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Camera for Lengthy Videos

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greenbeanss

greenbeanss

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So I already have a Nikon d3200 and I use it for general youtube videos and also pictures. But it only records 20 minutes at a time and does get quite hot, as I would figure for a larger dslr. I want to begin doing speed-art videos, which means I need to record for 2-3 hours continuously. 720p or 1080p is fine, and I'm looking for a smaller more compact camera. I know some people say to use your phone because phones can recording quite long, but I use my phone a lot while I'm drawing so that's not an option. I'm not set on a specific price. Any recommendations are welcome.
 
greenbeanss said:
So I already have a Nikon d3200 and I use it for general youtube videos and also pictures. But it only records 20 minutes at a time and does get quite hot, as I would figure for a larger dslr. I want to begin doing speed-art videos, which means I need to record for 2-3 hours continuously. 720p or 1080p is fine, and I'm looking for a smaller more compact camera. I know some people say to use your phone because phones can recording quite long, but I use my phone a lot while I'm drawing so that's not an option. I'm not set on a specific price. Any recommendations are welcome.
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These have a large sensor and record in 4K and are only $250 (plus the cost of a micro 4/3 lens)

http://www.z-cam.com/e1/

They have no max recording duration, but I would probably recommend that you use the time lapse feature. You can just set it to take a 4K still frame every 1 second or something, and then you've already got a time-lapse video without having to run a continous video. The camera won't get hot or use up the battery, it will be a lot easier on your memory cards, and you won't have to edit and re-render to get your shorter video. That Z-cam also has a dedicated power port, so you can plug that in just to make sure you don't lose power before you are done.

For a lens, I would assume you want a moderate wide angle, so the 14mm f2.5 or 12-32mm pancake lenses would be good choices for that small camera body.
 
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greenbeanss said:
So I already have a Nikon d3200 and I use it for general youtube videos and also pictures. But it only records 20 minutes at a time and does get quite hot, as I would figure for a larger dslr. I want to begin doing speed-art videos, which means I need to record for 2-3 hours continuously. 720p or 1080p is fine, and I'm looking for a smaller more compact camera. I know some people say to use your phone because phones can recording quite long, but I use my phone a lot while I'm drawing so that's not an option. I'm not set on a specific price. Any recommendations are welcome.
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Look at Panasonic MFT. Video quality as good as it gets, and they don't overheat. Just make sure you get a model that's not artificially limited to 30 min recording time for European regulations. The GX85 and G85 (US versions) should do what you want.
 
tkbslc said:
Labe said:
use a dedicated camcorder that's what they are designed for.
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Dedicated camcorders have tiny sensors and narrow lenses, though.
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not of them .

jvc use m4/3 sensor with interchangeable lens ,Sony have apsc and full frame that use e mount lens times have changed .

.



da3c0b7520c44119922e1e9a3ca29403.jpg
 
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I would agree with this. I've had three of them (although not the latest). Their huge batteries and lack of time limit (outside of the EU) make them ideal. I have put them on tripods and left them alone until I thought it was time to switch out a battery and or card. Used ones are affordable; if you don't need 4K, the GH3 is nice. The grips for the GH3/4 models are also very affordable, adding twice as much recording time. I've never reached the limit, but I assume 4.5-6 hours, with grip, would be normal.
 
Corkcampbell said:
I would agree with this. I've had three of them (although not the latest). Their huge batteries and lack of time limit (outside of the EU) make them ideal. I have put them on tripods and left them alone until I thought it was time to switch out a battery and or card. Used ones are affordable; if you don't need 4K, the GH3 is nice. The grips for the GH3/4 models are also very affordable, adding twice as much recording time. I've never reached the limit, but I assume 4.5-6 hours, with grip, would be normal.
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Holistic Photog said:
Look at Panasonic MFT. Video quality as good as it gets, and they don't overheat. Just make sure you get a model that's not artificially limited to 30 min recording time for European regulations. The GX85 and G85 (US versions) should do what you want.
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Yes, Panasonic MFT cameras will record until the card fills or the battery runs out. Maybe not the GM series, due to diminutive size.

As long as you are NOT living in the EU (which imposes an artificial 30 minute record limit for video), you should be fine.

The GX85 or G85 are good choices, as would be a GH series. Depends on your specific control needs and budget.
 
That you said 720p is acceptable seems to be an indication that you don't need super high resolution or a big sensor. If that is the case, just get a camcorder for a couple hundred bucks. No need to drop a grand or two on a Panasonic mirrorless body and lens. There are some solid camcorders that can be picked up for under a grand if you buy used, including ones like the Sony CX900, which has a 1 inch sensor.
 
For $597 or less with lens you wont find a more capable device than the gx85 for long and flexible videos.
 
I'm looking for specific models recommendation, like model types, because I was going through camcorders online and found that some only have 1 hour max or 2 hour maxes, but thanks for no help. Maybe this was not a good site to ask for basic camera information afterall.
 
greenbeanss said:
I'm looking for specific models recommendation, like model types, because I was going through camcorders online and found that some only have 1 hour max or 2 hour maxes, but thanks for no help. Maybe this was not a good site to ask for basic camera information afterall.
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Well you have this question in the general digital photography forum which is more about stills.

you could try using the video forum instead for more detailed help.

 
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