Camera buying advice

[Kalmado]

Didn't see a post recently about this so here we go. I know a lot of people use their cell phone for their camera and even video recording. I'm rolling with a LG V10 and while it's by no means bad as a camera, I'm leaning towards buying a traditional camera with video recording. Not sure really where to begin.

Main use for the camera would be shooting Youtube videos of pc related items and what not. I've already ordered a 50 inch tripod with additional phone tripod mount. I'm looking at cameras because I want to see what's being shot while filming.

Looking for opinions on best bang for your buck, best budget, or even phone opinions. Thanks for any and all who contribute.

[TummieGaruda]

So basically Vlogs? Are you aiming for standard HD or 4K?

[Kalmado]

So basically Vlogs? Are you aiming for standard HD or 4K?

Yeah basically. Didn't really think of 4K or HD. I'd assume 4K is going to be more expensive. I'm a highly budget oriented person!

[TummieGaruda]

Another question is that are you going to be speaking directly into the camera or will you be doing basic shots of items and then doing a recorded voice over in post? Reason why I ask is because if you are doing VO's in post then you don't have to look for a camera that has a mic input, but if you are going to be speaking into the camera, you will want a camera that has a Mic jack and use an external mic setup since onboard mics from cameras aren't the best when it comes to quality.

[Kalmado]

Another question is that are you going to be speaking directly into the camera or will you be doing basic shots of items and then doing a recorded voice over in post? Reason why I ask is because if you are doing VO's in post then you don't have to look for a camera that has a mic input, but if you are going to be speaking into the camera, you will want a camera that has a Mic jack and use an external mic setup since onboard mics from cameras aren't the best when it comes to quality.

Basic shots and then voice over. Already bought the Samson C01U condenser mic.

[TummieGaruda]

Try looking at the Canon G7x Mark II. Small compact design and used by a lot of vloggers. It doesn’t have HDMI out but has a flip screen so you can see what you are shooting. Not exactly sure how much you want to spend but it retails for around $650. A cheaper alternative would be the Sony a5100 which has the same features except no in camera image stabilization but does have HDMI out. The lens on the Sony is interchangeable however the stock 16-50mm lens it normally comes with has a minimum aperture of f/3.5 whereas the canons fixed lens is f/1.8 meaning the canon will be able to let in more light and produce better bokeh for background separation of your subjects that you are shooting. You can buy lenses for the Sony to cover whatever aperture and focal ranges needed giving you flexibility but it can/will increase the cost. I have a DSLR myself and own 5 different lenses which combined more than the camera itself.

[synistar]

From a production quality standpoint, you may need to invest in lighting. You will get the most bang for your buck in regards to picture quality since ambient room lighting won't look as good.

This is for $50: https://www.amazon.com/Linco-Lincost...ft+light+boxes

[TummieGaruda]

From a production quality standpoint, you may need to invest in lighting. You will get the most bang for your buck in regards to picture quality since ambient room lighting won't look as good.

This is for $50: https://www.amazon.com/Linco-Lincost...ft+light+boxes

This, lighting is a huge deal when it comes to shooting anything as most people don't realize that they don't have enough proper lighting when doing vlog product reviews. Most indoor lighting doesn't light objects evenly and you end up with really bad shadows and harsh falloffs into the shadows. You also might want to read on 2 and 3 point lighting to help ensure that what you are trying to showcase is lit properly.

[Kalmado]

I think lighting is definitely an issue. Here is a link to pc builds I've done in the past. The left side is a list of builds where each has pictures. Most pictures were taken with a GE digital camera from about four years ago (now broke). The linked build's pictures were taken with a Samsung S3. The room in my house that I work out of has two windows where I just have basic white blinds up. The walls are that awful eggshell or off white like color which is how the paint was when we bought it. My work room utilizes a 50" LG plasma as it's test screen because I can't sell it on CL for any reasonable offer and I literally have nowhere else to put it. Not sure how lighting will play off that because I'd rather film budget build FPS testing with a camera on the TV screen instead of using OBS for video capture which could hamper FPS.

While the point of the channel is really for me to have something to do, I don't want anything I vlog to look like crap. If anything, I hope to create something akin to RandomGamingHD's channel. To me it's a simplistic take while showcasing the parts and what he does. I have zero interest in emulating channels like BitWit, Linus, or JayZ2cents (I do like Jay but don't watch the other 2 anymore).

[synistar]

Again, it all depends on how much investment you want to put into this. Most gains will come from lighting for any indoor shots. Phones are still solid for video.

Here's Freddie Wong with a BTS from 2012 with a Galaxy S3 and an improvised steering wheel rig to do motion shots:


And the video to do the DIY PVC rig: