Image Stabilization and Video

I have a Nikon D5100 and want to change / upgrade to a mirrorless system. I plan on getting one fast prime lens along with a kit zoom lens to start, and in the future I want to invest in a quality zoom lens and maybe an additional prime lens. My budget is up to 1,200 for the camera, kit lens, and prime lens to start.

I'm thinking about the X-T20, X-T30, or X-T100.

I will use the camera primarily for travel photography and to shoot pictures of my family at home and when traveling. I want a camera with a built in flash that others in my family can use to get good photos.

With the upgrade I want to get better image quality and to have better pictures of kids indoors, hopefully without a flash. I also take some video, and while producing a polished professional video isn't important to me, I do like to get usable footage.

The upgrade zoom lens I have my eye on -- the FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Lens -- and the prime lenses don't have image stabilization.

My question is: how is the video on the fujifilm x-series without IS? Has anyone bought fujifilm and regretted the video capabilities / been frustrated with video? Yes, I will likely have a kit zoom with IS, but I don't want to have to switch lenses to get video clips.

I've looked at Sony but I'm not happy with their lens lineup. Should I look at Panasonic? Olympus? -- will having m43 be able to get me good image quality for the type of shooting I want?

Aster1234 said:

I have a Nikon D5100 and want to change / upgrade to a mirrorless system. I plan on getting one fast prime lens along with a kit zoom lens to start, and in the future I want to invest in a quality zoom lens and maybe an additional prime lens. My budget is up to 1,200 for the camera, kit lens, and prime lens to start.

I'm thinking about the X-T20, X-T30, or X-T100.

I will use the camera primarily for travel photography and to shoot pictures of my family at home and when traveling. I want a camera with a built in flash that others in my family can use to get good photos.

With the upgrade I want to get better image quality and to have better pictures of kids indoors, hopefully without a flash. I also take some video, and while producing a polished professional video isn't important to me, I do like to get usable footage.

The upgrade zoom lens I have my eye on -- the FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Lens -- and the prime lenses don't have image stabilization.

My question is: how is the video on the fujifilm x-series without IS? Has anyone bought fujifilm and regretted the video capabilities / been frustrated with video? Yes, I will likely have a kit zoom with IS, but I don't want to have to switch lenses to get video clips.

I've looked at Sony but I'm not happy with their lens lineup. Should I look at Panasonic? Olympus? -- will having m43 be able to get me good image quality for the type of shooting I want?

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Get an Olympus EM10/3 with 5 axis IBIS or a Panasonic. mFT has the best stabilization.

Or get a FujiFilm camera and do the following, use wider focal lengths. Find something to brace yourself when shooting video, don't pan or rotate the camera quickly (only very slow), and edit video with software that stabilizes your footage. "Electronic IS" or stabilization with software works well if your are good at holding the camera level. If you move the camera too much you will get "jello" in your footage after using SW to stabilize.

If you really get into video, then buy a used gimbal. They are not small and you won't take it everywhere, but at home it will allow you to walk around and follow your subjects and get "professional" looking video.

The video with Xh1 is great due to IBIS

The XT3 has an even better video but no IBIS so even with OIS you have to be very careful not to move too firmly the camera.

For enthusiast video users I would recommend XH1

First suggestion is the X-H1 since you will have stabilization with any of Fuji's lenses and there are some great deals to be had on that camera.

Second suggestion is one of the other cameras and use the Fringer adapter with one of Canon's fast, stabilized primes.

--
www.darngoodphotos.com

I'm thinking of heading to Panasonic for general everyday and family use. Added to IBIS and lens IS working together there's the 4K photo modes, post-focus and all sorts of useful stuff. It's a matter having the right camera for the right job, and although it covers its niche very well, Fuji can't do it all...

Elyharbour said:

I'm thinking of heading to Panasonic for general everyday and family use. Added to IBIS and lens IS working together there's the 4K photo modes, post-focus and all sorts of useful stuff. It's a matter having the right camera for the right job, and although it covers its niche very well, Fuji can't do it all...

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4k photo mode? Just a silly gimmick.

Shoot an xt3 with 4k 60p and it actually does a better job.

I prefer Fuji because there is less work color grading.

The big question is, has Panny eliminated the focus wobble during video? That is a quick way to ruin a shot.

Zed Man said:

Elyharbour said:

I'm thinking of heading to Panasonic for general everyday and family use. Added to IBIS and lens IS working together there's the 4K photo modes, post-focus and all sorts of useful stuff. It's a matter having the right camera for the right job, and although it covers its niche very well, Fuji can't do it all...

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4k photo mode? Just a silly gimmick.

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Have you tried it? When capturing a child running around it's great to be able to choose that decisive moment in-camera from a 30 fps 4K video clip, write an 8MP JPEG file to the SD card and then immediately upload to to the family! Then there's the pre-burst 4K Photo mode that captures the last 30 frames / next 30 frames continuously on a loop basis which means you don't miss that shot that you can't quite catch as it happens (bird taking off is the usual example). It's been a revelation for me. No gimmick IMO but a very useful tool for the family/hobby photographer.

I agree the XT3 does a wonderful job in 4k 60p video

It's easy in VLC to take a 4k picture in TIFF 23 Mb I often use it when precise framing in stills is difficult (some aerial views, BIF) works great

With an XT3 you can set the camera to 4k 60P and select any frame you want...and yes, I've done it before.

Why settle for that lousy 30P, lol!

It is a gimmick.

Well not all of us have an XT3!!! Or if you read the OP's post, neither is he intending to get one. I value it in the Pansonic cameras - you think it's stupid - that's a bit arrogant and patronising isn't it??

Aster1234 said:

I have a Nikon D5100 and want to change / upgrade to a mirrorless system. I plan on getting one fast prime lens along with a kit zoom lens to start, and in the future I want to invest in a quality zoom lens and maybe an additional prime lens. My budget is up to 1,200 for the camera, kit lens, and prime lens to start.

I'm thinking about the X-T20, X-T30, or X-T100.

I will use the camera primarily for travel photography and to shoot pictures of my family at home and when traveling. I want a camera with a built in flash that others in my family can use to get good photos.

With the upgrade I want to get better image quality and to have better pictures of kids indoors, hopefully without a flash. I also take some video, and while producing a polished professional video isn't important to me, I do like to get usable footage.

The upgrade zoom lens I have my eye on -- the FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Lens -- and the prime lenses don't have image stabilization.

My question is: how is the video on the fujifilm x-series without IS? Has anyone bought fujifilm and regretted the video capabilities / been frustrated with video? Yes, I will likely have a kit zoom with IS, but I don't want to have to switch lenses to get video clips.

I've looked at Sony but I'm not happy with their lens lineup. Should I look at Panasonic? Olympus? -- will having m43 be able to get me good image quality for the type of shooting I want?

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For videos, from experience (as this has become my main interest), I'd say this:

1. You don't want very shallow depth of field, as focus becomes unmanageable when there is movement, and blurry subjects are annoying.

2. You have to think long and hard about how you are going to achieve an image that doesn't shake. The easiest way to diminish the shake is to use a stabilized lens, and because of #1, the kit lenses (16-50) are perfect for that. Buy the kit lens as a kit (for 100$) and save the 16-55 2.8 money to upgrade to the x-t30. The AF and face detect of the x-t20, while better than anything that came before it, is not yet good enough. The x- t30 AF however seem to be quite good enough. Don't even think of the X-T100, it has an older processor, poor AF and poor video.

3. a) Lens stabilization is not enough. A gimbal is inconvenient to set up and carry, but improves thing A LOT. It is not perfect however. If you are somewhat careful, it eliminates most of the shake, except in the Z axis (up and down when you walk) and except when you try to follow a moving subject and need to change direction from left to right or from looking downward to looking upward for example. Then the movement can become jerky. (the gimbals that offer a first person point of view mode are better in this regard).

3. b) Lens stabilisation is not enough. A sturdy and heavy tripod with legs extended can act as a kind of "glidecam" stabilization in a pinch. It works and will react better than a gimbal to sudden changes of direction, but is not very handy either.

5. practice a lot

Elyharbour said:

Well not all of us have an XT3!!!

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It works with any camera that shoots 4k.

It is a gimmick.

In-camera 4K frame grab and pre-burst? Sorry, but you're talking nonsense. I don't think you actually know what 4K Photo mode does. It does NOT apply to any camera with a 4K capability.

Elyharbour said:

In-camera 4K frame grab and pre-burst? Sorry, but you're talking nonsense. I don't think you actually know what 4K Photo mode does. It does NOT apply to any camera with a 4K capability.

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Don't be stupid.

Any camera capable of 4k and C-AF can constantly record,so you can gets shots without hitting a shutter or before thinking about it(though only you tried to change the topic to pre-burst). I can grab 4k frames from any 4k video.

Btw, pre-burst sucks when not focused on the right spot. It is the same with constant 4k video.

Just confirms that you don't understand the difference between normal 4k frame grab and 4k photo mode...go and read up on it.

Elyharbour said:

Just confirms that you don't understand the difference between normal 4k frame grab and 4k photo mode...go and read up on it.

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I prefer 4K video with faster shutter speed and going frame grabs. Much easier. Never liked 4k photo mode on my Panasonic. I quit using it and went with 4K video instead.

Aster1234 said:

I'm thinking about the X-T20, X-T30, or X-T100.

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X-T30 would be my suggestion out of the three choices.

Aster1234 said:

I want a camera with a built in flash that others in my family can use to get good photos.

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Not sure if those listed have built-in flash as I have the X-T2. But, the flash that comes with the camera, my little Fuji flash, has some pretty good controls via the camera body. I would upgrade my flash if I thought that I really, really needed it for indoor. But, I don't really think that I do and I am really happy with my indoor results - with and without flash.

Aster1234 said:

With the upgrade I want to get better image quality and to have better pictures of kids indoors, hopefully without a flash. I also take some video, and while producing a polished professional video isn't important to me, I do like to get usable footage.

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OK. Focusing speed is highest with the X-T30, of those listed above.

Aster1234 said:

The upgrade zoom lens I have my eye on -- the FUJIFILM XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR Lens -- and the prime lenses don't have image stabilization.

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This is a fantastic lens. I did retain my 18-55 OIS zoom, thinking I would be using it for video, but don't ever change my Red Badge. I am just sitting on the lens at this point.

Aster1234 said:

My question is: how is the video on the fujifilm x-series without IS?

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I think it is fantastic. I have pretty good technique when it comes to video and not using a tripod. I don't think I am shaky at all, but of course it seems less at wider FL (i.e. 16mm).

Aster1234 said:

Has anyone bought fujifilm and regretted the video capabilities / been frustrated with video?

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Nope. I purchased it for both 4K and stills. And use it more for stills than video. I am planning on stepping up my video game with the change in season and getting outside more.

Good luck with you decision. There are trade-offs galore, so its your choice.

Cam Eralens said:

Elyharbour said:

Just confirms that you don't understand the difference between normal 4k frame grab and 4k photo mode...go and read up on it.

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I prefer 4K video with faster shutter speed and going frame grabs. Much easier. Never liked 4k photo mode on my Panasonic. I quit using it and went with 4K video instead.

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I guess we shouldn't go into much depth on this in what is a Fuji forum! But I do appreciate being able to set the frame grab parameters in-camera and output a final jpeg without any post processing. It works for me but we all have different needs.