Buzz
When it comes to selecting a mirrorless camera for video recording, it's a whole different ball game compared to regular photography. It's more complex and involves various aspects to consider, such as autofocus capabilities, the availability of microphone ports and hot shoe mounts, and essential supporting accessories. The following tips will streamline the production process and post-processing workflow.
1. Front-Facing Flip Screen
The first thing to look for is a front-facing flip screen, whether it's a mechanism that rotates entirely vertically, needs to be pulled out before rotating 180 degrees, or can be directly tilted towards the front. This feature is crucial, especially if you're filming solo and creating vlog content. It ensures neat framing and proper composition when creating content alone. If that's the case
This feature is quite significant, especially if you're working solo and producing vlog content. It guarantees tidy arrangements and accurate focal points when creating content independently. If it's the type
2. Microphone Port and Hot Shoe
After purchasing a camera device, essential accessories include an external microphone. This is because sound quality is as crucial as visuals, and we cannot solely rely on the built-in microphone.
To set it up, our camera must have a microphone port and hot shoe, two features that can be combined into one. My recommendations for budget-friendly external microphones under one million are the Rode VideoMicro Compact and Saramonic SR M3.
3. Video and Image Configuration in 4K
This high-resolution video capability brings benefits in post-processing, especially when our editing is at 1080p resolution. For instance, when I'm making a smartphone review video and want to capture intricate close-up details, it's often restricted by the lens's 'minimum focusing distance.' You can't get too close to the subject. By shooting in 4K, we can zoom in up to 50 percent.
Additionally, we can rearrange the layout and perform rotations, tilts, zooms, and shrinks through software like Adobe Premiere Pro, for example. The footage itself in 4K resolution is also valuable as a video asset.
Nowadays, some cameras are also equipped with flat image profiles, enhancing detail capture. Additionally, they provide flexible color grading and video beautification according to our preferences.
4. Some Mirrorless Camera Suggestions for You
This is the most crucial part, selecting the right camera system. Because, later on, we can't just discard it once trapped in the ecosystem.
From Sony, in my opinion, the ideal option to consider based on features and price is the Sony A6400. If the budget is not enough, you can look for a second-hand camera to ensure, if not, at least opt for the previous generation, specifically the A6300 because there's nothing new or the A6100 but with many features cut down.
Moving on to Canon, my recommendation is the EOS M6 Mark II as it's a direct competitor to the Sony A6400. The Dual Pixel autofocus system is very fast, and it can shoot 4K/30p video without cropping. If the budget hasn't been allocated, at least consider the EOS M50.
From Fujifilm, the one compared to Sony A6400 and Canon EOS M6 Mark II is the Fujifilm X-T30. However, the X-T30 is not suitable for long-duration video recording because of its compact body's recording time limitation. If budget allows, go for the X-T3, there's no doubt about its video recording capabilities, but if the budget is tight, the Fujifilm X-T200 also holds promise.
Switching to Panasonic Lumix with a Micro Four Thirds sensor, equivalent to the three cameras I mentioned above, is the Lumix G95. However, if the budget is insufficient, the Lumix G85 still holds complete capabilities.
5. Other Accessories
Many content creators make the mistake right from the start by allocating their budget solely to purchasing a camera, even though the video-making process requires a lot of supporting accessories. Starting from external microphones, tripods, lighting, prime lenses for bokeh, laptops for video editing software.
However, don't wait for the perfect tools before making videos. Instead, maximize what we have today, consistently, while gradually upgrading equipment as our channel grows.
