Should I use a camcorder instead of a phone? Which one?

Greg Zepplin

Hi there! I've recently started a YouTube channel talking to people on my local music scene. I'm using my Samsung S6 to record video and a separate condenser mic hooked up to cubase for the audio, and then editing it all together in Lightworks.

I'm making the assumption that a dedicated video camera will give me better picture quality than the S6. I'm not planning on spending much, a second hand panny V720 looks promising. It does full HD and it has an external mic  socket if I need it in the future.

I'm hoping I can pick your brains - what kind of improvements would I see by getting the camcorder? Better low light performance, less noise? Is it worth it? Should I consider any other second hand camcorders less than £140? I don't want to spend too much just yet.

stearman65

Earlier this year we had 5 cameras / camcorders, a Panny bridge camera a Fuji bridge an SJ cam action camera, & a Sony camcorder. On our last holiday, the one used most was the Sony CC (Basic Model). On returning from hol I sold the Panny & Fuji & bought the top of the range Panny camcorder. I sold it after a couple of months as I loved the ease of the Sony CC & the action camera. I sold the Panny & bought a Canon compact IXUS, which I use almost 100% of the time. 90% of my pictures & video go onto YouTube. Youtube downgrade your uploads, so shooting full HD & 4K is a waste of time, YT will downgrade it. I don't have a camera phone, the Canon is in a case clipped to my belt with a spare battery from getting up to going to bed & has been for the last 5 months.

chrishull3

shooting full HD & 4K is not waste of time, If you do not film at least full HD it will look poor on youtube,there is some degredation but youtube films look very good in this day and age

JabbaNut

A Samsung S6 UHD 4K (3840 x 2160)@30fps

What do you feel is lacking?

Greg Zepplin

The image is a bit noisy, and doesn't pull out any shadow detail.  I know on paper it has great resolution, and it was one of the best smartphone cameras on the market when it was released, but I,  hoping a dedicated camcorder would give me better image quality.

Here's the latest show I uploaded so you can see what I mean -

Terfyn

You would get a better lens on a camcorder. For example mine has a Leica lens and performs well in low light conditions.

JabbaNut

Not sure what hardware for editor you use but for windows read this before throwing money at it.

5 Free Video Denoise Software for Windows

And I would suggest better even lighting in the cabin.  Most important though is to ask your viewers what improvements they would like.

Greg Zepplin

Thanks for your input  

I went and bought the camcorder and I was very disappointed with the result. Although the zoom and stabilisation blew the S6 out of the water, the overall picture quality was much poorer, really washed out. So I'm sending it back and getting a refurbished Samsung S7 instead, which has a better camera than the S6.

JabbaNut

The lighting in your shed is over head glass windows , some lamps placed around could improve the lower ground lighting. At present it is lighting focused above your head at the wall.

If you have a Windows computer you could try CinemaHD 4 from here, scroll down to it.

Free software products for Windows

Greg Zepplin

Thanks for the feedback JabbaNut! I keep the curtains closed when filming to get a consistent image; there are two overhead lights, and two diffuse lamps at seated eye level opposite each arm of the sofa.

I'll take a couple of lamps from the house and hope my other half doesn't notice!