Looking for Pro video camera for dance recital

[Tomr406]

I was looking at a Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150 to record dance recital. Pros and Cons and any are there any recommendations.

I have been recording my daughter's dance recitals using my Canon 7D Mark II and my Canon 7D. Due to low light conditions they worked well but I'm looking to upgrade to a professional video camera for the last 4 years of my daughter's dance recitals.

I'm looking to spend anywhere from $800 to $1,200 on a decent video camera. Must be capable of shooting in low-light situations, must have SD card slots or compact flash and and input for raw audio or external Mic's.

I know nothing about video cameras I am a photographer. Please help.

Thank You

Tom

 

[joema1]

I was looking at a Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150 to record dance recital. ...have been recording my daughter's dance recitals using my Canon 7D Mark II and my Canon 7D. Due to low light conditions they worked well but I'm looking to upgrade to a professional video camera

I would not get the HMC150 for that application -- it has a 1/3" sensor. My documentary team uses the AG-DVX200 which has a much larger micro-4/3 sensor, and even it can struggle in low light.

Most typical "pro" ENG-type camcorders have smaller sensors. That keeps lenses smaller and less expensive and increases magnification for a given focal length. To keep the fixed zoom lens lighter and less expensive they often are variable aperture, so they become optically slower at longer focal ratios -- exactly the opposite of what you need. They are fine for general use and for lit interviews. They are usually not good for very low light such as a wedding reception.

For stage plays, dance recitals, etc. the lighting varies a lot. It can be fairly bright but it can also be very dim and periodically monochromatic. It can be a very difficult for small-sensor cameras to capture at high quality.

The 7D2 should be pretty good for this application, given the right lens. It's true you won't have smooth motorized zoom, but a camcorder with a zoom rocker that is worse in low light is probably not a good trade off.

At the venue during a performance or lighting rehearsal if could take some lux readings on the stage with a meter and that would give a more objective number for illumination. The human eye is notoriously poor at judging those things.

 

[Tomr406]

I was looking at a Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150 to record dance recital. ...have been recording my daughter's dance recitals using my Canon 7D Mark II and my Canon 7D. Due to low light conditions they worked well but I'm looking to upgrade to a professional video camera

I would not get the HMC150 for that application -- it has a 1/3" sensor. My documentary team uses the AG-DVX200 which has a much larger micro-4/3 sensor, and even it can struggle in low light.

Most typical "pro" ENG-type camcorders have smaller sensors. That keeps lenses smaller and less expensive and increases magnification for a given focal length. To keep the fixed zoom lens lighter and less expensive they often are variable aperture, so they become optically slower at longer focal ratios -- exactly the opposite of what you need. They are fine for general use and for lit interviews. They are usually not good for very low light such as a wedding reception.

For stage plays, dance recitals, etc. the lighting varies a lot. It can be fairly bright but it can also be very dim and periodically monochromatic. It can be a very difficult for small-sensor cameras to capture at high quality.

The 7D2 should be pretty good for this application, given the right lens. It's true you won't have smooth motorized zoom, but a camcorder with a zoom rocker that is worse in low light is probably not a good trade off.

At the venue during a performance or lighting rehearsal if could take some lux readings on the stage with a meter and that would give a more objective number for illumination. The human eye is notoriously poor at judging those things.

I've shot the Canon 7D Mark II for 2 years now I was looking for a better quality picture and easy use because the 7D Mark II shuts down after 30 minutes of video taping. Yeah I'm shooting low f-stop lenses to capture good movement and good light. What would be a good recommendation for a video camera

 

[NottsPhoto]

I was looking at a Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150 to record dance recital. ...have been recording my daughter's dance recitals using my Canon 7D Mark II and my Canon 7D. Due to low light conditions they worked well but I'm looking to upgrade to a professional video camera

I would not get the HMC150 for that application -- it has a 1/3" sensor. My documentary team uses the AG-DVX200 which has a much larger micro-4/3 sensor, and even it can struggle in low light.

Most typical "pro" ENG-type camcorders have smaller sensors. That keeps lenses smaller and less expensive and increases magnification for a given focal length. To keep the fixed zoom lens lighter and less expensive they often are variable aperture, so they become optically slower at longer focal ratios -- exactly the opposite of what you need. They are fine for general use and for lit interviews. They are usually not good for very low light such as a wedding reception.

For stage plays, dance recitals, etc. the lighting varies a lot. It can be fairly bright but it can also be very dim and periodically monochromatic. It can be a very difficult for small-sensor cameras to capture at high quality.

The 7D2 should be pretty good for this application, given the right lens. It's true you won't have smooth motorized zoom, but a camcorder with a zoom rocker that is worse in low light is probably not a good trade off.

At the venue during a performance or lighting rehearsal if could take some lux readings on the stage with a meter and that would give a more objective number for illumination. The human eye is notoriously poor at judging those things.

I've shot the Canon 7D Mark II for 2 years now I was looking for a better quality picture and easy use because the 7D Mark II shuts down after 30 minutes of video taping. Yeah I'm shooting low f-stop lenses to capture good movement and good light. What would be a good recommendation for a video camera

For 1200 bucks your not going to get anything that produces a picture as good as your 7dmk2, unless you opt for another stills centric camera...

the problem as the previous pointed out is the small chip size and limited optics of the bespoke videos cameras...

if you want a bespoke camera that delivers as good a result but with a video form factor your gonna need a aps-c sized chip camera.... and frankly your gonna have to spend more.... the cheapest that might do the trick is the c100mk1, But forget af... the c100mk2 would be another better bet, but they are circa £3000.... they do give better low light preformance than the 7dmk2.

but the small chip cameras are frankly rubbish picture wise compared to what you already have...

 

[joema1]

...I've shot the Canon 7D Mark II for 2 years now I was looking for a better quality picture and easy use because the 7D Mark II shuts down after 30 minutes of video taping. Yeah I'm shooting low f-stop lenses to capture good movement and good light. What would be a good recommendation for a video camera

The Panasonic GH5 does not have a 30 min limit (at least in 4k), not sure about other mirrorless cameras.

For a true camcorder capable of low light, I'm not familiar with any (at an affordable price) that could really compete with a late-generation APS-C camera. Our AG-DVX200 is one of the better ones but it can't compare to, say, a Sony A6500 with an f/2.8 lens in low light. The DVX200 costs $4,200, vs an A6500 plus 70-200 2.8 G-Master is "only" $3700.

I realize you mentioned $800 to $1200 but this illustrates what you have to spend to have a chance of good low light telephoto performance. I don't know of any video camera (camcorder, mirrorless or DSLR) that can do this cheaply.

If your concern is the 30 min. record limit on your 7D, maybe Magic Lantern firmware would bypass this. I have not tested it myself but you could try it. If it works, that costs $0, plus gives many additional video features. Unfortunately I don't think it supports the 7D Mark II:

Magic Lantern | Home

Magic Lantern is a free addon for Canon EOS DSLR & MILC cameras that adds a host of features to assist photographers and videographers. Unlock your Canon!

www.magiclantern.fm

 

[uncle dunc]

What if you kept using your Canon gear and got another camera to run continuously through the entire show so you'd have coverage for when you stop and restart your Canons? The Panasonic GX85 will capture 4k video with no time limit using a $30 AC adapter, and you can run it via wifi on your phone. You could get a prime lens for better low light, set it in the wings and use that shot when needed. The color cast wouldn't match your Canons, but, since it would be a different angle with different lighting and shadows, it probably wouldn't matter.

 

[NottsPhoto]

We have both the gh5 and the 7dmk2.

sadly the gh5 is not as good as the 7dmk2 in low light.

the camera he needs is a c100.

The mk1 is at least as good as the 7dmk2 in low light, the mk2 is better.

sd cards, excellent audio inputs using xlr’s with a good low noise floor.

No limit on record time, uses the same lenses.

i wonder how much a used mk1 costs in the states?

 

[Tomr406]

...I've shot the Canon 7D Mark II for 2 years now I was looking for a better quality picture and easy use because the 7D Mark II shuts down after 30 minutes of video taping. Yeah I'm shooting low f-stop lenses to capture good movement and good light. What would be a good recommendation for a video camera

The Panasonic GH5 does not have a 30 min limit (at least in 4k), not sure about other mirrorless cameras.

For a true camcorder capable of low light, I'm not familiar with any (at an affordable price) that could really compete with a late-generation APS-C camera. Our AG-DVX200 is one of the better ones but it can't compare to, say, a Sony A6500 with an f/2.8 lens in low light. The DVX200 costs $4,200, vs an A6500 plus 70-200 2.8 G-Master is "only" $3700.

I realize you mentioned $800 to $1200 but this illustrates what you have to spend to have a chance of good low light telephoto performance. I don't know of any video camera (camcorder, mirrorless or DSLR) that can do this cheaply.

If your concern is the 30 min. record limit on your 7D, maybe Magic Lantern firmware would bypass this. I have not tested it myself but you could try it. If it works, that costs $0, plus gives many additional video features. Unfortunately I don't think it supports the 7D Mark II:

http://www.magiclantern.fm/

I definitely agree with your choices and that's what I've been looking at I'm just looking for an easier way to videotape it then doing it through a dlsr. I like to have a little more control with the focusing and panting out. I just don't want to lose quality of picture or video. I'm going to do some research on the mirrorless cameras this weekend and try to figure out if it's worth doing it or spending the money for a good video camera. And thank you all for your input I appreciate it

 

[Pete Berry]

Tom, here's a link to a clip from to a stage-lit concert I shot with my GH4 & 12-35/2.8 Panny lens at ISO 1600, shooting native 4K 30p but rendered on a 1080 30p timeline. I don't see the noise at all objectionable, and no NR used in rendering in Cyberlink P-D @ 16Mbps./MP-4 (which is very effective and detail-protecting). Also 4K to 1080p increases poss. res. to a full 1080 L/PH vs. native DSLR/mirrorless 1080p that maxes out by 750 - a 50% increase, and lower noise than native 1080.

I don't see the noise at all objectionable, and no NR used in rendering in Cyberlink P-D @ 16Mbps./MP-4. You could prob get a used GH4, which has all the video bells and whistles, or a new G7 that shoots 4K of similar IQ, but lacks a headphone jack, and a Metabones Speedbooster

You could prob get a used GH4, which has all the video bells and whistles, or a new G7 that shoots 4K of similar IQ, but lacks a headphone jack, and a Metabones Speedbooster XL with a .64X FL and aperture factor ($700) for around $1200 for the G7 combo - a little more for the used GH4:

Your 16-25/2.8 becomes an EFL of 24.5-37/1.8 factoring in the m4/3 factor of 2X + the extra 0.4X 4K crop factor.This goes a long way to overcoming the 2-stop ISO advantage of FF sensors. AF-S and the excellent Canon OIS are both functional, and with the bodies' active focus peaking during filming, easy MF correction with a little practice.

Pete

 

[apekkpul]

How about Sony a6000 and 50mm 1.8 lens?

 

[EduPortas]

The only way to bypass the 30m recording limit on the 7D Mark II

is by using an external recorder (Atomos, etc). You would be better off purchasing

one of these instead of an entirely new camera system, considering

1) You already know how to use your camera

2) You already have fast glass

There's some good info here about the added benefits of using the HDMI-out

on the 7D Mark II, in addition to the extended recording time.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?339872-7D-II-and-external-recorder

As other have already said, it's practically imposible to obtain

an APS-C-sized videocamera with your budget.

Good luck!