shake it like a polaroid picture
July 21, 2011 10:06 PM Subscribe
Digital cameras that have good image stabilization for HD video recording: Halp? I know what I want, now I need advice for which models to look at.
I have been trying to wade through the mess that is the world of camera reviews. 10 hours later I still don't know which model(s) might best suit my needs. So, if you have any suggestions, thank you so much!
I seek:
Good quality still pics. >5mpx, but really more like >10mpx.
Good quality video. 720p HD, hopefully with 60fps.
Excellent image stabilization: optical + digital. This is perhaps most important to me - every film test I see on youtube looks like an earthquake, even when the person is attempting to stand still.
And, if possible, I would love it to fit in my pocket.
Should I get a video camera that is large but can take stills? (I'd prefer smaller)
Should I get a point-and-shoot that fits in my pocket but can take video? (I want good video)
Should I get 2 different cameras, one for each setup? (I am not opposed)
I need to spend less than 500 dollars, total. This includes the option for a multi-camera setup.
Cheers! I will post myfilthytourist visions of Buenos Aires once I get a camera.
I have been trying to wade through the mess that is the world of camera reviews. 10 hours later I still don't know which model(s) might best suit my needs. So, if you have any suggestions, thank you so much!
I seek:
Good quality still pics. >5mpx, but really more like >10mpx.
Good quality video. 720p HD, hopefully with 60fps.
Excellent image stabilization: optical + digital. This is perhaps most important to me - every film test I see on youtube looks like an earthquake, even when the person is attempting to stand still.
And, if possible, I would love it to fit in my pocket.
Should I get a video camera that is large but can take stills? (I'd prefer smaller)
Should I get a point-and-shoot that fits in my pocket but can take video? (I want good video)
Should I get 2 different cameras, one for each setup? (I am not opposed)
I need to spend less than 500 dollars, total. This includes the option for a multi-camera setup.
Cheers! I will post my
Note that the 1100D (Rebel T3) has no autofocus during video shooting, so you either pre-set the focus before starting or you manually focus. There will also be visible shearing distortion if you pan too fast due to rolling shutter. And it has a rather poor mono internal mic with no means of using an external mic.
posted by Rhomboid at 6:11 AM on July 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Rhomboid at 6:11 AM on July 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
I have no direct experience with it, but I've seen videos on YouTube taken with a GoPro camera and they look amazing.
posted by Simon Barclay at 7:11 AM on July 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Simon Barclay at 7:11 AM on July 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
GoPro cameras have no stabilization (although you can add it in software in post-production, as you can with just about any camera).
Their images appear "stable" because the fixed zoom length on a GoPro is really, really, really wide. Small movements don't shift the image terribly much when you're zoomed out. Hence, GoPro videos look pretty stable.
Also, the T2i is cheaper than the T3i. Not vice-versa. Neither are in your price range or fit in a pocket.
posted by schmod at 7:35 AM on July 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
Their images appear "stable" because the fixed zoom length on a GoPro is really, really, really wide. Small movements don't shift the image terribly much when you're zoomed out. Hence, GoPro videos look pretty stable.
Also, the T2i is cheaper than the T3i. Not vice-versa. Neither are in your price range or fit in a pocket.
posted by schmod at 7:35 AM on July 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Interesting.. I did not know you could stabilize in software. How/what do you use?
posted by special agent conrad uno at 9:01 AM on July 22, 2011
posted by special agent conrad uno at 9:01 AM on July 22, 2011
Response by poster: Murray M: HDSLR would be so nice, I agree. But it is unfortunately not possible for me - it is totally out of my price range. I should mention - I am already in Buenos Aires, and the T3 generally goes for $1000 here. When I said $500 is the upper limit, I should have really said $400 in the US.... because everything is more expensive here.
On a tangent, if any of you ever travel to Argentina, pack a bag of cameras and cell phones. You can sell them here and make a mint. Just don't declare them at customs
posted by special agent conrad uno at 9:06 AM on July 22, 2011
On a tangent, if any of you ever travel to Argentina, pack a bag of cameras and cell phones. You can sell them here and make a mint. Just don't declare them at customs
posted by special agent conrad uno at 9:06 AM on July 22, 2011
I also like the iPhone 4.
Really.
Software image stabilization I use is Smoothcam in Final Cut Pro
posted by Murray M at 3:48 PM on July 22, 2011
Really.
Software image stabilization I use is Smoothcam in Final Cut Pro
posted by Murray M at 3:48 PM on July 22, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Really.
SLR cameras that record HD have completely changed the market. EXCELLENT Stills. VIDEO THAT IS BETTER THAN MOST PROSUMER VIDEO CAMERAS (because most of these prosumer videro cameras have crazy cheap lenses that destroy the image no matter what the MP is).
Do a search on this. This is where the game is now.
If you want to spend more money, get the camera above with a better lens.
If you want to spend even more, get the Canon T2i.
posted by Murray M at 5:08 AM on July 22, 2011 [2 favorites]