Topic: Cheap video without file limit or seamless file splits?

[Dan33185]

I've been using a Google Pixel 6 Pro to shoot video at concerts, and using Open Camera I can extend the file limit to basically accomodate any concert I go to. But, if I am further than like 30 feet away, the digital zoom makes it unuseable as the image becomes too noisy. I ordered this camera just to experiment, and figured I could send it back if I wasn't satisfied:

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Vlogging-Photography-Autofocus-Anti-Shake/dp/B0DYJ2SZ6L

And to my surprise, the video quality was actually pretty nice. But, the issue is the file size limit (4 GB, which is about 31 minutes), and the fact that when it creates a new file there's like a half second glitch, which is obviously distracting, and makes it difficult when syncing audio to the video. I just can't seem to find anything under like 500 bucks that is: compact, has at least some optical zoom, and has unlimited record time or seamless video splits. Does anyone know if something like this exists on a budget? I don't need 4K or anything, I tend to shoot in 720P.

[beroti_music]

The samsung s23 ultra films in 4k and 1080p has 10 times optical zoom and no file/time limit.
Picture and sound quality are good. If this phone came out in 2005 I probably never would have filmed on mini dv camcorders

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

Used Panasonic GH4.  It's not hard.  As for your $99 special.  Oh fuck NO.

[morst]

the fact that when it creates a new file there's like a half second glitch, which is obviously distracting, and makes it difficult when syncing audio to the video.

Is it worth buying, bringing, and running a second cheapie to cover the splits?

[Dan33185]

the fact that when it creates a new file there's like a half second glitch, which is obviously distracting, and makes it difficult when syncing audio to the video.

Is it worth buying, bringing, and running a second cheapie to cover the splits?

Hmm....possibly, but the problem is they would be in different spots and there would be a weird cut every 30 minutes or so, which would defeat the purpose. I guess I just didn't realize how rare a video camera that had unlimited/large file sizes were, I figured it would be a pretty simple purchase...boy was I wrong   

[gambra]

Anything marketed as a camcorder will be able to do this, phones and cameras with video functions will likely all.habr this limit. Camcorders tend to have good optical zoom too.

[beroti_music]

The samsung s23 ultra is a phone and doesn't have a time limit to film in 4k. Picture and sound quality are good. Zoom is optical in settings: 0.6; 1; 2; 3: 10 times.

[Dan33185]

The samsung s23 ultra is a phone and doesn't have a time limit to film in 4k. Picture and sound quality are good. Zoom is optical in settings: 0.6; 1; 2; 3: 10 times.

Unfortunately they are also 800 bucks, which is way past my budget.

Anything marketed as a camcorder will be able to do this, phones and cameras with video functions will likely all.habr this limit. Camcorders tend to have good optical zoom too.

You would think so, but I've been struggling to find one that says it doesn't break up files after 4 GB.

[Dan33185]

Used Panasonic GH4.  It's not hard.  As for your $99 special.  Oh fuck NO.

Unfortunately I don't have an extra 800 bucks (+ whatever it would cost for a lens) just lying around. And the $99 one I was actually pretty pleased with the quality, it's just the fact it breaks files up that bothers me.

[al w.]

You would think so, but I've been struggling to find one that says it doesn't break up files after 4 GB.

This is likely a limitation of the file system. Specifically, FAT32 has a 4GB limit per file, which aligns with what you're seeing.

To get around this, you could try reformatting your SD card to use exFAT or NTFS.

However, even then, it's possible that a) the camera might not support cards formatted with a different file system, b) it might impose a 4GB limit anyway (for safety), or c) both.

But it's probably worth a shot...!

[Dan33185]

You would think so, but I've been struggling to find one that says it doesn't break up files after 4 GB.

This is likely a limitation of the file system. Specifically, FAT32 has a 4GB limit per file, which aligns with what you're seeing.

To get around this, you could try reformatting your SD card to use exFAT or NTFS.

However, even then, it's possible that a) the camera might not support cards formatted with a different file system, b) it might impose a 4GB limit anyway (for safety), or c) both.

But it's probably worth a shot...!

Yeah, I saw a few people suggest that when I was doing some research, but the SD card was formatted in exFAT from the manufacturer. So, at least the one I previously tried it wouldn't make a difference.

[al w.]

You would think so, but I've been struggling to find one that says it doesn't break up files after 4 GB.

This is likely a limitation of the file system. Specifically, FAT32 has a 4GB limit per file, which aligns with what you're seeing.

To get around this, you could try reformatting your SD card to use exFAT or NTFS.

However, even then, it's possible that a) the camera might not support cards formatted with a different file system, b) it might impose a 4GB limit anyway (for safety), or c) both.

But it's probably worth a shot...!

Yeah, I saw a few people suggest that when I was doing some research, but the SD card was formatted in exFAT from the manufacturer. So, at least the one I previously tried it wouldn't make a difference.

Ah, got it - sounds like it's controlled in the software anyways, darn. Presumably as a failsafe.

[beroti_music]

The samsung s23 ultra is a phone and doesn't have a time limit to film in 4k. Picture and sound quality are good. Zoom is optical in settings: 0.6; 1; 2; 3: 10 times.

Unfortunately they are also 800 bucks, which is way past my budget.

Anything marketed as a camcorder will be able to do this, phones and cameras with video functions will likely all.habr this limit. Camcorders tend to have good optical zoom too.

You would think so, but I've been struggling to find one that says it doesn't break up files after 4 GB.

They're not 800 bucks. Check ebay. 450 if you look good.

[goodcooker]

If you are on a budget take a look at the Canon HF R series of video cameras. They can be had used for less than $100 and don't have any file size limitations that I'm aware of. I never ran into a problem shooting an entire set with an R100. It struggled a little in very low light and the image stabilization had some issues when there was a really wild light show but otherwise it did great for a cheap camcorder.

No one has mentioned the Lumix ZS100 yet. It has a run time limit on it that can be hacked for unlimited. It is fantastic quality for the cost. I got mine for $250 gently used.

[Dan33185]

If you are on a budget take a look at the Canon HF R series of video cameras. They can be had used for less than $100 and don't have any file size limitations that I'm aware of. I never ran into a problem shooting an entire set with an R100. It struggled a little in very low light and the image stabilization had some issues when there was a really wild light show but otherwise it did great for a cheap camcorder.

No one has mentioned the Lumix ZS100 yet. It has a run time limit on it that can be hacked for unlimited. It is fantastic quality for the cost. I got mine for $250 gently used.

I'm definitely aware of that one, in an ideal world it would be the one I would go with. I've yet to find one under 4-500 bucks currently, except on Ebay for "parts only". I've read so many good things about it, but it seems to have maintained it's asking price over the years.