Videocamera with 4K recommendations

[EduPortas]

Hello again everyone,

I've been a DSLR/MILC user for 20 years. I've worked in media/documentary jobs using these cameras with 1080p and 4K for video and of course taking photos.

In general, I'm very satisfied with the image quality of the 4K video files I'm getting with my current Nikon and Canon gear (R8 and Z50).

However, I'm hating more and more the ergonomics of these cameras for video. I simply cannot get accustomed to them. Newer MILCs have fewer buttons than older DLSRs and this has really started to aggravate me.

Before going the DSLR/MILC route I shot with prosumer Mini DV videocameras 😨 The jump in quality to DSLR/MILCs was undeniable, but I really miss the ergos of tho se ancient machines.

So, if I were to go back to a proper consumer/prosumer videocamera what would you recommend? I'd much prefer you guys give me some options instead of asking the gents over at DV Info and such fora. My requirements are quite basic:

 

- Price between US$1500 and US$2500 new or used

- Good to very good haptics and ergonomics for long form interviews that can last up to 2 hours

- Decent AF

- 4K resolution since I will be exporting to 1080p (I really enjoy the cropping and color correction possibilities of the larger files for lower resolution exports)

- Two XLR inputs and two card slots

- Integrated Power Zoom since I will using LANC device in my tripod

- Unexotic files for easy NLE digestion in Final Cut X

 

That's it.  Other than the obvious Canon XA40, XA50/XA70 and XF400 I'm absolutely swamped by options offered by JVC, Panasonic and Sony, but I'm assuming they have some good stuff.

 

Any recommendation would be much appreciated 😎

[EduPortas]

2 minutes ago, EduPortas said:

 

 

[eatstoomuchjam]

Does it have to be a camcorder with integrated lens?

If not, you might consider a Sony FS5 II, Sony FS7 II, or Canon C300 II.  With a little more budget, it might look like a C70. 

I'm not sure of the price of entry-level power zooms for any of them, though.  I'm also not sure if the Canons support LANC, but I think it's really likely that the Sonys do.

[newfoundmass]

I too miss the ergonomics of the camcorder, though I've never found myself needing more buttons on my Lumix mirrorless cameras. I just miss them because I feel like they are easier and more practical the hold and use for video.

I'd steer clear of any camera that has smaller than a 1" sensor, less because of depth of field and more because of low light. Those smaller sensors, even in newer cameras, just completely fall apart. They don't really even look that great in well lit situations.

If you don't mind used, the Panasonic DVX200 is a great option. It's basically a GH5, complete with M43 sensor, in a camcorder body. When my friend used my GH5 as a b-cam to it, the footage was nearly identical. It looks like it goes for about $1600 used.

Sony PXW-Z90 is a very nice camcorder with a 1" sensor. I built an entire streaming business off these kind of Sony camcorders. Goes for under $2100 used on MPB.

For more advanced cameras:

The Panasonic EVA1 also might be an option. Used options in Excellent condition on MPB go for about $2300. That has a Super 35 sensor and allows you to use EF and cine lenses.

On the Sony side, the Sony PXW-FS5 II is under $1500 in like new condition on MPB.

The Canon Cinema EOS C300 II is under $2200 in Excellent condition on MPB.