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View Full Version : Assistance in selecting a new video camera, please.



drivesafe
25th November 2022, 06:46 AM
Hi folks and I am in need of some advice on what type of video camera to buy.

This is going to be used to make a number of YouTube videos on how my isolators work and how to DIY fit certain kits.

But I also want to use it when I got Train hunting.

So those with far more expertise with new video cameras, please make suggestions and why I would benefit from what make and type of video camera.

I am not a complete novice in this field but it has been more than 20 years since I last bought a new video camera ( except of a GoPro ) and I have been using my iPhone, but think I would and my tutorial videos would benefit for the right gear.


Any and all suggestions welcome.

Tins
25th November 2022, 08:55 AM
Hi folks and I am in need of some advice on what type of video camera to buy.

This is going to be used to make a number of YouTube videos on how my isolators work and how to DIY fit certain kits.

But I also want to use it when I got Train hunting.

So those with far more expertise with new video cameras, please make suggestions and why I would benefit from what make and type of video camera.

I am not a complete novice in this field but it has been more than 20 years since I last bought a new video camera ( except of a GoPro ) and I have been using my iPhone, but think I would and my tutorial videos would benefit for the right gear.


Any and all suggestions welcome.

Dedicated video cameras are dying out or going upmarket ( RED, BlackMagic etc ). Most of the "name brand" mirrorless offerings would probably easily do what you need, Tim. Great video and still. It depends on budget, of course.

This guy is OK but he pretty much only talks Sony: Which Sony Camera To Buy In 2022 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKgBm839irY)

Then there is a total rabbit hole to go down. I only picked this one at random to give you an idea. ✅ Best beginner Mirrorless Camera in 2022 [ Buyer's Guide ] - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKGm3wB0wbs)

SONY have owned the market for a while, but the others are fighting back.

'Course, if you're rich, or just want to show off, there is my dream camera..... Nikon Cameras Are Getting Crazy Good.. Nikon Z9 Review - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1MtvW43Kzw&t=1s)

Tins
25th November 2022, 08:58 AM
Of course, there is also the iPhone 14 Pro range. The cameras in those things are nuts for a phone.

The First Phone That Could Replace My Camera | iPhone 14 Pro - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWmlQBw6UU4)

And the iPad Pro!! Check out the rig at 3:09

iPad Pro M2: What Does "Pro" Even Mean? - YouTube (https://youtu.be/O_WbmIIy4vk)

incisor
25th November 2022, 11:44 AM
A compact travel camera is ideal as they usually have heaps of zoom which a phone rarely does

I use a Panasonic tz200 and it's great

drivesafe
25th November 2022, 01:34 PM
A compact travel camera is ideal as they usually have heaps of zoom which a phone rarely does

I use a Panasonic tz200 and it's great
Yep, zoom is the main feature I am after.

But I am a Sony fan but wish to see what else is out there.

Tins
25th November 2022, 01:44 PM
Yep, zoom is the main feature I am after.

But I am a Sony fan but wish to see what else is out there.

Most of the SONY A6xx and A7xx are excellent. Keep your eyes open, as there are new ones apparently on the way in the near future, so there may be deals.

incisor
25th November 2022, 06:15 PM
Yep, zoom is the main feature I am after.

But I am a Sony fan but wish to see what else is out there.

the panasonic has/had better zoom...

havent lloked in a couple of years tho

Tins
25th November 2022, 06:39 PM
the panasonic has/had better zoom...

havent lloked in a couple of years tho

Like most tech, it changes by the day. I bought a drone for much $$ a year ago. Bloody thing is already obsolete.. Still works though, so it'll do.

ChookD2
26th November 2022, 12:17 AM
Almost any of the DSLR range in which ever brand takes your fancy will provide both still and video. And has be mention the mirror-less models may be better suited.

As for zoom, with these types of camera, change the lens - many to choose from.

Again it comes down to $$ and what quality you want.

Phones, particularly the fruit variety have been making complete movies for a number of years now. You will find most of the "influencer content" on social media is shot on phones, and some of the higher end will do 4k and possibly 8k. Many movies have also been solely produced on DSLR equipment such as Canon and Nikon.

Camera choice is always a difficult decision. I'm in the Canon camp with a DSLR.

Best bet is to go to a dedicated camera outlet and put your hands on a few different ones. Get some prices before you go though because shop fronts need trade too and will probably match (some) online prices to get the deal. Get in really soon, might score a Black Friday deal.

GoldieLooks
29th July 2025, 08:20 PM
Manual audio controls make a big difference if you're filming in different environments. I always check for external mic input too, built-in mics usually pick up too much background noise.

GoldieLooks
7th August 2025, 04:48 PM
I ended up learning a lot about newer streaming camera options. You might want to check out this guide: The Top Streaming Cameras for YouTube and Facebook Live (https://www.insta360.com/blog/tips/best-streaming-camera.html) ? it breaks down what to look for and gives some decent comparisons with clear pros and cons. Helped me better figure out what suited both my recording and live needs without getting too technical.

drivesafe
10th October 2025, 09:13 AM
Well I finally got a new camera, thanks to my wife and daughter giving me one as an early Christmas present.

Its a Panasonic FZ80D and now the learning begins!

Thanks for all the input and while it has taken nearly 3 years, it is only now that I have the time to use this new camera.

Slunnie
10th October 2025, 03:13 PM
Depending on how much money you want to spend.

Quite a few content creators still use Iphones

those with a bit more use the GoPro but I understand they have reliability issues with heat etc.
Also the DJI kit seems to be very popular. I've literally just got an Osmo360, but there is a strong shift to the Osmo Action 5 Pro which is a recent release and apparently excellent.

Those more full on have moved to the Sony camera as listed earlier.

Drone work seems to be a mixture of the various DJI drones, all of them seems to be good... until they get crashed.

All of this said, the sound quality and consistency will be key to your productions also and I recommend that for whatever camera you use, that you get a cordless microphone to wear while you're recording, especially if your proximity to the camera varies. Some of the mics also have noise reduction which can be really good, and that will filter out background noise.

Its worth also looking at the other kit that your camera will work with, eg mounts, big/small tripod, hand held stick etc.

Also your editing software. CapCut is free and really good. I'm starting to use Adobe Premier Pro more which is also really good but that one might be charged - I have it via work.