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Cinema FV-5?
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Popularity Score: 18
This app was mentioned in 42 comments, with an average of 2.36 upvotes
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Cinema FV-5 gives you a lot of control.
But just to be clear: Samsung is doing their very best to give you a great image quality out of the box. None of these third party apps written by an external development studio are going to be a magic bullet.
If I were you, I would try again with the stock camera app while insuring these things:
- You are in Auto setting
- You have your front-facing camera video quality set to QHD
- You are recording to internal storage, not a microSD card
- You are zoomed out as much as the phone will let you (Important, as "digital zoom" is really just cropping the picture and enhancing grainness)
- this is perhaps the most important: lighting tips! Make sure you are somewhere brightly lit. So bright that you have to squint. Outdoor bright daylight is excellent for this! And for directions: point the light source at the subject, and then put the camera in between. You always want the camera between the light and the subject, and obviously you want the light and camera pointed at the subject.
Hope this helps!
I think that with Cinema FV 5 (lite version maybe?) you can set pretty much everything when it comes to recording. Image quality may be superior with stock camera app though
I use this app for my phone when i have it attached to my scope. Theres a lite version and the paid. I have the paid. Its 2.49 right now. I use the video one they have as well. Their settings are great. Pm me if you want some samples, i have on my flickr account and youtube when i live stream (nothing fancy).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.cinema.pro
I usually recommend Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play,
This app will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
Here is a video shot with Cinema FV-5 and a Nexus 5:
Again, hope this is helpful!
I found that the stock app reduced quality too much for my liking during recording. Not sure if its just compression for file type or what.
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I used this app - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.cinema.pro&hl=en_US - and found with custom settings, I was able to get more consistent videos.
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I use it for swimming (outdoors so great lighting) and it is definitely better than stock app for my use to my untrained eye.
​
Can't really help for editing, as I don't edit the clips.
if its for outside recording and not on pc or so
id says use your phone for the first few times with apps like these https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.cinema.pro
they support external mics
Cinema FV-5 paid
Cinema FV-5 free
Popular app called Cinema FV-5 has contrast, saturation and sharpness settings in addition to many other adjustments/tools.
That is of course 1)One more app that needs to be installed and 2)It costs money.
L camera on the nexus 5 did 1080p60, though it required custom libraries and broke other stuff enabling that mode. hopefully we see something like cinema FV-5 give us a decent 1080p60 on the 6P. what sucks is the processing on 3rd party apps is always worse than stock.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.cinema.pro
There's a free version too, so you can check out of it does what you need
I'd probably avoid the stock camera app and go with something like Cinema FV5 which allows a great deal more control (including the container and codecs used to encode video, although h.264 is probably you're best bet).
At the end of the day, you'll likely be better off recording to (the much faster) internal memory and transferring it off to a USBOTG stick during lulls in filming. You could charge while filming using a battery bank and a long-ish cable, but I suggest that you buy a bank with rapid (2+ amps) charging to minimize how long you're tethered.
Cinema FV-5 looks good and has a solid still camera app. I haven't tried it yet though. Features are comparable to a standard camcorder or better.
/u/Drolf_wagons - it really depends on your budget - but the best camera for getting started may be a camera you already have, your cellphone.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, download FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes). The Android equivalent to FiLMiC Pro is Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play. These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone or tablet into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
With an inexpensive anamorphic lens adapter from Moondog Labs, and a $249 3 axis gimbal, you should be able to get smooth tracking shots similar to those seen in this trailer for a feature film shot entirely on iPhones:
If you don't want to spend the money for a stabilizer, you can get an Amazon Basics video tripod for $74.99 and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter and get image quality that looks like this:
- Cinema FV-5 demo reel (shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5)
I strongly recommend a stabilizer or tripod - handheld cellphone video can be very hard to watch.
You'll also need a microphone to plug into your phone for external audio. You can get a decent lavalier for $59.95. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download a free app (e.g. Rode Rec LE for iOS, Smart Voice Recorder for Android or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android) onto a second phone and use it as a separate audio recorder, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
Starting with your cellphone will allow you to create high quality images without breaking the bank.
Hope this is helpful and good luck!
/u/Meadow_Foxx64 - the best and least expensive camera for getting started is probably your phone. Most modern cellphones have decent 1080p (or even 4K) sensors for video image capture - they just need better controls. Fortunately, there's an app for that.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, download FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes). The Android equivalent to FiLMiC Pro is Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play. These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone or tablet into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
With a $249 3 axis gimbal, you should be able to get smooth tracking shots similar to those seen in this trailer for a feature film shot entirely on iPhones:
If you don't want to spend the money for a stabilizer, you can get an Amazon Basics video tripod for $74.99 and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter for image quality that looks like this:
- Cinema FV-5 demo reel (shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5)
This one used FiLMiC Pro, iPhones and a jib:
I strongly recommend the use of a stabilizer or tripod - handheld cellphone video can be very hard to watch.
You may also want a microphone to plug into your phone for external audio. You can get a decent lavalier for $23.99. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download a free app (e.g. Rode Rec LE for iOS, Smart Voice Recorder for Android or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android) onto a second phone and use it as a separate audio recorder, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
For less than $300, you should be able to produce much higher quality video than you can get from a $300 camcorder.
Hope this is helpful and - and hope you enjoy your vacation!
/u/Drasu123 - with a $1000 production budget, I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a camera. Your cellphone is probably a better cinema camera than anything you can buy or rent.
If you have an iPhone, you can get started by downloading FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes) [Referral Link]. If you have an Android phone, you can download Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play.
These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
FiLMiC Pro was used for this feature film shot entirely on iPhones with inexpensive anamorphic "widescreen" lenses:
This one used FiLMiC Pro, iPhones and a jib:
This was shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5:
You can get an Amazon Basics video tripod for $74.99 and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter [Referral Links] to steady your shots.
Without a tripod or stabilizer (e.g., a $239 Zhiyun Smooth-C) [Referral Link], handheld cellphone video can be hard to watch.
You should also invest in a directional mic or a lavalier for better sound than you can get from the built-in mic.
Directional Mic
The least expensive option is the $69 Rode VideoMic Me [Referral Link].
Here is the Rode promo video with example audio: https://youtu.be/1-x8MVngwaI
Lavalier
For dialogue between 2 actors, you can get a Movo dual lavalier with headphone monitoring for $39.95 [Referral Link]. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download an app (e.g. Rode Rec, $5.99 for iOS [Referral Link] or Smart Voice Recorder or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android), record a "scratch" audio track with your camera's internal microphone and sync the audio from the phone to your camera's audio track in the edit, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
With this setup, for less than $200, you should be able to get started.
Make sure your script is tight and tells a story, hire people that can actually act and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.
Use the rest of the money to light your set and feed your cast and crew.
Hope this is helpful and good luck!
> Will this camera do justice?
No. It has a maximum resolution of 720p and no mic jack for external sound. With a $150 budget you can do better. As I see it, you have two options.
OPTION 1 - SMART PHONE
Your phone is probably a better video camera than a Coolpix. If you have an iPhone, you can get started by downloading FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes). If you have an Android phone, you can download Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play.
These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
FiLMiC Pro was used for this feature film shot entirely on iPhones:
This one used FiLMiC Pro, iPhones and a jib:
This was shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5:
You can get an Amazon Basics video tripod for $74.99 and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter to steady your shots.
Without a tripod or stabilizer, handheld cellphone video can be hard to watch.
You should also invest in a directional mic or a lavalier for better sound than you can get from the built-in mic.
Directional Mic
I recommend the $59 Rode VideoMic Me (last one available at this price on eBay - otherwise it is $69 on Amazon).
Here is the Rode promo video with example audio: https://youtu.be/1-x8MVngwaI
Lavalier
If you want to get the mic even closer to your talent, you can get a decent lavalier for $20.99. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download an app (e.g. Rode Rec, $5.99 for iOS or Smart Voice Recorder or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android), record a "scratch" audio track with your camera's internal microphone and sync the audio from the phone to your camera's audio track in the edit, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
OPTION 2 - USED POINT AND SHOOT
If you don't have a smartphone with a decent camera, I recommend a used Panasonic FZ200 for $149.95 from B&H.
This is a much better camera than the Nikon and can record at full 1080p high definition (instead of the Nikon's 720p resolution) - and up to 60 frames per second at full HD - which you can slow down in your editing program to create smooth slow motion. If you want really impressive slow motion, it can record 120 fps at 720p.
It also has a constant aperture f2.8 zoom - so you can use longer focal lengths in a low light situation without losing light.
You can add a $2.50 2.5mm to 3.5mm mic input adapter and beg, borrow or steal enough money for a high quality lav mic for better sound.
Here is a picture of my FZ150 (the FZ200's predecessor) with the Hosa adapter and an external shotgun mic on the hot shoe. These are very capable little cameras.
Here is the image quality the FZ200 can produce:
Documentary
- The Young Dick Tiger- short doc by Avner Levona (please select 720p)
Travel and Nature
Slow Motion
Several (please select 1080p)
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ200 Beautiful 120fps High-Speed and Fantastic Effects by bluesniff (please watch at 720p)
Either of these options will fit within your budget and be better than a Nikon Coolpix.
Hope this is helpful, good luck with your short film and best of the holidays!
> Wish I had a camera. My S6 is all I have.
Then you do have a camera.
You can get started by downloading Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play. This app will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
With a $74.99 Amazon Basics fluid head video tripod and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter [Referral Links] you can get image quality that looks like this (all shot on the Galaxy S6):
Samsung Best Canadian Film Award (Galaxy S6) - Medic by Gerald Lising
Summer Holiday - Cinematic short film - Samsung Galaxy S6, 4K/UHD
I strongly recommend the use of a stabilizer or tripod - handheld cellphone video can be very hard to watch.
You'll also need a microphone to plug into your phone for external audio. You can get a decent lavalier for $59.95 [Referral Link]. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download a free app (e.g. Smart Voice Recorder for Android or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android) onto a second phone and use it as a separate audio recorder, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
For less than $150, you should be able to produce high quality images you can use to build your reel.
Hope this is helpful and good luck with the transition from writer to DP!
Sadly, the T3i has a 12 minute continuous recording limit. You probably want to avoid DSLRs in this price range - they will either have limited recording times - or the price of lenses will take them over your budget limit.
With a $250 budget, you have at least two options for vlogging.
OPTION 1 - SMART PHONE
If you have an iPhone, you can get started by downloading FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes). If you have an Android phone, you can download Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play.
These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
FiLMiC Pro was used for this feature film shot entirely on iPhones:
- - <em>Tangerine</em> (NSFW)
This one used FiLMiC Pro, iPhones and a jib:
This was shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5:
You can get an Amazon Basics video tripod for $74.99 and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter to steady your shots.
Alternatively, you can get a $205 Zhiyun Z1 Smooth C 3-axis gimbal that will stabilize your phone on the move, as seen here.
Without a tripod or stabilizer, handheld cellphone video can be hard to watch.
You should also invest in a directional mic or a lavalier for better sound than you can get from the built-in mic.
Directional Mic
I recommend the $62.83 Rode VideoMic Me.
Here is the Rode promo video with example audio: https://youtu.be/1-x8MVngwaI
Lavalier
If you want to get the mic even closer to your talent, you can get a decent lavalier for $20.99. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download an app (e.g. Rode Rec, $5.99 for iOS or Smart Voice Recorder or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android) to a second smart phone, record a "scratch" audio track with your main camera's internal microphone and sync the audio from the second phone to your camera phone's audio track in the edit, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
OPTION 2 - USED POINT AND SHOOT
If you don't have a smartphone with a decent camera, I recommend a used Panasonic FZ200 for a little over $200.
This camera can record at full 1080p high definition - and up to 60 frames per second at full HD - which you can slow down in your editing program to create smooth slow motion effects. If you want really impressive slow motion, it can record 120 fps at 720p.
It also has a constant aperture f2.8 zoom - so you can use longer focal lengths in a low light situation without losing light.
You can add a $2.50 2.5mm to 3.5mm mic input adapter and a high quality lav mic for better sound.
Here is a picture of my FZ150 (the FZ200's predecessor) with the Hosa adapter and an external shotgun mic on the hot shoe. These are very capable little cameras.
Here is the image quality the FZ200 can produce:
YouTube Vlogging/Marketing
Documentary
- The Young Dick Tiger- short doc by Avner Levona (please select 720p)
Travel and Nature
Slow Motion
Several (please select 1080p)
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ200 Beautiful 120fps High-Speed and Fantastic Effects by bluesniff (please watch at 720p)
Either of these options will fit within your budget and produce high quality video for your vlog.
Again, hope this is helpful and good luck with your vlog!
/u/DomesticHuman - your pictures appear to be of Super 8 film cameras similar to those I bought back in the 1960s and 70s.
You can still get one new for $395.
Or you can get a 40 year old used Canon 1014XL (one of the best cameras of the era) for about $275.
Either way, you'll need to buy Super 8 film - lots of it, since each cartridge lasts for 2.5 minutes at 24fp (Color cartridges cost $34.95 - Black and White is $31.95).
But buying film is just the start.
It costs money to develop each cartridge.
Then you have to pay to transfer the film to digital so you can edit and share it.
It might be better (and far less expensive) for you to use your cellphone.
With an iPhone, you can download FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes for iOS) or Cinema FV-5 for Android ($2.49 right now on Google Play).
These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
With an inexpensive anamorphic lens adapter from Moondog Labs, and a $249 3 axis gimbal, you can get smooth tracking shots similar to those seen in this trailer for a feature film shot entirely on iPhones:
If you don't want to spend the money for a stabilizer, you can get a $35 smartphone tripod mount with handgrip.
I strongly recommend a stabilizer - handheld cellphone video can be very hard to watch.
You'll also need an external microphone to plug into your phone for decent audio. You can get a lavalier for $23.99. You can either plug it into the same phone you're using for video - or you can download a free app (e.g. Rode Rec LE for iOS or Smart Voice Recorder or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android) onto a second phone and use it as a separate audio recorder, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
Hope this is helpful and good luck with getting video of your laser tag games!
You'll have to download Cinema FV-5 to use external mics with the rear camera or Open Camera to use one with the front cam, as seen in this video.
Again, hope this is helpful!
Cinema FV-5 has cropping overlay guides.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.cinema.pro
With a £300 budget, it will be a challenge to find a high quality camcorder. Instead, you might want to consider using your smartphone, which, with the right software, can produce high quality 1080p (or 4K) video.
Here is what I recommend [Referral Links]:
If you have an iPhone, you can get started by downloading FiLMiC Pro from iTunes. If you have an Android phone, you can download Cinema FV-5 from Google Play.
These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
FiLMiC Pro was used for this feature film shot entirely on iPhones:
- <em>Tangerine</em> (Red Band trailer here (NSFW))
This one used FiLMiC Pro, iPhones and a jib:
This was shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5:
You can get an Amazon Basics video tripod for £58.99 and a £6.99 phone to tripod adapter to steady your shots.
Alternatively, you can get a £144.65 Zhiyun Z1 Smooth C 3-axis gimbal that will stabilize your phone on the move, as seen here.
Without a tripod or stabilizer, handheld cellphone video can be hard to watch.
You should also invest in a directional mic or a lavalier for better sound than you can get from the built-in mic.
Directional Mic
I recommend the £56.32 Rode VideoMic Me.
Here is the Rode promo video with example audio: https://youtu.be/1-x8MVngwaI
Lavalier
If you want to get the mic even closer to your talent, you can get a decent lavalier for £17.95.
You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download an app (e.g. Rode Rec for iOS or Smart Voice Recorder or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android) to a second smart phone, record a "scratch" audio track with your main camera's internal microphone and sync the audio from the second phone to your camera phone's audio track in the edit, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
Hope this is helpful and best of luck with your cooking channel!
> Didn't know where else to post this.
This sub is primarily for filmmakers who intend to tell stories on the big (or small) screen. I see that you've already posted this question in /u/vlogging - the other subs where you might ask are /r/videography and /r/videoproduction/.
That said, I agree with /u/e-wrex and /u/MADProductions - your cellphone probably has 1080p (or even 4K) video recording resolution and is your best bet.
With a $120 budget, you can turn it into a decent camcorder for vlogging.
If you have an iPhone, you can get started by downloading FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes) [Referral Link]. If you have an Android phone, you can download Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play.
These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
FiLMiC Pro was used for this feature film shot entirely on iPhones:
This one used FiLMiC Pro, iPhones and a jib:
This was shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5:
You can get an Amazon Basics video tripod for $74.99 and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter to steady your shots.
Without a tripod or stabilizer, handheld cellphone video can be hard to watch.
You should also invest in a directional mic or a lavalier for better sound than you can get from the built-in mic.
Directional Mic
I recommend the $62.83 Rode VideoMic Me [Referral Link].
Here is the Rode promo video with example audio: https://youtu.be/1-x8MVngwaI
Lavalier
If you want to get the mic even closer to your talent, you can get a decent lavalier for $20.99 [Referral Link]. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download an app (e.g. Rode Rec, $5.99 for iOS [Referral Link] or Smart Voice Recorder or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android) to a second smart phone, record a "scratch" audio track with your main camera's internal microphone and sync the audio from the second phone to your camera phone's audio track in the edit, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
Hope this is helpful, good luck with your vlog and Happy New Year!
I have a Galaxy S6+ Edge too, and it is probably a better video camera than anything you can buy for $200. Since you have an Android phone, you can download Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play.
This app will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
This was shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5:
You can get an Amazon Basics video tripod for $74.99 and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter [Referral Links] to steady your shots.
Without a tripod or stabilizer, handheld cellphone video can be hard to watch.
You should also invest in a directional mic or a lavalier for better sound than you can get from the built-in mic.
Directional Mic
I recommend the $69 Rode VideoMic Me [Referral Link] to improve your sound over the S6's internal mic.
Here is the Rode promo video with example audio: https://youtu.be/1-x8MVngwaI
Lavalier
If you want to get the mic even closer to your talent, you can get a decent lavalier for $20.99 [Referral Link]. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download Smart Voice Recorder or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android to a second phone, record a "scratch" audio track with your primary cameraphone's internal microphone and sync the audio from the second phone to your primary audio track in the edit, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
This is probably the least expensive way to get high quality video.
Hope this is helpful, good luck with your movie and best of the holidays!
/u/20_Antzy_Pantzy_15 - the best and least expensive camera for getting started is probably your phone. Most modern cellphones have decent 1080p (or even 4K) sensors for video image capture - they just need better controls. Fortunately, there's an app for that.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, download FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes) [Referral Link]. The Android equivalent to FiLMiC Pro is Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play. These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone or tablet into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
With your tripod and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter [Referral Link] you can get image quality that looks like this:
- Cinema FV-5 demo reel (shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5)
This one used FiLMiC Pro, iPhones and a jib:
I strongly recommend the use of a stabilizer or tripod - handheld cellphone video can be very hard to watch.
You'll also need a microphone to plug into your phone for external audio. You can get a decent lavalier for $23.99 [Referral Link]. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download a $5.99 app (e.g. Rode Rec for iOS [Referral Link] or, for Android, the free Smart Voice Recorder or Skyro Voice Recorder) onto a second phone and use it as a separate audio recorder, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
For less than $100, you should be able to produce high quality video.
Hope this is helpful and good luck with getting started!
/u/ianizaguirre - instead of buying a dedicated camcorder, you might want to consider downloading FiLMiC Pro for iOS ($8 from iTunes) or Cinema FV-5 for Android ($2.49 right now on Google Play) and using your phone.
These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - and turn your phone into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
With a $10 tabletop tripod and phone adapter, you can record your lectures with high quality, steady video for less than $20.
Hope this is helpful and good luck!
/u/CherryPlay - it really depends on your budget - but the best camera for getting started may be a camera you already have, your cellphone.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, download FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes). The Android equivalent to FiLMiC Pro is Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play. These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone or tablet into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
With a $249 Swiftcam M3L 3 axis gimbal, you should be able to get smooth tracking shots similar to these:
Starting with your cellphone will allow you to create high quality images without breaking the bank.
Hope this is helpful and good luck!
/u/makba - the best and least expensive camera for getting started is probably your phone. Most modern cellphones have decent 1080p (or even 4K) sensors for video image capture - they just need better controls. Fortunately, there's an app for that.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, download FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes). The Android equivalent to FiLMiC Pro is Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play. These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone or tablet into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
With an inexpensive video tripod and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter you can get image quality that looks like this:
- Cinema FV-5 demo reel (shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5)
This one used FiLMiC Pro, iPhones and a jib:
I strongly recommend the use of a stabilizer or tripod - handheld cellphone video can be very hard to watch.
You'll also need a microphone to plug into your phone for external audio. You can get a decent lavalier for $23.99. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download a free app (e.g. Rode Rec LE for iOS, Smart Voice Recorder for Android or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android) onto a second phone and use it as a separate audio recorder, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
For around $100, you should be able to produce much higher quality video than you can get from a $400 camcorder.
Hope this is helpful and good luck!
Hi /u/hushkitties - with a $200 budget, a tripod and editing software, the best and least expensive camera for getting started is probably your phone. Most modern cellphones have decent 1080p (or even 4K) sensors for video image capture - they just need better controls. Fortunately, there's an app for that.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, download FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes). The Android equivalent to FiLMiC Pro is Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play. These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone or tablet into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
With your tripod and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter you can get image quality that looks like this:
- Cinema FV-5 demo reel (shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5)
This one used FiLMiC Pro, iPhones and a jib:
I strongly recommend the use of a stabilizer or tripod - handheld cellphone video can be very hard to watch.
You'll also need a microphone to plug into your phone for external audio. You can get a decent lavalier for $59.95. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download a free app (e.g. Rode Rec LE for iOS, Smart Voice Recorder for Android or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android) onto a second phone and use it as a separate audio recorder, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
For less than $100, you should be able to improve the quality of your videos significantly over what you're getting from your CoolPix.
Hope this is helpful and good luck with your video series!
The Android equivalent to FiLMiC Pro is Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play.
Here is what Cinema FV-5 can do:
- Cinema FV-5 demo reel (shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5).
For audio, the equivalent apps to Rode Rec LE are Smart Voice Recorder for Android or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android.
Again, hope this is helpful!
/u/Klazsh - You might want to look at the What camera should I buy guide in the sidebar to get started, but be aware that it's a work in progress and doesn't include some of the newest starter cameras (e.g., the Panasonic G6 and G7, the Sony A6000, and the Samsung NX500). That said, it really depends on how much you want to spend.
Below $400
At this price point, I agree with /u/spirle and /u/truesly1 - the best and least expensive camera for getting started is probably your phone.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, download FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes). The Android equivalent to FiLMiC Pro is Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play. These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone or tablet into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
With an inexpensive anamorphic lens adapter from Moondog Labs, and a $249 3 axis gimbal [Referral Link], you should be able to get smooth tracking shots similar to those seen in this trailer for a feature film shot entirely on iPhones:
If you don't want to spend the money for a stabilizer, you can get an Amazon Basics video tripod for $74.99 and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter [Referral Links] and get image quality that looks like this:
- Cinema FV-5 demo reel (shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5)
I strongly recommend a stabilizer or tripod - handheld cellphone video can be very hard to watch.
You'll also need a microphone to plug into your phone for external audio. You can get a decent lavalier for $59.95 [Referral Link]. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download a free app (e.g. Rode Rec LE for iOS, Smart Voice Recorder for Android or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android) onto a second phone and use it as a separate audio recorder, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
Below $600
At this price point, you can afford an interchangeable lens camera, but you should avoid Canon DSLRs if your primary interest is video.
They lack:
1080/60fps for smooth HD slow motion (they are limited to 30 frames per second at 1080p)
the ability to record for more than 12 (or 30) minutes continuously
a usable viewfinder when you switch to "Live View" (video) mode
compatibility with affordable power zoom lenses
Plus, Canon DSLRs in this price class suffer from a phenomenon known as "moire" as the result of poor downscaling. Panasonic G and GH cameras, for example, have a better downscaling algorithm. Here are a couple of side-by-sides between the Canon 60D and a moire-resistant Panasonic GH camera:
Newer Canon cameras are not much better. Here is a side-by-side between the Canon 60D and 70D:
Instead of a $549 (with the 18-55 kit lens) T3i, you might want to seriously consider a $515 Panasonic G6 with the 14-42mm kit lens [Referral Links].
This camera has a viewfinder that actually works while you're recording video, has a built-in intervalometer for time lapse, records at up to 1080/60p for smooth slow motion, records for hours continuously (instead of minutes), has a lens with a silent autofocus motor and is compatible with affordable power zoom lenses.
Here is what this camera can do:
Narrative
Music Video
Documentary
Slow Motion/Sport
Wedding
Travel Video
Timelapse
Whether you start out with your phone or with an entry-level interchangeable lens camera, you'll want to have enough money left over for audio and lighting, as /u/truesly1 suggests.
Hope this is helpful and welcome to the world of filmmaking!
/u/EdguyFan - Tangerine was shot with FiLMiC Pro (an $8 download from iTunes) and an inexpensive anamorphic lens adapter from Moondog Labs.
Here's the trailer:
The Android equivalent to FiLMiC Pro is Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play.
Here is a sample video shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5:
The Cinema FV-5 reel was shot on a tripod, which gives it a "static" look.
With a relatively inexpensive $249 3 axis gimbal [Referral Link], you should be able to get smooth tracking shots similar to those seen in the Tangerine trailer.
Hope this is helpful and good luck!
/u/spireite - You might want to look at the What camera should I buy guide in the sidebar to get started, but be aware that it's a work in progress and doesn't include some of the newest starter cameras (e.g., the Panasonic G6 and G7, the Sony A6000, and the Samsung NX500). That said, the best start up camera for filmmaking is probably your phone.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, download FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes). The Android equivalent to FiLMiC Pro is Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play. These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone or tablet into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
With an inexpensive anamorphic lens adapter from Moondog Labs, and a $249 3 axis gimbal [Referral Link], you should be able to get smooth tracking shots similar to those seen in this trailer for a feature film shot entirely on iPhones:
If you don't want to spend the money for a stabilizer, you can get an Amazon Basics video tripod for $74.99 and a $6.95 phone to tripod adapter [Referral Links] and get image quality that looks like this:
- Cinema FV-5 demo reel (shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5)
I strongly recommend a stabilizer or tripod - handheld cellphone video can be very hard to watch.
You'll also need a microphone to plug into your phone for external audio. You can get a decent lavalier for $59.95 [Referral Link]. You can either plug it into the phone you're using for video - or you can download a free app (e.g. Rode Rec LE for iOS, Smart Voice Recorder for Android or Skyro Voice Recorder for Android) onto a second phone and use it as a separate audio recorder, as seen here (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):
Hope this is helpful and good luck getting started!
OK - so you have lights and a lapel mic. All you really need is a camera, a tripod and a background.
I don't know what your budget is, but you might want to consider starting with a simple, inexpensive setup. If it doesn't give you what you want, you won't have spent much money and you can always upgrade. Here's how you can get up and running for less than $200 [Referral Links]:
Camera and Support
For your camera, you can get started with your phone. If you have an iPhone, download FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes). The Android equivalent to FiLMiC Pro is Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play. These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone or tablet into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
For support, I recommend a relatively inexpensive $74.99 Amazon Basics Video Tripod. It has a robust fluid head if you ever decide you need to pan or tilt.
You will also need a $6.95 cell phone tripod adapter to mount your phone on the tripod.
Sound
- You have a decent lavalier mic - but you'll need an adapter to plug it into your phone. I recommend a $29.95 XLR to Smartphone adapter. You mic has the option of an internal battery or phantom power - this adapter can power the mic if needed.
Background
You might want to consider green photographic paper as your chromakey background instead of stands, crossbars and unwieldy sheets of muslin, as seen in this video from Wistia. Here is what you will need:
With your existing lights and microphone and this simple setup, you should be able to produce high quality, well-lit, static green screen shots.
Hope this is helpful and good luck setting up your studio!
Cinema FV-5 allows you to change the framerate (along with most other settings).
they have this app too: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.cinema.pro
they also have "lite" versions of both that are free if you want to try...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.camera.lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.cinema.lite
i don't have my fp4 yet so i can't help, but i've been using these apps for years with no issues on other devices.
i'll try them out when i get my fp4. but please report back if you have any luck or no luck, either way...
/u/roberrt777 - your tablet will do the job with the right app, a tripod mount, a tripod and an adapter for the line from the sound board.
Here is what I recommend:
You can get started by downloading Cinema FV-5 from Google Play to your Android tablet.
This app will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your tablet into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
This was shot with a Nexus 5 and Cinema FV-5:
You can get an Amazon Basics video tripod for $74.99 and a $9.99 tablet to tripod adapter to steady your shots.
Without a tripod or stabilizer, handheld tablet or cellphone video can be hard to watch.
The last thing you'll need is a $15 Rode TRS to TRRS adapter to connect the line in from your sound board to the TRRS jack on your tablet.
Hope this is helpful and best wishes for success in getting the sermon out to as wide an audience as possible!
/u/CrimsonCub2013 - It really depends on your budget. Here are my recommendations below $1000:
Cell Phone
The best slow motion cam for beginners might be a cell phone.
iPhone 6: https://youtu.be/WX__lGV6-BY
Galaxy S6 Edge: https://youtu.be/_4JN05tIAVM
If you have an iPhone, you can get started by downloading FiLMiC Pro ($8 from iTunes) [Referral Link]
If you have an Android phone with slow motion capability, you can download Cinema FV-5, which is $2.49 right now on Google Play.
These apps will allow you to control aspect ratio, white balance, exposure, resolution and frame rates - turning your phone into a pretty good approximation of a camcorder.
Low End Point and Shoot
If you want to step up from your cell phone, you might want to consider the $247.99 Panasonic FZ200 [Referral Link], which can record at up to 720/120p, as seen here:
Several (please select 1080p)
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ200 Beautiful 120fps High-Speed and Fantastic Effects by bluesniff (please watch at 720p)
Low End Camcorder
The next step up would be a 1080/120p camcorder, such as the $497.99 Panasonic HC-V770 [Referral Link]. 120 fps can be interpolated to 240 fps in-camera, as seen here:
1" Sensor Point and Shoot
If you want a 1080/120p camera with a larger sensor that can create shallower depth of field images, you might want to consider the $797.99 Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 [Referral Link].
Here are some 120fps slow motion examples from this camera:
Hope this is helpful and Happy New Year!