I was quoting the Canon instruction manual about what mode is for what :-) In my tests, powered is certainly more effective in all aspects but you may find it gives the video a slightly stuttery look as you walk. That's because the camera is trying to compensate for unintentional movement yet permit actual movement, so every now and then the image jumps as the camera thinks it needs to adjust for what it believes to be 'true' movement rather than unintended wobble (I hope this is making sense!)
Many thanks for your reply. Your tests are very helpful and informative - it's a real pleasure to learn from somebody who actually knows their subject!
Thank you! Notice how on some of my videos, the text flickers occasionally? That's not there in the Vegas source file, it's just the way it renders! I reported the bug and all they said was "we have a new update try that" - but I already was...
thank you so much on the video, just getting me more closer to getting this nice camera for video. even though intend on filming this close close. but i bet it would do awesome for parties and just capturing nice memories
I think so but remember any slowmo that isn't actually filmed on a slowmo camera means the software has to interpolate the extra frames so it I'll only work to some degree and this is true of all the editing software. There are plugins like Twixtor that can help but for real super slowmo you need a dedicated camera and they can cost a lot!
Hi! Can you make a video about zoom speed level setting of this camcorder? Is it true that the speed of zoom can be costant? it is an interesting function.
I don't think I'd agree with "bad". Compared to the unstabilised shots, the camcorder is clearly performing a substantial amount of smoothing. And in Powered mode particularly, at the far end of the zoom, it's very impressive. However, Panasonic's x920, at about the same price, does offer an even better level of stabilisation I think.
Well, it's tricky because when you go cheaper you start losing things like the external mic input (and great sound is very important for great video - especially if guitars are your thing, which I'm guessing they are from your channel name). So I need to know what your budget is and what you want to use it for. Remember in your budget to include scope for any accessories (see my accessories video) such as extra batteries, microphone(s), tripod etc
This test is of great interest to me as I tend to do a lot of 'walking the camera'. But you say that the 'Dynamic' mode is for w/a shots. Is it my eyes or does the 'Powered' mode look more stable in all the shots as well as w/a?
I am thinking of buying this camera but before i do i just want to ask how good the wide angle lens is? I film a lot of things at skatepark and need to be close to the action and my camera at the moment has a fisheye lens and i was wondering if you could get a fisheye lens that would fit on without any black corners or if the wide angle is good enough?
If you're on a PC, my favourite editing software, which I've used for years, is Sony Vegas Pro but on your budget you'll need the non-pro version called Vegas Movie Studio. They do 3 versions of it but don't get the cheapest (Movie Studio 11), it's too basic. I recommend the middle one, called Movie Studio Platinum 12; it's $99 (there is a costlier option called Platinum Suite but no need for that if budget is tight). If you're on a Mac then you probably need Final Cut X which is $299 I think.
I have a Rode videomic pro, i have seen alot of videos however even in the slightest wind it seems to pick up the wind very easily. Any tips in setting to help.Thanks
It is good (although if you buy it you'll then find yourself wanting the forthcoming G30 but if you buy that you'll want the XF100 etc etc; there's always a camera better than the one you can afford. I know, I'm always wanting to buy the next, best thing!) Vegas is excellent for any kind of in-edit compositing, in fact that's one of its key strengths so you don't need to go out to After Effects or similar for keying and multi-track compositing. I'm not an expert on that aspect though.
On a scale of 1-10, how difficult is it to transfer to editing software? Or how about difficulty in editing within camera's features and then uploading to UA-cam. 95% of my videos will be unloaded to UA-cam and I'm looking for ease and also for ease of good editing before upload too.
You can't edit within the camera. Easy to bring files into a computer though, either by taking the SD card out and putting it in the computer, or by USB lead. How easy the import and edit is depends on your editing software.
Miguel Hernandez Depends what you want to use it for and what your level of expertise is. Also, I can't give you a specific recommendation on the Sony as it's not released yet so I've not tried it. Perhaps best to wait until it comes out, read some reviews and then decide.
I've had a look at cheaper camcorders and I reckon you can't go far wrong with either the Canon Legria HF-M52 (£430 on Amazon) or the Panasonic V700 (also £430). If you're feeling flush, then the Panasonic V720 is newer and even whizzier (£470). All have mic input though the Panasonics, oddly, don't seem to have a headphone jack. But the Panny's have great image stabilisation & the V720 even does live WiFi streaming if you want to broadcast live! So the Pannys might be your best bet, I think.
You'd be disappointed with the width of the lens on this camcorder if you're used to shooting with a fisheye. In fact, you won't find any camcorder that comes close to that level of width, without some kind of attachment lens adapter. Even the HF-G30 which goes to 26.8mm would not compare. The vignetting effect (black corners) is a consequence either of a cheap fisheye or possible, a lens hood creeping into shot. You can get fisheye adapters for the HF-G25 but I've not tried them, sorry.
OK will do - but I would never advise using a "digital zoom", especially on a camera like this that has a native 1920x1080 sensor because any so-called "zoom" will be entirely interpolated by the camera and not genuine zoomed pixels in any way. In other words, the quality will inherently be poor.
+UKAirscape I was wondering the same thing can this be used as a my main camera for pranks check one of my vids because the camera I have now is ok but I feel this camera will make it amazing
Well, assuming you have a suitable wireless mic then this camera has a mic input and headphone socket so you can monitor what you're doing. It also has a zoom so in that respect it's fine. So if that's what you need, this camcorder will be fine. Like all small camcorders it will not shoot well in dim situations such as inside or in twilight or nighttime. It has decent but not the best stabilisation (that honour goes to any Sony with the BOSS system)
Any camera "can" be used as a camera for pranks, whether it's any better or not depends on exactly what you want to do. Why do you say you think this one will be amazing? What is it you're looking for that leads you to consider this one? Unless I know that, I can't advise on whether it's suitable.
I was quoting the Canon instruction manual about what mode is for what :-)
In my tests, powered is certainly more effective in all aspects but you may find it gives the video a slightly stuttery look as you walk. That's because the camera is trying to compensate for unintentional movement yet permit actual movement, so every now and then the image jumps as the camera thinks it needs to adjust for what it believes to be 'true' movement rather than unintended wobble (I hope this is making sense!)
Many thanks for your reply. Your tests are very helpful and informative - it's a real pleasure to learn from somebody who actually knows their subject!
Thank you! Notice how on some of my videos, the text flickers occasionally? That's not there in the Vegas source file, it's just the way it renders! I reported the bug and all they said was "we have a new update try that" - but I already was...
Thank you for the comment; it's good to hear!
No worries, thanks for the comment!
thank you so much on the video, just getting me more closer to getting this nice camera for video. even though intend on filming this close close. but i bet it would do awesome for parties and just capturing nice memories
Stabilisation is a option in the camera when you buy or must add with money?
I think so but remember any slowmo that isn't actually filmed on a slowmo camera means the software has to interpolate the extra frames so it I'll only work to some degree and this is true of all the editing software. There are plugins like Twixtor that can help but for real super slowmo you need a dedicated camera and they can cost a lot!
Hi! Can you make a video about zoom speed level setting of this camcorder? Is it true that the speed of zoom can be costant? it is an interesting function.
Excellent, thank you. Let me know how you get on.
I don't think I'd agree with "bad". Compared to the unstabilised shots, the camcorder is clearly performing a substantial amount of smoothing. And in Powered mode particularly, at the far end of the zoom, it's very impressive. However, Panasonic's x920, at about the same price, does offer an even better level of stabilisation I think.
Well, it's tricky because when you go cheaper you start losing things like the external mic input (and great sound is very important for great video - especially if guitars are your thing, which I'm guessing they are from your channel name).
So I need to know what your budget is and what you want to use it for.
Remember in your budget to include scope for any accessories (see my accessories video) such as extra batteries, microphone(s), tripod etc
This test is of great interest to me as I tend to do a lot of 'walking the camera'. But you say that the 'Dynamic' mode is for w/a shots. Is it my eyes or does the 'Powered' mode look more stable in all the shots as well as w/a?
I am thinking of buying this camera but before i do i just want to ask how good the wide angle lens is? I film a lot of things at skatepark and need to be close to the action and my camera at the moment has a fisheye lens and i was wondering if you could get a fisheye lens that would fit on without any black corners or if the wide angle is good enough?
''Edited with Sony Vegas Pro 12, the irritatingly buggy version. Version 10 was much more reliable!'' I agree with that. Nice video!
If you're on a PC, my favourite editing software, which I've used for years, is Sony Vegas Pro but on your budget you'll need the non-pro version called Vegas Movie Studio. They do 3 versions of it but don't get the cheapest (Movie Studio 11), it's too basic. I recommend the middle one, called Movie Studio Platinum 12; it's $99 (there is a costlier option called Platinum Suite but no need for that if budget is tight). If you're on a Mac then you probably need Final Cut X which is $299 I think.
I have a Rode videomic pro, i have seen alot of videos however even in the slightest wind it seems to pick up the wind very easily. Any tips in setting to help.Thanks
Pretty much all mics are like that if they're at all sensitive. You just have to buy a decent windjammer such as those from Rycote.
Thanks for the advice.
Hello. I have just uploaded a video with zoom tests. You will see that the zoom speed can be constant or variable.
It is good (although if you buy it you'll then find yourself wanting the forthcoming G30 but if you buy that you'll want the XF100 etc etc; there's always a camera better than the one you can afford. I know, I'm always wanting to buy the next, best thing!)
Vegas is excellent for any kind of in-edit compositing, in fact that's one of its key strengths so you don't need to go out to After Effects or similar for keying and multi-track compositing. I'm not an expert on that aspect though.
On a scale of 1-10, how difficult is it to transfer to editing software? Or how about difficulty in editing within camera's features and then uploading to UA-cam. 95% of my videos will be unloaded to UA-cam and I'm looking for ease and also for ease of good editing before upload too.
You can't edit within the camera. Easy to bring files into a computer though, either by taking the SD card out and putting it in the computer, or by USB lead. How easy the import and edit is depends on your editing software.
UKAirscape thanks!
Hello , would you recommend this canon or perhaps the Sony 4k coming out next month ?
Miguel Hernandez Depends what you want to use it for and what your level of expertise is. Also, I can't give you a specific recommendation on the Sony as it's not released yet so I've not tried it. Perhaps best to wait until it comes out, read some reviews and then decide.
UKAirscape Thank You for your help I'll see what I do. I'm also interested in the fdr-ax100 but its 1699 and that is too high ..
Very kind of you to say that, thank you.
Oh ok thats for the info i will keep that in mind!
this video you make without tripod it"s right?
Thank you for uploading this. It was helpful.
I've had a look at cheaper camcorders and I reckon you can't go far wrong with either the Canon Legria HF-M52 (£430 on Amazon) or the Panasonic V700 (also £430). If you're feeling flush, then the Panasonic V720 is newer and even whizzier (£470). All have mic input though the Panasonics, oddly, don't seem to have a headphone jack. But the Panny's have great image stabilisation & the V720 even does live WiFi streaming if you want to broadcast live! So the Pannys might be your best bet, I think.
You'd be disappointed with the width of the lens on this camcorder if you're used to shooting with a fisheye. In fact, you won't find any camcorder that comes close to that level of width, without some kind of attachment lens adapter. Even the HF-G30 which goes to 26.8mm would not compare.
The vignetting effect (black corners) is a consequence either of a cheap fisheye or possible, a lens hood creeping into shot.
You can get fisheye adapters for the HF-G25 but I've not tried them, sorry.
Correct. This was all hand-held.
I'll have a think about cameras and get back to you...
Stabilisation is built into the camera as standard.
Eccellente video semplice e conciso
nice work, many thanks for posting this
OK will do - but I would never advise using a "digital zoom", especially on a camera like this that has a native 1920x1080 sensor because any so-called "zoom" will be entirely interpolated by the camera and not genuine zoomed pixels in any way. In other words, the quality will inherently be poor.
would this be a good camera for pranksters
Can't possibly say without knowing specifically what you want to do with it.
UKAirscape like for zooming in from a far with a wireless mic and like go out and film public pranks is it good for that or no
+UKAirscape I was wondering the same thing can this be used as a my main camera for pranks check one of my vids because the camera I have now is ok but I feel this camera will make it amazing
Well, assuming you have a suitable wireless mic then this camera has a mic input and headphone socket so you can monitor what you're doing. It also has a zoom so in that respect it's fine. So if that's what you need, this camcorder will be fine.
Like all small camcorders it will not shoot well in dim situations such as inside or in twilight or nighttime. It has decent but not the best stabilisation (that honour goes to any Sony with the BOSS system)
Any camera "can" be used as a camera for pranks, whether it's any better or not depends on exactly what you want to do. Why do you say you think this one will be amazing? What is it you're looking for that leads you to consider this one? Unless I know that, I can't advise on whether it's suitable.
Video cameras around $ 300 are useless. Everything must be over $ 739 to provide good quality.
That is the oddest way to measure quality I've ever heard.
No stabilization..,,Active,, is zero..