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focus is just easier or more effective. Each
manufacturer has a slightly different naming
convention for their autofocus systems, but in
general, they will all be some version of phase
detection (faster), contrast detection (more
accurate) or a combination of the two in the
case of hybrid systems. Look for cameras
with faster autofocus systems and more focus
points if you think you’ll want to use autofo-
cus frequently.
Shot assist tools like focus peaking, zebras
stripes and waveform monitors are useful for
any video producer, though some will get used
more than others and none are strictly neces-
sary to achieve the shot you’re going after. Still,
these tools do make it much easier to get proper
exposure and focus. So, cameras with these
features should be considered more strongly
than cameras without them. These tools are
also built into most external monitors, so that’s
an option to consider as well.Audio inputs
If you want professional quality video, you need
good audio. Look for what types of audio inputs
a camera has. Does it have XLR or eighth-inch
inputs? How many audio inputs does it have?
To properly monitor your audio, an indepen-
dent headphone jack is essential. Some cameras
offer only a combined audio-in/headphone-
out jack — similar to what’s probably on your
phone. This makes monitoring live audio im-
possible. Cameras under $1,000 dollars tend to
only offer a combined jack.Gear and workflow considerations
The last thing you must consider is the equip-
ment you already have. Is the equipment you
already have compatible with what you arelooking to buy? Don’t forget all of the accessories
that are required to get the best shot. Accessories
like cables, lenses, tripods, batteries and media
can get expensive. Don’t be the person who buys
a new camera but can’t use it because they don’t
have all of the additional products that are need
to operate it properly.
At first glance, a small cinema camera or mir-
rorless camera may look like the most compact
option. However, while the camera bodies are
small, you have to add to it to create a usable rig;
your little camera can become large and heavy
rather quickly. With a professional fixed lens
camcorder, your camera’s lens and accessories
are already included in a compact, lightweight
package. You don’t have the bulk of an inter-
changeable lens mount, and you don’t have to
carry extra lenses. Features like viewfinders, LCD
screens, zoom controllers and XLR audio ports
are usually built-in. All of this leads to a camera
rig that, overall, is smaller and lighter than its
mirrorless counterparts.
If your camera is heavier than five pounds,
make sure your tripod and other support can
handle the weight. This will allow you to operate
the support as it was designed. Many different
support systems will not function or will improp-
erly function if they are over-weighted. Also note
that tripods capable of holding heavy cameras
tend to come with big price tags.Time to choose
It is extremely hard not to get caught up pursuing
every camera announced during the latest cam-
era craze. That brand new feature might be just
the thing to set your next project apart, after all.
However, if you’re always chasing the best and
latest gear, you will never learn to actually make
better videos.
The perfect camera for you is the one you can
afford and know how to use. Any camera can be
used to tell a story. Sure, the newest RED camera
will probably give you footage that looks slightly
better and you may not have to work as hard to
get the image where you want it. But if you are
solid in your trade and know how to tell a story,
that does not matter. We are slaves to the story,
not our cameras.Contributors to this article include Odin Lindblom, Jason Miller
and the Videomaker Editorial Staff.The Best camcorders
You can comment on this article by going online:
http://www.videomaker.com/?p=390 B02 Pro Camcorders.indd 18 9/24/19 2:11 PMHow Much Should
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