Is your ministry looking for a new camera (or cameras)? Ready to go HD!
Check out this post from Collide Magazine
Jason
Tools of the Trade: Cameras
Daniel Darnell - Originally posted Monday, October 19, 2009 - Comments (0)
Master artisans have tools that assist them in accomplishing their work. The most important tool in a videographer’s arsenal is the video camera, so we’ve put together a list of cameras ranging in price from less than $200 to almost $8,000. If you’re looking to purchase a new camera or replace an old one, we hope this helps you find the right camera for your needs and budget.
Sony EX 1
pro.sony.com
Over the years, Sony has produced some outstanding cameras, and the EX1 is no exception. Boasting three 1/2” CMOS sensors, the EX1 offers higher resolution and better depth of field than other cameras. Unfortunately, the larger sensors equate to a higher cost.
Optical Sensor Size: 1/2”
Optical Sensor Type: 3xCMOS
Lens: Fixed with Fujinon 14x zoom, 5.8mm-81mm
Resolution: 1920 x 1080/60i/30p/24p, 1280 x 720/60p/30p/24p
Storage Format: SBP-8/16/32GB SxS Expres 34 Cards
MSRP: $7,790
Canon XH A1
www.usa.canon.com
As you’ve come to expect from Canon, the XH A1 delivers professional HD video at a reasonable price. The XH A1 comes with a Genuine Canon 20x HD lens and Super-Range optical image stabilization. Nevertheless, the XH A1 does not offer 720p recording and the lens is fixed.
Optical Sensor Size: 1/3”
Optical Sensor Type: 3xCCD
Lens: Fixed w/20x zoom, 4.5mm-90mm
Resolution: 1920 x 1080/60i/30F/24F
Storage Format: Mini DV (HDV)
MSRP: $4,999Canon EOS 5D Mark II
www.use.canon.com
Every photographer has heard of Canon’s new 5D Mark II, as it is the camera to use for professional photography, but photographers aren’t the only ones utilizing this camera’s power. While its main use is to take stunning photos, the 5D Mark II also shoots 1080p HD video surprisingly well, and it’s half the size of most video cameras.
Optical Sensor Size: 36mm x 24mm
Optical Sensor Type: 21.1-megapixel single-plate CMOS
Lens: Canon EF lenses (Not included )
Resolution: 1920 x 1080/30fps
Sto rage Format: Compact Flash Type I and II
MSRP: $2,699Panasonic AG -HVX 200
www.panasonic.com
Despite the fact that the HVX200 was originally released in late 2005, it still remains a camera of choice for many videographers. The HVX200 delivers stunning HD video, a vast amount of frame rate options, and solid storage solutions. However, this powerful camera is also somewhat heavy, hard to learn, and has a fixed lens.
Optical Sensor Size: 1/3”
Optical Sensor Type: 3xCCD
Lens: Fixed w/13x Leica Dicor mar zoom, 4.2mm-55mm
Resolution: 1920 x 1080/60i/30p/24p, 1280 x 720/60p/30p/24p
Storage Format: DV, DVCPRO, DVCPRO HD, P2 Card
MSRP: $4,699Red Scarlet 3K
www.red.com
If you’ve been in the video world for a while, chances are you’ve heard of Red cameras. Reds are known for their superb quality, modular design, and their high price tag. However, Red’s new camera, the Scarlet 3K, promises to deliver Red quality at a fraction of the price. Details are still vague as the camera is set to release later this year.
Optical Sensor Size: 2/3”
Optical Sensor Type: Mysterium-X
Lens: Fixed 8x zoom
Resolution: 1920 x 1080p/1-30fps
Storage Format: Compact Flash or DSMC SSD
MSRP: $2,500-$3,500Panasonic HDC-TM300K
www.panasonic.com
For those of you with both a tighter budget and a need for quality HD video, Panasonic’s HDC-TM300K is a solid alternative to prosumer models. This small, lightweight camera rivals those four times its price while offering nearly equal image quality. However, many people aren’t fond of the LCD touchscreen.
Optical Sensor Size: 1/4.1”
Optical Sensor Type: 9.15(3.05x3) megapixel MOS
Lens: Fixed Leica Nico mar w/12x zoom, 4mm - 48mm
Resolution: 1920 x 1080/60i/30p/24p
Storage Format: 32 GB Flash (integrated ), SD
MSRP: $1,299Canon Vixia HF200
www.usa.canon.com
If you’re looking for the quality of a Canon minus the high sticker price, the Vixia HF200 is for you. Don’t let its small size and price fool you. The Vixia HF200 offers features that you will find in more expensive Canon models such as a 15x zoom, a wide range of shutterspeeds, and multiple aperture settings. Sadly, the Vixia HF200 doesn’t come with any built in memory.
Optical Sensor Size: 1/4”
Optical Sensor Type: 3.89 megapixel CMOS
Lens: Fixed w/15x zoom, 4.1mm – 61.5mm
Resolution: 1920 x 1080/60i/30p/24p
Storage Format: Flash
MSRP: $599Flip MinoHD
www.theflip.com
If you’re looking for HD video on the go, then the new Flip MinoHD is your best bet. This little fella packs quite a punch with its 720p resolution, 8GB of internal memory, 2 inch screen, rechargeable battery, and simple plug-n-play function. However, don’t expect impressive low-light performance.
Optical Sensor Size: 1/4.5”
Optical Sensor Type: HD CMOS
Lens: Fixed Focus (0.8m to infinity)
Resolution: 1280 x 720p
Storage Format: 8GB internal memory
MSRP: $229Kodak Zi8
www.kodak.com
Unlike the Flip MinoHD, the Kodak Zi8 shoots 1080p HD quality video at up to 30fps. The Zi8’s 2.5” screen, speedy processor, and ability to take 5MB stills make it a noteworthy competitor in a market dominated by Flip. The downside, however, is that the Zi8 doesn’t have internal memory.
Optical Sensor Size: 1/2.5”
Optical Sensor Type: 5 megapixel CMOS
Lens: 6.3mm Fixed Focus (100cm to infinity)
Resolution: 1920 x 1080p/30p, 1280 x 720/60p/30p
Storage Format: SD/SDHC
MSRP: $179
For more specifications and reviews on these cameras, visit each manufacturer’s website or a third-party site such as www.cnet.com.
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