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Choosing a Point & Shoot over a standard camcorder for video projects, I need your opinions please! - Page 2

post #31 of 75
2/24/13 at 8:00pm
Excellent thread!

I'm in the same situation where I am looking for a 'cheap', yet, effective QUALITY video camera to record for YouTube. I shoot video of my Nvidia Surround triple-monitor setup running benchmarks and gaming sessions. Right now, I am using my Samsung Galaxy S3 camera phone, which records in 1080p, however, has a very annoying 'pulsing' effect that is caused by the camera's annoying auto-focus feature. I would also like to upgrade from the quality of the Galaxy S3's video as much as possible, while not spending more than I need to. The main priority is the best quality possible @ 1080p resolution (of course). Of the suggestions mentioned in this thread, which camera will be the best for shooting a triple light source in a dark room? (I am leaning toward the Sony HX20V/HX30V.) Or, are there better options out there?


Here are a few examples of my work:




Thank you.
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post #32 of 75
2/24/13 at 8:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth View Post

Excellent thread!

I'm in the same situation where I am looking for a 'cheap', yet, effective QUALITY video camera to record for YouTube. I shoot video of my Nvidia Surround triple-monitor setup running benchmarks and gaming sessions. Right now, I am using my Samsung Galaxy S3 camera phone, which records in 1080p, however, has a very annoying 'pulsing' effect that is caused by the camera's annoying auto-focus feature. I would also like to upgrade from the quality of the Galaxy S3's video as much as possible, while not spending more than I need to. The main priority is the best quality possible @ 1080p resolution (of course). Of the suggestions mentioned in this thread, which camera will be the best for shooting a triple light source in a dark room? (I am leaning toward the Sony HX20V/HX30V.) Or, are there better options out there?


Here are a few examples of my work:




Thank you.

1. You need a camera that can manual focus - or has a good auto focus.

2. You need a camera with good dynamic range = as your monitors are bright and your room is dark.

3. You need a camera that produces sharp videos.

4. You don't need a big zoom.

So, you do not want the sony Hx20 - you don't need the big zoom, and it is not good in low light and has limited dynamic range and no manual control of aperture, shutter, white balance for video.

Look into the Panasonic LX7: it shoots 108060p, is great in low light (f1.4 lens with 24mm wide angle), its videos are sharp, and it has better dynamic range than most camcorders, it has more manual controls in video than most camcorders (you need to lock shutter if you are shooting scens with fast action), it has a reliable autofocus if you need that, and you can lock focus. It costs the same as the Hx cameras.

Look at this LX7 dark musuem video, which has diramas that look like video screens and scens that look like yours - dark with lighted objects:

https://vimeo.com/58860666
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post #33 of 75
2/24/13 at 8:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by markr041 View Post

1. You need a camera that can manual focus - or has a good auto focus.

2. You need a camera with good dynamic range = as your monitors are bright and your room is dark.

3. You need a camera that produces sharp videos.

4. You don't need a big zoom.

So, you do not want the sony Hx20 - you don't need the big zoom, and it is not good in low light and has limited dynamic range and no manual control of aperture, shutter, white balance for video.

Look into the Panasonic LX7: it shoots 108060p, is great in low light (f1.4 lens with 24mm wide angle), its videos are sharp, and it has better dynamic range than most camcorders, it has more manual controls in video than most camcorders (you need to lock shutter if you are shooting scens with fast action), it has a reliable autofocus if you need that, and you can lock focus. It costs the same as the Hx cameras.

Look at this LX7 dark musuem video, which has diramas that look like video screens and scens that look like yours - dark with lighted objects:

https://vimeo.com/58860666

Exactly why I asked here, thank you so much for your informative response!

However, I leave the discussion open for more input. Can the LX7 be bested?
Edited by UrbanSmooth - 2/24/13 at 9:20pm
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post #34 of 75
2/25/13 at 9:35pm
What do you all think about the Sony RX100's video capabilities for said project?
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post #35 of 75
2/26/13 at 6:21am
I had one and traded for LX7 + and used NEX5N smile.gif
I liked RX100 colours, but compare to LX7 AF is slow and video is not as sharp.
I also hated RX100 handling.
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post #36 of 75
2/26/13 at 7:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth View Post

What do you all think about the Sony RX100's video capabilities for said project?

I have an RX100 and like it for being a pocket sized camera for taking photos. It's best use is not video, but it works and I use it for that too. If video is the primary purpose, the RX100 is not what I would buy.

Bill
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post #37 of 75
2/26/13 at 1:11pm
Looking more and more like the LX7 just might be the one. Before I pull the trigger on the sale later on tonight or tomorrow, does anyone have anymore input pertaining to this? Thanks.
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post #38 of 75
2/26/13 at 2:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth View Post

........., does anyone have anymore input pertaining to this?

Yes! Buy from someone that has a good return and customer service policy. Then be sure to test the camera thoroughly for what you intend to use it for. If it does not work well, send it back.

My wife bought a camera from B&H that she was sure she would love. She didn't. B&H was happy to take it back. Then she bought an LX7 from them that she does love. They lowered the advertised price a couple days later. She called and they credited back to her credit card for the difference.

I bought my RX100 from B&H to be sure I would have it for an oversease trip. I realized I would not be able to test it thoroughly until the trip and the trip. I emailed and asked B&H to give me an extra two weeks on the normal 30 day return policy. They emailed back that I could have an extra 30 days.

For me, the icing on the cake is that B&H does not have a store in my state, so they don't collect the 9.8% sales tax!

Bill
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post #39 of 75
2/26/13 at 5:53pm
Thanks for the input, Bill. God bless you and the wife!
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post #40 of 75
2/27/13 at 7:00am
Sony HX20V for $283!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006K551WQ/ref=pe_62860_28432670_email_1p_1_ti

Pretty cheap for a camera that takes great 1080p video with good stabilization and 20x zoom.

Bill
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post #41 of 75
2/27/13 at 7:38am
Hey guys,
Been a while since my last post. I thought I would share my first hand experience. I have many posts on my Canon HF M41 experience. IMO, it's still one of the best values for meeting the need for low light.
Last summer my Canon G9 still Camera died. I choose the Lumix DMC-FZ200 as a replacement. I really liked the 24x zoom with F2.8. The manual focus is easier to use than my M41. But I really wanted the high speed video option. The M41 is still better in low light even with the F2.8 at wide angle.

At an Indoor track meet, I used approximately 20x zoom as we were seated so far away for the Pole Vault. I shot at 120fps/720p free hand. I used sony vegas to edit the clip to speed up the to normal 30fps and the slow to 120fps then back to normal. I find that I use this camera more than the M41 due to it's large range of versatility.

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post #42 of 75
3/3/13 at 11:09am
So, I bought the Panasonic LX7, and here's the result of one of first videos shot with it:

What do you think? The screen choppiness is from my PC setup (a known issue while using multiple video cards in a setup), not from the camera. The setting that I used was MP4 1080p, which apparently is optimal for YouTube uploads. I used Windows Movie Maker to edit the video, pretty much cut off the start and finish, and tweak the audio some. Anyway that I can improve my presentation with this video? Settings in the camera? Use a real video editor like Sony Vegas, etc?
Edited by UrbanSmooth - 3/3/13 at 6:44pm
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post #43 of 75
3/3/13 at 11:34am
Awesome. How did you do the audio?

It is not possible to say what to do about the video, since I don't know what your screen video looks like. And the game obviously also has color grading so, unlike video of actual life, there is no standard to judge the color reproduction of the camera. But it looks fine.

Does the video accurately convey the colors on the screen?
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post #44 of 75
3/3/13 at 12:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth View Post

........What do you think?

My wife's LX7 is going to waste! She uses it for scenery, birds and grandkids. Further, I need spend some money on more screens!

Very good!

Bill
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post #45 of 75
3/3/13 at 12:07pm
Yes, it's time she took videos of your game-playing to pass on to your grandkids for tips.
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post #46 of 75
3/3/13 at 4:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth View Post

......., and here's the result of one of first videos shot ...... I used Windows Movie Maker to edit the video...... Anyway that I can improve my presentation with this video?........ Use a real video editor like Sony Vegas, etc?
You suggest that you are new to video editing. If that is true, the first step is learning what editors can do. You need an "into" or "survey" course. You have to answer the question of, "What do I focus on?"

After the survey you know what personal tools and techniques you want to master.

My suggestion is you spend $25 for a month's access to this comprehensive course on Adobe's $80 software. Watch it from start to finish without buying the software. This is not the "pro" stuff, but still has plenty of editing power.

Yes, almost everything in the course can be found randomly on YouTube. But, you won't know what to randomly look for without a review of available tools. .

http://www.lynda.com/Premiere-Elements-tutorials/Up-Running-Premiere-Elements-11/109763-2.html

Bill
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post #47 of 75
3/3/13 at 6:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by markr041 View Post

Awesome. How did you do the audio?

It is not possible to say what to do about the video, since I don't know what your screen video looks like. And the game obviously also has color grading so, unlike video of actual life, there is no standard to judge the color reproduction of the camera. But it looks fine.

Does the video accurately convey the colors on the screen?

I kinda of cheated with the audio. I used aTube Catcher's MP3 downloader to download the audio from a YouTube video of the same benchmark, added it to my movie project in Windows Movie Maker, then synced it up the best that I could.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bsprague View Post

My wife's LX7 is going to waste! She uses it for scenery, birds and grandkids. Further, I need spend some money on more screens!

Very good!

Bill

Thanks, Bill. It's definitely worth it to spend money on a surround setup for a more immersive gaming and PC experience.
Quote:
Originally Posted by markr041 View Post

Yes, it's time she took videos of your game-playing to pass on to your grandkids for tips.

Might be something to talk to her about, Bill, lol.
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post #48 of 75
3/3/13 at 7:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth View Post

So, I bought the Panasonic LX7, and here's the result of one of first videos shot with it:

What do you think? The screen choppiness is from my PC setup (a known issue while using multiple video cards in a setup), not from the camera. The setting that I used was MP4 1080p, which apparently is optimal for YouTube uploads. I used Windows Movie Maker to edit the video, pretty much cut off the start and finish, and tweak the audio some. Anyway that I can improve my presentation with this video? Settings in the camera? Use a real video editor like Sony Vegas, etc?

(Assuming you're sitting in a chair playing the game); wouldn't it be better to place the LX7 behind/and above you on a tripod while angling it down towards the screens so that the middle screen is centered?

...even better; place the camera on a tripod at same level with the screens/middle screen centered and play the game from behind the camera.
Edited by xfws - 3/3/13 at 7:15pm
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post #49 of 75
3/3/13 at 8:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by xfws View Post

(Assuming you're sitting in a chair playing the game); wouldn't it be better to place the LX7 behind/and above you on a tripod while angling it down towards the screens so that the middle screen is centered?

...even better; place the camera on a tripod at same level with the screens/middle screen centered and play the game from behind the camera.

No, videos of that angle are much too common on YouTube, I wanted to mix it up a bit. This is my 'iconic' angle.
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post #50 of 75
3/6/13 at 9:56pm
Here's another video that I took, the quality seems lower and the lighting a lot darker, even though I used the same settings as the above video. What can I do to improve this?

Tomb Raider 2013 Benchmark - Nvidia Surround - GTX 480 SLI
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post #51 of 75
3/7/13 at 8:10am
I like that one too. I don't see why you think the general quality seems lower.

I don't have an LX7, but I think what you want to do is try the "P" or Programmed Auto mode. Then find the "EV" Exposure Value setting where you can raise and lower the brightness.

Bill
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post #52 of 75
3/7/13 at 4:05pm
This is a great thread! i've already gotten so many good ideas from it.

I hope no one minds if i jump in with another option for people opinions, the panasoniz zs30/tz40. it is set the be released at the end of the month and the video specs look to be amazing. the lens and sensor aren't as nice as the lx7 though. i know it's tough to get opinions without actually seeing videos from the device, but are panasonics generally good video taking machines? i've always had canons but this one looks pretty awesome.
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post #53 of 75
3/7/13 at 8:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bsprague View Post

I like that one too. I don't see why you think the general quality seems lower.

I don't have an LX7, but I think what you want to do is try the "P" or Programmed Auto mode. Then find the "EV" Exposure Value setting where you can raise and lower the brightness.

Bill

Thanks, Bill, got a another video being groomed for release this weekend sometime. Will update.
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post #54 of 75
3/8/13 at 10:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by biohazdan View Post

This is a great thread! i've already gotten so many good ideas from it.

I hope no one minds if i jump in with another option for people opinions, the panasoniz zs30/tz40. it is set the be released at the end of the month and the video specs look to be amazing. the lens and sensor aren't as nice as the lx7 though. i know it's tough to get opinions without actually seeing videos from the device, but are panasonics generally good video taking machines? i've always had canons but this one looks pretty awesome.

One of the things that has become abundantly clear participating in this forum for two years is that great video for YouTube can be produced with almost any camera that says it does HD. The actual camera is far less important that the skills of the shooter. My guess is is that the zs30/tz40 will do well. Looking at B&H, it appears to be a direct on competitor for the Sony HX9V, HX30V, HX30V series that has been highly reccomended in the $350 price range.

Additionally, Panasonic is smart enough to make their cameras perform better than iPhones.

Bill
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post #55 of 75
3/11/13 at 8:28pm
Here's another video shot in 1080p with the LX7:


Resident Evil 6 Benchmark - Nvidia Surround - GTX 480 SLI



Looks better than the Tomb Raider one that I posted above, however, there is still the issue of the camera auto-focusing. I do not want it to do that! I want to set it and forget it.
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post #56 of 75
3/12/13 at 5:28am
Auto focus: You know the LX7 has manual focus? It also has focus lock (let it autofocus, then lock). You can even lock exposure (let it autexpose, then lock).

I don't understand: "there is still the issue of the camera auto-focusing. I do not want it to do that! I want to set it and forget it." What issue?
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post #57 of 75
3/12/13 at 5:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by markr041 View Post

Auto focus: You know the LX7 has manual focus? It also has focus lock (let it autofocus, then lock). You can even lock exposure (let it autexpose, then lock).

I don't understand: "there is still the issue of the camera auto-focusing. I do not want it to do that! I want to set it and forget it." What issue?

See how the video has a slight 'pulsing' effect. Notice the rather obnoxious large text on the far left screen that shows the score. It will focus in and out randomly. This is the camera's autofocus.
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post #58 of 75
3/13/13 at 8:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanSmooth View Post

See how the video has a slight 'pulsing' effect. Notice the rather obnoxious large text on the far left screen that shows the score. It will focus in and out randomly. This is the camera's autofocus.

Jusr press focus lock. That is why it is there. This is precisely NOT a problem if you handle the camera correctly. It is not a camera "issue" it is an operator issue.
Edited by markr041 - 3/13/13 at 8:17am
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post #59 of 75
3/14/13 at 7:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by markr041 View Post

Jusr press focus lock. That is why it is there. This is precisely NOT a problem if you handle the camera correctly. It is not a camera "issue" it is an operator issue.

Thank you, Mark. You've always been a good friend to me.
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post #60 of 75
3/16/13 at 8:35pm
This one, is perhaps, a little better:

ArmA 3 Alpha - Nvidia Surround - GTX 480 SLI:
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