasionally, you should rent, rather than buy, and add the rental into the budget for your shoot.

If you're using it once or twice a week, then buying makes sense.
 
My favorite camera on that list would be the a6000, but from what I hear the kit lens is far from stellar.

The D5300 is a great option too. And the panasonic probably as well (I don't know this particular model). Actually nowadays there are plenty of great options, and your choice will depend on what your taste is, what you prefer to have in a camera: the Panasonics are super sharp but have relatively low DR, the D5300 and a6000 have great DR for a DSLR but are not as sharp (the a6000 looks a bit sharper but it also has a small amount of aliasing/moire, the D5300 is completely clean but may need some sharpening in post).

Anyway... this may help.
 
D5500 was just announced at the CES'15.

It has a touch screen and no OLPF. This should lead to D5300 being discounted soon.

Sony's own E-mount zooms for A6000 seem a tad pricey but you should get terrific auto focus. Other options is to go with a bunch of Sony primes or a Tamron zoom. There are also a bunch of manual cine lenses for the E-mount.

Panasonic should be updating their lines in a few weeks at CP+.
 
Since you're beginning I highly recommend getting a normal camera, the D5300 DSLR.

It's a normal camera, one that does stills at a professional level quality and so does in video. Why I recommend the normal DSLR for beginners is because they feel and operate like real traditional cameras, not smartphones, if you can get what I mean, this includes every ergonomic elemnt from the size of the body, the grip, the button placement/choice, the dials, the weight and even the look of the traditional camera. With this kind of normal Nikon DSLR you have an incredible world of lens selection and every bit of accessory you might need at extremely low prices and at every little caera store througout the entire globe. The system is internationally recognized as 1st class camera system and therefore you will find an incridble amount of toturials, workshops, feedback when it comes to learning how to master your skill. There are some incredible lenses that sell for so cheap that it's beyond ny comprehension, and that comes from their large sales which allows the to make such high quality lenses at low prices. The 18-55mm VR is a beautiful performer as a wide angle lens, with excellent stabilization, better than most stabilization systens I've used, the little 50mm 1.8 or cheap 50mm 1.4 allow you to access a high-end optical quality level at a price that's nearly none. Other notable high performers in the budget range is their 55-200mm which delivers all you telephoto needs with excellent IS and IQ, Canon takes it even further and provides a stunning 10-18mm ultra wide angle IS lens for 300$. You simply won't find this lens selections at these prices and/or performance of either build quality or optical performance.

These cameras are a "solid" base to learn what you need to learn without much fuss and fiddling as most of the other systems do, which are in my opinion suited for those doing a niche type of work where they're adapting vintage cinema glass, or specifically require a smartphone-sized camera even if it compromises ergonomics and build quality/durability, people who like who are hardcore nerds that like to fiddle, like me :)

And to top it off the D5300 delivers the best image quality in the options mentioned above, it's still my favourite image of the cameras I own. It has more DR, better lowlight performance, no aliasing, and most of all the beautiful Nikon skin colours. And on top it's a pro grade stills camera with a traditional SLR design, mirror, OVF, mechanical shutter, second to non image quality in the APS-C range, and huge battery life conpared to mirrorless cameras. Only downside is the lack of peaking/zebras, which are in my opinion way less important than the traditional DSLR design for someone who's looking into learning photography/videography. You can focus very accurately with the punch-in focus assist and set exposure accurately with both the LCD and histogram monitor. It's how we've done it for years and we got along just fine that I even prefer those to peaking/zebras and have them turned off on my mirrorless A7s. It's a downside but a minor one, in ny opinion.

In brief I suggest beginners look into these well established systems like Nikons, Canons, Camcorders, while those who require unique specific qualities and have the advanced experience and well to work around the limitations. It's the sensible solution for your current status to get a D5300, it just works and delivers both high-end video and pro-grade stills.

Get a Nikon D5300. I've used them all, and can tell you this one is quite special and much more suitable for a begginer workhorse of a camera than any other alternatives at this price bracket.
 
I own the a6000 and love it, but I honestly would go for the Nikon. I own a D800 as well, and Nikon just creates better skin tones, more useful for your interview setups.
 
Thanks everyone! I think I will go for the D5300. This put my mind at ease, it seems like a solid choice for what I'm trying to do and I think I can't really go terribly wrong with this camera. I'm not a complete beginner myself btw as I've done some filming with DSLRs but ease of use isn't a bad thing in any case! Now I just need to finalize my lens choice.
 
Nikon makes some great budget lenses.

The 18-55mm VR to use as a great wide 18mm 3.5 VR prime.
The 50mm 1.8 for beauty/lowlight shots
The 55-200mm for a very long range yet great optical quality and VR.

All excellent budget lenses.
 
The Nikon D5300 is a fantastic camera, but given your very tight budget I would highly recommend the D5200 over the D5300.
As only big thing you are missing out on is the FHD 60fps, the image quality is more or less identical (arguably the D5200 is even better thanks to NikonHacker), but with the saved money you can put it towards another lens such as a Nikon 35mm f/1.8G together with the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, which would be a very fine pair of lenses to start out with.

Or... pass on both of those lenses and instead just get the very very awesome Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 (I myself film a lot with the D5200 and Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8, though lately upgraded to the Sony A5100 which I reckon is by far the bargain performer in its price niche! Especially as I got my A5100 during the sale for just US$320 in like new condition).
 
By the way, I would not recommend getting the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4, as it slows down at the end. Get the faster Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 instead (do however make sure you always get lenses with AF motors in the lens if you wish to use AF for stills, as the D5200 lacks an autofocus motor in its body. Only the D7100 and higher has that. And older lenses need that).
 
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