**Which cameras have you owned or used?**

NorBro

NorBro

Major Contributor
Maybe similar threads have been started in the past, but maybe it's time for a refresh if anyone's interested in participating.

Personally, here's my list. Ones I owned.

I'm probably missing a few. Mostly "handy" and P&S cameras.

This was my first camera ever...a Sony in 9th grade.

(And please keep in mind I'm not bragging; I sold or returned 75% of these cameras, and kept recycling the money. Some cameras I owned for 1 day (that's one day) and some for several years.

After the first Sony...all heck broke loose...but like 8 years later, haha.

Sony.jpg

[Companies are arranged alphabetically but the models aren't; just randomly listed here and there.]

Blackmagic
BMCC
BMPCC
BMPCC 4K
BMPCC 6K
BMPC
BMMCC
URSA Mini 4K
URSA Mini 4.6K
Studio 4K
Studio HD
Micro Studio 4K
URSA 4K
Pocket 4K

Canon
T3i
T4i
T5i
S100
5D Mark II
5D Mark IV
7D
7D Mark II
6D Mark II
HV10
HV20
XC10
C500
1DX Mark II
EOS R
EOS R5

Fujifilm
X100S
X-T2
X-T3
X-T20
X-T30

GoPro
HERO2
HERO3+
HERO4

JVC
LS300

Leica
SL2-S

Kinefinity
KineMINI 4K

Nikon
D5300
D5600
D7500
D780

Olympus
E-M1 Mark II

Panasonic
DVX100B
LX7
LX100
FZ1000
GH2
GH3
GH5s
G7
G85
HMC70U
HMC150
HPX250
S1
S5

RED
Raven

Sony
VX2100
PMW320K
FS100
RX10
RX10 II
RX100 IV
AX100
a6000
a6300
a6400
a6500
a7S
a7SII
a7RII
a7III
FX6

_____

P.S. I have used other systems, but never officially owned them.
 
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I would but it wouldn't be fair because I know I'm missing a few.

I bought some cameras in stores and/or other places I don't remember anymore/lost track because the model #s get mixed up.
 
First: dad had an 8mm film camera I borrowed; wish I still had that footage- shot a Sci-Fi with special effects, explosions, slomo and everything haha! Plus had some footage doing aerobatics with an RC plane (dad filmed it).
Like you have had mostly Sony and Canon (and a sprinkle of Fuji and Panasonic). Sony for detail and slomo and low light, Canon for color and reliability and stills. Long term extrapolation: Sony wins, including the top-of-the-line pro market (when they decide to remove their self-imposed handcuffs). AI Color (AI Image) will level the playing field, then it's a race to get smaller, faster, and cheaper- advantage Sony. AI deconstruction/reconstruction will also be a major shakeup for efficiency for storage. It's not even compression- it's similar to breaking a scene down into 3D elements and textures, then rendering everything like CGI/videogames at any desired resolution. Curious why no one's talking about this. In practical terms, it's already partially happening in 8K TVs which perform AI upscaling (same root concept).
 
I can’t really count the cameras from elementary school, jr. high and high school. My family owns a retail business and used to sell electronics, so I never really owned any of those, I just had use of them whenever I wanted, for the most part. But lots of RCA, Zenith and Sharp camcorders from the 80’s and early 90’s.

What have I owned since I started freelancing?

Sony:
UVW-100B (one-piece Betacam)
D50WS(DXC-D50WS head docked to PVV-3 Betacam back-end)
BVW-D600WS(one-piece Betacam, DSP front-end)
F55

Panasonic:
AJ-HDC27H (tape VariCam, revised/improved over original F version)
(2x) AJ-HPX2700 (P2 VariCam)
Don’t remember the model number, but a little hdv camcorder about the size of a Coke can I used for mounts before GoPro’s


Canon:
C300
(2x) 5DmkII (purchased for stills originally)
5DmkIII (purchased for stills originally)
5DmkIV (purchased for stills originally)

GoPro:
Lot’s

Cameras that I’ve just used over the years... Lord knows, but includes:
F900’s, Digibeta’s, BVW-300’s/300A’s/400’s/400A’s, PMW-TD300(Sony one-piece 3D HD Broadcast Camera. Remember when 3D was the next big thing, for a few months...?) DVX-100’s, other multitude of Panasonic handycams, C300mkII’s, Amira’s, Grass Valley, Ike super-slow-mo hand-held and lots of others I’m forgetting or can’t remember model #’s of.
 
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Bell & Howell
?? Super-8

Panasonic/Signature 2000
JMJ 250250? VHS

Canon
Rebel XT

RCA
?? VHS

Panasonic
AG DVC60
AG DVC60
AG DVC7
AG DVX100B
AG HMC150
AG HMC150
AG HMC150
AG AC90A
AG HCK10
AG UX180
AG UMR20
DMC FZ2500

Sony
CCD Bullet/lipstick cameras (4)
TRV ??? Hi8
DCR TRV 730
NEX EA50U
NEX FS700R
NEX FS700R
A6000
A7Sii
A7Riii
HDR AS15 (5)
HDR AS100v
HDR AS200v
FDR X3000

GoPro
Hero 5 black

Arri
Oh wait, that was in my dreams :)

I don't plan on buying anymore cameras soon.
I sure don't miss interlaced standard definition or linear/analog editing.
 
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Owned or used camera? I cant remember them all. But it started with a Kodak Instamatic and my latest purchase was a Fujifilm X-T30.
 
Mostly owned but you can make honorable mentions to ones used...or ones that were most liked or disliked.

I probably wouldn't consider truly owning at least 8 cameras on my list (even though I purchased them) because I just knew within 24 hours they wouldn't work out for me based on how they operated in certain areas...but it's a fun little exercise nonetheless.
 
Wow, NorBro. You weren't kidding. What a list. I have to ask. Which were the ones you regret parting with the most? And, which of the retailers was/is willing to take so many returns from the same buyer?! I always assumed that they would flag you after a certain number.

Here's my fairly modest list, with some notes.

POINT-AND-SHOOT
  • Canon Powershot A300 - First stills camera
  • Canon Powershot A310
  • Canon Powershot A95
  • Canon Powershot S3-IS

CONSUMER CAMCORDER
  • *Unknown Sony VHS-C Camcorder* - First video camera
  • Panasonic SDR-H200

DSLR/DSLM
  • Canon 450D - My first DSLR (no video feature!)
  • Canon 7D - Initially thrilled, then saw the moire and switched out of Canon completely for about four years
  • Canon 5Diii - Bought it for ML raw; now it's just for stills
  • Canon EOS-M - Cheap interchangeable lens S16/S8 digital camera with ML
  • Nikon D5200 - Hated everything about it; the only time I've returned a camera
  • Panasonic GH2 - Loved the image but every time I start to think about re-buying it, I remember the ISO bug and how uncomfortable the grip was
  • Panasonic FZ47 - My only CCD camera at the moment
  • Samsung NX Mini - Tiny 1" sensor camera for BTS

ENG CAMERA (I didn't own these, but they were the house cameras back when I had a 9-to-5 job and I used them a few times every week)
  • Panasonic HVX200 - The first video camera I knew inside and out
  • Panasonic Varicam 2700 - My first ENG shooter; nice image; traveled all over the country with me

CINEMA CAMERA
  • Sony FS100 - Such a love/hate relationship; then I did a shootout with the C100 and it went up on eBay the following week
  • Canon XC10 - Tragically, this camera is almost a gem but I couldn't get past the temporal ghosting artifacts
  • Canon C100 - I still have two of these workhorses; most of the time there's nothing more that I want from an image, which is why I haven't upgraded
  • Blackmagic Production Camera (4K) - Bought it for the global shutter, selling it for the appalling dynamic range and latitude
  • Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera - Way too many hidden costs to get it up and running, but S16 and remarkable highlight roll-off continue to impress

---

With the exception of the ENG cams, these were/are all owned by me. If I added rentals, the list would probably double. I still haven't touched an Arri, and RED only a few times. Still trying to break into the stratosphere where they only shoot with these cameras (without having to buy one myself, because I'd actually like to retire someday).
 
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Not counting my dad's cameras or the ones I borrowed or hired for specific projects...

With the date I bought them:
2010 - Canon 550D / T2i (the one that got me into video)
2012 - Sony NEX-5N (still have it, never use it)
2014 - Sony a7S (this one was expensive and lost a lot of value in just one year, but it was great for its time and I did use it a lot)
2015 - Sony RX100IV (still have it and use it - for travel)
2017 - Sony a6000 (still have it and use it, as secondary body for stills)
2018 - BlackMagic pocket 4k (my new main body for video)
2019 - Sony a6500 (my new main body for stills)

Not very impressive, I guess. I would do much better if we counted how many ~50mm lenses we own as of today:
INDUSTAR-61 53mm f/2.8 M39 (soft copy, must be damaged)
INDUSTAR-61 53mm f/2.8 M39 (good copy)
Eastman Kodak Anastigmat 50Mm F/1.6
Leitz Sumilux-R 50mm f/1.4 for Leica-R mount
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
Sigma 56mm f/1.4
 
My first still camera was a Quaker Oatmeal box Pinhole camera, which my Grandmother helped me make.

My first professional motion picture camera was an Eclair Cameflex CM3, which my mentor Haskell Wexler helped me pick out.

My last still camera was a Canon 5DmkIII

My last professional motion picture camera was a Sony F65

Everything in-between doesn't really matter.
 
Cameras I’ve own for my own stuff, DVX100a, Panny G-85 and my Sony Fs5 and still have.

Cameras I’ve rented for feature productions, but used pro DP’s. A couple different Arri’s (35mm), Sony Cine Altas', EX3 (inserts), Si2k’s (for inside jet planes), Varicam, Phantom, Red’s and Arri again with Alexas’ and probably a few I’ve forgotten for the moment.
 
An old Sears VHS camcorder
JVC MiniDV camcorder
Canon ZR800
Canon T2i/550D
Another T2i
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4K

plus a few other handycams and GoPros for behind the scenes and vloging
 
It's cool to read people's variety and random notes/stories.

[Thank you for sharing so far.]

___

QuickHitRecord said:
Wow, NorBro. You weren't kidding. What a list. I have to ask. Which were the ones you regret parting with the most? And, which of the retailers was/is willing to take so many returns from the same buyer?! I always assumed that they would flag you after a certain number.
Click to expand...

I don't regret parting with any camera because I am a very move-forward type of person and adapt quickly, but it would have been cool to keep the 5D Mark II if I could choose one.

HOWEVER.

The C500, 1DX Mark II, RED Raven, and Sony PMW320K were my worst personal investments because they were way too much money. Buying the Blackmagic studio cameras (internal battery ones) was pretty dumb too (the BMMSC was okay because it's so small and cute). Also, way too many of those P&S cameras...the problem was I kept selling them and then wanted a new one for a new trip/travel.

It took making the same mistake several times to finally wake up and realize 99% of cameras are overrated, IMO.

C500 - capable of beautiful images but not worth the misery getting there.

Raven - very easy to capture those "cinematic" motion pictures we all chase sometimes, but another PITA system with unnecessary additional costs, and at the end of the day it just wasn't worth the money for me.

1DX Mark II - not worth the $$$ for only 4K/60p and AF. Maybe if it had more 2019 features in it back in 2016, or I was a photographer.

PMW320K - I was literally at the peak of an insane GAS run and pretty sure I was having a mental breakdown (wouldn't joke about this). I needed to test any and all cameras I could afford with Bill-Me-Later (now PayPal credit) and also thought I needed a shoulder camera for the type of work I was doing at the time to impress certain people...ugh, just so young & dumb.

___

The 5D Mark IV was my best investment. A true workhorse, extremely reliable. Besides not giving us what we want, lol, Canon IMO understands how to make the perfect DSLRs (from the menus, to how the features work, how the buttons are arranged, even holding the cameras feels right).

The URSA 4K should also get a mention because it was my first real cinema camera. Eyes widened every time it came out of the pelican. Gorgeous images...with for sure terrible DR plus other quirks. But it was worth the $6K+ because it really was so darn good in 2014. It's still better than 80% of 2019 cameras, IMO.

I really loved the a6300 too.

___

It's taken years of making the same mistakes and my own personal growth to calm down with this (even though I just bought 3 cameras in 1 week, lol) because I now know what I really like and need. The a6400, X-T30 and EOS R all have a common theme/feature and that will never change for me until my last breath.
___

Retailers...let's just say I was banned from a few places, lol. But I was also a pretty good customer to many and now a life-long committed one to a few.
 
Ohh I like this!

Owned

Panasonic HMC150 - Workhorse, and loved this camera, despite it's flaws. Very easy to use and color science at times honestly still looks better than many modern cameras

Panasonic GH2 - Also a workhorse. Still going strong. No complaints, other than colors at times.

Panasonic GH4 A better GH2, one of my favorites of all time to use.

Blackmagic Pocket Hated it for a while. Actually collected dust for almost a year on my shelf. Loved the image though. Once I got a proper battery, gimbal, Vari-ND/IR cut, I started to love it. I'll probably never sell it, just because I think the image is unique and special.

Used
Canon C100 - This or GH4 is my favorite I've used. Such an underrated camera in terms of specs to image quality. Probably the easiest to get to look nice straight out of the camera

HVX200 - The original, not the 200A. Was good in it's day, and the a very exciting camera to use, after the DVX100. Codec was lovely, but my HMC150 ended up being better in every way. I know they are bulletproof, but screw P2 cards.

DVX100 - Used this in film school before they got the HVX. My first prosumer camera I used regularly, nostalgic for that alone. No complaints, was great in its day, but thank god for solid state media. Tapes stunk.

Panny HPX300 - My work had this, along with the 200. Interesting camera, never really seen much discussion about it, here or otherwise. Size made it a pain, but solid performer in its day. Not bad in low light for a 1/3' sensor. Sharp, compared to the HVX/HPX line, good colors, AVC-intra 10 bit was a big step up from most offerings at the time.

Sony FS7 - Used it for 3 or 4 gigs now. I'd probably like it more if I got used to it. Never was crazy about the image quality for its class. Not a huge fan, overall.

Panasonic EVA1 - Thrown in the deep end with a fast paced run and gun doc. This might be my favorite if I had more time with it, though the LCD is practically useless. Nice size compromise between FS7 and DSLRs.

Sony A7S - Pretty ho-hum. Annoying battery life and not great, colorwise. Maybe I'm just not a Sony guy!
 
Interesting feedback on some of these cameras. I always thought that the C500 would have been a joy to work with, given it's built-in NDs. But maybe having to record externally just kills it. And I never did get my hands on an HMC150 but the footage was always impressive.
 
QuickHitRecord said:
Interesting feedback on some of these cameras. I always thought that the C500 would have been a joy to work with, given it's built-in NDs. But maybe having to record externally just kills it. And I never did get my hands on an HMC150 but the footage was always impressive.
Click to expand...

But what if a person's work is 100% indoor interviews...what would built-in NDs do for him or her? You know?

Not saying mine is or was, but it's like if I was filming a talk show every day on a tripod...why would I need IBIS? Or 4K/240fps?

Features' relevancy is dependent on the end-user.
 
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