Topic: Camcorder recommendations

[juliocruz]

I have been recording shows with a digital Panasonic camera, but I hate that you can only record 30 minutes continuously. Therefore I want to buy a camcorder, so I'm looking for recommendations. I'm looking for a camcorder that:

- can record at least 1,5 hours continuously with 1 battery.
- is small, so doesn't look too professional
- performs well in low light situations (=most concerts)
- has enough optical zoom (at least 20x)
- has batteries that can can be recharged and changed
- an input for external mics would be great, but the camcorder should power the mics (I don't want to use a battery box)

I hope to get some good recommendations. Thanks!


 

[DavidPuddy]

There's a Canon camcorder in the yard sale that hits pretty much all of your points (except mic power). Get a $15 USB adapter from Amazon so you can use a power bank and you're good to go.

You're not going to find a camcorder that puts out enough volts to power the mics we use. You can run the stereo out from your deck to the camera though.

[webvan]

Depending on what "digital Panasonic camera" you have it's possible that 30' limit can be extended ;-) It's a US ZS100 for instance. If it's a European TZ-100 like mine you're OOL though :-(

[IronFilm]

Depending on what "digital Panasonic camera" you have it's possible that 30' limit can be extended ;-)

Some of them, such as the Panasonic G7, have easy to do "hacks" which remove the limit. Others like the Panasonic GH5 never had the limit!

Honestly Panasonic the very best brand when it comes to buying stills camera with unlimited recording lengths that also don't overheat. (looking at you Canon and Sony!!!!)

[spyder9]

I bought the Panasonic G85 recently.  Recorded for 2 1/2 hours straight in 4k.  No hack needed.  Just press the red button, then kickback and laugh.

[Datfly]

I bought the Panasonic G85 recently.  Recorded for 2 1/2 hours straight in 4k.  No hack needed.  Just press the red button, then kickback and laugh.

Only issue with this & similar style cameras is they look like a a Pro 35mm camera. If it "looks" pro or has a detachable lens you can't go into most arenas.
The little innocent looking ZS100 with a 1" sensor that shoots 4K can get in every time!

[spyder9]

I bought the Panasonic G85 recently.  Recorded for 2 1/2 hours straight in 4k.  No hack needed.  Just press the red button, then kickback and laugh.

Only issue with this & similar style cameras is they look like a a Pro 35mm camera. If it "looks" pro or has a detachable lens you can't go into most arenas.
The little innocent looking ZS100 with a 1" sensor that shoots 4K can get in every time!

I don't use my cameras strictly for concerts.  I've enjoyed photography since I was a kid.  I own a ZS-100, but the G85 is a very nice upgrade and fun to use.  Mirrorless is an amazing technology.   I'm still keeping the ZS-100 because its quick P&S ability and portability.  I also own a GoPro Hero7, that I use for car trips.  The 4k video on the G85 is excellent.  That said, I have clubs down here in South Florida that will let me in with the G85.  Plenty of opportunities.  I wouldn't bother bringing it to big shows at big arenas.  I rather record the audio for those shows and let the big production companies do the pro-filming (nugs, livephish).  My 2 cents.

[guitard]

I wouldn't bother bringing it to big shows at big arenas.  I rather record the audio for those shows and let the big production companies do the pro-filming (nugs, livephish).

I've been to hundreds and hundreds of arena concerts in my lifetime, and I only know of a couple of them that were professionally filmed (and released).  Is that becoming the norm?

[spyder9]

I wouldn't bother bringing it to big shows at big arenas.  I rather record the audio for those shows and let the big production companies do the pro-filming (nugs, livephish).

I've been to hundreds and hundreds of arena concerts in my lifetime, and I only know of a couple of them that were professionally filmed (and released).  Is that becoming the norm?

yup   https://nugs.tv/

[guitard]

I wouldn't bother bringing it to big shows at big arenas.  I rather record the audio for those shows and let the big production companies do the pro-filming (nugs, livephish).

I've been to hundreds and hundreds of arena concerts in my lifetime, and I only know of a couple of them that were professionally filmed (and released).  Is that becoming the norm?

yup   https://nugs.tv/

That link is mostly about webcasts that are performed for virtual audiences ... so there is no option to record the audio yourself at the venue.  Not to mention, most of them are filmed at small venues (Ardmore Music Hall, Stubb's BBQ, El Mocambo, etc.) -- so they are not "big shows at big arenas."

I stand by my original statement: very few big arena concerts are professionally filmed and made available.

[spyder9]

I wouldn't bother bringing it to big shows at big arenas.  I rather record the audio for those shows and let the big production companies do the pro-filming (nugs, livephish).

I've been to hundreds and hundreds of arena concerts in my lifetime, and I only know of a couple of them that were professionally filmed (and released).  Is that becoming the norm?

yup   https://nugs.tv/

That link is mostly about webcasts that are performed for virtual audiences ... so there is no option to record the audio yourself at the venue.  Not to mention, most of them are filmed at small venues (Ardmore Music Hall, Stubb's BBQ, El Mocambo, etc.) -- so they are not "big shows at big arenas."

I stand by my original statement: very few big arena concerts are professionally filmed and made available.

good luck with that.

[willndmb]

There's a Canon camcorder in the yard sale that hits pretty much all of your points (except mic power). Get a $15 USB adapter from Amazon so you can use a power bank and you're good to go.

You're not going to find a camcorder that puts out enough volts to power the mics we use. You can run the stereo out from your deck to the camera though.

not sure what one it is but I have a Canon r___ and love it
Has mic in for live “dubbing” if you do audio too
Price for features can’t be beat

[Elvis Hitler]

I've been happy with the Canon Vixia HF G series (I own G10, G20, G30 and G50 which is 4K).  They all have external mic inputs, but the G10 and G20 don't have standard mounts on top to accommodate a shotgun mic, while the G30 and above do.

[RyanJ]

I've been happy with the Canon Vixia HF G series (I own G10, G20, G30 and G50 which is 4K).  They all have external mic inputs, but the G10 and G20 don't have standard mounts on top to accommodate a shotgun mic, while the G30 and above do.

I have a G70 and i've had issues with filming with it. Slow frame rate with really fast lighting on stage.. How manual do you run the cameras?