Looking for decent camera (AKA HELP)

Threads like this get posted all the time, but what're ya gonna do.

I'm looking for a decent camera for less than £1,500/$2,300, and the cheaper the better. 1080p, digital storage and good battery is a must. Ideally I'd like a shoulder mount, but I'm open to other suggestions.

Finding the perfect camera is like finding a specific needle in a massive pile of needles, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Rich Mbariket on July 5, 2012 at 10:10am

Just bought the new Canon Rebel T4i with stock 18-55mm lens for a little over $1,000... and loving it. Shoots 1080p and 18 megapixels. Visited the Tesla show room yesterday and shot this video. Straight shooting, no color correction. Watch in HD to appreciate this camera. You have $2,300, so I'd advice to buy this camera and spend the rest a shotgun mic, tripod, additional lens, etc.   

Permalink Reply by Guidestones on July 6, 2012 at 10:24am

I've been using the Canon 60D lately. It falls in-between the T4i and the 7D in terms of cost, build quality, and manual functionality. It also uses the same type of battery as the 7D and 5Dmk2. It's another great option if you're looking for something that shoots excellent video, but is also cost-effective.

As Rich says, it's totally worthwhile to spend the rest of your budget investing in some nice lenses and other accessories, such as a shoulder-mount rig that accommodates DSLR cameras.

Permalink Reply by Guidestones on July 9, 2012 at 9:15am

We shot the entirety of Guidestones on DSLRs. Were some workarounds necessary? Sure. However, we're very pleased with the quality and overall ease-of-use of these portable, high-quality cameras - not to mention their cost-effectiveness. With each successive generation, DSLRs are catering more and more to videographers and independent filmmakers.

Permalink Reply by Chad Ream on July 8, 2012 at 6:43am

I love your needle analogy, perhaps that is how one should look at their video when on YouTube.

Canon does have a great line up and the new T4i is impressive at it's price point.  If you choose to go with a DSLR you will be spending money on more lenses.  You will seriously want to consider a prime lens, since they are the fastest.  They recently released their 40mm / 2.8 pancake, which at $200 is a bargain.

A DSLR may not be the right fit for you though, depending on your shooting style. There a great camera, but require a lot of accessories to may you most efficient. Staying with the Canon line up, you may want to consider the XH A10.

- Chad

Permalink Reply by Sebastian White on July 9, 2012 at 11:49am

How's the T3I in comparison out of curiosity?

Permalink Reply by Rich Mbariket on July 9, 2012 at 7:20pm

Getting replies mixed up. Anyway, the T3i is an awesome camera. Search "T3i Test Footage' on YouTube for raw footage. Loving my T4i so far. Can't put it down. Also search the "T4i Test Footage" while you're at it.  

Permalink Reply by AfterTheBeast on July 9, 2012 at 11:21pm

I totally agree that a sweet DSLR is the way to go if you have the money and are willing to invest in learning how to effectively use it.  However don't be afraid of getting a simpler camcorder either if that's all you need.  Depending on what you are doing with your series a $300 Sony camcorder can get the job done for way under your budget, leaving you with plenty of money to spend on other equipment (like a good editing program/Pro Tools/etc...).  You may not get the trendy, shallow depth of field thing going on right now, but 1080p, digital storage, six-hour battery...and it looks great on youtube.  (This is all advice for young, indie web creators...probably not for people hiring SAG : )   

One thing about the Cannon 5D and 7D...they take AMAZING night shots with only ambient light...

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