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PAR FOR THE COURSE Lots of used camcorders are still fantastic at events coverage and live streaming, including those by Canon, Sony and Panasonic
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“With the huge switch to live streaming and TV broadcast, the latest camcorders have lots of connectivity options”
HC550 is a great buy. Panasonic’s 4K/60p range includes the HC-X2, which even has timecode in/out for multicam set-ups, while the HC-X20 is even more compact. If you’re OK shooting in HD, then even smaller and cheaper cameras come into play too. The Canon XA20 is a very compact model with a 1/2.84in CMOS sensor for video up to 59.94p, and a 24p mode for a more cinematic feel. The 20x optical zoom lens features a 35mm equivalent range of 26.8-576mm and an eight-bladed iris. So there’s plenty of choice available when buying used – and MPB should be your first port of call when it comes time to find your next camera, part-exchange or sell your current model.
lots of connectivity options, which makes them leagues better than any other type of camera. Many events are shot and streamed from a single camera, yet still record the footage in high resolution to produce a high-quality recording afterwards. Most cameras have both HDMI and SDI for outputting footage, either lower-spec 3G-SDI or 12G-SDI output that is four times the bandwidth to stream 4K via SDI. USB-C output allows use as a simple webcam, while built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet means it’s simple to get content out to the world. Many can direct stream over a WAN using the RTMPS system or the newer SRT protocol which offers very low latency. What to buy now? For news shooters who don’t want to lug a flagship Sony Z200 or Canon XF705 around, there’s a decent choice that won’t break the bank. Take a look at the incredible 4K Canon XF605, which has lots of the functions of the flagship – a 12G-SDI interface and UHD H.265 IP streaming, as well as AI-powered AF – but is cheaper and smaller. To save even more, check out the Canon XF405, or 4K Sony PXW-Z190 or Z280 with face detection AF. JVC has always led the way in connected cams, and the
from cine primes and anamorphics to cheap, old-school mechanical lenses. All-in-one camcorders have lenses with powered zooms which are controlled by a rocker switch that fits under your fingers on the lens barrel. These switches are pressure-sensitive, so you can alter the zooming speed too. But these lenses aren’t interchangeable, so if you want something wider or longer then you’re stuck with screw-on converter lenses. Many fixed lenses offer incredible focal length ranges, such as the 25x range that equates to 28.8- 720mm on the Sony PXW-Z190, which makes a great used buy. Many camcorders have three rings on the lens, which aids in manual focusing. Lower-spec cameras don’t have great AF, but the best pro-style cameras use phase detection systems, which can work well. Many offer face detection too. Camcorders offer focus peaking to aid focusing as well as zebra patterns to show parts of a scene that are overexposed. Built-in NDs help set exposure, while some have variable NDs to make sure exposure is bang on every time. Stream if you want to go faster With the huge switch to live streaming and TV broadcast, the latest camcorders have
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