What is Reddit's opinion of Panasonic Lumix G Series DMC-G6KK Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens Kit (Black)?

http://vimeo.com/86021784

Special Effects (Green Screen):

Music Video:

Slow Motion/Sport:

Travel Video:

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

Short Documentary:

http://vimeo.com/73561266 (shot with the kit lens)

There are many more examples on the Panasonic G6 channel I moderate over on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/groups/dmcg6

And it's not a bad still camera either:

https://www.flickr.com/groups/2217639@N20/pool/

Hope this is helpful!

Bill

Hi /u/deseete - Here's another vote for the ~$648 (with kit lens) Panasonic G6.

If you want to make documentaries, sometimes you'll want to keep the camera running for more than 12 (or 30) minutes for long interviews or events.

You may also want to use in-camera slow motion to emphasize the beauty of a dancer or the grace of a skateboarder. The G6 is the only camera on your list with 1080/60fps high definition, high frame rate internal recording. The rest of the cameras on your list are limited to 1080/30fps.

It's also the only camera in your updated list with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that keeps working while you're shooting video. All of the other cameras have mirrors that block their optical viewfinders when you switch to video ("Live View") mode. This forces you to use the LCD for composition and focus. That's OK when you're indoors, but outdoors in bright sunlight, this can be a problem. Many shooters buy either an eyepiece for their LCD (also called a "loupe" or LCD Viewfinder) or an external EVF - but this can be expensive.

The G6 is also the only camera on your list with fast, silent camcorder-like video autofocus. The T3i loses its autofocus function when you switch to live view, Pentax video autofocus is slow and Nikon lenses are noisy. Many people will pooh-pooh the need for video autofocus, but anyone who has ever shot with a camcorder knows that it makes life a lot easier when you can just pull the viewfinder up to your eye, point the camera at the subject and press the record button without worrying about focus hunting or the sound of the autofocus motor.

Here's a mini-documentary made with the G6 and the kit lens: http://vimeo.com/73561266

Here's a slow motion video shot at 1080/60p: http://vimeo.com/76503135

And it takes pretty good stills too: https://www.flickr.com/groups/lumix-g6/pool/

For stills only, I'd probably get the ~$584 weather-sealed Pentax K-50 - but it's not a very good video camera (it doesn't even have a mic input).

But for video and stills, the Panasonic G6 ($646.82 on eBay and $647.99 at Amazon as of this post) is probably the best value for your money.

Hope this is helpful and welcome to the world of hybrid still/video cameras!

Bill

Hi /u/EntertainingGiraffe - in your price range, you may want to consider the Panasonic G6 (as of this post, $747.99 new at Amazon [Referral Link]).

This camera records at 1080/60p, and like a camcorder, has a viewfinder that is usable when you're shooting video. This camera also has a built-in intervalometer for timelapse and records continuously for hours (the 60D is limited to 12 minutes of continuous recording and the T5i has a 30 minute limit).

With its fast, silent autofocus and compatibility with Panasonic power zooms, this camera combines the best of DSLRs and camcorders in one package.

I have a Panasonic 900 series camcorder, and they produce great video - but a large sensor, interchangeable lens camera gives you more control over depth of field and better performance in low light (with fast lenses).

Here is what the G6 can do:

Documentary:

Narrative:

Music Video:

Slow Motion/Sport:

Travel Video:

http://vimeo.com/82318903

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

Compared to the $3000 Canon 5D Mark III:

There are many more examples on the Panasonic G6 channel I moderate over on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/groups/dmcg6

It's a pretty good still camera too:

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your decision!

Bill

Hi /u/blackscorp - with a $700 budget, the most features and best video image quality you're going to get will be from a Panasonic G6 ($647.99 from Amazon and $646.82 from 6th Ave Express via eBay as of this post).

This camera shoots at 1080/60p for smooth slow motion, has a viewfinder that keeps working while you're shooting video (unlike a DSLR's viewfinder, which is blocked by the mirror in video mode), has fast and quiet video autofocus (unlike most DSLRs in this price range), is compatible with power zoom lenses (unlike DSLRs) and can shoot continuously for hours (most DSLRs are limited to 12 to 30 minutes of continuous recording - if you set a DSLR up at the back of a school auditorium or a concert hall to record an event, you have to hit the button every half an hour to restart recording).

In addition to being a much more camcorder-like and easier to use than a DSLR, this camera also produces terrific video quality:

Narrative:

Music Video

Slow Motion/Sport

Travel Video

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

Short Documentary

Here it is, compared to the $3000+ Canon 5D Mark III: http://vimeo.com/82318903

Please see the Panasonic G6 Group I moderate over on Vimeo for more examples of what this camera can do: http://vimeo.com/groups/dmcg6

And it takes pretty good stills too: https://www.flickr.com/groups/lumix-g6/pool/

In my view, the G6 is the best still/video hybrid camera in this price class.

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your decision!

Bill

Hi /u/eschybach - Have you considered the Panasonic Lumix G6 with the 14-42 kit lens? Right now, it is $671.51 at 6th Avenue Express via eBay and $748 at Amazon, Adorama [Referral Links] and B&H.

This camera's sensor size is a lot closer to your 60D's than the FZ200's - and, like the FZ200, it records for hours continuously. It also has video autofocus, 1080/60p, focus peaking, manual audio level control, an intervalometer for timelapse, is compatible with Panasonic power zoom lenses and has a viewfinder that keeps working when you're shooting video.

As a bonus, with a $32 adapter with a built-in aperture ring [Referral Link], you can use your Canon lenses with the G6 - something you wouldn't be able to do with the FZ200.

Here is what the G6 can do:

Documentary:

Narrative:

Music Video:

Slow Motion/Sport:

Travel Video:

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

Compared to the $3000 Canon 5D Mark III: http://vimeo.com/82318903

There are many more examples on the Panasonic G6 channel I moderate over on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/groups/dmcg6

It's a pretty good still camera too:

Hope this is helpful!

Bill

Hi /u/Ricepancakes - if you intend to shoot video of school events, you probably want a camera that can record for longer than 12 minutes (60D) or 30 minutes (T4i) before it shuts down and has to be restarted.

Unlike the Canons, the Panasonic G6 can record for hours continuously, so you can set it up at the back of an event and use it like a camcorder.

As far as eBay goes, I've bought dozens of cameras and lenses on eBay from sellers with 99%+ positive feedback and haven't had a problem.

That said, it's going to be a challenge to find the G6 for $400-$600. They've just gone back up to $747.99 new at Amazon and $676.94 used at Amazon Warehouse Deals.

If it's still available, you might want to consider this used Panasonic G6 with the 14-42 kit lens for $599.99.

Here is what this camera can do:

Documentary:

Narrative:

Music Video:

Slow Motion/Sport:

Travel Video:

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

Compared to the $3000 Canon 5D Mark III: http://vimeo.com/82318903

There are many more examples on the Panasonic G6 channel I moderate over on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/groups/dmcg6

It's a pretty good still camera too:

I've Got My Fingers Crossed

Hope this is helpful!

Bill

> Thank you very much for the suggestion!

Glad I could help!

> does it have a time-limit on video?

Sadly, yes. EOS M cameras have a 30 minute continuous video recording limit. You'll have to spend a little more money for a still/video hybrid camera that can record for more than 30 minutes continuously.

For that, I recommend the $539.99 Panasonic G6.

This camera has 1080/60p; full manual control of exposure and color; a rotating screen for self-shooting; a built-in electronic viewfinder and records for hours continuously.

If $539.99 is too much of a stretch for your budget, you can get a factory refurbished G6 with a 90 day warranty from Panasonic for $489.50 via either Amazon or eBay.

Here's the image quality this camera can produce:

Narrative

BISCUIT // Short film concept

Fashion/Glamor

Federshooting ("Feathershooting")

Music Video

Ann Sophie - I Think It's A Love Song

Coely // My Tomorrow

Documentary

Just Action - A "Behind The Scenes" Documentary on Jamaican Filmmaking

Creative Spaces: Kathy Ponce

Mick Buencamino is RNDV

Volcom In Color Bangkok 2013

Timelapse

Mauritius

Slow Motion/Sport

Leeward

Wayward

Przygotowania Stali Gorzów do sezonu 2014r.

The are lots more more examples in the Panasonic G6 group I moderate over on Vimeo.

It's a pretty good still camera too: https://www.flickr.com/groups/lumix-g6/pool/

In my view, the G6 is the best value-for-money interchangeable lens still/video camera you can buy in this price range.

Again, hope this is helpful and best of luck!

/u/Itspanzertime - neither of these cameras have external mic inputs. This can be a challenge for filmmaking

For about the same price as these cameras, you can get a brand new 1080/60p Panasonic G6 with a 14-42mm kit lens in an imperfect box for $439.95, or a used G6 from Amazon Warehouse Deals [Referral Links].

The G6 has a 3.5mm input for external mics, and can produce image quality that looks like this:

Narrative

Fashion/Glamor

Federshooting ("Feathershooting")

Slow Motion/Sport

Music Video

Ann Sophie - I Think It's A Love Song

Wedding

Nature/Documentary

Timelapse

Mauritius

The are many more examples in the Panasonic G6 group I moderate over on Vimeo.

It's a pretty good still camera too:

Panasonic G6 pool on Flickr

In my view, the G6 is the best 1080/60p still/video camera you can buy in this price range (unless the G7 is on sale) - and a lot better value for your money than a point and shoot camera.

Hope this is helpful and good luck finding the right camera for your needs!

/u/Crrrrraig - I started with a T2i and the T4i isn't much of an upgrade. It has the same 1080/30p max resolution and frame rate and will give you exactly the same image quality. Its only advantages are an articulated LCD and slow, noisy video autofocus.

For less than the price of a used T4i, I would upgrade to a 1080/60p Panasonic G6 with the 14-42mm kit lens for $427.89 from Amazon Warehouse Deals.

In addition to 1080/60p max resolution and frame rate, the G6 has an electronic viewfinder that actually works while you're recording video (as you know, Canon DSLR viewfinders are blocked by the reflex mirror).

Here is the image quality this camera can produce:

Narrative

Fashion/Glamor

Federshooting ("Feathershooting")

Slow Motion/Sport

Music Video

Ann Sophie - I Think It's A Love Song

Wedding

Nature/Documentary

Timelapse

Mauritius

The are many more examples in the Panasonic G6 group I moderate over on Vimeo.

It's a pretty good still camera too:

Panasonic G6 pool on Flickr

In my view, this is the best still/video camera you can buy in this price range, and much better than either the T2i or T4i for video.

Hope this is helpful and good luck finding the right camera for your needs!

Hi /u/Deveiss - I'll do my best to answer your questions one at a time [Referral Links]:

> I'm curious as to how the G7 compares to the G6

The essential difference between the G6 and the G7 is that the G7 has 4 times higher video resolution than the G6 (3840x2160p versus 1920x1080p) for only $60 more.

At $597.99 with the kit lens and free microphone, the G7 is a much better value for your money than a $539.99 G6 (with the kit lens).

> I'm curious as to how the Sony a-series compares?

Although the $2998 A7s II is much better than the GH4 in low light - and the $3198 A7r II has almost 3 times better still photo resolution, these cameras have no DCI 4K, no 10-bit output and are limited to 30 minutes of continuous recording.

None of the rest of the A7 series can record 3840x2160p "4K" internally.

> I really like the GH4, especially for it's DCI 4k and true 24 fps, but I just can't justify the cost right now

If you can't justify the cost of the $1297.99 GH4, don't mind the 30 minute recording limit and want 4096x2160p DCI 4K, you might want to consider the $1097.99 Samsung NX1 instead.

In addition to true 4K, this camera has a larger sensor than the GH4, faster video autofocus (as seen here), and 120 fps slow motion at 1080p (the GH4 is limited to 96 fps).

Here is the video image quality this camera can produce:

Narrative

Yvonne
Syringe - NX1 LowLight Test (4K) (shot at up to ISO 4000 with no noise reduction - please watch at 2160p at your monitor's highest resolution)
(The Quiet Escape) - a Short Film. 2015.

Sports/Commercial

Wedding

And here's what 1080/120fps slow motion looks like:

It's a better still camera than the GH4 as well, with much higher resolution and a 15fps continuous frame rate. Here's the still image quality you can get from this camera: Flickr Samsung NX1 Pool.

This is a phenomenal camera, although Samsung's commitment to it is uncertain (they've discontinued it in Europe). It is still a very good value for the money, in my view.

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your decision!

/u/xmas2015throwaway - I recommend a large sensor, interchangeable lens camera for doc work - but I would avoid DSLRs due to the time limit (12 to 30 minutes for Canons - not good for long speeches or events) and because Canon DSLRs in your price range lack 1080/60p for smooth slow motion (which can really help to emphasize key parts of a narrative).

For $539.99 you can get a Panasonic G6 with a 14-42mm kit lens and hours of continuous recording time that can produce images like these:

Creative Spaces: Kathy Ponce by Kevin Mayuga (shot with the 14-42)
Endless Melancholy – November by stay in focus studio (shot with the 14-42 and an Olympus 45 f1.8 - please note the use of slow motion)
O Viajante by Francisco Frutuoso (shot with the 14-42 and a 20mm f1.7)

For audio, he can plug a $23.99 lavalier into his smartphone, put the phone into his/the talent's pocket and record to a free app, as seen here:

http://youtu.be/P2RIFZOGMZo

Hope this is helpful and hope he likes his present!

/u/Halgrind - You can get well lit, steady, shallow depth of field images with good audio for less than $800 with the equipment on this list:

Camera

Panasonic G6 with 14-42mm lens - $539.99

Here are a couple of videos with segments showing what this camera can do in an interview setting:

Tripod

CowboyStudio FT9901 Professional Heavy Duty 75mm Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Pan Head - $128

Lighting

Limostudio 3 light kit - $49.50

Audio (lavaliers plugged into smartphones with an in-camera audio master track )

Here's what that looks like: http://youtu.be/P2RIFZOGMZo

You'll have to sync the smartphone audio tracks to your in-camera track in your editing software, but it should sound pretty good.

The only thing you won't be able to give your boss is something that "looks like a professional video camera". Otherwise, they should be fairly satisfied with the result.

Hope this is helpful - and good luck with your interviews!

EDIT: Formatting

For video, I would avoid the A6000 (it has no mic jack and no intervalometer - plus it has a proprietary Sony hot shoe and is limited to 30 minute video clips before it has to be restarted, which can be problematic for recording long events or interviews).

Instead you might want to consider the Panasonic G6 ($539.99 with the kit lens, $432.97 body-only) [Referral Links].

This camera has a 3.5mm mic input, a built-in intervalometer for timelapse, a standard hot shoe and can record for hours continuously.

Here is what this camera can do:

Narrative

I've Got My Fingers Crossed

BISCUIT // Short film concept

Fashion/Glamor

Federshooting ("Feathershooting")

Music Video

Ann Sophie - I Think It's A Love Song

Coely // My Tomorrow

Documentary

Just Action - A "Behind The Scenes" Documentary on Jamaican Filmmaking

Creative Spaces: Kathy Ponce

Mick Buencamino is RNDV

Volcom In Color Bangkok 2013

Timelapse

Mauritius

Slow Motion/Sport

Leeward

Wayward

Przygotowania Stali Gorzów do sezonu 2014r.

The are lots more more examples in the Panasonic G6 group I moderate over on Vimeo.

It's a pretty good still camera too: https://www.flickr.com/groups/lumix-g6/pool/

In my view, the G6 is the best value-for-money interchangeable lens still/video camera you can buy in this price range.

And with your G6 mounted on a $499.90 Beholder MS-1 pistol grip gimbal you won't need a $649 DJI Osmo [Referral Links].

Hope this is helpful and good luck!

/u/tempranos - the principal differences between consumer camcorders and large sensor, interchangeable lens cameras are:

Sensor Size

The PJ670 has a relatively small 1/5.8" (3.1mm) diagonal sensor. The A6000, on the other hand, has a much larger 23.5mm x 15.6mm sensor - about 10 times larger (please see this chart).

The PJ670's sensor is smaller than the smallest sensor on the chart.

This makes it very difficult to get the shallow depth of field or "blurry background" effect.

The larger sensor also generally means that the A6000 will be better in low light.

Fixed versus interchangeable lenses

The PJ670, like most camcorders in its class, has a built-in power zoom lens. This is a convenient solution and avoids the hassle of changing lenses - but it also limits your creative options. With the A6000, on the other hand, there are dozens (perhaps hundreds) of lenses that can be adapted to the camera's E mount. From anamorphics for widescreen to tilt-shift lenses for miniature effects - there are many more creative lens options available for the A6000.

Continuous Recording

The PJ670 will record continuously for hours, which can be very useful for school plays, speeches, sermons and other events. The A6000 shuts down after 30 minutes of continuous recording and has to be restarted.

Audio inputs and outputs

The PJ670 has an external mic jack that allows you to buy an external mic and put it closer to your subject for improved sound. It also has a headphone jack so you can monitor what you are recording. The A6000 has neither.

All of that said, if your primary interest is creative video and filmmaking, I wouldn't get either of these cameras. The PJ670's sensor is too small - and the A6000 is crippled, in my view, by its lack of an external microphone input.

For $100 less than the A6000, you can get a $539.99 Panasonic G6 with the 14-42 kit lens. The camera has a relatively large micro 4/3 sensor and an external mic jack so you can improve your sound. And, like a camcorder, it can record for hours continuously (no 30 minute recording limit).

Here are some examples of the image quality this camera can produce:

Narrative

Music Video

Documentary

Przygotowania Stali Gorzów do sezonu 2014r.

Timelapse

Mauritius

Slow Motion/Sport

Wayward

And it's a pretty good still camera too: https://www.flickr.com/groups/lumix-g6/pool/

In my view, the G6 is the best value-for-money interchangeable lens still/video camera you can buy in this price range.

To be fair, the A6000 is probably a better still camera - but The G6 is a much better all-around choice for both video and stills than either the A6000 or the PJ670.

Hope this is helpful and good luck with whatever camera you decide to buy!

You have a few choices, there's the $539 Panasonic G6 which can record great quality 1080p at 60fps, or if you don't mind buying used you can buy a Panasonic GH3 (body only, so you will need to add a lens) for around $500-600, the advantages of the GH3 over the G6 is that it has a line out to monitor audio, better quality screen, tougher body, twice the battery life, slightly better video quality and more professional controls and menu options.

Also I will give a shout out to the $319 Canon EOS M with 22mm f2 lens, this is a basically a full sized Canon 650D DSLR packed into a tiny body. The camera panned because it has awful autofocus but for video work where you focus manually it is great. It can shoot 1080p upto 30 frames per second and if you install a hack called Magic Lantern you can add many useful video based features to the camera. It is a bit better in low light than the G6 and GH3, although the small nature of the camera and lack of dials make it a bit more awkward to use than the Panasonic cameras, the GH3 in particular is designed to be primary used as a camera for video. The link above includes the 22mm f2 which is a great lens abeit a fixed lens, I would recommend picking up the 18-55mm lens second hand as well, which will give you two lenses; a general zoom and a good lens for low light. Overall I recommend the GH3 or G6 as they have a bit more 'room' to grow into, but if you can't afford them but the EOS M is a great buy for the money (and all have mic inputs!).

I would recommend a Panasonic GH3 or Panasonic G6, both offer high quality, full hd, 60fps recording, although the G6 doesn't have a headphone input to monitor audio. Combine that with a lav mic direct into the camera like the Audio-Technica ATR-3350 or a shotgun mic like the Rode Videomic Pro and you'll have an awesome, compact setup. Good luck and happy shooting!

Assuming you want a camera for filmmaking, I'd offer a little different advice from the majority of folks in this thread.

I would advise you not to buy a Canon DSLR for filmmaking in this price range.

The T3i, T5i and all DSLRs have reflex mirrors that get in the way for video. These mirrors block the cameras' viewfinders, so you are forced to use the LCD on back of the camera for critical composition and focus. This is OK indoors, but outdoors in bright sunlight, you may not be able to see what you're shooting. Many Canon shooters end up buying a "loupe" (otherwise known as an LCD viewfinder) or an even more expensive Electronic Viewfinder (EVF).

And no Canon DSLR below the $1800 Canon 7D Mark II can record full HD 1080/60fps video for in-camera slow motion.

Plus, you have to modify Canon cameras with third party Magic Lantern firmware to give them basic video features such as audio level metering and manual focus peaking.

That's why, at this price point, I recommend the $519 (on sale) Panasonic G6 [Referral Link].

This camera records continuously for hours instead of the T3i's 12 minutes or the T5i's 30 minutes (very useful if you ever want to record a play, a speech, a concert or other event), it records at 1080/60p for slow motion, it has a built-in intervalometer for timelapse, it has built-in audio level meters and focus peaking, it is compatible with Panasonic power zoom lenses (there are no affordable power zoom lenses for Canon DSLRs) - and it has a viewfinder that actually works while you're shooting video so you don't have to buy a loupe or EVF to see what you're shooting in bright sunlight.

Here is what this camera can do:

Narrative

Music Video

Documentary

Slow Motion/Sport

Wedding

Travel Video

http://vimeo.com/82318903

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

Compared to the $2500 Canon 5D Mark III:

In my view, this camera is a much better investment of $500 than any comparably priced DSLR.

Good luck!

Hi /u/TimmehTim48

As in my previous answer to your T5i vs G6 question - if you're buying new and want a large sensor interchangeable lens camera, the $519.99 (on sale) Panasonic G6 with the 14-42 kit lens [Referral Link] is your best option.

If you don't mind buying used, I agree with /u/wayouw - the Panasonic GH3 is a better choice than the G6 (headphone jack, all-metal splashproof body, higher bit rates and more codecs, to include Quicktime .MOV). You can get one used (body only) for a little over $500 on eBay [Referral Link].

I own the GH3 and it is a great camera for short films. Here are a few examples:

Genesis

Clash

Cold Rush

Again, hope this is helpful and good luck with your decision!

Your choices at this price point are a traditional small sensor camcorder or a large sensor camera with long recording times.

A small sensor camcorder such as the Sony CX260 will give you image quality similar to this: Sermon 10-12-14 CONNECTED- The Work of Relationships

On the other hand, here is a 46 minute sermon recorded continuously with a Panasonic GH2 large sensor interchangeable lens camera: Sermon - March 10, 2013 - Who Is Jesus: Prophet, Priest and King

The large sensor, interchangeable lens camera will give you much higher image quality - but may be a little more challenging to use. At your price point, it will have a manual zoom lens and will need a well lit sanctuary.

Here are the cameras you might want to consider in the two categories:

Traditional small sensor camcorder suggestions:

Manufacturer refurbished Sony CX260 with 90 day warranty - $289.99
Panasonic HC-V750 - $569 new or less than $550 used. This camera will give you a higher image quality than the CX260 - plus a headphone jack so you can monitor your audio.

Large sensor interchangeable lens camera suggestion:

Panasonic G6 - on sale for $519.99

Any of these choices can record for hours continuously and will give you good video in a well lit sanctuary. The audio from their built-in mics will not be sufficient to capture the meaning of the service, however.

You will want to try to input house sound to the camera - or add it to your soundtrack in Premiere during the edit.

Hope this is helpful and Happy Easter!

My first video DSLR was a Canon T2i. I sold it after 4 months. Here's why (all of these limitations apply to the T3i):

12 minute continuous recording limit. With Magic Lantern, you can set it to auto-restart, but you'll have a ~1 second gap between clips. Not good if the gap interrupts a critical moment while you're recording a concert, speech, play or other event.
no video autofocus. For filmmaking you won't care - but for following fast moving events (e.g., kids, pets, sports), it's a challenge.
viewfinder is blanked out when you shoot video, forcing you to use the LCD on the back of the camera for critical focus and composition. This can be a problem outdoors in bright sunlight when the LCD can be difficult to see.
the camera has no 1080/60p for smooth slow motion.

After I sold my Canon, I bought a Panasonic camera with none of these limitations.

You can get a $520 (on sale) Panasonic G6 with the 14-42mm kit lens for about the same price as a T3i with the 18-55mm lens.

Here a few YouTube videos shot with this camera:

Fashion/Beauty

http://youtu.be/GvFrpDQm6uI (NSFW)

Nature

http://youtu.be/6CBWJXnTb9g

http://youtu.be/ffRjszLpygY

...and a slo-mo video from Vimeo:

In my view, this is the best interchangeable lens video camera you can buy in this price range.

Good luck with your decision!

I traded in a T2i to get my GH2 back in 2010. I still love this camera, but if I was buying a camera in this price range today, I would get the Panasonic G6 instead. Here's why:

the G6 records at up to 1080/60p for smooth slow motion (the GH2 is limited to 1080/30p),
the G6 has a standard 3.5mm mic jack (the GH2 has a non-standard 2.5mm mic jack),
the G6 has focus peaking, a built-in intervalometer and wi-fi/NFC remote control of the camera (the GH2 lacks all of these features).

You can get the G6 for $520 on sale here or here.

Good luck with your decision!

Hi /u/TimmehTim48,

The T5i and all DSLRs have reflex mirrors that get in the way for video. These mirrors block the cameras' viewfinders, so you are forced to use the LCD on back of the camera for critical composition and focus. This is OK indoors, but outdoors in bright sunlight, you may not be able to see what you're shooting. Many Canon shooters end up buying a "loupe" (otherwise known as an LCD viewfinder) or an even more expensive Electronic Viewfinder (EVF).

And no Canon DSLR below the $1800 Canon 7D Mark II can record full HD 1080/60fps video for in-camera slow motion.

Plus, you have to modify Canon cameras with third party Magic Lantern firmware to give them basic video features such as audio level metering and manual focus peaking.

That's why, at this price point, I recommend the $519.99 (on sale) Panasonic G6 [Referral Link]. This camera records continuously for hours instead of the T5i's 30 minutes (very useful if you ever want to record a play, a speech, a concert or other event), it records at 1080/60p for slow motion, it has a built-in intervalometer for timelapse, it has built-in audio level meters and focus peaking, it is compatible with Panasonic power zoom lenses (there are no affordable power zoom lenses for Canon DSLRs) - and it has a viewfinder that actually works while you're shooting video so you don't have to buy a loupe or EVF to see what you're shooting in bright sunlight.

Here is what this camera can do:

Narrative

Music Video

Documentary

Slow Motion/Sport

Wedding

Travel Video

http://vimeo.com/82318903

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

Compared to the $3000 Canon 5D Mark III:

In my view, the G6 is the best still/video camera you can buy below $700.

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your decision!

/u/tanw42 - I have the GH3 and here's how it stacks up against the G6, in my view:

$547.99 GH3 (brand new, body-only at B&H) ) advantages:

headphone jack
higher resolution OLED viewfinder (1744 dots vs 1440 dots)
Quicktime .mov codec
higher bit rate recording (72mbps ALL-I versus a maximum of 28mbps for the G6)
all-metal, splash-resistant body
larger battery (1860mAh vs 1200mAh)
pre-assigned WB, ISO, EV adjust buttons near the shutter release (this is huge for me - I use them all the time on the GH3 and GH4)
recordable live HDMI out (a feature missing from the G6)
shares form factor with the GH4 - makes upgrading easy

$539.99 (w kit lens) G6 ($474.50 factory refurbished with a 90 day warranty) advantages:

costs less, even with lens included
manual focus peaking
higher resolution rear monitor (1036K dots vs 614K dots)

If I had to make this decision today, I would probably go with the older GH3 for its higher bit rates, easy-to-work-with Quicktime .mov codec, great button layout, built-in headphone jack, larger battery, metal body and easy upgrade path to the GH4.

You can work around the GH3's lack of focus peaking with the expanded focus feature - turn the focus ring and the image is magnified to your choice of 4x, 5x or 10x for easy manual focusing.

All of that said, since you're already in the Samsung ecosystem, you might want to consider an $1185 factory refurbished NX1 with a 90 day warranty.

Even though the camera would cost more, you will save hundreds of dollars on buying new lenses.

And the NX1 is has better autofocus tracking than the GH4, as seen here as well as a higher slow motion frame rate, as seen here.

Here is what the NX1 can do:

Dialogue/Narrative

Travel

Documentary

Project-Definition | Above the Rest

120 fps 1080p Slow Motion

Samsung NX1 120fps

Skate

Samsung NX1 | Christmas Skate
Tasnádi Béla // Tasi G // 2 days / 2015 Winter (rollerblading)
Renton Millar skating St Kilda Prahran Melbourne HD NX1 Samsung (only a few seconds of slo mo in this one, but a nice edit)

It's a great still camera too, with a 15fps continuous frame rate. Here's the still image quality you can get from this 28.2MP camera: Flickr Samsung NX1 Pool

Whatever you decide, hope this is helpful and Godspeed!

Even though (from Wikipedia) "Many documentaries, independent shorts, and feature movies have been shot with the Panasonic AG-DVX100", this is a 13 year old camera that records to DV tape at relatively low resolution by modern standards.

For $50 more, you can get a $520 interchangeable lens camera with higher resolution and a much larger sensor, the Panasonic DMC-G6 with a 14-42mm manual zoom lens [Referral Link].

This camera is more like a camcorder than a DSLR (e.g., it has a viewfinder that works while you're recording video, it can record continuously for hours rather than the 30 minute DSLR limit and it is compatible with affordable power zoom lenses).

Here is what this camera can do:

Narrative

Music Video

Documentary

Slow Motion/Sport

Wedding

Travel Video

http://vimeo.com/92087540

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

In my view, this camera will be a much better value for your money than a 13 year old camcorder.

Hope this is helpful!

Hi /u/picklesforever - if you're a pro shooter and want your documentaries to look like this:

I recommend you spend ~$647.99 for a Panasonic G6. The example above was shot with an inexpensive adapter and Canon FD lenses. Sadly, this camera doesn't have a headphone jack, or it would be a nearly perfect personal camera.

If you want a camera with a headphone jack and an all-metal splashproof body that records to a Quicktime/.MOV codec that you are probably more familiar with, you may want to spend ~$997 plus lenses for a Panasonic GH3. Here is a documentary shot with this camera:

http://vimeo.com/66940018

Hope this is helpful!

Bill

Hi /u/jessemillerdorey - welcome to the world of large sensor, interchangeable lens video.

That said, I recommend against buying a reflex mirror DSLR for video.

DSLRs have reflex mirrors that are useless for video. These mirrors block the cameras' viewfinders, so you are forced to use the LCD on back of the camera for critical composition and focus. This is OK indoors, but outdoors in bright sunlight, you may not be able to see what you're shooting. Most DSLR shooters are forced to buy a "loupe" (otherwise known as an LCD viewfinder) or an even more expensive Electronic Viewfinder (EVF).

And no Canon DSLR below the expensive Canon 7D Mark II can record full HD 1080/60fps video for in-camera slow motion.

Plus, you have to modify Canon cameras with third party Magic Lantern firmware to give them basic video features such as audio level metering and manual focus peaking.

There are a couple of other things you should know about DSLRs. Coming from camcorders, you might be surprised, as I was, that the Canon T2i and T3i have no video autofocus capability. You might also be surprised that these cameras can only record 12 minutes of continuous video before they have to be restarted (this is not helpful when you need to record a school play, a speech, a sermon or some other event).

Instead of a DSLR, you might want to consider a video-capable mirrorless camera that, like a camcorder, has fast, silent autofocus and can record continuously for hours - such as this $539 Panasonic G6 from Amazon Warehouse Deals.

Here is what this camera can do:

Narrative

Music Video

Documentary

Slow Motion/Sport

Wedding

Travel Video

http://vimeo.com/21962491

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

And it is a pretty good still camera too: https://www.flickr.com/groups/lumix-g6/pool/

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your decision!

HCR

I would have recommended the GH3 (I have one), but even with a used body, a lens fast enough for indoor work can be expensive.

As a second choice, I would suggest the Panasonic G6.

Hours of continuous recording time, solid autofocus as seen here, and inexpensive enough to stay under $1100 with a nice fast lens such as the $399 Olympus f1.8.

Hi bustednbruised - You're not dumb. You seem to be looking for advice tailored to your situation, so you should use generic guides and searches with a grain of salt, in my view.

The Camera Guide, for example, still carries the out-of-production GH2 and doesn't mention the newer Panasonic G6. Neither do the first few results from a search for "entry level video camera" on the search bar.

That said, I had a Canon T2i (predecessor to the T3i) and still have the GH2 and, in my view, they make life too difficult for entry level shooters.

Here's why:

The T3i has no video autofocus, no 1080/60p for slow motion or smooth action video, it has a 12 minute continuous recording time limit before you have to restart the camera and its viewfinder is blanked out by the mirror in video mode. This is why I sold my T2i.

The GH2 has no 1080/60p and a non-standard 2.5mm mic input (can be fixed with an inexpensive adapter, but it's a PITA). It does have autofocus, shoots for hours continuously, has a video viewfinder - and, due to superior image processing, is less susceptible to a phenomenon called moire than any of the Canons below $2000, as seen here in a comparison with the 60D:

and here:

http://vimeo.com/20565849

If I were you, in about the same price range as the T3i, I would get the $629 (on sale as of this post) Panasonic G6 [Referral Link].

It starts with the GH2's image quality and other advantages and adds 1080/60p, focus peaking for razor sharp manual focus, a standard mic input with manual audio gain control and audio meters plus wi-fi for wireless file transfer and control from your phone or tablet.

And it produces images like these:

MUSIC VIDEO:

NARRATIVE:

SPORTS/SLO-MO:

http://vimeo.com/72107884

TRAVEL:

In my view, having shot with the Canon T2i, T4i, GH1, GH2, GH3 and Blackmagic cameras below $1000 - the G6 is the best and most modern camera in this price class.

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your decision!

Bill

The A5000 is perfectly fine for sketches - but you might be disappointed with its lack of an external mic when you need to record dialogue. And you may miss having a video viewfinder for video when you go outside and the sun makes it a challenge to see your LCD (no DSLR can help you with this problem - their viewfinders are blocked by the reflex mirror when they shoot video).

If you want to trade it in, trade it in for a Panasonic G6. It's on sale for $500 right now [Referral Link] and will give you a much larger sensor than a camcorder - plus it has interchangeable lenses like a DSLR, a viewfinder that actually works while you record video and it has an external mic jack for getting your mic close to your talent.

Like a camcorder, it has fast video autofocus and is compatible with affordable power zooms.

Here are a few short films shot with this camera:

http://vimeo.com/108715375

Congrats on the new camera and Happy New Year!

Hi TriForce - you have 3 choices at $600:

Rent
Buy an entry level camera like the Canon EOS M without no viewfinder, a sketchy tripod, lights and mic
Buy a decent mid range camera with a viewfinder and 1080/60p for slow motion - and save up for a decent tripod or stabilizer, lights and mic

If you decide on #3, I recommend you go with a $584 used or $634 new Panasonic G6 [Referral Link] (this camera is not in the camera guide yet).

Here is what this camera can do:

NARRATIVE:

SPORTS/SLO MO:

http://vimeo.com/76081090

MUSIC VIDEO:

This camera is the best value for your money in this price range.

Hope this is helpful,

Bill

Hi /u/SevenSeasofRhye - welcome to the world of large sensor, interchangeable lens filmmaking!

As a filmmaker, I started out with a T2i 5 years ago, but I wouldn't get either one of these cameras today.

Both cameras have reflex mirrors that are useless for video. These mirrors block the cameras' viewfinders, so you are forced to use the LCD on back of the camera for critical composition and focus. This is OK indoors, but outdoors in bright sunlight, you may not be able to see what you're shooting. Most Canon shooters are forced to buy a "loupe" (otherwise known as an LCD viewfinder) or an even more expensive Electronic Viewfinder (EVF).

And neither of these cameras can record full HD 1080/60fps video for in-camera slow motion.

To give these cameras basic video features such as audio level control, audio level meters and manual focus peaking, you have to modify them with third party Magic Lantern firmware.

At this price point, instead of these limited cameras, I recommend a Panasonic G6 mirrorless camera. This camera can record continuously for hours instead of minutes (very useful if you ever want to record a play, a speech, a concert or other event), it records at 1080/60p for slow motion, it has a built-in intervalometer for timelapse, it has built-in audio level meters and focus peaking - and it has a viewfinder that actually works while you're shooting video so you don't have to buy a loupe or EVF to see what you're shooting in bright sunlight.

Here is what this camera can do:

Music Video:

Narrative:

Documentary:

Slow Motion/Sport:

Travel Video:

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

Compared to the $3000 Canon 5D Mark III:

G6 is on the bottom: http://vimeo.com/82318903

There are many more examples on the Panasonic G6 channel I moderate over on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/groups/dmcg6

It's a pretty good still camera too: