Hello to all,
First sorry for the long question(s) however many thanks for input
See Links at the end…
I'm trying to decide between two cameras (Sony HXR-NX70U NXCAM or the Canon XF100) as this would be my "A" cam for future Shorts and maybe some really cool vacation stuff but Shorts are first and foremost. I have read from some members here about their hands on take of Canon's cameras but not so much on or about the lower end Sony gear so any input is greatly invited. Also my budget is for either model at this time but as the Sony has a rebate offer that helps greatly placing extra money in other places (audio or lights). With that said, you will see below there are always ways to offset cost in one form or another. My main focus is quality of the video, features second or I should really say 1b and add on gear is then placed behind that.
Example, quality of video, good colors or too much and things get into trouble in post. Next, functions such as a focus ring(s) and manual controls so that a persons ear is sharper than their eyes Not last but how is the audio? XLR inputs are great but if the unit on the camera is bad or not enough control so why pay extra for less per se if you can't use it at all.
I'll start with which models I'm looking at, then let you know what I'm using as of now and go from there… (I'll add links at the end of this also).
First, I'm interested in the Sony HXR-NX70U NXCAM Compact Camcorder. I like the fact it is built for certain areas, not in a studio's control such as mist (I video around Niagara Falls a good amount), some dirty areas (aka dust) and rugged for different weather conditions.
Small is nice for what I'll be doing, the XLR audio inputs are welcome and a good amount of inputs/outputs in general is nice. The ability to record in 60p if I need to or want to and just from using it's baby brother, the Sony HDRPJ710V Camcorder, I've been very impressed by the colors, stabilization (can't stress this enough for hand held) and over all fit and finish. Only down side to the 710, manual controls are one at a time and no full audio control, only two modes but idiot proof and clean so it is fine and would end up being used as my "B" cam.
The second camera is the Canon XF100 Camcorder.
I should start by saying I have the Canon HF-S21 and really like all the controls it offers and would give an additional "point" over the Sony 710 because I have full control over the audio and it can piggy-back recording from one card to the next or both at once which is very nice.
So, while I do like the Canon unit I have, this doesn't have to make the cut for a "B" cam at this point because I plan on using the Sony 710. I must admit I'm not sure if Canon's big brother, the FX100 can give any better quality of video since they use the same senor chip which is where my concern comes into play for the price. Also I'm not thrilled with the stabilization of the Canon unit (when zooming in around the half way point and on) and extra care has to be taken when hand held, not sure about the XF100 and for the price I would hope it would be better. Again though to be fair my "A" cam will mostly be on a tripod or Jib but at the cost for either unit it is a definite plus having good quality when not mounted.
Back to the audio, I like the Canon's audio when using my Rode Mic and hoping for some feedback about the XF100's audio? Like anything I understand a good mic goes a long way and while I was on a tight budget a few years back I have had great luck with my RodeVideoMic. I would look into using with either camera unit a Rode NTG-2 unless there is something else people find better for the same or close to cost amount.
I know some may suggest a Panasonic in the same price/model range but I'm not impressed with the video quality and a few other things I've read about. Not to mention I watched first hand some struggles a few have had in lower light situations which I want to stay away from. Some of my shorts will be darker to some degree but again I'm aware of the lighting and balance needed to pull off what I'm looking for.
Overall cost to invest into another unit of either brand plays a part as well as I mentioned briefly above however it is secondary to quality. See below as to why.
I don't want to list everything but the things that stand out as important and other specs that can make two very good units come closer or further apart in the final decision making process.
My Pros/Cons for Sony short list:
Uses the same SD cards as I have now, Just bought this summer new SD cards of all sizes at highest quality so I'm set there. Plus they work in my D7000 so it's a bonus. This helps on my Macs since I don't need to have readers hooked up and any chances of broken or lost parts.
Great colors but hoping the Sony HXR-NX70U NXCAM has the same or better quality as the 710 and any real world info or feedback is greatly welcomed.
Batteries, yeah I know, I have to have them no matter what but the small Sony unit uses the same as it's big brother and again I have plenty of them so that is an investment factor though not as much as function and final output is which I have not mentioned enough
The description of rugged and weather sealed is a nice bonus and what appears to be a nice viewfinder for those really bright days.
Canon short list:
I am comfortable with the menu system so adding extras is just that, things to make the filming a better flow and to get use to like buttons and the like.
The HF-S21 has a nice picture, gets better when editing/correcting the color in post and I can only hope the XF100 can do the same, feedback welcome.
A bit concerned about how steady the XF100 is handheld and since it will be heavier I would like some feedback on that part.
I would need different cards to record to and then again a CF reader as well for offloading the video, not a deal breaker but budget cost adding here.
My only other concern is you can get the 50/60p added to the Canon unit but I'm not sure how much extra this is and if the quality ends up degrading or improving, again any feedback would be great.
While I don't think either unit you could go wrong with I would like to know how these compare or are they really different in the long run?
Links below:
Canon FX100
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/733533-REG/Canon_4888B001_XF100_HD_Professional_Camcorder.html
Sony
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/761581-REG/Sony_HXR_NX70U_HXR_NX70_Compact_Dust_and.html
First sorry for the long question(s) however many thanks for input
See Links at the end…
I'm trying to decide between two cameras (Sony HXR-NX70U NXCAM or the Canon XF100) as this would be my "A" cam for future Shorts and maybe some really cool vacation stuff but Shorts are first and foremost. I have read from some members here about their hands on take of Canon's cameras but not so much on or about the lower end Sony gear so any input is greatly invited. Also my budget is for either model at this time but as the Sony has a rebate offer that helps greatly placing extra money in other places (audio or lights). With that said, you will see below there are always ways to offset cost in one form or another. My main focus is quality of the video, features second or I should really say 1b and add on gear is then placed behind that.
Example, quality of video, good colors or too much and things get into trouble in post. Next, functions such as a focus ring(s) and manual controls so that a persons ear is sharper than their eyes
Not last but how is the audio? XLR inputs are great but if the unit on the camera is bad or not enough control so why pay extra for less per se if you can't use it at all.I'll start with which models I'm looking at, then let you know what I'm using as of now and go from there… (I'll add links at the end of this also).
First, I'm interested in the Sony HXR-NX70U NXCAM Compact Camcorder. I like the fact it is built for certain areas, not in a studio's control such as mist (I video around Niagara Falls a good amount), some dirty areas (aka dust) and rugged for different weather conditions.
Small is nice for what I'll be doing, the XLR audio inputs are welcome and a good amount of inputs/outputs in general is nice. The ability to record in 60p if I need to or want to and just from using it's baby brother, the Sony HDRPJ710V Camcorder, I've been very impressed by the colors, stabilization (can't stress this enough for hand held) and over all fit and finish. Only down side to the 710, manual controls are one at a time and no full audio control, only two modes but idiot proof and clean so it is fine and would end up being used as my "B" cam.
The second camera is the Canon XF100 Camcorder.
I should start by saying I have the Canon HF-S21 and really like all the controls it offers and would give an additional "point" over the Sony 710 because I have full control over the audio and it can piggy-back recording from one card to the next or both at once which is very nice.
So, while I do like the Canon unit I have, this doesn't have to make the cut for a "B" cam at this point because I plan on using the Sony 710. I must admit I'm not sure if Canon's big brother, the FX100 can give any better quality of video since they use the same senor chip which is where my concern comes into play for the price. Also I'm not thrilled with the stabilization of the Canon unit (when zooming in around the half way point and on) and extra care has to be taken when hand held, not sure about the XF100 and for the price I would hope it would be better. Again though to be fair my "A" cam will mostly be on a tripod or Jib but at the cost for either unit it is a definite plus having good quality when not mounted.
Back to the audio, I like the Canon's audio when using my Rode Mic and hoping for some feedback about the XF100's audio? Like anything I understand a good mic goes a long way and while I was on a tight budget a few years back I have had great luck with my RodeVideoMic. I would look into using with either camera unit a Rode NTG-2 unless there is something else people find better for the same or close to cost amount.
I know some may suggest a Panasonic in the same price/model range but I'm not impressed with the video quality and a few other things I've read about. Not to mention I watched first hand some struggles a few have had in lower light situations which I want to stay away from. Some of my shorts will be darker to some degree but again I'm aware of the lighting and balance needed to pull off what I'm looking for.
Overall cost to invest into another unit of either brand plays a part as well as I mentioned briefly above however it is secondary to quality. See below as to why.
I don't want to list everything but the things that stand out as important and other specs that can make two very good units come closer or further apart in the final decision making process.
My Pros/Cons for Sony short list:
Uses the same SD cards as I have now, Just bought this summer new SD cards of all sizes at highest quality so I'm set there. Plus they work in my D7000 so it's a bonus. This helps on my Macs since I don't need to have readers hooked up and any chances of broken or lost parts.
Great colors but hoping the Sony HXR-NX70U NXCAM has the same or better quality as the 710 and any real world info or feedback is greatly welcomed.
Batteries, yeah I know, I have to have them no matter what but the small Sony unit uses the same as it's big brother and again I have plenty of them so that is an investment factor though not as much as function and final output is which I have not mentioned enough
The description of rugged and weather sealed is a nice bonus and what appears to be a nice viewfinder for those really bright days.
Canon short list:
I am comfortable with the menu system so adding extras is just that, things to make the filming a better flow and to get use to like buttons and the like.
The HF-S21 has a nice picture, gets better when editing/correcting the color in post and I can only hope the XF100 can do the same, feedback welcome.
A bit concerned about how steady the XF100 is handheld and since it will be heavier I would like some feedback on that part.
I would need different cards to record to and then again a CF reader as well for offloading the video, not a deal breaker but budget cost adding here.
My only other concern is you can get the 50/60p added to the Canon unit but I'm not sure how much extra this is and if the quality ends up degrading or improving, again any feedback would be great.
While I don't think either unit you could go wrong with I would like to know how these compare or are they really different in the long run?
Links below:
Canon FX100
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/733533-REG/Canon_4888B001_XF100_HD_Professional_Camcorder.html
Sony
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/761581-REG/Sony_HXR_NX70U_HXR_NX70_Compact_Dust_and.html
