When it comes to video, there are quite a few choices for cameras out there. But how do you choose the right one for the job? To help aid in this selection process, I’ve detailed my experience going through various cameras over the years.
What’s your purpose?
Before you start selecting a camera, you should think about what you’re going to be doing with it. Are you mainly doing photography with the ability to do video later on? Are you mainly shooting static video where a moving lens isn’t critical? Are you shooting in dark environments where a capable sensor is necessary? What kind of video are you going to be taking?
Starting with a camcorder
When I first started taking video and putting it on YouTube, I was shooting on a variety of consumer grade camcorders. When I really started getting into my work, I was shooting on a little JVC Everio GZ-HM45BU. About the size of a hamster, this little camcorder followed me around as my A Camera for a number of years, coupled with a small on-camera LED light from Amazon. This little guy served me well and introduced me to some rudimentary manual controls such as white balance, iris, and focus.
Jumping to a DSLR
When my grandfather passed away in 2016, he left behind his Nikon D5200 DSLR, manufactured in 2012. It made its way home to me where it took the title of A Camera. It came with two basic lenses, an 18-55mm and a 50-300mm lens, both from the kit the camera came in. I added a Rode VideoMic Go into the mix to work better with shooting video. Most of my work at the time was video-centered, so I quickly familiarized myself with the intricacies of shooting on a mechanical lens.
The D5200 taught me a lot about having to focus manually. For video, the loud autofocus ring was not a viable option, even with a better microphone. Practicing with stand up, run and gun video taught me how to focus quickly and on the fly. Also, smooth zooming can be tedious with these kinds of lenses. While mostly being used for video in my application, this camera also gave me an inlet to photography.
Headed back to a camcorder
In 2020, I decided to explore the world of prosumer video cameras and picked up a Canon XA-40. Like the Everio, the XA has a fixed lens, but adds to my abilities with multiple XLR ports for audio, total manual controls, and a body ready to accommodate any configuration I could need in the near future. Plus, it natively shoots in 4K, which adds to my editing abilities with more pixels at hand.
What should you choose?
While I have settled on the best camera fleet for my needs, it will be up to you to decide what factors are most important to you in choosing a new camera. Remember to consider what you’ll be doing with the camera as you pick a form factor that fits your work. I would never expect the XA-40 to outperform the D5200 in photography, but it shines in video. Conversely, the D5200 takes adequate videos and shines in photography.
What kind of camera do you use? Leave a comment down below!
JT Creative 