Best compact camera options for video around 1500$

[XtRemE11]

I've been out of filming for awhile probably 7-8 years since i knew what was going on. I miss it and trying to get back into it, as well as to help with my videographer friend on some projects.

Anyway, shits completely changed and i have no idea what anything is anymore or where to start.

My friends using a 5D, I'm thinking for the kind of stuff I/we'll be doing I'd like something pretty compact that can be transported easy, brought on multi day trips, used in sketchy situations, etc. I'd think it would compliment his camera well, If size isnt an issue we've always got his 5D.

My starting budget is around 1500, I could spend more initially if its gonna get me into something better for the long run. And then I plan on just building my setup, lenses, etc. from there as i get experience with it and can afford it.

anyone have some recommendations on where to start? maybe a run down on options?

 

[isaacwrong]

Sounds like you are hinting at going mirrorless. Probably could start with looking at Panasonic/Sony bodies. If you're looking for super compact definitely a6300-a6600 is your route, packs a punch for a small rig.

 

[JAlps]

Take a look into the GH5 if you just want to blow all your cash on a body and then invest in lenses afterwards (not sure how much I recommend lol). Alternatively you could buy a GH4, metabones speed booster, and something like a sigma 18-35 for around 1500, which should get your foot in the door enough to get your groove back and figure out if investing in more professional gear is needed.

Also you would be surprised what you can get out of a gopro with a set of ND's and a gimbal, just an option to consider that could work depending on what you are trying to shoot.

 

[XtRemE11]

Already planning on getting my go pro setup dialed. but definitely wouldnt want it as my single camera. After playing with my buddies setup I'm looking for something that can get close to or equivalent quality for long shots, good depth, and having the lense options.

 

[dogfartstaint]

Look into black magic if you’re thinking about shooting video.

 

[eheath]

Already planning on getting my go pro setup dialed. but definitely wouldnt want it as my single camera. After playing with my buddies setup I'm looking for something that can get close to or equivalent quality for long shots, good depth, and having the lense options.

A gh4 would be within reason, but as someone else said, spend the extra on the gh5 its completely worth it.

otherwise, a sony a6300 would be solid too, but in the end you should bump that budget up if you want the best.

 

[silvas_gram]

A gh4 would be within reason, but as someone else said, spend the extra on the gh5 its completely worth it.

otherwise, a sony a6300 would be solid too, but in the end you should bump that budget up if you want the best.

is the GH4-5 weather sealed? I don't think the sonys are

 

[eheath]

is the GH4-5 weather sealed? I don't think the sonys are

I'm not entirely sure and it doesn't really matter, most cameras these days are pretty sealed up and snow really doesn't do anything unless it melts, comes down to common sense and basic care for your equipment.

 

[P-wurps]

is the GH4-5 weather sealed? I don't think the sonys are

I always hear complaints about Sony's weather sealing but never had an issue myself - used an a6300 in lots of cold/snowy weather and usually just made sure to wipe it off when before it gets warm and snow and ice melts. Also used it to shoot some gnarly weather on lake superior where it was cold enough that when waves crashed into the shore the mist froze everything, including my camera. I was shooting with the 55-2010mm and the barrel was completely covered in ice and had to run into a local shop to warm up and get the ice off and kept shooting with no issues. Might be completely irrelevant but I think like [tag=38820]@eheath[/tag] said pretty much any newer cameras are sealed pretty well.

Anyway, GH5 is pretty much a gimme when it comes to video. It's got almost everything you could want/need. I just picked up a G9 from Adorama but was considering a GH5 (I shoot 50/50 stills/video so G9 was a bit more balanced for me) but I just checked and you can get a used GH5 in like-new condition for $1100.

The a6300 is great too though, loved mine but just wanted to try something else. If you are trying to be discreet/compact it does't get much better - I once was filming my buddy skating downtown at night and had to pack up and beat it because some crackheads were heading our way. Lot easier to skate when your setup only weighs like 2lbs. Main drawback is the battery life, especially in the cold.

Hopefully there is something in my rambling that is somewhat useful.

**This post was edited on Dec 16th 2019 at 3:24:51pm

 

[eheath]

I always hear complaints about Sony's weather sealing but never had an issue myself - used an a6300 in lots of cold/snowy weather and usually just made sure to wipe it off when before it gets warm and snow and ice melts. Also used it to shoot some gnarly weather on lake superior where it was cold enough that when waves crashed into the shore the mist froze everything, including my camera. I was shooting with the 55-2010mm and the barrel was completely covered in ice and had to run into a local shop to warm up and get the ice off and kept shooting with no issues. Might be completely irrelevant but I think like [tag=38820]@eheath[/tag] said pretty much any newer cameras are sealed pretty well.

Also if your lens isn't weather sealed, your camera isn't technically weather sealed, so you need both a weather sealed body and lens for a camera to be consider "weather sealed".

 

[IanAvery-Leaf]

is the GH4-5 weather sealed? I don't think the sonys are

idk about the A6xxx series but I can confirm the A7 series is def weather “sealed”



this pic is just one of many examples of abuse to my sonys, freezing rain completely caked the entire lens/body/mic and it dried off no problem. I’ve run a A7Sii + canon 16-35 + Mōvi in rain at Hood and all handled it great besides constantly wiping down the lens after each shot. Havnt put my gh5 through nearly as much abuse since the shoestring vintage lens setup I use is delicate but I had a spilling incident on it and it handled that no issues also. Cameras in my experience are more durable than people give them credit for, and IMO I’d rather attempt to get the shot than skip it due to questionable moisture

 

[eheath]

Havnt put my gh5 through nearly as much abuse since the shoestring vintage lens setup I use is delicate but I had a spilling incident on it and it handled that no issues also. Cameras in my experience are more durable than people give them credit for, and IMO I’d rather attempt to get the shot than skip it due to questionable moisture

Best photo I could find of my gh5 in weather

 

[silvas_gram]

I always hear complaints about Sony's weather sealing but never had an issue myself - used an a6300 in lots of cold/snowy weather and usually just made sure to wipe it off when before it gets warm and snow and ice melts. Also used it to shoot some gnarly weather on lake superior where it was cold enough that when waves crashed into the shore the mist froze everything, including my camera. I was shooting with the 55-2010mm and the barrel was completely covered in ice and had to run into a local shop to warm up and get the ice off and kept shooting with no issues. Might be completely irrelevant but I think like [tag=38820]@eheath[/tag] said pretty much any newer cameras are sealed pretty well.

Anyway, GH5 is pretty much a gimme when it comes to video. It's got almost everything you could want/need. I just picked up a G9 from Adorama but was considering a GH5 (I shoot 50/50 stills/video so G9 was a bit more balanced for me) but I just checked and you can get a used GH5 in like-new condition for $1100.

The a6300 is great too though, loved mine but just wanted to try something else. If you are trying to be discreet/compact it does't get much better - I once was filming my buddy skating downtown at night and had to pack up and beat it because some crackheads were heading our way. Lot easier to skate when your setup only weighs like 2lbs. Main drawback is the battery life, especially in the cold.

Hopefully there is something in my rambling that is somewhat useful.

**This post was edited on Dec 16th 2019 at 3:24:51pm

yeah I have a a7s and a7rii and I still worry just cause they don't have the best ratings for the weather. I wish I still had my d750, it was an absolute tank

 

[silvas_gram]

idk about the A6xxx series but I can confirm the A7 series is def weather “sealed”

View attachment 948592

this pic is just one of many examples of abuse to my sonys, freezing rain completely caked the entire lens/body/mic and it dried off no problem. I’ve run a A7Sii + canon 16-35 + Mōvi in rain at Hood and all handled it great besides constantly wiping down the lens after each shot. Havnt put my gh5 through nearly as much abuse since the shoestring vintage lens setup I use is delicate but I had a spilling incident on it and it handled that no issues also. Cameras in my experience are more durable than people give them credit for, and IMO I’d rather attempt to get the shot than skip it due to questionable moisture

that's rad, yeah I don't really trust my a7s being out in the weather but a little more comfortable with my a7rii. I use to put my d750 through that but idk I just don't trust sony, maybe il start getting a little risky, I normaly use a bag over the camera