E-M1 for kids' dance recital video?

khoss wrote:

The OP - Oh hell, why don't we just call him Barry, only has the EM1. Would a GH4 do better ? Yes, of course. A GX7 IS better for video as well. It would also cost a good bit for someone who hasn't done much video to go out and outfit themselves for it. Like I said, the EM1 is one of the Olympus cameras I haven't tried. There is also the option of renting. Lensrentals can usually get equipment to someone in a few days. I guess I'd rather try to help someone figure out how to use what they have before telling them how to spend their money but then again I had forgotten that I myself have rented everything I have purchased first to see if it fits the bill. So, on the last note, set up some meaningful practice area and then rent before you buy , at least to see if you even WANT to do video, Barry.

Regards,

Kurt

I never meant to imply that there was anything wrong with the E-M1 for video. In fact, I think it will likely perform better than most CaNikon DSLRs. The reason I compared it to Panasonic cameras is because you said/implied that the E-M1 was better for video than the Panasonic cameras you have. And it clearly isn't IMO.

You made it sound like if you could do it with the "meager" gear you have, then surely a "better" camera like the E-M1 could do it. But the fact is, you actually have excellent gear for shooting video, and you shouldn't underestimate the quality of what you have. Many higher priced cameras can't do what the gear you chose can.

The fact is, I expect the E-M1 to perform very well, especially if the OP learns to manual focus while doing video. I don't think that what he described is particularly demanding with regard to manually focusing, so perhaps a few hours of practice will be enough.