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CREATOR TOOLS
CAMERAS T here’s never been a better time to hit record and share. But you need the right cameras and lenses to do it – and what works well for general filmmaking almost certainly won’t be ideal for podcasting. That’s because podcasts are largely studio-based, with cameras on tripods that need to run for extended periods without overheating, offer good audio inputs and ideally produce great out- of-camera colours that don’t require heavy post work. Studios also need decent lighting and audio. Certainly, this is where cameras made for shooting video are the best, rather than DSLRs or many mirrorless cameras that have 30-minute runtime cut-offs.
Content creators generally need small and portable cameras for shorter takes. Great image stabilisation is a massive bonus, or at least a gimbal. For those wanting to shoot vertical video for social media, a tilting and swivelling screen is a great option. But across both types of use, the critical feature is excellent autofocus, with face and eye detection. You can work with superfast manual cine lenses, but keeping everything sharp will be a struggle. Precise AF and fast prime lenses are a must-buy. Let’s take a look at
some of the top-choice cameras and lenses on the market.
COOL CONTENT CREATOR CAMERAS
There’s been a lot of action in this arena recently as the manufacturers swing into action to produce cameras for this fast-emerging market. Although people do make films with smartphones and fixed-lens compacts, it’s far better to pick a camera with a larger sensor that takes interchangeable lenses and has great AF. That pretty much means a modern mirrorless camera. At the entry-level end in terms of price is the new Canon R50 V, which uses RF mount lenses to produce pro-level results without the bulk or complexity. It’s designed with video-first users in mind, delivering 4K/30p video with no crop, excellent AF and Canon’s signature colour science. It boasts a fully articulating touchscreen, which makes framing easy whether you’re behind the camera or in front of it vlogging. Paired with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, subject tracking stays locked in – even when you’re moving around or showing products. The R50 V also features an intuitive menu system and a guided user interface. Automatic scene modes make it easy for beginners while still offering the flexibility and manual control that more experienced creators demand.
CANON FOR CONTENT The new R50 V is made for ease of use when shooting video. Nikon’s Z5 II (above) is a real video powerhouse
Certainly not entry-level in terms of spec is the new Nikon Z 5II, a full-frame camera with a 24.5-megapixel sensor. It’s crammed with features from professional
Z series cameras, bringing fast, intelligent focusing, superb low-light capabilities, a bright electronic viewfinder, 4K UHD video and extensive control over colour.
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