Upgrading help? HD Cam and Tripod

[MicMic]

Hello all. I thank you so much for the advice you have already given me. Ever since I purchased the Zoom X-2 my life has been loads easier.

Now I am ready to upgrade to an HD camera that uses SD cards. However I'm not sure what exactly is best.

I'm a little wary of anything Sony though because I have had issues with it so far.

Also I'm looking to buy a new tripod. So far I've been doing well with my Sony tripod it's inexpensive but it works.

I'm also interested in knowing what the Manfrotto has to offer that a cheaper tripod can't do? I've always been curious about it.

Any suggestions? Or advice?

Right now Im looking into this.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/625605-REG/Panasonic_AG_HMC40PJU_AG_HMC40_AVCCAM_HD_Camcorder.html

[DavidPartington]

The HMC50 is a great camera in good light but it's low light performance is about 3 stops lower than the HCM150. 

Check out the new Canon models (XF-100) as well as the Sony.   Panasonic has a new AVCHD camera (recording to SD cards) to replace the HMC150 coming in the fall.

[MicMic]

So the HMC50? Which brand is this? Can you post a link to it please?

[DavidPartington]

Sorry.... typo     I meant the HMC40.....

The HMC40 is the newer camera with a CMOS sensor.    It's nice and sharp but not as sensitive in low light as the HMC150.

[MicMic]

No problem.

Hmm what do you think about getting a DSLR camera? I'm looking into the Canon EOS 60D

Also thinking of a Canon Vixia HF R10 for a backup camera.

I was thinking about buying a good lense to add to both cameras but I'm unsure exactly what kind to purchase?

I do have some off brand telephoto and wide angles lenses but I don't know if they are any good.

[DavidPartington]

Using DSLR for weddings is both awesome and problematic at the same time.

We now use DSLRs exclusively but we have also spent a lot more on cameras and lenses than we would have done for video cameras.   They're awesome in low light IF you spent the money on good glass.  If you are hoping to use consumer grade lenses (e.g. f4.5-5.6) then you are going to have major problems in low light.

[MicMic]

Okay well I've been looking over tons of lenses and I'm about to die already from the research.

I also need a suggestion for a good external flash that is inexpensive but will do the job.

I have found a lens that will do what I want for a good price but I'm not completely sure about it.

All a need is a good lens that will do these things for this price= $0-250
Work well in low light
Zooms far enough for event videography
Shoot pictures fast ((as sometimes it will be used for photography))
Able to carry around on stabilizer
Not have to change out lenses multiple times
-----------

Here are what I've looked at.

Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro

Canon EF 28-105mm F3.5-4.5 USM II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens-maybegetthis!

Canon 55-250 IS
                             
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras MAIN CHOICE~

Sigma 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 DC OS Lens for Canon AF

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Canon-ef

I might be asking the impossible but I know little right now. So any advice I will take it in.

[DavidPartington]

I'm a little confused by your reply/question.

Exactly what camera are you hoping to use these lenses on?

You list lots of Canon EF lenses then throw a Nikon 70-200 in the mix which won't fit Canon cameras.   <  confused  >

If I had to pic a basic kit then 0-$250 would be unbelievably limiting.   You have a choice of three buttons but can only pick TWO of them.  Which will you pick?

[ Good ]   [ Fast ]  [ Cheap ]

Good = Good Quality product and results
Fast = Good for low light - e.g. a f1.4-f2.8 lens
Cheap = 0-$250

Basically, You can have Good + Fast but it won;t be cheap
Good + Cheap but it's not going to be fast enough for low light
Fast + Cheap is rare, but for a long lens it's going to be old, used and many be not that good.

Let's look at them:
Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro
Great lens, fairly low light capable (f2.5) but it's a prime and you'll have to zoom with your feet (nothing wrong with that IF you have room to do it).

Canon EF 28-105mm F3.5-4.5 USM II
Personally, I've had this lens and wouldn't buy another.  It's fairly slow (f3.5-4.5) and you will need to increase ISO very quickly (read: more noise in the video).  It's a great focal length range to have during ceremonies and speeches - IN GOOD LIGHT.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens-maybegetthis!
Awesome lens.  I currently own this and use it for static cameras, when it's the right focal length to use (we also have the 24mm & 35mm).   However, it's a little long for a crop camera if you are walking around trying to get candids.  You will get some nice close ups though


Canon 55-250 IS
Skip this one.  It's really too slow for anything but outside on a nice day.                             

Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras MAIN CHOICE~
This is for a Nikon camera!  f2.8 is perfect for long lenses from the back of the room and/or church but these things aren't cheap.  You should absolutely try to get a 70-200 f2.8 in your kit - but if you have a Canon body you need the Canon version of the lens!


Sigma 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 DC OS Lens for Canon AF
Too slow - skip it!   You'd be at too high an ISO as soon as you go inside.

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Canon-ef
Fast enough when wide - too slow for indoors at 50mm.

[leona01]

Keep in mind thatvthe 60d isn't a full sensor camera, so a 50mm lens actually shoots like an 85mm. Lots of people rent lenses for shoots. Good lenses like the Zeiss can be rented for $150 or so. I can't imagine using a $250 lens to shoot an event someone is paying me for.

Tripod I've heard really good things about the WF717A fluid head on this tripod, and it's half the price if a Monfrotto.  http://www.amazon.com/ePhoto-Heavy-Video-Tripod-WF717A/dp/B003HNJ5HQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3VCTE8CMUZ4FL&colid=1XWY1KJCOQVJ