SRV1981

Yes a shotgun around $200 of less any recommendations?

Sorry I should have said $200ish or less

Are there easier options for mics that can be directly plugged into the mic so there is no post editing/syncing of audio? A mic that can mount on the camera or off/boom/stand that has decent quality for interviews? I don't need an NTG3 level quality.

Curious if anyone know if this would work? If I have a Shure sm57 and wan't to boom it overhead a subject during an interview, could I run that XLR end of the mic into a 3.5mm cord direct into the a7III?

Thanks all! I will try to create 720 proxies as well as film 1080 vs. 4k and see if there is a noticeable difference on the a73. Worst case I will look into trading my 2015 MBP in for a 2020 13" MBP. I think I have a good game plan thanks to the suggestions here. Much appreciatd!

Thanks! @FranciscoB how can I tell if the a7iii can create proxies? @tupp: -Keynote is a cute app and I find it helpful - not sure I can change video export settings but will check! -I probably will stick with Mac for ease of use etc. as my free time spent for work doesn't motivated me to learn/work with linux and creating my own machines. Granted this may be the most efficient i'm seeking most efficient with Apple's products available to me. -I appreciate your feedback but education has changed and my individual desire to provide more engaging content to my students doesn't represent anything other than attempting to be a part of a small group of teachers who use technology to reach our students. Chalkboards exist, I like them. Whiteboards exist, I like them better. Smartboards exist, I like them even better. -My 2015 macbook pro is not a T2 chip device

Thanks @tupp I am using a combo of iPhone and Sona A7III video. Additionally, I am making videos from Keynote for animations etc and layering all of these clips sometimes picture in picture etc. I am just not sure if it will take a long time to create proxies if I am making anywhere from 1-3 videos a week, which is to support my job as a teacher. Apple has offered $480 for my 2015 MBP and I was looking at a 13" 2020 MBP 2 ghz, 32gb ram, 512 SSD for $2100 or $1600 after giftcard.

Currently using a mid-2015 MBP 2.2 i7 w/ 16gb of ram. As soon as I add the videos to iMovie (moving to FCPX this week) and layer them with green screen or picture in picture/etc. the computer slows and sounds like a jet engine taking off. Not sure if creating proxies or upgrading new a 13" MBP 2020 model would be helpful. Also edit internally vs. external thoughts? I will be creating mostly 5-15m videos for educational purposes on a weekly basis. Thanks! 1. Stick w/ 2015 MBP 15" and use proxies with external HD or Internal? 2. Upgrade to 2020 MBP 13" and use regular files with external or internal?

Thanks all! I am going to be doing more HW. For audio I think that a Shure sm7b mic, cloudlifter being fed into an Audient ID14 may be the best for audio in the apartment/studio for video narrations in addition to playing/recording music (vocals/acoustic). Thoughts on this for audio? I am not going to get an on camera mic yet as I am not doing much videography outside of the apartment for these productions yet. For lighting I am trying to find an inexpensive 1-2 light easy setup. I like the RGB features of the cello 10" shown by Manny Ortiz but not sure if I know enough about lighting to know if that is the type of light to use.

Thanks for the feedback. I'd point out that being able to add custom images/slides/videos in the background would be nice and I would pushback that the a7III can't handle that. I'll either be standing in my apartment against the wall or sitting at a small desk with my computer. Both instances I will be speaking to the camera for instructional purposes (i.e. info on history, science, writing, reading, etc.) A green screen/cloth as a backdrop will allow me to add custom slides and videos. The mic doesn't need to be lavalier because the students will never be in my apartment . A shotgun mic of sorts would be optimal in this situation. Additionally a shotgun mic will afford me the opportunity to use it overhead and out of shot in the videos at my apartment while also allowing me to mount them on the a7iii and doing run/gun work in the streets and eventually back at school. I am coming here because I know many of you are creative and knowledgable. Remote learning is a thing for us and I anticipate next year that video equipment (along with audio, lighting, etc.) will come in handy to engage and help our students. So for an apartment... 1. mic 2. green cloth/fabric creative setup 3. LED lighting that can be on my desk, attached to a stand, and have the ability to be on the shoe-mount along with the mic I think that should allow me to have a decent setup to help my kids. I just need suggestions on how to achieve that.

Hi all, I ultimately went with the Sony A7III after careful consideration and advice from members here. I have to say I am much happier with the hybrid capabilities than my X-T3. Low light is better, autofocus is better, and being able to make use of it is overall better. I'd say the only thing about the camera I miss form my XT-3 is the physical buttons for ISO, etc. as well as the ease of menu. I am still struggling to learn how best to setup, save, and access different settings for photo, video, slow-mo, low light etc. I am looking to make educational videos for my students and have been working a little with Google Slides and other plug-ins to animate. Two big things that are glaringly missing from basic setup (tripod, a73, Tamron 28-75) are a green screen/green cloth and an audio solution. I like simplicity and ease of use. Does anyone think I could just buy green fabric/cloth from Amazon and use pins behind me? I am shooting most of the educational clips in my small NY apartment. Also for audio, what are both inexpensive and semi-quality solutions? An on camera mic would be best with fairly good sound quality up to 10 feet away. Second to that would be an off camera mic on a stand (table or boom) that would plug into the camera. I am eventually looking into a single mic option, hopefully, to record/play acoustic guitar but think I can get away with a cheaper separate mic for my camera (in apartment or run/gun on the street). So quick recap: 1. Easy green screen Amazon option - is fabric/cloth pinned to my wall okay enough? 2. Mic option Thanks! Examples: 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C72ISMF_D0&t=587s 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfzx9Y0rr_Q

Who cares it’s shit color? Amirite?

Imagine thinking that photo is straight out of camera? Imagine thinking you know how he setup his picture profile? Imagine being so self-absorbed you can be condescending and nasty in a community forum that’s purpose is to share ideas and help? is everyone here on their period? Is there a prerequisite for being a keyboard warrior to have had a bad childhood and shitty father that you lash out at people constantly? imagine being a forum of mean girls from the movie mean girls? i like the Colors from every single camera. I prefer slightly warmer tones that tilt red hue, I like that. I also like images that don’t have that. I like videos that don’t AB ad naseum or shoot brick walls. I like helpful people. I like that photo from SI, is like it better with a slide toward warmer. I hope to learn from the calmer and less mentally deranged members I’m talking to you cranky folks

Can one really make an evaluation of a tool, such as a camera, purely on a single video by a user many here don't seem to care for? I think there is plenty of examples of good images coming from Sony A7 III etc. but can also agree that SOOC of XT2/3 is typically more appealing. If you don't AB the heck out of it and just watch quality filmmakers with any camera the images look good. Sometimes its more of a limitation of the user than the tool.

Good discussion! Thanks for the knowledge. I am on a Mac and pretty new/amateur. FCP seems like the way to go.