Vloggers and camera people...

[Dumbo777]

I am looking for suggestions for a decently priced camera that I can use for vlogging on our trip and still shots with good auto focus. I don't want anything over $600. I'm looking mainly to use it just for our trip. I have no experience in camera equipment what so ever so I was hoping someone here could point me in the right direction. Thanks

 

[tazdev3225]

Try the Photography board. They have a lot of experience there an are usually pretty helpful. I know cameras but not vlogging so not much help here.

 

[JaxDad]

I am looking for suggestions for a decently priced camera that I can use for vlogging on our trip and still shots with good auto focus. I don't want anything over $600. I'm looking mainly to use it just for our trip. I have no experience in camera equipment what so ever so I was hoping someone here could point me in the right direction. Thanks

I bought my son a Sony Alpha a5000 for Christmas. I got a refurbished one for less than $300. I think a new one or subsequent versions are around $500. It is a very good and small camera.

 

[Tigerlulu]

I used to have a Sony a77 that took amazing video. Sony has good video—look into them.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

If you have an iPhone, especially one of the newer ones, the pictures can be as good as the ones you take with a camera.

 

[Jennasis]

The defacto vlogging cam that many of then big Disney bloggers seem to like is the Canon G7 which hovers right at/over your top price point. Its no surprise cause its a great camera.

We have been using our little Sony cybershot. Love it. Takes great, clear, steady video. My only complaint is that the mic on it, and many cameras, is rear facing so it primarily picks up the audio of whoever is behind the camera best.

DH did just splurge on a nicer camera and an external Mic. I can't remember what it is but one of the big features we wanted was a screen we can flip around so we can see ourselves.

 

[Dumbo777]

Try the Photography board. They have a lot of experience there an are usually pretty helpful. I know cameras but not vlogging so not much help here.

Will do. Thanks.

 

[Dumbo777]

I bought my son a Sony Alpha a5000 for Christmas. I got a refurbished one for less than $300. I think a new one or subsequent versions are around $500. It is a very good and small camera.

Thank you

 

[Dumbo777]

If you have an iPhone, especially one of the newer ones, the pictures can be as good as the ones you take with a camera.

I don't have an iPhone. I'm more of an Android person.

 

[Dumbo777]

The defacto vlogging cam that many of then big Dosne6 bloggers seems to like is the Canon G7 which hovers right at/over your top price point. Its no surprise cause its a great camera.

We use our little Sony cybershot. Love it. Takes great, clear, steady video. My only cpmplaint is that the mix on it and many cameras is rear facing so it primarily picks up tje audio of whoever is behind the camera best.

DH did just splurge on a nicer camera and an external Mic. I can't remember what it is but one of the big features we wanted was a screen we can flip around so we can see ourselves.

Thanks for the great advice. I will check into one.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I don't have an iPhone. I'm more of an Android person.

I don't know much about those, but I believe their cameras are known to be good, as well. Point being that some of the smartphones have capable cameras and videos in them already, you may not need a separate device. If you're unfamiliar with how to take good pictures on any camera, there's a book called Understanding Exposure that can help.

ETA An article that helps explain what I'm trying to say:

https://mashable.com/2017/10/12/how-iphone-8-plus-replaced-my-real-camera/#3rOmjjmgymqp

 

[mrodgers]

If you have an iPhone, especially one of the newer ones, the pictures can be as good as the ones you take with a camera.

Not even close. But you can say that if you have an iPhone that the picture quality can be better than any point and shoot camera. But anyone who knows how to use a camera is not going to get close to as good a shot with an iPhone as they are with any camera that has manual controls.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Not even close. But you can say that if you have an iPhone that the picture quality can be better than any point and shoot camera. But anyone who knows how to use a camera is not going to get close to as good a shot with an iPhone as they are with any camera that has manual controls.

Sure if you're talking dSLR. I'm talking point and shoot, which is the subject of this thread.

 

[wenrob]

Not even close. But you can say that if you have an iPhone that the picture quality can be better than any point and shoot camera. But anyone who knows how to use a camera is not going to get close to as good a shot with an iPhone as they are with any camera that has manual controls.

Sure they can if you know how to use light, depth of field and exposure to your advantage. Some of my most popular (and best) photos have been taken on an iPhone. If you don’t know any of those things or how to use them it doesn’t matter what kind of camera you’re using, they’d be ‘meh’ at best. Pea-an-Me’s suggestion of reading Understanding Exposure is a good one. The “best camera” is the one you (know how to) use.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The “best camera” is the one you (know how to) use.

Absolutely!

 

[Jennasis]

If you really want to vlog well, as in edit nice videos to put out on youtube for others to enjoy, here are some suggestions:

1. SPEAK UP. One of my biggest turn-offs when watching vlogs in straining to hear audio. This happens a lot with new/timid volggers who are nervous about drawing attention to themselves talking to the camera. You have to get past that and speak clearly and loudly.

2. DON'T ZOOM IN. Using the zoom makes things shakier. Unless you have a tripod or can lean/rest your arm on something, refrain from using the zoom.

3. Keep the sun behind you/the camera when possible, otherwise your shot will be backlit shadows.

4. Editing is the key to success. Be judicious in your editing. Keep video short (15 minutes is a good max point). Keep your shots short. Pacing is important even if you aren't Steven Spielberg. People bore quickly.

you don't need to have pro equipment or be an ace behind the camera. We watch a lot of Disney vlogs (Ears2You, TheTimTracker, KrispySmore, AClaireyTale, PrinceCharmingDev, ThatFloridaGuy, NegroOrlando, ViewFromTheCheapSeats, BookishPrincess, TheDisUnplugged, WDWRadio, and we will pick up a few others when the pop up as suggestions). You just need a fun personality, good timing/editing, and have FUN with it!

 

[Imzadi]

If you have an iPhone, especially one of the newer ones, the pictures can be as good as the ones you take with a camera.

Sure if you're talking dSLR. I'm talking point and shoot, which is the subject of this thread.

I agree. I don't follow the Kardashians at all, but a while back I had purposely checked to see what equipment they use to vlog themselves and post selfies of themselves with on Twitter & Instagram, as they are the penultimate vloggers & picture takers, and want everything they shoot to be reposted. (I'm not talking what their TV shows use to video them. Just what they use themselves.) They can afford the cream of the crop, so I expected something fancy & specialized that we mere pions can't afford.

Kim & Kanye both use whatever is the latest iPhones. Here is a selfie of Kim, taken in Sept, in a low light, public bathroom. You can see the iPhone logo in this and many other selfies:

http://www.power92chicago.com/2017/09/21/kim-kardashian-scheduled-to-speak-at-chicago-ideas-week/

Last I read, TVs and computer monitors can only play videos at a certain top resolution, even if they are shot at a much higher resolution. That quality is generally needed only for making printed enlargements of photos. So, it makes sense why the Kardashians aren't shooting with any specialized equipment they don't need anyway.


I bet the majority of the police brutality/Black Live Matter footage available is done with the last couple generations of iPhones & Androids. Most people filming are shooting about 10-20 ft away. Some, across the street, under whatever light is available, lots of movement going on for the cellphone camera to continually have to refocus on (change in depth of field): the police beating, kicking, choking, etc., and thank God the videos are very clear and detailed, to document what has really been happening.

Likewise, when people shoot clips of roadside accidents or tornadoes that end up on the local/national news, or even clips of their kids & pets doings cute or funny things that go viral on Twitter, YouTube or played on GMA, it's with the later iPhones & Androids.

 

[Imzadi]

The “best camera” is the one you (know how to) use.

And WILL use. I've seen many times where people leave their cameras hanging down their neck, or dangling off their wrist, as they instead pull out their cellphone to snap a pic or video. They will actually sacrifice quality, over ease of use and convenience.

One of the reasons cell phone manufacturers are putting better cameras into phones is the understanding that people just want to carry one device, if possible.

 

[Imzadi]

I don't have an iPhone. I'm more of an Android person.

Samsung Galaxy S7 is the alternative to the iPhone. Or the Samsung S8 out now, as it supposedly has a great low light camera. The price range is just above $600 now.

 

[Imzadi]

If you really want to vlog well, as in edit nice videos to put out on youtube for others to enjoy, here are some suggestions:

YouTube has a great, FREE video editor. Not good for sound, as, last I checked, and it's been a while, there is no way to turn up the volume or edit out sounds. But, for editing out footage that many people should have edited out and clipping footage together into great, tight videos, the YouTube editor is great for that.