Broadcast cameras vs Mirrorless and DSLR’s

[@video99couk]

I recently picked up a Digital Betacam broadcast camera, just for fun. It's only Standard Definition but it's a great place to learn how to use this kind of kit for very little cost. And it certainly gets you noticed.

[@carltonjones2915]

Very well stated and compared, and if you are doing any video production the correct choice can make the day go much smoother. And really in 2021 you would probably need both. Cj

[@mantovatv2007]

Finally somebody telling nice things about broadcast camcorders ! (we use full size Panasonic 3100 for news and productions)

[@KandiKlover]

True, 2012/2013 was really the peak too. Some great eng cams coming out back then.

[@Hadrorex]

Great video presentation! Thankyou. I will also argue that the broadcast cameras are much more durable. I shoot 1080 on a pair of Panasonic AG HPX300P cameras for less than the cost of a dslr/mirrorless. I don't need anything more than 1920X1080. My P2 Panasonics have no moving parts, overheating issues or cooling fans inside their bodies as well. An outstanding presentation.

[@KandiKlover]

See that is one thing I like as well. For cinema cams I get it but for anything else a camcorder setup shouldn’t be getting warm from use.

[@PavelReyes]

I love your videos. You got yourself a new subscriber today.

[@hifiandrew]

I have a Canon EOS, I thought it would be fine for video. Until I filmed a live music show in a dark theater. The continuous autofocus sucked, it kept hunting all over the place. Had to switch to manual. I sooo missed having a zoom rocker. If I wanted to zoom in or out while recording, forget it. It was jerky and crap. So you'd have to pause recording, zoom in or out then start again. Then as you said, focus was also a pain zooming. Parfocal is so much nicer. Long story short. I found a used JVC 4k cam for $600 and it's so much nicer to use for video than my DSLR. The DLSR has its place for photos, but that's what it's designed for. Video is an afterthought. If you need to do video, get a real video camera. My 2 cents.

[@jason.h.zager88]

Boadcast Cameras also have much longer Battery life and also no heat problem also broadcast Camcorders has no Record limitation also Broadcast Camcorders has no Rolling shutter issues on fast pan

[@KandiKlover]

Being able to record nonstop for hours is great, keeps you from missing any action.

[@fifi23o5]

One big difference between broadcast cameras on one side and DSLRs and MLS is the speed. You are much faster with broadcast camera, the other factor is ergonomics. It's not the question which is better, but which is better for each job. Personally, I generally gon't like filming with DSLRs & Co. only if I'm doing it for myself and I'm not in time constraints.

[@soldoutmedia8025]

Hi I tend to agree with you. However what made me open to dslrs in this capacity originally was documentary work I was doing. I had a JVC gy hm 790 of my own and Sony Xd cams I could borrow from work. The issue was getting them into some of the country’s I was traveling through was a logistical nightmare compared to taking canon 7ds and 5d miv’s. When I did use the canons I totally feel in love with the depth and look I was getting from them. I still use broadcast cameras every week for a good part of what I do but at the end of the day you are spot on - it depends on the project! Thanks so much for commenting we love hearing from other pro’s! Take care!

[@VerifiedB]

How is the broadcast camera faster? its more bulky, harder to handle, doesnt have built in stabilization (good luck with those shoulder shots) Ive used both and capturing broll alone is about 1000% faster on DSLR cameras and even looks smoother too.

[@fifi23o5]

@@VerifiedB On broadcast camera you have controls for all basic and most used functions as buttons and switches, practically all the cameras of all major manufacturers have them in the same position, nergonomisc are vastly better, no lens changes, parafocal zoom, zoom reach...... Trust me, my hand held shots are not much worse than with stabilization and weight helps with that, besides, I most often work with tripod. I'm not saying it is best on everything. When picture quality is more important, I will take a light cine camera, like FS-7, FX-6 or -9, rather than DSLR or a mirrorless. I use mirrorless, or DSLR, for that matter, only when weight is paramount.

[@johndakin9466]

A brilliant exposé of the benefits of a dedicated Broadcast camera against using a Canon R6. I have worked for 30 plus in the pro-broadcast area - am now semi retired and have sold my Sony PMW500 - and ended up with a Canon R6. I find it virtually impossible to operate with my large fingers and 80 years plus eye-sight ! I regret selling my Sony every day ! When it comes to comparison between, say 4K and 1080p - most of the output for household use is on 1080p - so "4K" is somewhat "delusionary" other than a sales tool for the salesman and bait for the uninitiated (in my humble opinion) ! Thank you for your video - I enjoyed it !

[@yudizhang2465]

Have just traded my Sony A7 III for a Panasonic AJ-PX5000 Fujinon 17X HD lens, and both LCD and CRT HD viewfinders with my dad, best decision ever! Yes it only shoots 1080 60p, but I am truly impressed by the ergonomics and usability under just any condition. It can get ready within a maximum of 20 seconds. I have never imagined a small-ish 2/3 sensor camera could be so good. The 200Mbps 1080p footage from PX5000 is crystal clear and is the pinnacle of HD image quality that you can shoot almost instantly. Image quality is definitely not on par with something like Sony FX3 with decent glasses, but it also does not require to be rigged up frequently nor excessive attention to operate. It’s too bad that ENG camcorders get overlooked very often because of non-existent affordability of good ones and people’s strong belief in larger sensors.

[@ambitionoliver5928]

Amazing video, what would be the cheapest bang for your buck broadcasting camera. Im okay with 1080.

[@J.VelezFilms]

Thank you , great video 👍

[@JuEdWa]

Very good video! But I have a question. What you think about professional / prosummer camcorders like Canon XF-705 or Canon XF-605? This Because I never used DSLR for videography... I use professional camcorders when I shoot video. I have XF-105 and XF-205 and I never ever like use DSLR like Canon 5D Mark III for my videos.

[@KandiKlover]

I have a broadcast camera and I spent more on Anton Bauer batteries and charger stuff then I did for the dang camera. 😂

[@RadioJonophone]

I obtained a broadcast camera in a firesale auction after a Polish TV studio went bust. I grabbed the opportunity before the Brexit regulations began to bite. Even so, the Border Force opened the package to make sure I wasn't importing drugs or something else illegal. It is a Sony and I have used it on lots of location and studio shoots. The output has been accepatble to major broacast companies here in the UK.

[@ericbrazau6533]

I picked up a Canon XF 300. What is your opinion of this camera?

[@JuEdWa]

Well my opinion is, that it is still very very good camera even it is not 4K UHD... But let me say it was my dream and also now also because I have Canon XF-105 and Canon XF-205 and those cameras doesn't include as much features and settings than Canon XF-305. But I think Canon XF-705 is better choice now at 2024, because it is even better than XF-305. This is my short answer.

[@metromercial5136]

Great Review

[@rumorscameras]

hi, what about the xf 605 canon, would it make it in filmmaking and broadcast,

[@soldoutmedia8025]

With the 12G sdi out technically you could run it to a pro video mixer. The challenge is getting it to match the other cameras in your broadcast chain. The best mixers have built in proc amps that help with this. On the other hand you can do a made for TV doc with a camera like this, but be aware companies like Netflix and BBC put out a list of cameras you have to use to air your shows with them. So in away they are dictating the industry standard. One other thing to note the image out of alot of cameras look great when you use them for KZbin or web Tv but depending on the cameras sensor and file compression it might look aweful on air. Years ago I did a doc with a canon 7D and it looked good enough for some channels to air but was rejected by others. No promises but I will see if I can test one of these on air in the future. Thanks for the question!

[@rumorscameras]

@@soldoutmedia8025 i thank you for this extremely delicate answer

[@cookwithkay9376]

Thank you!

[@soldoutmedia8025]

You're welcome!

[@Pazu84Vaucluse]

are these type of broadcast cameras used to film tv series?

[@VerifiedB]

Broadcast cameras have their benefits for sure (Built in ND filters, pretty good in low light, easy to capture audio) but beyond that I think DSLR takes the win for everything else. Capturing Broll in the field on a broadcast camera is horrible. No stabilization, its bulky as hell, shallow depth of field looks worse, no 4k option.. Outside of a studio I personally would never want to shoot on broadcast camera over a DSLR. Just my opinion.

[@amdintelxsniperx]

also broadcast cams can run non stop without overheating unlike dslrs

[@fatalmb1470]

most mirrorless cameras can run non stop in 1080

[@JBF-GST-Tanda]

And without worrying about memory space running out. Broadcast camcorders usually have two or more card slots (I remember that a certain model has five card slots in total) and are able to film in better-compressed formats with decent image quality at lower bitrate.

[@VerifiedB]

Most DSLRS dont even have this issue though... Ive used all kinds and never once had an overheating issue even for long shoots with non stop recording for multiple hours.

[@NNA1984]

There are no Mirroless DSLR cameras. You have Mirroless or DSLR cameras.

[@soldoutmedia8025]

Thanks for the reminder! And thanks for watching

[@video99couk]

I think DSLR in this case should be in quotes. Sort of DSLR-like.