Camcorder vs. DSLR - Best Camera for Railfans?
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2020
- In making this video, I may be inadvertently showing how little I actually know about cameras...
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Hey Brian, it is likely that the issue is with your 3.5 mm cable. I had issues with mine for my RODE where one of the two channels of my stereo microphone would not pick up. I replaced the cable and it works fine now.
Here are some of my tips.
1. Film in the sun's direction
2. Do not pan. Unless a train comes from the other direction, Pan fast
3. Use a Tripod, keep it steady
4. Keep zoom at one number
5. Don’t film other railfans
6. Don’t put your camera in a spot where other railfans can’t get a good shot
7. *Trespass*
8. Point the camera towards the train, not where its headed
9. Have a backup camera
10. Start recording when the train is ~1 min away
Either im misunderstanding you or you are telling rail fans to trespass
completely agree. a lot of foamers with cameras (not "videographers") just set their camera on a tripod without caring about lighting/focus/etc. and it's always in the same exact boring places. I try to go out of my way to find cool underrated shots and locations that arent near other foamers' shots.
@@F59PHI Same
Thanks for the tips! For my railfanning adventures, I tend to use my cell phone, which has served me well for the past 2 years or so.
I do too but the problem with my cell phone is that after 50 seconds it sounds like the mic is underwater.
You can't zoom with phones though.
With most motorola phones you can.
In my opinion, dslr s are the way to go.
-they are great for zoomed in shots
-they have better color options
-they are customizable with filters and lenses
camcorder still greater for zooming.
@@zulfika_ that depends on what lens you have.
I've been using a Canon EOS M50 since the beginning of this year, and a Rode Videomic Go on audio. I use custom color grading settings on my camera for a more precise outcome in post, and I prefer shooting in 24 fps. Not being able to zoom in and out smoothly is annoying, but I've fallen out of love with doing that during shots anyway. I usually just pick one focal length that will be good for the whole shot, and stick with it.
On the Videomic Go, even with the deadcat on, wind noise can still get in around the mic jack. I intend to solve this by putting a smaller deadcat around the back to block out that noise. It'll look a bit odd, but the outcome should be worth it. Something else I dislike about it is that the stereo width is quite narrow. More so than most people think, audio is actually one of the most important things for video creators, so this is a bit annoying for me. For the tight budget I was on seeing that I bought all my film stuff at the same time, it suits me fine for now, but needless to say I plan on upgrading in the future.
On the SD card range, I have the big guns: a 512 GB card that writes at 170 mb/s. Is that overkill? Probably, but as the standard quality of photos and videos become higher, and file sizes increase, I'll already have something I can get a lot of use out of for when that time comes. Additionally, I don't have to deal with the issues inherent in smaller cards, like those you pointed out.
I got all of this, including editing software, tripod and other things, for right around $1,000. Hope this helps aspiring creators!
I've looked at the M60 but for me most of them are a little out of my price range. But thankfully, my grandma was willing to lend me her Canon T5 for my TVRM trip this year.
Mirrorless DLSR-stlye camera such as the Lumix GH4 I have found to be a great video camera. The body is relatively compact, and it has headphone and mic jacks. The GH4 is now my primary video camera, and I also have a G7 which takes the same lenses as a back-up or second camera.
This past year, I picked up a Sony FDR-AX53 closer to the more expensive side. I had a Sony RF500 as my first camcorder and it had the same microphone problem just like your cam did in the video. I solved my mic problems by using an old IPhone to record since it's mic wasn't too bad but, aligning them in post was getting annoying. I wanted to try a different company since Canon I just didn't have the quality that I wanted. When I got my FDR-AX53 camcorder, I was impressed by Sony's quality and all the different things you can do. The AX53 can do almost everything a DSLR can do. Changing white balance, exposure, and so much more. I purchased the camera with a Sony mic and that hasn't disappointed me either. The mic has no gain control or compression and it works well with the camera since Sony specifically designed to work with it. The mic doesn't have a headphone jack, it has a slide in connection on the top of the camera, although the AX53 has a mic jack just in case you would want to use a Rode or other mic. So far I am absolutely impressed with Sony's products. I do wish more people would talk about what is the best camera to capture trains with. Great video!
I’ve been using the Nikon B600 as my camera recently. It’s a great camera with 60X zoom, but for night it can be grainy. As for the zoom, sometimes it refocuses mid-zoom and white it usually is refocused in time, sometimes it doesn’t and ruins the video. That is a rare happening though. Now the microphone on the camera is bad, but after I used the Nikon app to transfer my videos onto my phone, the sound wasn’t all that bad. The only problem with sound it has is the wind. The sound can be all wrong in high winds. The photo and video quality ain’t the best, but it works. But I do plan on an upgrade soon.
Thanks for the info! I used a Sony CX-405 Previously, but i purchased a Rebel T7 for photography and now use my Old DSLR for video. I dont regret switching to DSLR!
I have both a camcorder and a DSLR. I got my camcorder, a Sony Handycam CX440, back in June of 2017. I recently purchased my first DSLR, a Canon 90D, back in July. Though I still have a lot to learn about it, I really perfer using the 90D over the 440. It's picture quality is miles ahead of the 440's, and I hope to continue using it for a long time. The only thing that I miss about my camcorder is being able to smoothly zoom in and out.
When it comes to zoom the camcorder is your best friend. You can vary how fast the zoom is and sometimes with slow trains I try and match the zoom rate with the train's speed making for a cool effect. Also if you are an insane idiot like me who paces trains while filming (DONT EVER TRY IT YOURSELF) the camcorder is lightweight to the point all you need is your hand in the hand strap and you're all set. One thing both cameras offer is combating LEDs which is especially something to consider if you live by the NEC (Thanks to the ACS-64) on phones if the headlight is dim you get that annoying strobe effect due to the shutter speed being out of sync with the LEDs on/off rate and behaves like a CRT TV while on camcorders and DSLRs it can keep up with the LEDs especially with the right settings and older camcorders like my trusty but dead Samsung HMX-F90 probably handled the LEDs in the best fashion making it look like normal lights. I primarily use my Canon Vixia HF R800 for video and occasional pictures while the DSLR is mainly for photos (Especially since I mainly use a zoom lens on it) but can be a backup if the Vixia decides to be a pile of junk. DSLRs are better in daylight though if you want clarity. Use whatever you can or want I say even if it's your own phone!
Of course you can always use your phone and 9:27 that whistle reminds me of the Big One Steam Engine from that one anime
That's the exact whistle
Great video! Keep up the work and nice tips!
WAIT! My Samsung NX3000 nowadays always stops recording in the middle of something. Thank you for solving my problem!
To everyone who needs external audio, *DO NOT BUY THE RODE VIDEOMIC GO!* There are issues with it that are completely unavoidable (watch some do not buy videos for more info) I recommend the Rode Videomicro which is cheaper, has (imo) better audio, and doesn't have that unavoidable issue. Thanks and happy railfanning!
Awesome video! I personally use a DSLR (Nikon D5300) and I also bought a cheap mic on Amazon thinking that it wouldn’t be that great, but I was surprised to hear that it sounded great! You are true about there being a learning curve with a DSLR though. Two of my videos on my channel turned out horrible due to the wrong setting and not being correctly focused. I am hopefully going to participate in one of Southern Rail Production’s photo charters next year (if it doesn’t get canceled) Maybe by then I can get the hang of my camera. LOL
Hey everyone, this is a good video for info, but also keep in mind that Mirror less is also an option. I use a Canon M50 (Mirrorless) I don't see a reason to go for DSLR's in 2021 because DSLR's are being discontinued and lenses are being discontinued as well. For a microphone, don't get the Rode VideoMic Go because it is way to sensitive and finicky, I recommend the Rode VideoMicro, it is cheaper, and I feel it gets better audio than the VideoMic.
I have exactly the same set up. Very happy 😀. The video micro works well for me.
I use a Go Pro Hero6 and external mic, it seems to work good. The wide angle effect looks good for many scenes and I have changed up the settings to get rid of the fisheye effect.
woah i saw Nashville&Eastern in there! I railfan around those tracks! also thank you im trying to find a good camera
Part of the reason the camcorder can be used in low light better is the sensor. The T5i does not has as high quality of a sensor as the expensive camcorder and hence the steeper price tag. I’d say personally a DSLR or Mirrorless camera is the way to go because if you ever want to just take pictures you can, there are a variety of lenses to go with it, and I personally find they have better image quality. Furthermore, they’re built like a tank and can be used in all sorts of weather, something I’m not sure camcorders can do. Just my input
I use a sonny camcorder. It’s my first camera though so I’ll upgrade to a different one when I’m ready
I've always used camcorders simply because there are some good quality ones out there at an affordable price. My only problem has been filming inside in low light. For those the DSL seems to work better for me. Maybe I just need a higher quality camcorder, but that's another day kind of thing.
I use the Rhode with a 700D/T6i and had no issues with it, even during the time when I used it with a Samsung Galaxy S7 phone
I have a canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS. The mic is on the front and you have to make sure that you don`t cover up the mic or you will get some sound and not all of the sound that you will need for that video. In the evenings you want to be on the sunny side of the shot.
My main recording device is somewhat of a camcorder crossed with a News Camera. Its HUGE!
Because my phone is starting to act up I'm getting a Lumix fz80, I've seen some train videos on it it's great
Nice!
What are some of the best railroading related things to do in the Tennessee, NW Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas area? I'm going on a trip this summer and want to play all my cards right so any help is appreciated!
Thanks for this review. Have you done an update? What are you shooting now? I’m currently using my iPhone and a pair of GoPros. My DSLR is too old and unfortunately Ive never owned a true camcorder. I would like to get one. I just suffered the Rolling Shutter effect while capturing the Reading & Northern 2102 late on Sunday afternoon. Luckily I shot with 2 cameras and 1 did great, no issues. Thanks, Dave in Eastern PA.
How well does a 18-55 kit lense work for normal railfanning
I use a cell phone and man it's not really fun.
dslrs are the way to go. its a gateway into other photography too!
What shutter speed do you use for using the DSLR to shoot video? I notice that there hardly isn't motion blur which is something I have a lot of.
I usually use my tablet,I just noticed at 5:27 first car i
use to be one of Ringling Brothers cars
I use my phone to Railfan. I hope I can get a DSLR or Camcorder eventually. Edit: I have a DSLR camera now from Nikon. It works pretty good.
I recommend at the very least, a 1080p video camera. You can always adjust the quality through video editing. Do you have any Apple products? If so, you can make a 1080p video into 4K.
@@TrainGuru Pseudoscientific BS. A video is only as clear as the initial resolution.
Yeah, I realized that afterwards.
@@TrainGuru Yeah. Those downloads are scams.
I'm trying to find something that is below the price range of $150.
Any great recommendations?
Where did you find your trusty dusty handycam because I tried to find it online and unfortunately I didn't find it.
Ok for the microphone you have to 1st stop recording plug it in then start recording
The best camera for beginners is your phone. Save up for a good camera then use it.
I film with 2 dslr's but I had to retire my only camcorder because of its picture quality looking bad
I like my Sony A3000
Got any ideas for taking clear video for model railroading? I'm doing some research on best cameras and lenses to use for getting the right high depth of field video on a model layout.
The few times I've filmed with models, wide angle lenses are the only way to get them in focus. That's something I can cover at a later date.
@@HighIron I'd Love the see a video of some of your video work with one!
Why would you not choose a DSLR???
When using manual focus what do you have to do to get it to focus on a train
its 2022 ffs use autofocus
I see what you mean by a trusty DUSTY handycam
One question, can a dslr record and take photos at the same time? or a camcorder? you would help me a lot
Sort of. The DSLR can take pictures and record, but the video would be momentarily paused when the shutter button is pressed. You can actually see it in real time at 8:55.
@@HighIron thanks a lot!!
I use my phone
So the DSLR is the best for photo shoots
Hey high iron get a 35mm camera
I’m kinda a railfan noob because I only use iphone to railfan
Hey, don’t worry! It’s fine. I’m switching to a high end canon dslr soon. Phones are completely fine!!
me who recrods with a phone:
Heh, me with a 35mm slr
Your need to learn manual mode on the DSLR. Doesn’t look like you know how to use it. You get way better video with the DSLR. Camcorders are easier to use, but you really need how to use it in manual on both cameras.
I just use my phone because it's all I've got, it works pretty damn well with a tripod, feel free to check out my vids
8:26 sounds terrible with microphone... Only suitable for interview
i use an ipad to railfan .-.